Canberra to Merimbula road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops
Canberra to Merimbula road trip: Attractions between Canberra and Cooma
The first leg of the Canberra to Merimbula road trip is from Canberra to Cooma, the hub town of the Snowy Mountains. This drive is largely 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 Canberra to Merimbula driving route heads through the birdlife-filled Jerrabomberra Wetlands, then the West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve.
Before leaving the Australian Capital Territory, you’ll also go past the Rob Roy Range Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park.
Keep going until Bredbo, where Macenmist Black Truffles and Wines runs truffle hunts and sells Australian truffles.
You’ll then go past the Bunyan Air Strip, home of the Canberra Gliding Club, and into Cooma.
Things to do in Cooma include visiting the NSW State Correctional Gaol Museum and Snowy Mountains Hydro Discovery Centre.
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 Merimbula.