Melbourne to Canberra Road Trip Itinerary

Kick-start your epic road trip by picking up your motorhome from the maui Melbourne branch. Before leaving the city lights behind, be sure to spend a few hours checking out some of the best things to do in Melbourne. Then, make your way out of the city towards the open countryside and rolling farmlands towards your first stop: Hanging Rock Reserve in Woodend. This Australian attraction is a place of mystique, history and natural beauty. The rock itself is a rare volcanic formation, with its peculiar shapes and outcrops, it's a geological marvel that's well worth the detour. With plenty of accessible tracks, you can easily hike to the top and take in the spectacular views of the Macedon Ranges or enjoy a peaceful picnic surrounded by stunning scenery and local wildlife.

Once you've had your fill of natural wonders, continue your journey towards the vibrant city of Bendigo, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and thriving arts scene. Start your town tour with a visit to the Bendigo Art Gallery. As one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious regional galleries, it houses an extensive collection that ranges from 19th-century European art to contemporary Australian pieces. Next, step back in time by hopping aboard a historic tram ride through town. The Vintage Talking Tram takes you on a tour of Bendigo's streets, unveiling the city's golden past and its transformation into a modern metropolis – an absolute must-do on a Melbourne to Canberra road trip!

Before the day ends, delve deeper into the city's rich gold-rush history at the Central Deborah Gold Mine with an underground adventure at Central Deborah: the last commercial mine operating in Bendigo. Experience the daily grind of travelling 61 meters below the surface, trolling the mine's labyrinth of tunnels, and getting a glimpse of a miner’s life in the 1900s. As the sun sets on your first day, head back to your camper and make your way to camp for the night. 

Where to stay: Grab one of the powered camping sites at BIG4 Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park. 

Awakening in the bustling city of Bendigo, begin your day with a short detour to the serene Castlemaine Botanical Gardens. Discover the rich history of these heritage-listed gardens as you meander along the pathways or simply relax beside the ornamental lake, basking in the tranquil while enjoying a campervan-made breakfast. Next, head towards the historic town of Beechworth. Beechworth is a gold-rush-era town frozen in time with its perfectly preserved colonial buildings, intriguing museums, and charming streetscapes. For history buffs looking to learn a little more about the town's rich history, a visit to the Beechworth Historic Courthouse is a must-do. This impressive building, dating back to 1858, played a central role in the infamous Kelly Gang trials and offers a fascinating peek into the judicial practices of the Victorian era.

After a short stop for lunch in your campervan, explore the town's gold mining heritage at the Beechworth Gold Rush sites. Here you can try panning for gold, explore old mines, and learn more about the gold-rush era miners. After working up an appetite in the mines, indulge your palate with a taste of Beechworth's local honey or head to the Beechworth Bakery to try their famous Bee-Sting pastry.

Where to stay: Grab a campsite at Beechworth Holiday Park.

Day three’s drive is short, scenic and relaxing, with the road winding through the rolling hills and the fertile plains of Victoria's high country. Arriving in Albury-Wodonga, you will have the beauty of the Murray River to greet you – a powerful natural landmark that forms the border between New South Wales and Victoria. Start your tour of the town with a visit to the picturesque Albury Botanic Gardens. This century-old garden is a tranquil oasis boasting an impressive collection of more than 1,000 native and exotic plant species. Then, jump back in your camper and check out some of the best wineries in Victoria at the local Albury Wodonga wineries. Here you can choose to sample their finest at the cellar door or take a bottle (or two) back to your campervan. Finish the day with a walk along the mighty Murray River. The river delivers plenty of outlandish views and excellent birdwatching opportunities – securing its place as one of the 10 best road trip destinations in Victoria. The river also is the perfect backdrop to crack open a bottle of local wine and enjoy a picnic from your motorhome. 

Where to stay: BIG4 Albury Tourist Park campsites.

Saying goodbye to Albury-Wodonga, it's time to head towards Wagga Wagga: a vibrant regional city with beautiful parks, immersive galleries, and a rich cultural heritage. Along the way, make a stop at Holbrook, a small town with a big surprise - a submarine! The Holbrook Submarine Museum offers an unexpected yet unforgettable attraction with the decommissioned HMAS Otway submarine.

Arriving in Wagga Wagga, your first stop should undoubtedly be the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens. This picturesque spot is a perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic. The mini zoo, the Willans Hill Miniature Railway, and the themed gardens are bound to keep both children and the child-at-heart entertained for hours. Art lovers won't want to miss a visit to the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. The gallery houses an outstanding collection of contemporary Australian art, including the diverse practices of glass artists in Australia. After soaking in the cultural attractions, spend the waning hours of the afternoon by going on a relaxing walk along the Murrumbidgee River or cooling off at Wagga Beach. Take in the stunning river views and spot local wildlife along the way before heading back to your campervan for the night.

Where to stay: Grab one of the powered camping sites at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Wagga Wagga.

our last full day on the road is packed with history and charm as you make your way towards the town of Gundagai. Your first stop here is the Gundagai Museum. This fascinating museum depicts the evolution of Gundagai and its surroundings in a series of self-guided exhibits. Through this tour, you'll gain a unique perspective and deeper understanding of what life was like in the Australian bush during the 1800s. Just a stone's throw away, pay a visit to the iconic Dog on the Tuckerbox monument. This well-loved Australian folklore symbol is shrouded in mystery and legend. Head to Five Mile Creek to learn about this unique Australian tale, and be sure to snap a picture with this iconic Australian attraction.

Afterwards, continue on your journey towards the Australian capital, Canberra. As you approach the city, you'll be welcomed by a panorama of modern architecture with Parliament House sitting at its centre. A city of culture and politics, Canberra hosts many of Australia's most significant cultural landmarks. Kick off your Canberra van travel adventure by visiting the National Museum of Australia. This museum is a rich tapestry of Australia's social history, filled with interactive exhibits and displays. Amongst them, you will come across deep-dive immersive reality adventures to places like Antarctica and the Milky Way. After a day of driving and exploring, relax and unwind with one of Canberra's best food experiences. The city is well-known for its multicultural cuisine and classic Aussie eats – why not grab a burger from Grease Monkey or a classic meat pic from Crust Bakery – you can’t go wrong!

Where to stay: Grab a campsite at Alivio Tourist Park. 

While the Melbourne to Canberra road trip portion of exploring has come to an end in Canberra, there's still a few kilometre’s drive ahead to drop the campervan back in Sydney. So, after a hearty breakfast and maybe a quick stroll around Lake Burley Griffin, it's time to hit the road again and squeeze in a final few hours of exploring. As you drive from Canberra to Sydney, the landscape transitions from the bushlands of the Australian Capital Territory to the sprawling suburbs of Australia's most populous city. If you have the time, you may want to make a detour to the Southern Highlands, known for its wineries, or perhaps the coastal city of Wollongong, offering beautiful beaches and a chance to enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

When you reach Sydney, there are plenty of things to see and do before handing back your motorhome. Take some time to visit iconic Australian attractions like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach. Then, make your way to your camper's final stop at the maui Sydney branch and hand over your trusty campervan – heart full and camera jam-packed full of memories from this once-in-a-lifetime Melbourne to Canberra road trip. 

Want to try this road trip itinerary?

This Melbourne to Canberra road trip is just the beginning of what you can experience when you rent a van to travel Australia. Travelling in a campervan gives you the freedom to explore and stop whenever you stumble upon a hidden gem – and is likely to give you plenty of reasons to travel Australia by motorhome!

Want to experience this Melbourne to Canberra road trip itinerary for yourself? Book your campervan online today or chat with the team at your local maui branch to make a booking. If you're in need of some more inspiration for things to do in Australia’s southern states, be sure to check out the best stops on the Great Ocean Road and our other Victoria road trip itineraries.