Sydney to Canberra: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The short drive from Sydney to Canberra is packed with interesting things to do and some of regional NSW’s best food.

The easy three-hour road trip from Sydney to Canberra doesn’t need to be uneventful. Be mindful of all the great stops you can make along the way to keep you busy and unlock the beauty of Southern NSW.

There are two main routes you can take if driving from Sydney to Canberra. First, you can opt for the coastal route which will take you past Wollongong. Obviously, this is a more scenic option, but it also takes much longer which is why most people driving the Sydney to Canberra route would go inland and follow the motorway.

Inland is actually a more rewarding option, not just because it’s much faster, but it’ll also take you through the Southern Highlands with some great stops along the way. Take note of a few fast facts below before we dive into what to see and do on a road trip from Sydney to Canberra.

The driving distance from Sydney to Canberra is 285km
The time it takes to drive from Sydney to Canberra is 3 hours
The main stops along the way from Sydney to Canberra are Bowral, Berrima, Mittagong,
Moss Vale, Fitzroy Falls, Sutton Forest, Exeter, Goulburn and Lake George.

Stop 1: Go antique shopping in the Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands villages of Moss Vale, Mittagong, Bowral and Berrima are all great places for antique shopping. The most famous antique shop is Lydie du Bray Antiques in Braemar, perfect for unique homewares and furniture.

a couple browsing through antique items at Dirty Janes Bowral — Dirty Janes is a must-visit destination for collectors. (Image: Destination NSW)

However, you’ll want to spend most of your time in Bowral where both Dirty Janes Bowral and Lancelot Hill Antiques sell incredible vintage jewellery alongside eclectic fashion pieces. You’ll easily find your next favourite swag.

the Lancelot Hill Antiques in Bowral — Pop into Lancelot Hill Antiques for all things vintage. (Image: James Horan / Destination NSW)

Stop 2: Race a fast car at One Raceway

One Raceway , formerly known as Wakefield Park Raceway, offers a 2,200-kilometre racing circuit where you can take some hot laps with or without a pro driver in some slick, well-maintained vehicles. Grab a V8 supercar or V8 Auscar and blow off some steam around the circuit.

Stop 3: See the International Cricket Hall of Fame

The Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame is located in the town of Bowral, which is almost the halfway point between Sydney and Canberra.

the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame, Bowral — Visit the Bradman International Cricket Hall of Fame. (Image: Destination NSW)

Modern technology is used to pay homage to cricket legends, including many Australians who have been shaping the sport for decades.

men playing a game of cricket at the Bradman InternationalCricket Hall of Fame, Bowral — Experience the excitement of a cricket match unfolding on the pitch. (Image: Dee Kramer Photography)

Pair your visit with a stroll around the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens and pick up a pie at Gumnut Patisserie before you jump back in the car.

Stop 4: Take a detour to Fitzroy Falls

Feel like a hike? After you’ve left Bowral, take a short detour off the motorway and you’ll end up in the beautiful setting of Fitzroy Falls . While Canberra has some beautiful walks waiting for you, it’s worth getting those hiking boots out and tracing the well-maintained West Rim Track which will take you through diverse landscapes and past those roaring waterfalls. Fitzroy Fall lookout is only a short hike from the visitor’s centre so even if you can’t dedicate two hours to the entire walk, it takes little effort to reach the best view in the Southern Highlands.

an aerial view of the Fitzroy Falls — Take a short detour to see the stunning Fitzroy Falls. (Image: Kramer Photography; www.kramer.photography)

Stop 5: Take an architecture tour of Exeter

While the Southern Highlands has plenty of quaint little villages to see, the most beautiful from an architectural perspective is Exeter . This thriving village has a large number of English-style estates and historic churches, earning its sometimes nickname of “Little England." Pop by for a quick, pleasant walk around town and don’t miss the historic Aidan’s Church of England with its beautiful stained-glass windows.

the Exeter village in Southern Highlands, NSW — Inside the Exeter village, you’ll find English-style estates and historic churches.

Stop 6: Visit the historic pubs of Goulburn

Goulburn is one of the bigger towns that you’ll hit just before you arrive in Canberra. If all the cafes in the Southern Highlands didn’t do it for you, sit down to a classic Aussie pub meal at any one of the town’s five major pubs. The Hibernian Hotel , the Southern Railway Hotel and the Gordon Hotel are the best of them, giving you one last essential slice of Southern NSW before you reach the tail-end of your Sydney to Canberra road trip.

Stop 7: Snap a selfie at Lake George Lookout

You’ll pass by Lake George on the Federal Highway just before you hit Canberra. The endorheic lake is famously calm and is surrounded by striking landscapes and wind farms.

There’s a lot to take in, so it’s always best to take the easy hike up to Weereewa Lookout which offers incredible views of the lake and beyond, taking in the best of the Southern Tablelands.

Stop 8: Grab lunch in Gundaroo

After you’ve visited Lake George, hop on over the other side of the highway and check out the village of Gundaroo. Make a beeline for the historic National Trust Royal Hotel with the multi-award-winning Grazing restaurant .

Grazing restaurant Gundaroo — Tuck into refined country fare. (Image: Ash St George / Pew Pew Studios)

Here, you’ve got some of the best local fresh farm produce and an exceptionally long list of the region’s best wines to choose from. And while Canberra is packed with some incredible restaurants, having a satisfying meal here is the only way to cap a short and sweet road trip.

the Grazing restaurant signage — Stop by the Grazing restaurant over the other side of the highway. (Image: Ash St George / Pew Pew Studios)

Discover the best things to do in Canberra.

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

Sydney to Canberra: the ultimate road trip guide