Sydney to Canberra Without the Highway: The Slower Scenic Option
Sydney to Canberra Without the Highway: The Slower Scenic Option
If you’re planning a road trip from Sydney to Canberra, chances are you’ll default to the Hume Highway. It’s direct, efficient—and honestly, a bit forgettable. But if you’re not in a rush, the journey between Australia’s biggest city and its capital has a lot more to offer when you take the scenic route.
This slower drive lets you swap petrol stations and overpasses for country towns, waterfalls, wineries, and winding rural roads. It’s ideal for travellers with a hire car, a free day, and an appetite for the road less travelled.
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Why Skip the Highway?
The Hume might shave off time, but it skips most of what makes the region between Sydney and Canberra worth seeing. A scenic route turns a routine transfer into an actual road trip—full of picnic spots, coffee stops, walking trails, and local charm.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Sydney local looking to rediscover the region, this detour offers a better balance of beauty, freedom, and fun.
How Long Does the Scenic Route Take?
The direct Sydney-to-Canberra drive via the Hume takes about 3 hours. The scenic route below can take 5 to 6 hours depending on your pace and stops. That still puts you in Canberra before dinner—with better stories and more photos to show for it.
Key Stops Along the Way
Here’s a slower, southbound route worth following:
1. Royal National Park
Distance from Sydney: 45 min
Start your journey with a drive through the Royal National Park—Australia’s oldest. Coastal cliffs, rainforest drives, and walking tracks like Wattamolla and Garie Beach give you a morning dose of nature. The park road leads you to the scenic Sea Cliff Bridge.
Don’t Miss: A coffee stop at Audley or a walk to Wedding Cake Rock (if open).
2. Wollongong Coastline
Distance from Royal National Park: 45 min
Cruise into Wollongong via the Grand Pacific Drive. Walk the Sea Cliff Bridge, take a quick beach break, or grab brunch at one of the beachside cafés.
Optional Detour: Take a swim at Austinmer or stop at Nan Tien Temple—the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
3. Macquarie Pass & Robertson
Distance from Wollongong: 45–60 min
Head inland through the winding, rainforest-lined Macquarie Pass. It’s slow, twisty, and beautiful. You’ll land in Robertson, a highland town known for its pies, produce, and rolling green hills.
Don’t Miss: The famous Robertson Pie Shop or a stroll in the nearby rainforest reserve.
4. Fitzroy Falls
Distance from Robertson: 25 min
A short drive takes you to Fitzroy Falls, located in Morton National Park. The main viewing platform is easy to reach and offers spectacular views over the escarpment. If you’ve got time, take the West Rim walking track for quiet lookouts and peaceful bushland.
5. Moss Vale & Bowral
Distance from Fitzroy Falls: 30–40 min
Drive through the heart of the Southern Highlands. Stop in Moss Vale for a garden stroll or head to Bowral for boutique shopping, antique browsing, or a visit to the Bradman Museum if cricket’s your thing.
Food Tip: Bowral has great local eateries and bakeries for a late lunch.
6. Bungendore
Distance from Bowral: 1 hr 45 min
After leaving the Highlands, cruise through wide country roads toward Bungendore, just outside Canberra. This artsy village is home to galleries, cafes, and the well-known Bungendore Wood Works Gallery.
Final Stretch: From Bungendore, it’s just 30 minutes to Canberra.
Tips for a Smooth Scenic Drive
Start early: Leave Sydney by 8 AM to enjoy a full day.
Check road conditions on Macquarie Pass—narrow and winding but worth it.
Fuel up in Wollongong or Bowral to avoid small-town service gaps.
Download maps offline—reception is patchy in some bushland areas.
Bring snacks, a picnic rug, and your camera—you’ll want all three.
Make It Easy with YesDrive
YesDrive offers reliable, comfortable rental cars from Sydney that are perfect for day trips and longer detours. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends, having the right vehicle makes all the difference—especially when the road itself is part of the adventure.
Book your YesDrive car today and make the most of the journey from Sydney to Canberra—one scenic stop at a time.
