Wollongong to Goulburn road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops

The best stops on a Wollongong to Goulburn road trip include Mittagong and Bowral. The distance from Wollongong to Goulburn is 154km, with a driving time of around 1h42m.

A Wollongong to Goulburn road trip connects two of the biggest cities in New South Wales.

Wollongong offers several amazing beaches, tandem hang-gliding flights and skydives with a beach landing.

To check out the best Goulburn accommodation deals, look here.

This guide should help you plan a great Wollongong to Goulburn road trip itinerary. Click on the links to the town and city names for more detailed information on potential stops.

Wollongong to Goulburn distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Wollongong to Goulburn is 154km. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and 42 minutes. For an international comparison, that’s the same distance as the Carlisle to Glasgow drive in the UK.

6 fantastic Wollongong experiences to book before you arrive

Tandem hang-gliding flight from Bald Hill – float down towards the beach.
One hour private surf lesson in Woonona – learn the basics, and get standing on your board.
Illawarra Fly ziplining course and treetop walk – test your nerves high up in the canopy.
Tandem skydive with beach landing – feel the rush of freefall.
Explore the city on a scavenger hunt – a fun way to get to know Wollongong better.
Half day deep sea fishing adventure – haul in some big boys.

The first task is to get from Wollongong to the Hume Motorway. The route goes past the Wollongong Botanic Garden and Mount Keira Lookout along the Princes Highway, then joins Picton Road. A short diversion off the road will take you to the Cordeaux Dam and Lake Cordeaux.

You’ll meet the Hume in Wilton, home of Sydney Skydivers.

Wollongong to Goulburn drive: Wilton to Mittagong

From there, you’ll go past the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary at Bargo and the Nepean Dam before arriving in Mittagong.

Things to do in Mittagong include spotting birds at the Lake Alexandra Reserve and tasting wines at Tertini Wines.

Top Mittagong accommodation

The best places to stay in Mittagong are:

For heritage in an 1836 sandstone building: Fitzroy Inn Historic Retreat.
For kid-friendly facilities: Mittagong Caravan Park.
For a relatively cheap, decent motel: Mittagong Motel.

Wollongong to Goulburn road trip: Bowral to Goulburn

Nearby Bowral is a better base, though. It has stunning accommodation at the Berida Hotel and Milton Park, plus innovative wineries such as Centennial Vineyards. Cricket fans will lap up the Bradman Museum, while Fitzroy Falls or Belmore Falls in the nearby Morton National Park show off the region’s natural beauty.

5 great Southern Highlands experiences to boost your visit

Personalised private Southern Highlands wine and attractions tours – tailored to your tastes.
Tutored wine-tasting and canapes experience.
Beekeeping experience – learn how honey is made.
Guided wine-tasting at the Mill – with tasting notes procided.
Behind the scenes tour of a sustainable winery in Berrima.

The Forest East Service Centre is the most common stop on the way to Goulburn, although nearby Sutton Forest Estate Wines can provide wines rather than fuel.

The Hume Motorway skirts the edge of Goulburn, but you can go into town to see the Big Merino, the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre and the Goulburn Historic Waterworks.