Melbourne to Hervey Bay road trip: Distance, time & best stops
Attractions between Melbourne and Hervey Bay: Narrandera to West Wyalong
Another 135km through grain country via Ardlethan brings you to West Wyalong.
West Wyalong is in the Riverina region, and is best known for its statue of painter Russell Drysdale. The West Wyalong Wetlands Boardwalk makes for a decent amble, and the colonial-era Royal Hotel is the best accommodation option.
Where to stay in West Wyalong
The best West Wyalong accommodation picks are
- For a good quality motel at relatively cheap rates: Cameo Inn Motel.
- For a four star in a historic building: Royal Hotel.
- For central location: Mentor Chambers Apartment Bed & Breakfast.
Melbourne to Hervey Bay driving holiday: Forbes and Parkes
The next stop is Forbes, and the route passes Lake Cowal – the largest inland lake in New South Wales. It is, however, ephemeral, so don’t expect it brimming with water and birdlife.
Things to do in Forbes include learning about bushranger Ben Hall at the Forbes Historical Museum and strolling the Sculptures Down The Lachlan art trail. You can stay the night at the centrally-located Ben Hall Motor Inn or the well-reviewed Town and Country Motor Inn.
Another 33km along the Newell Highway, and you arrive in Parkes.
Parkes hosts the Henry Parkes Centre, which houses Elvis museum King’s Castle.
Top of the list of things to do in Parkes, however, is paying a visit to the Dish. Also known as Murriyang, this powerful radio telescope at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory transmitted the images of the 1969 moon landing to the world.
The best accommodation in Parkes
The top places to stay in Parkes are:
- For overall quality: Bushman’s Motor Inn.
- For central location: Court Street Motel.
- For parkside location: Hamilton Henry Parkes Motor Inn.
Click through to the next section: Parkes to Dubbo.