Brisbane to Melbourne drive via Newell Highway: Best road trip stops
The Brisbane to Melbourne drive on the Newell Highway inland route is 1,680km in distance, with a driving time of around 18h23m. Good stops on the way include the Wondul Range National Park, Timmallallie National Park, the Old Dubbo Gaol, Parkes Observatory and the Tallarook Ranges.
For a Brisbane to Melbourne road trip, there are two main routes. One largely hugs the coast until Sydney, before following along the Hume Highway. The other cuts inland.
Recommendations in Brisbane include action and wildlife-packed Moreton Island tours, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, river kayaking tours and cruising to the ultra-cute Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
To browse the collection of Brisbane tours and experiences, step this way. For the best value Brisbane hotels, pick here.
Upon arrival in Melbourne, consider ticking you may want to tick Melbourne Cricket Ground tours, Yarra River dinner cruises and cross-city hot air balloon flights off your wish list. For a great range of Melbourne tours and experiences, explore here. To track down the best value Melbourne accommodation, come this way.
Skip the queues – book Melbourne attraction tickets in advance.
Top choices include the Melbourne Skydeck (BOOK NOW), MCG tour (BOOK NOW), Melbourne Zoo (BOOK NOW) and LegoLand Discovery Centre (BOOK NOW).
Brisbane to Melbourne drive: The coastal route
The coastal route from Brisbane to Melbourne is much more enjoyable, allowing for stops in the likes of Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Forster and Port Stephens. It is slightly longer – 1,776km – but doesn’t take quite as long. On the coastal route, the Brisbane to Melbourne driving time is around 17 hours and 56 minutes.
Going inland, the distance is shorter – 1,680km. But the Brisbane to Melbourne driving time of 18 hours and 23 minutes is longer.
👇 7 great day trips while you’re in Melbourne 👇
- Great Ocean Road tour – with koalas 🐨.
- Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island tour – with penguins 🐧.
- Yarra Valley wine tour – with gin, cider and cheese 🍷.
- Grampians National Park tour – with bushwalks and LOADS of kangaroos 🦘.
- Mornington Peninsula tour – with hot springs bathing 🛀.
- Wilsons Promontory tour – with all manner of native wildlife 🦘🐨.
- Dandenong Ranges steam train ride – plus wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary and chocolate-tasting in the Yarra Valley.
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Brisbane to Melbourne drive: The Newell Highway inland route
The inland drive from Brisbane to Melbourne starts with going from Brisbane to Toowoomba. This is mostly along the Warrego Highway through Ipswich and Plainland. After Toowoomba, you’re then on the Gore Highway via Pittsworth and Millmerran towards Goondiwindi. The Wondul Range National Park and Bulli State Forest are the most appealing spots for a journey break on the four hour Brisbane to Goondiwindi leg.
The main reason to stop in Goondiwindi is the fascinating cotton farm tours.
Goondiwindi accommodation picks
Hotel booking site Wotif offers Goondiwindi accommodation for from $97 a night. Check the options here.
The following, however, are particularly good choices.
- For central location: Macintyre Motor Inn.
- For cheapish rates and a pool: Binalong Motel.
- For character: O’Shea’s Royal Hotel.
- For family cabins: Freedom Lifestyle Parks Goondiwindi.
Once over the New South Wales border, you’d better get used to being on the Newell Highway. It’s going to be a constant companion. The Goondiwindi to Moree drive takes around an hour and a half. In Moree, you can enjoy pecan farms and artesian pools.
Moree accommodation possibilities include the spacious Jackaroo Apartments and the outdoor pool-equipped Albert Spa Motel.
Next section: Moree to Dubbo.