Hume Highway

The Hume Highway is one of Australia's most important transport corridors, linking Sydney and Melbourne via the Southern Highlands and the Riverina. While primarily a route for road trips, the highway passes through historic towns, national parks, and wine regions that make it a journey worth savouring. This guide focuses on the New South Wales section, from the outskirts of Sydney to the border at Albury-Wodonga.

Highlights & What to See

• Southern Highlands detour: Exit the highway at Mittagong to explore charming towns like Bowral and Berrima, known for their antique shops, gardens, and cool-climate wineries.
• Goulburn: Stop at this historic city to see the grand St Saviour's Cathedral and the iconic Big Merino statue. The nearby Rocky Hill War Memorial offers panoramic views.
• Yass Valley: A short detour west leads to Yass, a heritage town with a lovely main street, and the surrounding wine region producing excellent cool-climate wines.
• Murrumbidgee River at Gundagai: The historic bridge and the Dog on the Tuckerbox monument are quirky highlights. The river flats are great for a picnic break.
• Wagga Wagga: The largest inland city in NSW, with the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, the Botanic Gardens, and the riverside Wiradjuri Walking Track.
• Albury: The border city where the highway ends (or begins). Explore the Murray River precinct, the Albury LibraryMuseum, and the nearby wineries of Rutherglen (just over the Victorian border).

Suggested Time to Spend

The 560-kilometre drive from Sydney to Albury takes about 5.5 hours non-stop, but allow at least two days to truly experience the attractions. A common itinerary is: Day 1 – Sydney to Goulburn (2 hours), explore the Southern Highlands and Goulburn, then drive to Yass or Gundagai for the night. Day 2 – Continue to Albury, with stops at Wagga Wagga and the Murrumbidgee River. For a more relaxed trip, add an extra day to explore the wine regions or national parks along the way.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra: A 2-hour detour from the highway via the Federal Highway, Australia's capital offers national museums, Parliament House, and Lake Burley Griffin.
• Snowy Mountains: From Gundagai or Tumbarumba, head into the Snowies for skiing in winter or hiking in summer. Kosciuszko National Park is a 2-hour drive from the highway.
• Murray River: The river towns of Albury-Wodonga, Corowa, and Echuca offer paddle steamers, houseboats, and wine trails. Combine with the end of the Hume Highway.
• Blue Mountains: If starting from Sydney, a detour west to the Blue Mountains (Katoomba, Jenolan Caves) is an easy add-on before hitting the Hume.

Please check official sources for current details.