Road Trip - Sydney to Melbourne
Leisurely pace along the Hume Highway
Leisurely pace along the Hume Highway
You have decided to travel between Australia’s two biggest cities. You are keen to get to your destination but the 900km trip is daunting and you are keen to make the journey both safely and in a relaxed manner. If you have children in the car, you probably well know the question ‘are we there yet’. Lets give them multiple ‘there’s’ until we hit the traffic that signals that we are almost ‘there’
Well, life is about choices and you are opting for a relaxed, three day journey between the two capitals, making overnight stops in Gundagai and Echuca. Just remember to make frequent ‘revive - Survive’ stops along the way. These are just some of those stops.
Well, life is about choices and you are opting for a relaxed, three day journey between the two capitals, making overnight stops in Gundagai and Echuca. Just remember to make frequent ‘revive - Survive’ stops along the way. These are just some of those stops.
The Viaduct
Picton:- Picton is about a 90 minute drive from central Sydney. If this is not too close for your first stop. It is a small town in the Macarthur Region of New South Wales south-west of Sydney.
The Viaduct was built by a contractor named Ambrose Crawshaw and work commenced in 1862. It has five 12.2 metre arches and is 84.1 metres long. The Viaduct’s highest point is 23.8 metres above the creek bed. Construction took several years and it is now the oldest existing stone archway over water in NSW still in use.
The Victoria Bridge is a heritage-listed timber trestle truss road bridge across the Stone quarry Creek, located at Prince Street in and opened on 7 October 1897
The Viaduct was built by a contractor named Ambrose Crawshaw and work commenced in 1862. It has five 12.2 metre arches and is 84.1 metres long. The Viaduct’s highest point is 23.8 metres above the creek bed. Construction took several years and it is now the oldest existing stone archway over water in NSW still in use.
The Victoria Bridge is a heritage-listed timber trestle truss road bridge across the Stone quarry Creek, located at Prince Street in and opened on 7 October 1897
Thirlmere:- The Railway Museum at Thirlmere, just outside Picton is a worthwhile detour from the Highway. It will possibly make car travel of today seem quite comfortable when compared to yester-year.
Bowral:- About 30km further down the track and you get to the ‘big’ little town of Bowral. This town is promoted as “the biggest and most sophisticated of all the towns and villages in the Highlands and home to an exciting and eclectic mix of eateries, winereies, boutique shops, country markets and events”.
Please give wine tasting a miss because there is still a great deal of tar to cover before our overnight stop.
Cricket tragic’s should not go past the Bradman Museum. There are also glow worm caves and a pioneer village but these are possibly destinations for another trip to the area.
Please give wine tasting a miss because there is still a great deal of tar to cover before our overnight stop.
Cricket tragic’s should not go past the Bradman Museum. There are also glow worm caves and a pioneer village but these are possibly destinations for another trip to the area.
Rambo
Goulburn:- About 80 km down the track from Bowral is the city of Goulburn. In years past, the highway went through the town’s main street but now bypasses it. Well worth a coffee / tea break and a leg stretch.
Rambo, the Big Merino, 3 story’s high, was built in 1985 to celebrate the wool industry and was relocated when the highway bypass was built. Children will love climbing up into his head. There is a gift shop and eating places nearby.
The Paragon Café, opened in the 1940’s was a landmark destination for drivers passing on their way north or south. Still very worth a visit for old-time ambience and hospitality. (and good food)
Other attractions in Goulburn include
Did you know that Goulburn has a long history associated with motor sports in Australia. Although Tourist Trophy races were held in Western Australia annually from 1912-16, the first one to be billed as the 'Tourist Trophy Race of Australia' occurred in Goulburn in 1914. This was followed by Goulburn District's first motorcycle Australian Grand Prix in 1924. This was a huge national event, with not only local and state riders competing, but interstate teams as well. The Grand Prix Memorial Park is located on Mountain Ash Road (near the intersection with Windellama Road)
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Goulburn is also home to Australia’s first SuperMax, The Goulburn Correctional Centre for males. So watch that speed limit on your journey. Not the place that you want to end up in. This establishment is a far cry from Goulburn's first lock-up which was built around 1830 and gallows were built as early as 1832 when floggings were common. Floggings? You are probably better off in the SuperMax.
Rambo, the Big Merino, 3 story’s high, was built in 1985 to celebrate the wool industry and was relocated when the highway bypass was built. Children will love climbing up into his head. There is a gift shop and eating places nearby.
The Paragon Café, opened in the 1940’s was a landmark destination for drivers passing on their way north or south. Still very worth a visit for old-time ambience and hospitality. (and good food)
Other attractions in Goulburn include
- The Adventure Playground catering for children from infants to teens as well as carers and families, located within Victoria Park.
- Museums and old homesteads such as Riversdale Historic Homestead and Garroorigang
- Antique shops, shopping centres and plenty of eating places
Did you know that Goulburn has a long history associated with motor sports in Australia. Although Tourist Trophy races were held in Western Australia annually from 1912-16, the first one to be billed as the 'Tourist Trophy Race of Australia' occurred in Goulburn in 1914. This was followed by Goulburn District's first motorcycle Australian Grand Prix in 1924. This was a huge national event, with not only local and state riders competing, but interstate teams as well. The Grand Prix Memorial Park is located on Mountain Ash Road (near the intersection with Windellama Road)
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Goulburn is also home to Australia’s first SuperMax, The Goulburn Correctional Centre for males. So watch that speed limit on your journey. Not the place that you want to end up in. This establishment is a far cry from Goulburn's first lock-up which was built around 1830 and gallows were built as early as 1832 when floggings were common. Floggings? You are probably better off in the SuperMax.
Want lunch? then get me off your lunch box - but it has possibly gone stale.
Gundagai:- From Goulburn to Gundagai is about 180 km and a good place for an overnight stop, about 375km from our start.
Dog on a tucker box:- Feeling hungry, forget the food cause there is a dog sitting on your tucker box (food hamper). The Dog on the Tuckerbox is a historical monument and tourist attraction, about 7.2 kilometres from the centre of Gundagai. The statue was unveiled by the Prime Minister, Joseph in 1932 as a tribute to pioneers. The statue was inspired by a bullock drover's poem, "Bullocky Bill", which humorously describes a series of misfortunes faced by the drover, culminating in his food being spoiled by his dog who sits either in or on his tuckerbox. An annual Dog on the Tuckerbox Festival has been held each year since 1992, the 60th anniversary of the monument.
The sculptor of the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox, Frank Rusconi, also left another impressive legacy for Gundagai in the form of a unique cathedral-in-miniature, coined ‘Rusconi’s Marble Masterpiece’, Rusconi wanted to showcase the diversity and beauty of NSW marble. The 'masterpiece' is really magnificent but regrettably housed in an an aging perspex case that does not do it justice.
Dog on a tucker box:- Feeling hungry, forget the food cause there is a dog sitting on your tucker box (food hamper). The Dog on the Tuckerbox is a historical monument and tourist attraction, about 7.2 kilometres from the centre of Gundagai. The statue was unveiled by the Prime Minister, Joseph in 1932 as a tribute to pioneers. The statue was inspired by a bullock drover's poem, "Bullocky Bill", which humorously describes a series of misfortunes faced by the drover, culminating in his food being spoiled by his dog who sits either in or on his tuckerbox. An annual Dog on the Tuckerbox Festival has been held each year since 1992, the 60th anniversary of the monument.
The sculptor of the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox, Frank Rusconi, also left another impressive legacy for Gundagai in the form of a unique cathedral-in-miniature, coined ‘Rusconi’s Marble Masterpiece’, Rusconi wanted to showcase the diversity and beauty of NSW marble. The 'masterpiece' is really magnificent but regrettably housed in an an aging perspex case that does not do it justice.
Marble Masterpiece - the lower section
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The Great Rescue
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OK, so you escaped from the Goulburn Gaol, but you are not yet a free man because right in town here is another ‘lock up’. The Old Gundagai Gaol at the corner of First Avenue and Byron St has been housing 'crims' since 1859 and they have self guided tours.
Six years later the locals decided that they had a need for transport and the railway station was built. This was restored to its original beauty in the 1990’s.
The Great Rescue, a sculpture remembering the night of June 24, 1852 when two Wiradjuri men, Yarri and Jacky Jacky, rescued one third of Gundagai town’s residents (some 69 people) in frail bark canoes from the flooded Murrumbidgee River.
Bridges are a notable feature of the local landscape. Gundagai is dominated by four bridges spanning the Murrumbidgee flats: the historic Prince Alfred Bridge (1866), the timber Railway Bridge (1902), and now the dual Sheahan bridges (1976) of the Hume Highway. The Prince Alfred Bridge is the longest timber viaduct in Australia and has been classified by the National Trust as a structure whose preservation is essential to Australia’s heritage.
Dad and Dave. The characters of Dad and Dave are a well-known part of Australia’s cultural history, Created by Steele Rudd for his ‘On Our Selection’ novels, Dad, Dave, Mum and Mabel, were characters set against the backdrop of land selection in the late 19th century.
Six years later the locals decided that they had a need for transport and the railway station was built. This was restored to its original beauty in the 1990’s.
The Great Rescue, a sculpture remembering the night of June 24, 1852 when two Wiradjuri men, Yarri and Jacky Jacky, rescued one third of Gundagai town’s residents (some 69 people) in frail bark canoes from the flooded Murrumbidgee River.
Bridges are a notable feature of the local landscape. Gundagai is dominated by four bridges spanning the Murrumbidgee flats: the historic Prince Alfred Bridge (1866), the timber Railway Bridge (1902), and now the dual Sheahan bridges (1976) of the Hume Highway. The Prince Alfred Bridge is the longest timber viaduct in Australia and has been classified by the National Trust as a structure whose preservation is essential to Australia’s heritage.
Dad and Dave. The characters of Dad and Dave are a well-known part of Australia’s cultural history, Created by Steele Rudd for his ‘On Our Selection’ novels, Dad, Dave, Mum and Mabel, were characters set against the backdrop of land selection in the late 19th century.
Bridges over the flood plains
Dad and Dave
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Dave, don't you know that smoking can kill?
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Holbrook:- 120 km from Gundagai is the small inland town of Holbrook.
Ok, the word ‘brook’ means a stream or rivulet. Could that be the reason why the submarine HMAS Otway got lost and ended up in the middle of rural NSW? To find out the real reason, you will have to visit the submarine and museum. Kids will love running on to sub and there is a great coffee shop and clean public toilets in the park.
If you happen to find yourself in Holbrook on the fourth Saturday of the month, the Holbrook Markets by the Sub gives local vendors and farmers a place to come together and showcase their goods.
Ok, the word ‘brook’ means a stream or rivulet. Could that be the reason why the submarine HMAS Otway got lost and ended up in the middle of rural NSW? To find out the real reason, you will have to visit the submarine and museum. Kids will love running on to sub and there is a great coffee shop and clean public toilets in the park.
If you happen to find yourself in Holbrook on the fourth Saturday of the month, the Holbrook Markets by the Sub gives local vendors and farmers a place to come together and showcase their goods.
Albury /–Wodonga:- A hop and skip from Holbrook are the twin towns of Albury in NSW and Wodonga on the VIC side of the Murray River.
Remember that we are driving so no reference to the wineries in this region. That is unless you can give the car keys to the children to drive. But they are too busy playing at Oddies Creek play park to be bothered about adult business.
The Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk features a series of stunning contemporary Aboriginal sculptures lining the Wagirra Trail from Kremur Street in West Albury to Wonga Wetlands. There are eleven sculptures created by local Aboriginal artists and each one is accompanied by an interpretative panel.
The Albury Botanic Gardens in the city of Albury, was established in 1877 and forms an example of the mainstream ideas about gardening in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Remember that we are driving so no reference to the wineries in this region. That is unless you can give the car keys to the children to drive. But they are too busy playing at Oddies Creek play park to be bothered about adult business.
The Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk features a series of stunning contemporary Aboriginal sculptures lining the Wagirra Trail from Kremur Street in West Albury to Wonga Wetlands. There are eleven sculptures created by local Aboriginal artists and each one is accompanied by an interpretative panel.
The Albury Botanic Gardens in the city of Albury, was established in 1877 and forms an example of the mainstream ideas about gardening in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Echuca and its twin city Moama:- Mention the name Echuca, the first thought that enters the mind is a paddle steamer. By the end of the 19th century, Echuca was the second largest port in Victoria. Built at Echuca in 1866, PS Adelaide is the oldest wooden hulled paddle steamer still operating in the world!
The Great Aussie Beer Shed is a good place for the driver to start their tour in Echuca. You are spending the night here so there is no drink and drive conflict. 3k from Echuca displays an unbelievable collection of Aussie Icon paraphernalia including over 17,000 beer cans from Australia and around the world. Other interesting and related items include tap tops, handles, barrels, bottles, signs, brewery manufacturing equipment and machinery. Check opening times
National Holden Motor Museum Echuca is fortunate to have one of the nation's largest collection of Holden's, putting this private museum among the largest single brand car museums in Australia. The vehicles and memorabilia are courtesy of Holden Ltd, Holden enthusiasts and private collectors.of all ages enthralled.
The Great Aussie Beer Shed is a good place for the driver to start their tour in Echuca. You are spending the night here so there is no drink and drive conflict. 3k from Echuca displays an unbelievable collection of Aussie Icon paraphernalia including over 17,000 beer cans from Australia and around the world. Other interesting and related items include tap tops, handles, barrels, bottles, signs, brewery manufacturing equipment and machinery. Check opening times
National Holden Motor Museum Echuca is fortunate to have one of the nation's largest collection of Holden's, putting this private museum among the largest single brand car museums in Australia. The vehicles and memorabilia are courtesy of Holden Ltd, Holden enthusiasts and private collectors.of all ages enthralled.
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Thong Tree. Any Parisian bridge, and bridges in any other cities around the world have padlocks on bridges to reflect eternal love. Where else can you find a couple of 'Thong Trees'. That is the Australian definition of thongs - footwear, and not underwear. But what do the thongs represent? eternal walking, very uncomfortable with only one. Perhaps non-eternal love - I will think about getting up and moving out - I already have one foot elsewhere!
Port of Echuca Discovery Centre is where you can explore the story of Australia's pioneers and learn how Australia's inland river system connected a fledgling colony to the outside world. You will hear the story of the power of steam and the working saw mill and learn about the history of the paddle steamers. Underground pub at the Star Hotel, constructed when the hotel lost its licence to sell booze - part of a prohibition experiment to clean up the town to make it more attractive to families.e v |
P S Adelaide - the oldest timber hull paddle steamer still in use, anywhere in the world
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PS Emmy Lou
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Star Hotel - one of the first brick buildings in town.
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Getting around in Echuca
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The harbour - Echuca. Multiple levels because of different river levels
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Thong Tree
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Underground pub - dug to beat prohibition.
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Beer cans
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Spruiking beer
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By now you can almost smell that coffee aroma rising from any one of a number of Melbournian coffee shops. And dont forget that deliciously tasty fresh pastry. "Yumm."
My hand is starting to shake - but - decisions, decisions, decisions. From Echuca is it going to be a direct drive to the next coffee break in the city, or do we take the back roads via Bendigo and Ballarat? An extra 120 km ... and hey, they do serve good coffee there. |
Bendigo:- Wow, Just think about paying for your whole holiday with a small chunk of gold? Think about becoming a prospector. See where the first of nine billion dollars of gold found in Bendigo, making this place the seventh richest field in the world.
But no, more prospectors lived in poverty, than those who made it big, and most could not afford that cup of freshly brewed coffee and certainly not that fresh pastry. Although they possibly would have preferred a drink that came out of a bottle or keg. But you can still take the kids prospecting. You need a license but not the kids under the age of 18. Much more relaxing is a visit and underground tour at the Central Deborah Gold Mine. They have a short 75 minute tour but children need to be at least 3 years of age to complete this tour. Other tours have an older age limit.
But no, more prospectors lived in poverty, than those who made it big, and most could not afford that cup of freshly brewed coffee and certainly not that fresh pastry. Although they possibly would have preferred a drink that came out of a bottle or keg. But you can still take the kids prospecting. You need a license but not the kids under the age of 18. Much more relaxing is a visit and underground tour at the Central Deborah Gold Mine. They have a short 75 minute tour but children need to be at least 3 years of age to complete this tour. Other tours have an older age limit.
- See https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/visit/popular-activities/fossicking
Inside the Joss House
And why would they want a fresh, sickly sweet pastry? So many of the early settlers were of Chinese descent and perhaps a Dim Sim and cup of green tea would have been more appealing. Visit the Golden Dragon Museum which is a history of the Chinese people of Bendigo and also the Yi Yuan (Garden of Joy) or visit the Joss House (Chinese Temple)
Did I tell you that Bendigo promotion states "Bendigo is a city that thrives on its coffee culture. Think latte art, freshly roasted beans and uber cool cafés. Where local roasters and coffee blends are followed just as closely as the barista’s that bring them to life." Who needs gold?
Did I tell you that Bendigo promotion states "Bendigo is a city that thrives on its coffee culture. Think latte art, freshly roasted beans and uber cool cafés. Where local roasters and coffee blends are followed just as closely as the barista’s that bring them to life." Who needs gold?
- See:- https://www.bendigotourism.com/bendigo-eat-drink/dining-in-bendigo/local-coffee-roasters
Tram over service pit
If you want to get around the city as our forefathers did, jump on the tourist tram. This will take you to the gold mine, the Joss House and the Tram Museum as well as other stops. The round trip is just one hour and you can get on and off at any stop.
Right next door to the tram museum is a wool outlet
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Tourist Tram
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The tram goes past some of the City sights
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The original flag (Wikipedia)
Ballarat:- The city is famous in Australia for the Eureka Rebellion, the only armed rebellion in Australian history. It is a city known for its history, culture and its well-preserved Victorian era heritage. It is claimed that the battle at the Eureka Stockade in 1854 changed Australia forever representing the populist struggle and has been called the birthplace of Australian democracy. A bold call for a battle that only lasted 20 minutes. Without wanting to trivialise their struggle, the coffee was probably getting cold, or the beer was loosing it's head.
Sovereign Hill is a great place to start the Ballarat experience. It brings to life the excitement of Australia’s great 1850s gold rushes. Named Australia’s best ‘Major Tourist Attraction’ four times, most recently in 2016, Sovereign Hill provides a unique Australian experience and a full day of entertainment. (and the opportunity of finding more gold, and more good coffee)
Looking for a bit of kitch, then visit Kryal Castle - a replica medieval adventure park which has been entertaining visitors since 1974. Guests can once again travel back in time and visit dragons, queens, kings, knights and wizards roam.
But then, Ballarat is possibly better visited as a day trip, or overnight stay from your digs in Melbourne. It is only about a 90 minute drive.
Sovereign Hill is a great place to start the Ballarat experience. It brings to life the excitement of Australia’s great 1850s gold rushes. Named Australia’s best ‘Major Tourist Attraction’ four times, most recently in 2016, Sovereign Hill provides a unique Australian experience and a full day of entertainment. (and the opportunity of finding more gold, and more good coffee)
Looking for a bit of kitch, then visit Kryal Castle - a replica medieval adventure park which has been entertaining visitors since 1974. Guests can once again travel back in time and visit dragons, queens, kings, knights and wizards roam.
But then, Ballarat is possibly better visited as a day trip, or overnight stay from your digs in Melbourne. It is only about a 90 minute drive.
The Return Journey:- Have you ever noticed that getting there, wherever there may be, usually feels like a much longer journey than going home? There is a possibly a good explanation for that, even though the actual distance covered, and the actual time taken are very similar.
One reason could be that by the time you start on the homeward journey, the wallet is much lighter, and the credit card is much heavier and you just want to get home as cheaply (read quickly) as possible. Another reason is that all the expectations of the journey have been met (or you have realised that they will not be met) and you want to get on with the next part of life.
On the return, we will make but one overnight stop at one of those most Australian places - towns with a double barreled name where both parts are the same i.e. Wagga Wagga. Some other well known names include Woy Woy, Bong Bong, Mooney Mooney and over one hundred others
One reason could be that by the time you start on the homeward journey, the wallet is much lighter, and the credit card is much heavier and you just want to get home as cheaply (read quickly) as possible. Another reason is that all the expectations of the journey have been met (or you have realised that they will not be met) and you want to get on with the next part of life.
On the return, we will make but one overnight stop at one of those most Australian places - towns with a double barreled name where both parts are the same i.e. Wagga Wagga. Some other well known names include Woy Woy, Bong Bong, Mooney Mooney and over one hundred others
Euroa:- Euroa is a town about 2 hours drive from Melbourne. In 1878, Ned Kelly, Australia's best-known bush ranger, roamed the ranges around Euroa, holding up the National Bank in town. If we can repeat his deed it will solve the wallet and credit card problems, and make the homeward journey more relaxed. Perhaps 20 years non parole period more relaxed. Putting a bucket on your head not on your 'bucket' list? Why not chance a lottery ticket from the local news agent? It may have the same result. Euroa is situated in a rich agricultural district close to the Strathbogie Ranges makes it a handy base for exploring the natural beauty of the area, including a number of picturesque creeks, waterfalls and tourist drives through the mountain ranges. .
Wagga Wagga:- Located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in New South Wales. The name Wagga Wagga is a Wiradjuri Indigenous Australian word meaning many crows, The Murrumbidgee River flows for about 1485km and the name quite rightly means "big water" in the Wiradjuri language.
The Marrambidya Wetland is a 20 hectare reserve located alongside the Murrumbidgee River only a few minutes from the Wagga Wagga city centre.
The Victory Memorial Gardens were established in 1925 as a tribute to those who fought and died in the First World War. The Garden is located on the banks of the Wollundry lagoon in Wagga Wagga's business centre.
If you feel like stretching the legs, the Wiradjuri Walking Track covers around 42 kilometres, circling much of the City and exploring riverbanks, hilltops and everything in-between. It also winds through Silvalite Reserve and Pomingarlarna Park. The Wollundry Loop is 12.1 kilometres and a more leisurely walk, following part of the Murrumbidgee River and the perimeter of the Wollundry Lagoon.
The Marrambidya Wetland is a 20 hectare reserve located alongside the Murrumbidgee River only a few minutes from the Wagga Wagga city centre.
The Victory Memorial Gardens were established in 1925 as a tribute to those who fought and died in the First World War. The Garden is located on the banks of the Wollundry lagoon in Wagga Wagga's business centre.
If you feel like stretching the legs, the Wiradjuri Walking Track covers around 42 kilometres, circling much of the City and exploring riverbanks, hilltops and everything in-between. It also winds through Silvalite Reserve and Pomingarlarna Park. The Wollundry Loop is 12.1 kilometres and a more leisurely walk, following part of the Murrumbidgee River and the perimeter of the Wollundry Lagoon.
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Yass is a good stop for a revive break, a leg stretch and something to eat or drink. If you are there on a Sunday the Yass Railway Museum may be open.
Of course, Canberra is another option for a stop and there is no shortage of things top do or where to eat that can take up an hour or so rest break or a two day stopover. |
Canberra from Telstra Tower
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You can even push on to Goulburn and have that dessert that you decided not to have on the outward journey. At mealtimes the dessert does follow the main course, and in our case, the main course was Melbourne and environs. Something sweet to brace you for the drive into Sydney.
Your tour journey is nearing the end. When the GPS is showing just over an hour to your final stop, you will notice that the traffic is getting heavier and you no longer keep that watchfull eye on the speedo because you are going nowhere in a hurry.
"Are we there yet?" "Only another two hours in this traffic"
Your tour journey is nearing the end. When the GPS is showing just over an hour to your final stop, you will notice that the traffic is getting heavier and you no longer keep that watchfull eye on the speedo because you are going nowhere in a hurry.
"Are we there yet?" "Only another two hours in this traffic"
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