Sydney To Melbourne Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Sydney to Melbourne road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in Australia. The 878 km of Sydney to Melbourne drive takes around 8 hours and 53 mins without stops.

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

8 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Sydney To Melbourne

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

1. Little National Hotel Sydney: Little National Hotel Sydney is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the Sydney to Melbourne road trip. Driving from Sydney to Little National Hotel Sydney might take around 7 mins. The hotel’s location is excellent, and the rooms are well appointed and comfortable. The bed is very comfortable, the lighting is excellent, and the bathroom is well-planned. The rooftop bar was terrific. I appreciated being able to order meals via menu log or Deliveroo. The staff were helpful and accommodating. Check the Little National Hotel Sydney, one of the best hotels in Sydney, New South Wales, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
2. Berida Hotel: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Melbourne from Sydney is Berida Hotel. Located in Bowral, New South Wales, the hotel is 119 km away from Sydney, and it would take 1 hour and 27 mins to 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 want to learn more about the Berida Hotel, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
3. Best Western Plus Goulburn: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Best Western Plus Goulburn. Best Western Plus Goulburn is located in Goulburn, New South Wales, and it’s 194 km away from Sydney. You can arrive there in 2 hours and 5 mins of non-stop driving. The rooms were clean and had good amenities, including comfortable beds. The staff was friendly and helpful. It is close to the many venues and shopping, and the noise was minimal. It was overall a great stay. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Best Western Plus Goulburn for more information.
4. Tuckerbox Motor Inn: If you are taking a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne, Gundagai, New South Wales, it is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Tuckerbox Motor Inn is one of the best hotels in town. It is Tuckerbox Motor Inn, 378 km from Sydney, and it would take 3 hours and 51 mins to drive. The Tuckerbox Motor Inn in Gundagai is the only AAA-rated and 4-star motel in the area. Off the Hume Highway at South Gundagai offers a range of spacious, modern rooms. It is the ideal stopover with plenty of parking for cars, trailers, and caravans, a pool, a BBQ area, and free WIFI. Its location is close to the freeway but without any noise. Spacious, clean apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes provide basic supplies, and large smart televisions make it a perfect venue for travelers.
   If you need more info about the price and availability of Tuckerbox Motor Inn, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
5. Winsor Park Motor Inn: Our next hotel is Winsor Park Motor Inn, Albury, New South Wales. It will take 5 hours, and 35 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Sydney. The hotel offers a variety of amenities and is virtually located in the heart of Albury’s CBD. You can enjoy the nearby shops, restaurants, and cafes along Dean Street. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the breakfast was delicious. The price is reasonable, and the hotel is close to many recommended restaurants. Check the Winsor Park Motor Inn on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Winsor Park Motor Inn for reviews, prices, and availability.
6. Executive Hideaway Motel: Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Sydney to Melbourne is the Executive Hideaway Motel. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel in Benalla, Victoria, within 6 hours and 40 mins drive from Sydney. The motel is near the town center, making it convenient 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. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
7. Hogans Motel Wallan: Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Hogans Motel Wallan. It’s located in Wallan, Victoria and it is 819 km from Sydney. You can arrive there within 8 hours and 10 mins of car drive. Hogans Motel Wallan is situated in the Melbourne Highlands at Wallan. 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 need further information, you can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hogans Motel Wallan.
8. Next Hotel Melbourne: Located in Melbourne, Victoria, Next Hotel Melbourne is another hotel where you can stay on the Sydney to Melbourne road trip. Next Hotel Melbourne is 877 km from Sydney and will take 8 hours and 58 mins of non-stop driving. The hotel offers excellent value for money, with beautifully appointed rooms featuring many thoughtful details. The food offering is limited, but the tastes are superb. Our stay was perfect, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. We had a great time from the moment we arrived until our departure. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Next Hotel Melbourne for more information.

In this part, we explained eight different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Sydney to Melbourne. 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 same Sydney to Melbourne route.

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

8 Best Restaurants On The Sydney To Melbourne Road Trip

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

1. Harvest Buffet Sydney: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the Sydney to Melbourne road trip with Harvest Buffet Sydney. Harvest Buffet Sydney is located in Sydney, New South Wales, and is 3.3 km from Sydney. It would take 11 mins of driving. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a good meal. The chicken curry and duck dishes are both excellent and reasonably priced. The environment is clean and pleasant, and the staff is always welcoming and helpful. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone. For more information about Harvest Buffet Sydney, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Harvest Buffet Sydney.
2. Onesta Cucina: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Melbourne from Sydney is Onesta Cucina. Located in Bowral, New South Wales, Onesta Cucina is 118 km from Sydney and would take 1 hour and 25 mins to drive. This restaurant is a stylish, family-run establishment with dark walls and drops lights. 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.
3. Ban Thai Restaurant, Goulburn: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Ban Thai Restaurant, Goulburn. It will take 2 hours and 7 mins of car drive to take 196 km from Sydney to Ban Thai Restaurant, Goulburn, Goulburn, New South Wales. If you’re looking for a great Thai meal with friendly, efficient service and good value, look no further than this restaurant. The restaurant offers curries, stir-fries, and rice dishes with a relaxed atmosphere and bright interior. We ordered the duck and crying tiger, as well as the massaman curry, and were delighted with them. For more information, you can check Ban Thai Restaurant, Goulburn, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
4. The Coffee Pedaler, Gundagai: The Coffee Pedaler, Gundagai deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Gundagai, New South Wales. If you’re ever in the Gundagai area, be sure to stop by The Coffee Pedaler for a delicious cup of coffee and a break. You won’t be disappointed by the quality of the coffee, and the smoked trout is a nice touch. Plus, the service is always efficient, and the atmosphere is pleasant. The Coffee Pedaler, Gundagai, is 377 km away from Sydney, and it would take 3 hours and 50 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about The Coffee Pedaler, Gundagai, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
5. Mr. Benedict, Albury: If you enjoy dining, Mr. Benedict, Albury, would be an excellent choice in Albury, New South Wales. It’s 554 km from Sydney and would take 5 hours and 37 mins of car driving. The breakfast served here 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. If you want to learn more about Mr. Benedict Albury, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
6. Main Street Cafe, Benalla: Another restaurant we recommend you visit on the road trip from Sydney to Melbourne is Main Street Cafe, Benalla, Benalla, Victoria. It will take 6 hours and 41 mins of driving to reach Main Street Cafe, Benalla, from Sydney. The food was excellent, with a great range of American-style options. The restaurant was clean, and the waitstaff was extremely helpful. Prices were reasonable. I would highly recommend the corn fritters and steak sandwich. For more information about Main Street Cafe, Benalla, you can check TripAdvisor or Google Maps restaurant pages.
7. Pretty Sally Bakery: Ranked seventh on our list, Pretty Sally Bakery appeals to those who want to turn their Melbourne vacation into a memorable experience. Located in Wallan, Victoria, 819 km from Sydney, it’ll take 8 hours and 10 mins of driving. The service was excellent, the food was delicious, and the hot chocolate was perfect. The prices are excellent, and the menu is diverse. The atmosphere of the room is rustic and cozy, and it was great to be able to sit near the open fire on a cold day. It’s a great stop for breakfast or lunch. If you want to learn more about Pretty Sally Bakery, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
8. 11-Inch Pizza: Mr. Benedict Albury is an excellent restaurant that is 878 km away from Sydney. Mr. Benedict, Albury is located in Albury, New South Wales, and you can reach there after 8 hours and 55 mins of car driving. The pizzas at this restaurant are excellent, with authentic Italian and Sicilian flavor combinations. The pizzas and calzones are some of the best I’ve had in a while, thanks to the fresh ingredients. The staff is friendly and helpful. If you want to discover the menu and more information about 11 Inch Pizza, 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 Sydney to Melbourne. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 878 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 Melbourne 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 Sydney to Melbourne. Keep reading.

8 Places To Visit On The Sydney To Melbourne Drive

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

• Sydney Opera House: Sydney Opera House will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Sydney to Melbourne road trip. Located in Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney Opera House is 1.6 km away from Sydney, and it would take 6 mins to drive. The Sydney Opera House is an iconic building in Australia and a focal point of the city. It is beautiful at night when it is lit up with colorful projections. Their 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, which is easy to access. If you want to learn more about the Sydney Opera House, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Bradman Centre, Bowral: Bradman Centre, Bowral, Bowral, New South Wales, is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the Sydney to Melbourne route. It’s 119 km from Sydney, and it’ll take about 1 hour and 27 mins of driving. The Bradman Museum is a state-of-the-art, high-tech museum that 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 learn more about Bradman Centre, Bowral, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
• Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum: One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Sydney to Melbourne is Goulburn, New South Wales. And if you visit Goulburn, New South Wales, we suggest you visit Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum. You can arrive at Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum after 2 hours and 7 mins of driving. The Rocky Hill War Memorial tower was opened in 1925 to commemorate the local women and men who served in World War One. The significant memorial has 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 visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum for more information.
• Gundagai Visitor Information Centre: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Gundagai Visitor Information Centre, Gundagai, New South Wales, on the Sydney to Melbourne road trip. Gundagai Visitor Information Centre is 376 km from Sydney, and you can arrive there after the 3 hours and 50 mins of drive. The Gundagai Visitor Information Centre is located on Sheridan Street, on the left-hand side of the town. The staff can guide you to all the attractions Gundagai has to offer, such as the Heritage Walking Tour, which captures the essence of this historic and fascinating township. This museum has a collection of memorabilia donated by volunteers; volunteers also staff it. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Gundagai Visitor Information Centre before going there.
• Albury Botanic Garden: Located in Albury, New South Wales, Albury Botanic Garden ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Sydney to Melbourne. You must take 5 hours and 38 mins of driving to arrive at Albury Botanic Garden. The garden is beautifully landscaped, with a well-maintained children’s area perfect for spending time in nature. The flowers are well-kept, and the children’s area contains features that kids will love. The autumn hues are stunning, and it’s a perfect spot to spend a morning before heading to lunch at the River Deck on the Murray River. If you want to learn more about Albury Botanic Garden, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Winton Wetlands: Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Sydney to Melbourne is Winton Wetlands, Benalla, Victoria. Winton Wetlands is 664 km from Sydney, and it would take 6 hours and 42 mins to drive. 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. For more information about Winton Wetlands, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website.
• Wallan Free Library and Mechanics Institute Wallan, Victoria: You can visit many destinations on your Sydney to Melbourne journey. One of these destinations is Wallan Free Library and Mechanics Institute Wallan, Victoria located in, Wallan, Victoria. You can arrive at Wallan Free Library and Mechanics Institute Wallan, Victoria, after 8 hours and 9 mins of driving. This beautiful, historic building in Wallan dates back 140 years ago. The Mechanic’s Institute was an essential part of the community back then, providing people with an opportunity to further their education. The Institute is definitely worth a visit – mainly because of the First World War Memorial. You can learn more about the Mechanic Institute’s history by reading the plaque on the front of the building. If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about Wallan Free Library and Mechanics Institute Wallan, Victoria, you can visit Wallan Free Library and Mechanics Institute Wallan, Victoria’s TripAdvisor page or their website.
• Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria: As we near the end of our list of the top 8 best places to visit on the road trip from Sydney to Melbourne, it would be unfair not to mention Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria locates in Melbourne, Victoria, 882 km from Sydney, and it takes 8 hours and 53 mins to drive from Sydney to get there. 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 lovely. I had a great time exploring the gardens with an expert driver who provided commentary along the way. The price was very reasonable, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a day away from the city.
  If you want to learn more about Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Sydney to Melbourne

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

How Long Is The Road Trip From Sydney To Melbourne?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Sydney to Melbourne road trip takes approximately 8 hours and 53 mins to drive. The driving distance between Sydney to Melbourne is 878 km.
• If you want to make the Sydney to Melbourne 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 Sydney-Melbourne route, you will have to walk for seven days and 19 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Sydney To Melbourne?

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

1. Sydney Opera House: 1.6 km / 6 mins to drive from Sydney | 878 km / 8 hours and 53 mins of driving to Melbourne.
2. Bradman Centre, Bowral: 119 km / 1 hour and 27 mins to drive from Sydney | 763 km / 7 hours and 45 mins of driving to Melbourne.
3. Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum: 196 km / 2 hours and 7 mins to drive from Sydney | 684 km / 6 hours and 56 mins of driving to Melbourne.
4. Gundagai Visitor Information Centre: 376 km / 3 hours and 50 mins to drive from Sydney | 502 km / 5 hours and 7 mins of driving to Melbourne.
5. Albury Botanic Garden: 556 km / 5 hours and 38 mins to drive from Sydney | 325 km / 3 hours and 25 mins of driving to Melbourne.
6. Winton Wetlands: 664 km / 6 hours and 42 mins to drive from Sydney | 237 km / 2 hours and 33 mins of driving to Melbourne.
7. Wallan Free Library and Mechanics Institute Wallan, Victoria: 820 km / 8 hours and 9 mins to drive from Sydney | 61.8 km / 51 mins of driving to Melbourne.
8. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria: 882 km / 8 hours and 53 mins to drive from Sydney | 3.1 km / 13 mins of driving to Melbourne.

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

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Sydney to Melbourne. 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 Way To Melbourne From Sydney section.

• Little National Hotel Sydney: 1.2 km / 7 mins to drive from Sydney | 878 km / 8 hours and 57 mins of driving to Melbourne.
• Berida Hotel: 119 km / 1 hour and 27 mins to drive from Sydney | 761 km / 7 hours and 44 mins of driving to Melbourne.
• Best Western Plus Goulburn: 194 km / 2 hours and 5 mins to drive from Sydney | 683 km / 6 hours and 55 mins of driving to Melbourne.
• Tuckerbox Motor Inn: 378 km / 3 hours and 51 mins to drive from Sydney | 500 km / 5 hours and 5 mins of driving to Melbourne.
• Winsor Park Motor Inn: 554 km / 5 hours and 35 mins to drive from Sydney | 327 km / 3 hours and 25 mins of driving to Melbourne.
• Executive Hideaway Motel: 666 km / 6 hours and 40 mins to drive from Sydney | 215 km / 2 hours and 24 mins of driving to Melbourne.
• Hogans Motel Wallan: 819 km / 8 hours and 10 mins to drive from Sydney | 61.2 km / 51 mins of driving to Melbourne.
• Next Hotel Melbourne: 877 km / 8 hours and 58 mins to drive from Sydney | 0.9 km / 6 mins of driving to Melbourne.

Where To Eat Between Sydney to Melbourne?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Sydney to Melbourne 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 Way From Sydney To Melbourne.

1. Harvest Buffet Sydney: 3.3 km / 11 mins to drive from Sydney | 879 km / 8 hours and 55 mins of driving to Melbourne.
2. Onesta Cucina: 118 km / 1 hour and 25 mins to drive from Sydney | 762 km / 7 hours and 42 mins of driving to Melbourne.
3. Ban Thai Restaurant, Goulburn: 196 km / 2 hours and 7 mins to drive from Sydney | 682 km / 6 hours and 53 mins of driving to Melbourne.
4. The Coffee Pedaler, Gundegai: 377 km / 3 hours and 50 mins to drive from Sydney | 502 km / 5 hours and 6 mins of driving to Melbourne.
5. Mr. Benedict, Albury: 554 km / 5 hours and 37 mins to drive from Sydney | 325 km / 3 hours and 25 mins of driving to Melbourne.
6. Main Street Cafe, Benalla: 667 km / 6 hours and 41 mins to drive from Sydney | 213 km / 2 hours and 19 mins of driving to Melbourne.
7. Pretty Sally Bakery: 819 km / 8 hours and 10 mins to drive from Sydney | 61.1 km / 51 mins of driving to Melbourne.
8. 11 Inch Pizza: 878 km / 8 hours and 55 mins to drive from Sydney | 1.0 km / 6 mins of driving to Melbourne.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne. We have listed eight hotels, eight restaurants, and eight places to visit on the Sydney to Melbourne 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 Sydney to Melbourne as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

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