Plan your Canberra to Melbourne drive: The ultimate road trip itinerary

Ready to take the road trip from the nation’s capital to Australia’s cultural capital? Plan your ultimate road trip from Canberra to Melbourne and hit the road with confidence with the help of Turo.

From preparation tips to multi-day itineraries, this locals guide is packed with all the information you need to make the most of your road trip from Canberra to Melbourne.

Take the Alpine Route

  • Driving time: 3 days
  • Driving distance: 823km
  • Must-see attractions: Milawa Cheese Factory, Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre
  • Best for: Adventurers looking to experience the best country towns and slopes Australia has to offer.

Another 3-day road trip itinerary from Canberra to Melbourne is the Alpine Route. You’ll first stop at the charming village of Cooma, where you can visit the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre and the Raglan Gallery. Then, you can head down to Jindabyne, where many outdoor activities await, including hiking, biking, and water sports. If you’re travelling during winter, you may also want to hit up the slopes at Thredbo or Perisher.

Your second day on the road should be spent at Kosciuszko National Park where you can experience the rugged alpine landscape and surround yourself with gum trees, wildflowers, waterfalls, and centuries-old limestone gorges. The park is filled with majestic natural sights that you can’t see anywhere else and is the approximate half way point between Canberra and Melbourne.

After exploring Kosciuszko National Park, journey along Victoria’s Great Alpine Road and head to the picturesque country town of Myrtleford. Myrtleford is famous for its fresh produce. It’s also a short drive away from the Milawa Cheese Factory, where you can enjoy a few cheese tastings. The drive to Melbourne from Milawa is another 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Want more road trip itineraries? Read the full Turo article over on their website