Melbourne To Sydney Road Trip: Top 24 Tips

Melbourne to Sydney road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in Australia. The 879 km of Melbourne to Sydney drive takes around 8 hours and 59 mins without stops.

This article includes 24 top tips that turn your Melbourne to Sydney drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Melbourne to Sydney, take your coffee and keep reading!

8 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Melbourne To Sydney

On the Melbourne to Sydney road trip, you may want to stay at some points on the way. Here are the top eight hotels on the Melbourne – Sydney route!

1. Next Hotel Melbourne: Next Hotel Melbourne is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the Melbourne to Sydney road trip. Driving from Melbourne to Next Hotel Melbourne might take around 7 mins. The hotel offers beautifully appointed rooms at an excellent value. Although the food offerings are limited, the tastes are superb. Our stay was perfect, and the staff was amiable and helpful, making for a great time from arrival to departure. Check Next Hotel Melbourne, one of the best hotels in Melbourne, Victoria, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
2. Hogans Motel Wallan: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Sydney from Melbourne is Hogans Motel Wallan. Located in Wallan, Victoria, the hotel is 62.0 km away from Melbourne, and it would take 54 mins to drive. Hogans Motel Wallan welcomes you to sample its style, unique family atmosphere, and friendly service. The hotel boasts a lovely setting, great food, and friendly staff. The playroom is a great bonus for families with young children. The menu features a wide variety of traditional dishes. If you want to learn more about the Hogans Motel Wallan, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
3. Executive Hideaway Motel: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Executive Hideaway Motel. Executive Hideaway Motel is located in Benalla, Victoria, and it’s 214 km away from Melbourne. You can arrive there in 2 hours and 23 mins of non-stop driving. The motel’s convenient location near the town center makes it an excellent choice for those who want to explore the area. The rooms are comfortable and modern, with plenty of amenities to make your stay enjoyable. The pool and barbecue facilities are a great bonus, and the apartment is clean and quiet. We highly recommend this motel for its convenient location and comfortable accommodations. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Executive Hideaway Motel for more information.
4. Winsor Park Motor Inn: If you are taking the road trip from Melbourne to Sydney, Albury, New South Wales, it is must have a place you should visit. Winsor Park Motor Inn is one of the best hotels in town. It is Winsor Park Motor Inn, 326 km from Melbourne, and it would take 3 hours and 25 mins to drive. The hotel offers competitive rates and amenities and is located in Albury’s CBD. You can shop or take advantage of the restaurants and cafes along Dean Street. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The breakfast was delicious. The price is reasonable, and it is close to many restaurants that we were told about by the front desk staff. If you need more info about the price and availability of Winsor Park Motor Inn, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
5. Tuckerbox Motor Inn: Our next hotel is Tuckerbox Motor Inn, Gundagai, New South Wales. It will take 5 hours of car ride o reach this hotel from Melbourne. The Tuckerbox Motor Inn in Gundagai is the only motel in the area with a AAA rating and four stars. Just off the Hume Highway at South Gundagai, they have a range of spacious, modern rooms available, with plenty of parking for cars, trailers, and caravans; a pool, BBQ area, and free WIFI. Their location is close to the freeway but without any noise. Spacious, clean apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes provide basic supplies, and sizeable smart television makes it a perfect venue for travelers. Check the Tuckerbox Motor Inn on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Tuckerbox Motor Inn for reviews, prices, and availability.
6. Best Western Plus Goulburn: Best Western Plus Goulburn is another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Melbourne to Sydney. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel, located in Goulburn, New South Wales, within 7 hours drive from Melbourne. The rooms were clean and comfortable, with great amenities and helpful staff. The hotel is conveniently located near many venues and shopping, with minimal noise. It was overall a great stay. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
7. Berida Hotel: Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Berida Hotel. It’s located in Bowral, New South Wales, 762 km from Melbourne. You can arrive there within 7 hours and 48 mins of car drive. The Berida Hotel is set back from the main street of Bowral amongst established gardens. The hotel has 42 newly refurbished, fully air-conditioned guest rooms, conference facilities, an indoor heated pool, spa and sauna, a guest gym, and a tennis court. Day and spa services are also available. The hotel is an easy walk to Main Street, where many shops, restaurants, and cafes exist. If you need further information, you can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Berida Hotel.
8. Little National Hotel Sydney: Located in Sydney, New South Wales, Little National Hotel Sydney is another hotel where you can stay on the Melbourne to Sydney road trip. Little National Hotel Sydney is 879 km from Melbourne and will take 8 hours and 59 mins of non-stop driving. The hotel’s location is ideal for those looking to be in the city’s heart. The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable, with high-quality bedding and great lighting. The well-planned bathrooms and the rooftop bar were terrific for evening drinks and views. I liked that I could order meals via menu log or deliveroo, and the staff was helpful and accommodating throughout my stay. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Little National Hotel Sydney for more information.

In this part, we explained eight different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Melbourne to Sydney. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people who will take the exact Melbourne to Sydney route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Melbourne to Sydney. We have eight restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

8 Best Restaurants On The Melbourne To Sydney Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Melbourne to Sydney road trip. In this section, we list the eight different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Melbourne to Sydney. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. 11 Inch Pizza: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the Melbourne to Sydney road trip with 11 Inch Pizza. 11 Inch Pizza is located in Melbourne, Victoria, and is 0.3 km from Melbourne. It would take 2 mins of driving. If you’re looking for a delicious pizza in town, you’ll want to check out this place. The pizzas here are excellent, with authentic Italian and Sicilian flavor combinations. The staff is friendly too, which makes for a great dining experience. For more information about 11 Inch Pizza, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of 11 Inch Pizza.
2. Pretty Sally Bakery: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Sydney from Melbourne is Pretty Sally Bakery. Located in Wallan, Victoria, Pretty Sally Bakery is 62.0 km from Melbourne and would take 54 mins of driving. The service was excellent, the food was delicious, and the hot chocolate was perfect. Prices are excellent, and the menu is diverse. The atmosphere of the room is rustic and cozy. It was great to sit near the open fire on a cold day. It’s a great stop for breakfast or lunch. To learn more about Pretty Sally Bakery, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
3. Main Street Cafe, Benalla: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Main Street Cafe, Benalla. It will take 2 hours and 21 mins of car drive to take 213 km from Melbourne to Main Street Cafe, Benalla, Benalla, Victoria. The food was excellent, with a great range of American-style options. The restaurant was clean, and the waitstaff was helpful. Prices were reasonable. I would recommend the corn fritters and steak sandwich. You can check Main Street Cafe, Benalla, for more information, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
4. Mr. Benedict, Albury: Mr. Benedict, Albury deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Albury, New South Wales. The breakfast served at this cafe is both sizable and delicious, making it a great place to stop for coffee and a quick bite. The staff is friendly, and the service is good, with the option to eat inside, out on the front footpath, or in the back under the covered area. The French toast was especially noteworthy. Mr. Benedict, Albury is 325 km away from Melbourne, and it would take 3 hours and 25 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Mr. Benedict Albury, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
5. The Coffee Pedaler, Gundagai: If you enjoy dining, The Coffee Pedaler, Gundagai, would be an excellent choice in Gundagai, New South Wales. It’s 503 km from Melbourne and would take 5 hours and 7 mins of car driving. The Coffee Pedaler is an excellent place to stop for coffee and a break while in the Gundagai area. The coffee is outstanding, and the smoked trout is an excellent touch. The service is efficient, and the overall vibe is pleasant. If you want to learn more about The Coffee Pedaler, Gundagai, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
6. Ban Thai Restaurant, Goulburn: Another restaurant we recommend you visit on the road trip from Melbourne to Sydney is Ban Thai Restaurant, Goulburn, Goulburn, New South Wales. It will take 6 hours and 56 mins of driving to reach Ban Thai Restaurant, Goulburn, from Melbourne. So if you’re looking for a great Thai meal, look no further than this restaurant. With friendly and efficient service and great value, this spot is perfect for anyone looking for a good meal. The bright interior and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect place to enjoy a Curry, stir-fry, or rice dish. We ordered the duck and crying tiger, as well as the massaman curry, and were delighted with them. For more information about Ban Thai Restaurant, Goulburn, you can check TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.
7. Onesta Cucina: Ranked seventh on our list, Onesta Cucina appeals to those who want to turn their Sydney vacation into a memorable experience. Located in Bowral, New South Wales, 763 km from Melbourne, it’ll take 7 hours and 47 mins of driving. This restaurant is a family-run business with a stylish ambiance. It serves refined Italian cuisine, and the food, service, and ambiance are all excellent. The polenta chips, banoffee, and pasta dishes are particularly delicious. If you want to learn more about Onesta Cucina, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
8. Harvest Buffet Sydney: The Coffee Pedaler, Gundagai, is an excellent restaurant that is 880 km away from Melbourne. The Coffee Pedaler, Gundagai, is located in Gundagai, New South Wales, and you can reach there after 9 hours of car driving. If you want a great dining experience, look no further than this restaurant. The environment is refreshing and pleasant, and the staff is always welcoming and accommodating. The chicken curry and duck dishes are both excellent and reasonably priced. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a good meal. If you want to discover the menu and more information about Harvest Buffet Sydney, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

This section lists our eight restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your road trip from Melbourne to Sydney. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 879 km journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Sydney road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Melbourne to Sydney. Keep reading.

8 Places To Visit On The Melbourne To Sydney Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Sydney. However, some unique destinations, like Melbourne and Victoria, are also on your road trip. We want to explain the top eight destinations we recommend on the Sydney route.

• Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Melbourne to Sydney road trip. Located in Melbourne, Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is 2.9 km away from Melbourne, and it would take 11 mins to drive. This is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s hushed and has lots of twists and turns. The plants, birds, and fish are outstanding. I had a great time exploring the gardens with an expert driver who provided commentary along the way. The price was very reasonable. If you want to learn more about the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Wallan Free Library and Mechanics Institute, Wallan, Victoria: Wallan Free Library and Mechanics Institute, Wallan, Victoria, Wallan, Victoria are one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the Melbourne to Sydney route. It’s 62.2 km from Melbourne, and it’ll take about 53 mins of driving. The Wallan Mechanics Institute building dates back to 1880 and is a significant local landmark. The building is currently used as a public library and is definitely worth a visit, with the First World War Memorial just in front. Walking over to it, you can learn more about the Mechanic Institute’s history by reading the plaque on the front of the building. If you want to learn more about Wallan Free Library and Mechanics Institute, Wallan, Victoria, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
• Winton Wetlands: Benalla, Victoria, is one of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Melbourne to Sydney. And if you visit Benalla, Victoria, we suggest you visit Winton Wetlands. You can arrive at Winton Wetlands after 2 hours and 34 mins of driving. If you’re looking for a breathtaking place to visit, look no further than this location’s stunning art trail, bike tracks, and walking trails. You’ll need a few days to explore everything this fantastic area has to offer. Camping is also available if you want to extend your stay. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Winton Wetlands for more information.
• Albury Botanic Garden: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Albury Botanic Garden, Albury, New South Wales, on the Melbourne to Sydney road trip. Albury Botanic Garden is 325 km from Melbourne, and you can arrive there after the 3 hours and 25 mins of drive. This garden is beautifully landscaped and also has a fenced-in children’s garden. It is a lovely park with plenty of sitting areas to enjoy the sun and flora. The flowers are well-maintained. The children’s area was well planned, with features the kids would enjoy, including autumn hues. An excellent way to spend a morning before heading off to lunch at the River Deck on the Murray River. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Albury Botanic Garden before going there.
• Gundagai Visitor Information Centre: Located in Gundagai, New South Wales, Gundagai Visitor Information Centre ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Melbourne to Sydney. You must take 5 hours and 7 mins of driving to arrive at Gundagai Visitor Information Centre. As you enter the town, the Gundagai Visitor Information Centre is located on Sheridan Street, on the left-hand side. The knowledgeable staff can guide you to all the local attractions, such as the Heritage Walking Tour, which captures the essence of this historic and fascinating township. This museum has a collection of memorabilia donated and collated by volunteers; volunteers also staff it. If you want to learn more about Gundagai Visitor Information Centre, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum: Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum, Goulburn, New South Wales, is another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Melbourne to Sydney. Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum is 685 km from Melbourne, and it would take 7 hours to drive. The Rocky Hill War Memorial tower was opened in 1925 to commemorate the local women and men who served in World War One. The memorial is a beautiful tribute to those who served, with a car park, so you don’t have to walk far. A few steps are required to enter the memorial, but you can walk to the top and view the war photos around the staircase.
  You can check their TripAdvisor page or official website for more information about Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum.
• Bradman Centre, Bowral: You can visit many destinations on your Melbourne to Sydney journey. One of these destinations is Bradman Centre, Bowral, located in Bowral, New South Wales. You can arrive at Bradman Centre, Bowral, after 7 hours and 50 mins of driving. The Bradman Museum is a state-of-the-art museum encapsulates cricket’s history from its earliest origins through the Bradman era and World Series Cricket to the modern day and the introduction of T20. The museum is excellent for cricket enthusiasts, with easy-to-access displays on the history of Bradman’s career and the history of cricket in Australia. If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about Bradman Centre, Bowral, you can visit Bradman Centre, Bowral’s TripAdvisor page, or their website.
• Sydney Opera House: As we near the end of our list of the top 8 best places to visit on the road trip from Melbourne to Sydney, it would be unfair not to mention the Sydney Opera House. Sydney Opera House locates in Sydney, New South Wales, 879 km from Melbourne, and it takes 8 hours and 56 mins to drive from Melbourne to get there. The Sydney Opera House is an iconic building in Australia and a focal point of the city. It is stunning at night when lit with colorful projections. The website can schedule tours of the Opera House ahead of time. There are also some fantastic restaurants, coffee houses, and shops nearby. The Opera House is located next to a ferry terminal, so it is easy to access by public transport. If you want to learn more about the Sydney Opera House, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Melbourne to Sydney

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Melbourne to Sydney drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Melbourne To Sydney?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Melbourne to Sydney road trip takes approximately 8 hours and 59 mins to drive. The driving distance between Melbourne to Sydney is 879 km.
• If you want to make the Melbourne to Sydney road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be one day and 23 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Melbourne-Sydney route, you will have to walk for seven days and 20 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Melbourne To Sydney?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Sydney. You can visit Melbourne, Victoria; Wallan, Victoria; Benalla, Victoria; Albury, New South Wales; Gundagai, New South Wales; Goulburn, New South Wales; Bowral, New South Wales; Sydney, New South Wales; on the road. Here we list eight places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Melbourne to Sydney journey, you can check the 8 Best Places To Visit On The Melbourne To Sydney Road Trip.

1. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria: 2.9 km / 11 mins to drive from Melbourne | 884 km / 8 hours and 57 mins of driving to Sydney.
2. Wallan Free Library and Mechanics Institute, Wallan, Victoria: 62.2 km / 53 mins to drive from Melbourne | 820 km / 8 hours and 12 mins of driving to Sydney.
3. Winton Wetlands: 236 km / 2 hours and 34 mins to drive from Melbourne | 664 km / 6 hours and 45 mins of driving to Sydney.
4. Albury Botanic Garden: 325 km / 3 hours and 25 mins to drive from Melbourne | 554 km / 5 hours and 40 mins of driving to Sydney.
5. Gundagai Visitor Information Centre: 503 km / 5 hours and 7 mins to drive from Melbourne | 376 km / 3 hours and 56 mins of driving to Sydney.
6. Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum: 685 km / 7 hours to drive from Melbourne | 196 km / 2 hours and 8 mins of driving to Sydney.
7. Bradman Centre, Bowral: 762 km / 7 hours and 50 mins to drive from Melbourne | 119 km / 1 hour and 28 mins of driving to Sydney.
8. Sydney Opera House: 879 km / 8 hours and 56 mins to drive from Melbourne | 1.7 km / 9 mins of driving to Sydney.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Melbourne To Sydney?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Melbourne to Sydney. We have selected eight hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 8 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Sydney From Melbourne section.

• Next Hotel Melbourne: 1.2 km / 7 mins to drive from Melbourne | 879 km / 9 hours of driving to Sydney.
• Hogans Motel Wallan: 62.0 km / 54 mins to drive from Melbourne | 819 km / 8 hours and 11 mins of driving to Sydney.
• Executive Hideaway Motel: 214 km / 2 hours and 23 mins to drive from Melbourne | 668 km / 6 hours and 47 mins of driving to Sydney.
• Winsor Park Motor Inn: 326 km / 3 hours and 25 mins to drive from Melbourne | 553 km / 5 hours and 38 mins of driving to Sydney.
• Tuckerbox Motor Inn: 501 km / 5 hours to drive from Melbourne | 379 km / 3 hours and 56 mins of driving to Sydney.
• Best Western Plus Goulburn: 685 km / 7 hours to drive from Melbourne | 195 km / 2 hours and 8 mins of driving to Sydney.
• Berida Hotel: 762 km / 7 hours and 48 mins to drive from Melbourne | 119 km / 1 hour and 29 mins of driving to Sydney.
• Little National Hotel Sydney: 879 km / 8 hours and 59 mins to drive from Melbourne | 0.7 km / 4 mins of driving to Sydney.

Where To Eat Between Melbourne to Sydney?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Melbourne to Sydney drive, you can consider the eight restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 8 Best Restaurants On The Melbourne To Sydney Road Trip.

1. 11 Inch Pizza: 0.3 km / 2 mins to drive from Melbourne | 878 km / 8 hours and 58 mins of driving to Sydney.
2. Pretty Sally Bakery: 62.0 km / 54 mins to drive from Melbourne | 819 km / 8 hours and 11 mins of driving to Sydney.
3. Main Street Cafe, Benalla: 213 km / 2 hours and 21 mins to drive from Melbourne | 667 km / 6 hours and 45 mins of driving to Sydney.
4. Mr. Benedict, Albury: 325 km / 3 hours and 25 mins to drive from Melbourne | 554 km / 5 hours and 40 mins of driving to Sydney.
5. The Coffee Pedaler, Gundagai: 503 km / 5 hours and 7 mins to drive from Melbourne | 376 km / 3 hours and 55 mins of driving to Sydney.
6. Ban Thai Restaurant, Goulburn: 682 km / 6 hours and 56 mins to drive from Melbourne | 196 km / 2 hours and 8 mins of driving to Sydney.
7. Onesta Cucina: 763 km / 7 hours and 47 mins to drive from Melbourne | 118 km / 1 hour and 27 mins of driving to Sydney.
8. Harvest Buffet Sydney: 880 km / 9 hours to drive from Melbourne | 2.1 km / 6 mins of driving to Sydney.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Melbourne to Sydney. We have listed eight hotels, eight restaurants, and eight places to visit on the Melbourne to Sydney drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Melbourne to Sydney as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Melbourne to Sydney road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Melbourne to Sydney and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.