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Is it worth driving from Sydney to Melbourne?

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Motion blurred photograph of traffic at in night

Is it worth driving from Sydney to Melbourne?

If you’re planning a trip to Australia, you’ve probably wondered if driving from Sydney to Melbourne is actually worth it.

I’ve done the drive myself, and honestly, it’s fantastic. You get to soak in some of the most beautiful scenery in Australia, and the drives around Sydney alone are pretty hard to beat.

Sydney Drives

Communing car traffic during rush hour in busy city centre of Sydney
Taras Vyshnya / Shutterstock

Before diving into the Sydney-to-Melbourne trek, let’s talk about some of Sydney’s best drives. One of my go-tos is the stretch from Bondi Beach to Watsons Bay.

This route hugs the coast and gives you those classic ocean views, with dramatic cliffs and all. The Royal National Park Coastal Drive is another favorite—it winds through some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the area.

The Drive from Sydney to Melbourne

Kangaroo family at Lucky Bay beach
anek.soowannaphoom / Shutterstock

Alright, let’s get to the big one—the drive from Sydney to Melbourne. It’s about 900 kilometers, which is roughly a nine-hour drive if you don’t dawdle too much (but, really, who doesn’t stop for snacks?).

You’ll cruise down the Hume Highway, which makes things pretty easy. The road’s in great shape, and you’ll roll past the Southern Highlands and the Murray River region—both are gorgeous.

Stopping in some of the small towns along the way is half the fun. Albury, right on the border of New South Wales and Victoria, is a personal favorite.

The town’s got a cool history, and you can check out the old Albury Railway Station and the Court House if you’re into architecture or just want to stretch your legs.

Is it worth it?

Inside the Sydney Harbour Tunnel
Bandwagonman / Wikimedia Commons

So, is it worth driving from Sydney to Melbourne? I’d say absolutely, yes.

Sure, it’s a long haul, but the scenery is wild, and those little towns you pass through are a treat. If you love a good road trip, this one’s up there with the best in Australia.

Just a heads up—pack snacks and water. There aren’t a ton of stops, and trust me, you don’t want to get hangry in the middle of nowhere.

And don’t forget a killer playlist. Nine hours in the car without tunes? No thanks.

See Related: Which Sydney suburbs offer the best balance in terms of reasonable rent price, low crime, being pleasant and within 30 minutes commute to the centre?

In the end, driving from Sydney to Melbourne is an unforgettable experience that’s totally worth every kilometer. Pack your bags, jump in the car, and just go for it—you’ll have stories (and photos) for days.

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