Canberra to Bega road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops
Canberra to Bega road trip: Canberra to Cooma section
The first section of the Canberra to Bega road trip is from Canberra to Cooma, the hub town of the Snowy Mountains. This drive is mainly along the Monaro Highway.
7 great Canberra experiences to book before you arrive
- Full day city highlights tour – including Mount Ainslie, Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial.
- Tidbinbilla wildlife and birds tour – see kangaroos, koalas, platypus and emus in the wild.
- Hot air balloon flight – see Canberra’s unique design while floating above the city.
- Small group wine tour – discover the amazing wineries and food producers of the Canberra region.
- Australian Institute of Sport tour – see where Australia’s next generation of sporting greats train.
- Australian Museum – expert-guided tour of the museum highlights.
- Brewery tour – hop between Canberra’s best craft breweries.
Leaving Canberra, the route heads through the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, then past the West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve.
While following the Murrumbidgee River south, you’ll also go past the Rob Roy Range Nature Reserve and the Australian Capital Territory’s biggest national park – Namadgi National Park.
The next town of any size is Bredbo, which is food-centric. Macenmist Black Truffles and Wines sells truffles and runs truffle hunts, while the Bredbo Pie Shop has somewhat legendary status.
You’ll then go past the Canberra Gliding Club at the Bunyan Air Strip, and into Cooma.
Things to do in Cooma include visiting the Snowy Mountains Hydro Discovery Centre and NSW State Correctional Gaol Museum.
Where to stay in Cooma
The best Cooma accommodation picks are:
- For a solid motel with cheap rates: iMotel Cooma.
- For a heated indoor pool: Kinross Inn.
- To be within walking distance of restaurants: Nebula Motel.
Next up: Cooma to Bega.