Melbourne to Hervey Bay road trip: Distance, time & best stops
Melbourne to Hervey Bay road trip: Narrabri to Goondiwindi
It’s another 100km from Narrabri to Moree, although you may wish to detour to Mount Kaputar National Park for the views and walking trails.
Things to do in Moree include birdwatching at the Waterbird Lagoon bird hide in the Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area, visiting the Bank Art Museum and swimming at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.
What’s the best Moree accommodation?
Moree makes a logical overnight stop on many road trips. These are the best accommodation choices.
- For exclusive artesian spa pools: Artesian Spa Motel.
- For great reviews & a restaurant: Albert Motel.
- For solid, well-priced apartments with a pool: Jackaroo Apartments.
From Moree, the Newell Highway heads towards border town Boggabilla, then over into Queensland. The first town you’ll reach is Goondiwindi. There’s a nice mix of history and culture here, with attractions including the Customs House Museum and Goondiwindi Art and Sculpture Trail.
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.
Melbourne to Hervey Bay drive: Goondiwindi to Moonie
From Goondiwindi, you need to head north along the Leichhardt Highway. You’re deep into agricultural territory here, and the first stop of any note is the Monte Cristo Rest Area in Billa Billa.
Push on, and you’ll pass through Booroondoo State Forest. There are no visitor facilities here, so you may as well keep going to Moonie. Here, you can take a fuel stop and admire the wonderfully silly Big Yabbie.
If you fancy free camping overnight, then you can pitch a tent at the Rocky Water Hole just north of Moonie.
Click through to the next section: Moonie to Dalby.