Getting to The Murray from Sydney with a Family

We want to explore the Murray – what’s the best time of the year to go there?

Each season offers something different for families in the Murray region. Summer is perfect for swimming, winter is an ideal time to gather around a fireplace, while spring and autumn offer clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

What’s the best way to get there?

There are two ways to get from Sydney to Albury, the gateway to the Murray region. The first is to fly: both Qantas and Rex offer flights between the two cities and they take around 90min. Qantas also flies to Mildura, on the Victorian side of the border, which is best for accessing the western side of The Murray including Mungo National Park. The other option is to drive: the most direct route from Sydney – down the Hume Highway – will take you around five hours, passing through Bowral, Goulburn and Gundagai before arriving in Holbrook, the start of the Murray region in NSW.

What is the best route to follow for a scenic drive to the Murray from Sydney?

Though the Hume provides plenty of beautiful vistas, there is another way you can get to Albury. For spectacular scenery, take the Hume from Sydney then divert via Collector and Lake George, and carry on west from Canberra through Brindabella National Park. Head through charming Tumut in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, across to Wagga Wagga, and then south via Henty to Albury. With kids in tow, this will be a two-day journey.

Where could we stop along the way to entertain the kids?

You’ll want to take at least two breaks to allow everyone time to stretch their legs. Make your first stop in Goulburn at the Big Merino, where there are places to grab food and, of course, pose for photos. Next, call in at the Dog on the Tucker Box just outside Gundagai, where you can have lunch with plenty of green space around.

Is it worth breaking the journey up and staying somewhere overnight?

Most definitely – this is not a drive to attempt in one hit with kids in the car. Try Gundagai, about four hours out of Sydney, where there is plenty of family-friendly accommodation, plus some excellent places to eat.

What are some great places to stop for coffee and/or food?

At the Big Merino in Goulburn, Trappers Bakery is perfect for a cheap and easy lunch. In Gundagai, try the Historic Gundagai Bakery, believed to be the oldest working bakery in Australia. If the kids are a little older, call past the Sir George in Jugiong for an excellent meal, or the nearby Long Track Pantry, which offers delicious fare to eat in or take with you.

Any unmissable sights on the journey we might not know about?

The historic Prince Alfred Bridge in Gundagai marks a nice spot for out-of-car exploration.

Any good driving tips?

Give the kids plenty of opportunities to burn off energy by stopping every couple of hours. On this drive there are plenty of local towns to visit and service stations where you can stock up on supplies. Many also have parks and playgrounds, perfect for burning off some energy.