Sydney to Melbourne in 4 Days: The Epic Inland Route that Skips the Coast

Most people fly between Sydney and Melbourne in just over an hour. Taking the inland route reveals an iconic Aussie road trip that everyone should do at least once.

A summer road trip is one of the best ways to see Australia up close, and this inland run from Sydney to Melbourne delivers the LOT! Starting at Sydney’s iconic Circular Quay and finishing on Melbourne’s Southbank, you’ll swap the coastline and big city centres for Australia’s distinctive landscapes, friendly locals, and small towns full of stories and history.

Along the way, you’ll cruise through classic wool towns, dip into alpine country made for walks and hikes, and break the drive up with the odd lakeside stop. There’ll be plenty of bakery detours too, because on an Aussie road trip they’re basically mandatory.

At a glance:

Day 1 | Sydney > Thredbo

Day 2 | Thredbo

Day 3 | Thredbo > Albury-Wodonga

Day 4 | Albury-Wodonga > Melbourne

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Day 1

Sydney to Goulburn

Departure time: 8am | Distance: 194km | Driving Time: 2hrs

Australia’s biggest city is the perfect place to kick things off. Spend a few days in Sydney making the most of the stunning beaches and natural landmarks. Grab a wine or beer by the water at Opera Bar ($10), book the Harbour Bridge Climb (from $248), and explore the different neighbourhoods, whether it’s a street art tour in grungy Newtown ($35), a famous bacon and egg roll ($10) at the Saturday Kings Cross Market, or a swim at Bondi or Manly beach, followed by two scoops of gelato at Messina ($9).

If you’re looking for a Sydney base, it doesn’t get more iconic (or affordable) than the refurbished YHA Sydney Harbour, which has both private and shared rooms. On the morning of your departure, grab a coffee ($5) from Trails Cafe near reception, which is open 24/7. With the YHA Explorer app, you’ll also save 10%. For incredible, million dollar views, head to the rooftop bar (also perfect for an evening drink) and watch the ferries cruise in and out of Circular Quay. If you need a hire car, Avis is an eight-minute walk from the property. Budget for around $130-150 a day. Note that if you hire a car from the airport, costs are typically higher.

Once you’re on the road, heading west along the M31 makes for a smooth start to your inland adventure. It's around a two-hour drive to Goulburn, where it’s hard to miss the towering Big Merino statue as you roll into town. Affectionately called “Rambo” by the locals, this huge concrete sheep is a proud symbol of the region’s wool heritage. Plus there’s a quirky little wool museum (free entry) directly next door where you can pick up a local souvenir or two.

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Nearby Trappers Bakery has been a Goulburn staple for almost 20 years, and in all honesty, a country pie is an essential for any iconic Aussie road trip. Grab a flaky pepper steak pie ($7.80), a flat white or a chocolate-flavoured Big M ($6) and stretch your legs in Belmore Park, a charming spot with historic fountains, flower beds and a solid people-watching bench.  For a quieter spot, head to the Wollondilly River Walk, which is peaceful, shady and usually full of native cockatoos.

• Stay: Stay at YHA Sydney Harbour (co-living beds from $75) putting you right in the centre of The Rocks. Nearby Circular Quay Station connects you anywhere across the city. It’s great value for the location, and sets you up for a social start to the trip, whether that’s cooking dinner in the shared kitchen, swapping tips with other travellers, or heading up to the rooftop to catch an iconic view. Grab a locally crafted beer or cocktail, order something snacky from the bar (they do tapas-style bites), and you’re in full holiday mode before the first kilometre.
• Note: For architecture buffs, Goulburn has a self-guided heritage walk of historic buildings, including the historic Courthouse and Town Hall. This tour starts at the police station, originally built as a hospital for convicts, and ending at the site of Goulburn’s Old Baths, which opened in 1892.
• Tip: Don’t feel like a bakery pie? Pack your own lunch and eat by Marsden Weir, which is five minutes out of Goulburn. This way, you'll save money on cafe food or service station snacks.

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Goulburn to Jindabyne

Departure time: 11am | Distance: 262km | Driving Time: 2hrs 54mins | Walking Time: 1-2hrs

This leg of the drive takes you through the base of the Australian Snowy Mountains, where you’ll notice the difference in the air quality, which feels crisp and fresh. During winter, Jindabyne is a popular ski town but in the warmer months, becomes a hub for the outdoors and adventure sports like mountain biking, hiking, trail running and kayaking. With helicopter tours (from $185 per person) and horseback riding (from $115), there’s something for everyone.

The foreshore walk around Lake Jindabyne is mostly flat, with a few shady spots perfect for a picnic or reading a book. If you’re after a late lunch, Jindabyne Brewing has local beers like the Island Bend Pilzner and Kiandra Golden Ale. The kitchen is open from 3pm, Wednesday to Sunday, with meals around $30 each. Here, you’ll meet locals who’ll be happy to give you some tips or hidden lookouts. Also nearby is the Banjo Paterson Inn, the home of Kosciuszko Brewing Company, where a schooner of Pale Ale will set you back about $10. Named after Australia’s highest peak Mount Kosciuszko (about 45 minutes away), this was discovered by Polish explorer Paweł Edmund Strzelecki in 1840. If you’ve coasted into Jindabyne in the late afternoon, consider staying for the sunsets over the lake, which are next-level.

• Note: Jindabyne Woolworths in the Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre is the biggest supermarket in the region. Do a proper shop here and stock up on snacks, drinks and supplies, as everything is more expensive in Thredbo.
• Tip: Native wildlife is most active around dusk and dawn, especially on the roads in and out of Jindabyne, so remember to stay alert.

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Jindabyne to Thredbo

Departure time: 4pm | Distance: 34km | Driving Time: 35mins

Head west along the Alpine Way and you’ll reach Thredbo, which like Jindabyne, embraces the outdoors during spring and summer. The village is tucked into a steep valley with chairlifts swinging overhead. Free overnight parking is at the northern end of the village, and you can catch the free shuttle bus back to YHA Thredbo, your base for the next two nights.

After checking in, drop your bags and head to the shared kitchen where you can get tips from fellow travellers as your pasta bubbles away. If cooking feels too hard, or you're simply keen for a sundowner, wander over to Mad Mexican for some tacos and margaritas (around $23). Pick the right night for some free live music or karaoke. Don’t feel like tacos? The Local Pub is a Thredbo institution and has weekly specials starting at $25 (parmi night is Monday, steak night is Thursday). The iconic watering hole has TV screens showing live sport, pool tables, and plenty of space to unwind after a long day driving.

Day 2

Thredbo

Departure time: 9am | Driving Time: 60mins | Walking Time: 1 - 2 hrs

After breakfast, you can either hit the road early (skip to day 3 of this itinerary if that’s the case), but we strongly recommend staying another night to make the most of it.

If you do stay, Thredbo Mountain Bike Park has some of Australia’s best alpine riding trails, and day passes start from $115. Standard bike hire is from about $179 per day, which includes a full face helmet. If you book online early, you’ll also save up to 30%. If it’s your first time riding in the mountains, introductory skills clinics (from $62) are worth booking so someone can talk you through the basics.

For watersports, consider the short drive back to Jindabyne. Operators like Sacred Ride run paddles on Lake Jindabyne, with kayaks from roughly $25 for one hour or $40 for two. Guided tours start from $200 for an hour, and this includes a wetsuit and lifejacket. On a still afternoon, drifting across the lake with the Snowies in the background is pretty hard to beat.

Hikers are also spoiled for choice as well. The summer chairlift to the start of the Kosciuszko Summit Walk is from $48 per adult, with guided tours starting from $65. A 13km round-trip, and taking around six hours, this is a very special way to take in Australia's highest peak. If you don’t want to spend the whole day out on your feet, the Thredbo River Track is an easy loop that weaves through snow gums and wildflowers and takes about two hours.

• Stay: YHA Thredbo has co-living rooms (around $50 to $60  depending on season), while private rooms start at $115. Here, you’ll find classic alpine accommodation with fireplaces, a big communal kitchen and gear-friendly storage.
• Note: Wi-Fi can be patchy across the Alpine regions, so download your maps in advance. Everything in Thredbo is going to be more expensive, even bike hire during the summer months. So make sure you do the bulk of your shopping in nearby Jindabyne.
• Tip: Ask YHA staff or other guests about trail updates. There’s a Visitor’s Centre in town too, which can also help with organising passes to Kosciuszko National Park. It's often better than what you’ll find online, although it’s still worth checking the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for alerts.

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Day 3

Thredbo to Albury-Wodonga

Departure time: 8:30am | Distance: 222km | Driving Time: 3hrs 10mins

After a continental breakfast at YHA Thredbo, it’s time to hit the road. Today is one of the longer driving days, broken up by changing landscapes. Prep the car snacks, and the music playlist, and you’ll see the Snowy Mountains turn from farmland into the wide-open Monaro plains. This is the home of brumbies (wild horses), and High Country lore runs deep out here, helping shape the legends of Waltzing Matilda (Australia’s unofficial national anthem) and The Man from Snowy River, both made famous by bush poet Banjo Patterson. 

Along the way, you’ll also pass through a number of cute little country towns, including Khancoban, Berringama and Shelley.  Corryong, around two hours from Thredbo, is the largest township in the Upper Murray region, and is a great place to stretch the legs. Black Sheep and Cafe Corryong Brew are local go-to spots for a caffeine hit, and both are open seven days a week. Grab a latte (around $5 or $6) and soak up the charm.

From Corryong, it’s 90 minutes until you hit Albury-Wodonga, a twin-city on the NSW and Victoria border, and separated by the Murray River. Locals call it the “mighty Murray” for a reason. As Australia’s longest river, it waters nearby orchards and farms, and helps power the produce the area’s famous for, which is essentially fruit bowl territory. Stretch the legs and head straight for a flat, shaded riverside walk, watching for birdlife swooping, paddling, or rustling in the trees.

If you’ve got an hour spare, the Murray Art Museum Albury or MAMA is worth visiting. Entry is free, and the exhibitions are full of local and emerging artists. After MAMA, there’s some great options depending on your energy levels. Noreuil Park sits on the banks of the Murray River and is the perfect spot for a picnic. For something more active, the Wagirra Trail and Sculpture Walk continues north along the river and it’s especially nice in the late afternoon when the heat drops. At 15km it’s quite long, so just pick a small section to see.

After the sun goes down, Beer Deluxe Albury has a huge range of local and international beers, and a good mix of locals and travellers too. It’s casual, and there’s also a rotating schedule of live music and events.

Dinner really depends on your mood. Stay at Beer Deluxe for classic pub fare (starting from $30), Din Dins is Asian fusion (plus there’s 60 options on their wine list), while Downtown Pizzeria has wood-fired faves like Queen Margherita ($22) and Tandoori Chicken ($24). Eating at an RSL club (Returned & Services League of Australia) is a must-do if you are passing through a regional hub. Over the bridge into Wodonga, the Wodonga RSL has bistro-style meals from $20.

• Stay: Albury-Wodonga has heaps of accommodation options depending on your budget, with more than 60 places to stay across hotels, motels, apartments, cabins and B&Bs, so you’ve got options even if you decide late.
• Note: Assuming you’re travelling with mates, decide on your evening plan before you check in. A lot of places in Albury-Wodonga get busy on weekends, so it’s worth booking dinner or at least picking a couple of backup spots so you’re not wandering around hungry.
• Tip: Pack a cheap “river kit” in the car for this stop. Thongs, a towel, mosquito repellent, and a deck of cards. Even if you don’t swim, the afternoon will then feel like a mini holiday. If you’ve got the energy, get on the water. Hiring a little dinghy for a slow cruise on the Murray is a classic, and there’s usually kayak hire options around Albury-Wodonga and Lake Hume too.

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Day 4

Albury-Wodonga to Bright

Departure time: 10am | Distance: 90km | Driving Time: 1hr 10mins

After a sleep in and morning coffee (about $6), it’s a short drive along Myrtleford-Yackandandah Road to Bright, Victoria’s adventure capital for mountain bikers. If you’ve got even a mild interest in mountain biking, Mystic Bike Park is just out of town, and has everything from cruisy trail rides to full gravity runs. To ride the park you’ll need a 1-Day Mountain Pass ($20), and if you want to use the uplift for the downhill trails, the 1-Day Gravity Pass is $100.

Given it’s just a shorter stop in Bright, consider heading to the Canyon Walk which weaves along the Ovens River and features swing bridges, shallow rock pools and eucalyptus trees. 

This will work up an appetite, so grab lunch (from $25) and craft beer (from $6.20) at Bright Brewery. There’s communal tables and lawn seating, and the Trailblazer Tasting Paddle ($14) will give you a sampler of seasonal and core ales and other beers from the range. If you’re after some decent cafes instead, Sixpence Coffee Roasters and Blackbird are both worth a stop.

If you’ve got extra time, Nightingale Bros Apple Orchard in nearby Wandiligong has a farm store that’s dangerous in the best way, with cider, pies, and other local produce you’ll want “for later” (even though you’ll probably finish these off in the car).

• Note: Bright gets busy on weekends and in peak season, so for this itinerary it’s better as a day stop rather than an overnight. You’ll see the best bits, without paying through the roof.
• Tip: For sunrise or even mid-morning, Huggins Lookout is a quick 1.6km return (allow an hour), starting near Zivan Court, with spectacular views over Bright and the Ovens Valley.

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Bright to Glenrowan

Departure time: 1pm | Distance: 90km | Driving Time: 1hr 15mins

After soaking up Bright’s alpine charm, wind your way down into bushranger country. For non-Aussie travellers, bushrangers were outlaws who became larger-than-life folk legends in the 1800s, and Ned Kelly is the most famous of them all. 

Glenrowan is small, but its ties to Australian famous bad man Ned Kelly are huge. This is where the Kelly Gang made their final stand back in 1880, and the town still leans into an old frontier vibe. Start with the Glenrowan Heritage Precinct walk. It’s short, easy, and surprisingly atmospheric, with key siege locations marked out so you can picture how the 1880 showdown unfolded. 

Pick up the Heritage Siege Walk map from the Ned Kelly Discovery Hub for $5, then do the classic photo stop at the Big Ned Kelly statue on Gladstone Street. It’s a six-metre landmark, and it’s free. If you want a deeper dive, the Ned Kelly Museum and Homestead ($12) is another easy add-on, and has Australia's largest range of Ned Kelly souvenirs if you’re after a singlet, stubby holder or magnet.

• Note: The Glenrowan siege walk is quick but genuinely worth it, especially if you grab the map ($5) first so you’re not just wandering past plaques. 
• Tip: A 17 minute detour will see you arrive in Milawa, your “road trip snack restock” zone. There’s heaps of local produce options here, from cheese, smoked olives and chutney.

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Glenrowan to Bonnie Doon

Departure time: 3pm | Distance: 91km | Driving Time: 1hr 20mins

You’re now well into the home stretch. This leg works best with a simple stop along the way.  If you’re passing through before 2pm, Mawson’s Bakery Cafe in nearby Euroa is a classic country bakery setup with pies, cakes, and pastries sitting around $10. Otherwise, McDonald’s Benalla is the easy option for coffee and a bathroom break. 

Once you arrive in Bonnie Doon, you’ll notice the word “serenity” gets thrown around a lot. That’s because this is one of the filming locations for the iconic Australian movie ,The Castle, and the town has leaned into it ever since.  Pull over for a photo under the “Welcome to Bonnie Doon” sign, then wander the short walking track near the bridge. 

Bonnie Doon sits right on Lake Eildon, which is popular for watersports including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding and kayaking.  If you just feel like going for a swim, find a calm spot and if you spot a rope swing or tyre swing, you know what to do.

• Tip: Take water safety seriously. Check conditions before you swim or launch a kayak, and stick to obvious, calm spots. If you’re on the water, wear a life jacket and get out if the wind picks up.
• Note: Many stores and shops close early in small towns. If you want food or supplies, don’t leave it too late, and treat Bonnie Doon as a quick stop.

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Bonnie Doon to Yea

Departure time: 4:30pm | Distance: 56km | Driving Time: 39mins | Walking Time 30mins

The drive into Yea is short and easy, and you’ll notice the scenery change almost immediately from farmland to tree-lined roads. 

If you’re stopping here, head to the Yea Wetlands, just a few minutes from the main street. The boardwalks wind through reeds and floodplains, and it’s especially nice later in the day when the air is cooler. Give yourself 30 to 40 and keep an eye out for birdlife or kangaroos.

Another good option is the Great Victorian Rail Trail, which runs close by. Even 20 minutes here out and back is enough before the final drive into Melbourne. 

• Tip: There’s a full supermarket in town, which makes Yea a good final stop to restock snacks and drinks before heading into Melbourne.
• Note: Fuel up here if you’re below half a tank. The next stretch toward Melbourne has long gaps between service stations, especially if you’re avoiding the highway or travelling later in the evening.

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Yea to Melbourne

Departure time: 6pm | Distance: 124km | Driving Time: 2hrs 3mins

The final drive into Melbourne follows the Melba Highway, winding through Yarra Glen and Dixons Creek. It’s very scenic and because you’re travelling in the early evening, you’ll skip the worst of peak hour traffic on the Eastern Freeway. Once you arrive into the city, park near Southbank or Docklands, or return your hire car so you can forget about it. There’s no parking at YHA Melbourne Central, as this sits right in the free tram zone, and getting around on foot is easy. 

After checking in, head out for a short evening walk along the Yarra River, or dive straight into the laneways for a well earned beer. Arbory Bar and Eatery is a short walk from Flinders Street Station, and in the CBD there’s a treasure trove of bars and pubs. Section 8 is made from shipping containers, Curtain House has a popular rooftop bar, while Cherry Bar in ACDC Lane is an institution for rock music. Keep an ear out as you wander. Free live music, comedy, or open mic nights are common and pop up without much warning. 

Back at the property, there’s always something on, so don’t just disappear into your room! YHA Melbourne Central regularly runs trivia nights, walking tours, pub tours, and table tennis comps, plus Language Exchange on Wednesdays and table tennis tournaments on Fridays. Check the activities board or ask reception when you arrive. There’s also daily happy hour 6pm to 8pm with $2 off drinks for guests, which is a very easy way to meet people on night one.

• Stay: With a rooftop bar and a BBQ, YHA Melbourne Central is a solid final base. Co-living rooms start from $48 depending on season, and the rooftop is the perfect place for one last drink and a quiet look back over the trip.
• Tip: To save money on the drive in, set Google Maps to avoid toll roads. It usually adds only five to ten minutes and keeps a few extra dollars in your pocket. Better still, make this trip a multi-stop, multi-YHA stay trip and get extra value through the YHA Explorer app. If you book more than once, your discount increases by 1% per cent with each stay (up to 15%), so every overnight stop helps you save more on the next one. Claim your savings, then put them towards dinner, coffee, or a room upgrade.
• Note: City parking adds up fast. If you’re staying at YHA Melbourne Central, it’s cheaper to park once in a secure car park near the property and rely on trams for everything else. 

Words: Troy Nankervis

All prices current at time of publish: January 2026.