Getting to The Murray from Canberra

We want to explore The Murray – what’s the best time of the year to go there?

Each season offers something different in the Murray region. Summer is perfect for swimming, winter is an ideal time to gather everyone around a fireplace, while spring and autumn offer clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

What’s the best way to get there?

Driving is the easiest way. Though it’s possible to fly with Qantas from Canberra to Albury, via Sydney, that trip will take you three hours at best. The drive to Albury is only three-and-a-half hours. 

What is the best route to follow for a scenic drive to The Murray from Canberra?

The Hume Highway provides plenty of beautiful vistas, but there is another, slightly longer route that is even more visually spectacular. Instead, head west from Canberra through Brindabella National Park, on through Tumut in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, across to Wagga Wagga, and then south via Henty to Albury.

What are some great places to stop for coffee and/or food?

Just 90min out of Canberra is the Sir George in Jugiong which serves high-quality pub food, or try the nearby Long Track Pantry, which offers delicious food to eat in or take with you. A little further down the road, there’s great cafe fare at the Coffee Pedaler in Gundagai. If you’re taking the scenic route, Tumut has an excellent micro-brewery, the Tumut River Brewing Co, and there are wineries a short drive further south in gorgeous Tumbarumba. In Wagga Wagga, grab lunch at the Thirsty Crow brewery.

Any unmissable sights on the journey we might not know about?

On the Hume Highway, check out the historic Prince Alfred Bridge in Gundagai. On the scenic route, Kosciuszko National Park is a must.

Any good driving tips?

Be sure to stop every two hours to rest. Fortunately, on this drive there are plenty of places to do that, whether you’re taking a small detour into a local town or calling into a service station for fuel and supplies.