Discover Melbourne & Victoria

Capital & Country

This fascinating inland driving route is book-ended by Australia’s two largest and exciting cities, Melbourne and Sydney, and also takes in the nation’s capital, Canberra. Discover the boom and bust of the gold rush era of the 1800s in Bendigo and explore the legacy of the wealth dug up around the Goldfields region. Dine at excellent local cafes and restaurants, call in to sample wines at cellar doors and pick up local produce at farm gates. The Murray is one of the world’s longest navigable rivers, take to the waters on a paddlesteamer, enjoy the unspoilt river landscapes and ancient river red gums, relax on the many river beaches and continue into New South Wales to discover the nation’s capital Canberra.

www.visitmelbourne.com/capitalandcountry

Drive Times and Distances Grid
Melbourne to Bendigo
Day 1 Melbourne to Bendigo
Bendigo to Echuca-Moama
Day 2 Bendigo to Echuca-Moama
Echuca-Moama to AlburyWodonga
Day 3 Echuca-Moama to AlburyWodonga
Albury-Wodonga to Sydney
Day 4 Albury-Wodonga to Sydney
140 km/87 m, approx 2 hrs Gold rush history and heritage, magnificent architecture and streetscapes, galleries and museums, arts, crafts and boutique vineyards.
90 km/55 m, approx 1.5 hrs Rich river heritage, authentic paddle steamers, excellent local food and wine, wineries and great golf.
230 km/142 m, approx 3.5 hrs Over 365km of river shoreline and sandy beaches, Barmah Wetlands large river red gums, Rutherglen wine growing region, rolling valleys, and an abundance of golf courses
125 km/70 m, approx 1.25 hrs Canberra, Australia’s capital, visit Parliament House, galleries and museums, Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and stunning harbour.
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Things to see and do
  1. Follow a walking trail and discover the heritage and grand architecture of Bendigo.
  2. Take the Vintage Talking Tram and weave through the historic streets of Bendigo listening to great stories of the pioneering and gold rush eras.
  3. Don a miners lamp and travel 20 storeys beneath the earth and walk in the footsteps of the gold miners.
  4. Take a trip along the Murray River on an historic and fully restored paddlesteamer or hire a houseboat.
  5. Enjoy some water activities, canoeing, fishing, swimming or play a round of golf on one of the championship courses.
  6. Don’t miss the working steam Port of Echuca, a popular authentic attraction.
  7. Visit the Barmah-Millawa Forest with the largest area of ancient river Redgum trees, a world-heritage listed wetland and hundreds of animal and plant species.
  8. Don’t miss a visit to parliament House in Canberra and take a tour through the art collection and architecture of the building. Visit the Australian War Memorial regarded as one of the most impressive war museums in the world.
  • Luxury
  • Boutique
  • Coastal
  • Food & Wine
  • Wildlife
  • Indigenous

Accommodation / Attractions

Goldfields

The Murray

Accommodation
Hotel Shamrock

The Hotel Shamrock has presided majestically over the heart of Bendigo. The renewed Hotel Shamrock interior boasts of 5* changes whilst the majestic Victorian architecture still delights.

from £48
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The Bell Tower

Whether you require simple accommodation for one or family apartments, we can provide you with outstanding accommodation in Ballarat at a price that fits your budget.

from £55
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GSTR - Mantra on Russell

Mantra on Russell is ideally located in the heart of Melbourne close to all of Melbourne's premium attractions. The 4.5-star Mantra on Russell offers 221 spacious, apartment-style rooms furnished in a modern and contemporary style with fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities.

from £96
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Accommodation
RACV Cobram Resort

Set on landscaped gardens, in close proximity to the Murray River, RACV Cobram Resort offers great value accommodation options including apartments, cabins and caravan sites.

from £32
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Comfort Inn Blazing Stump

Nestled in the bushland of the beautifully placed Wodonga, Comfort Inn and Suites Blazing Stump is renowned for its friendly, atmosphere and for its personalised service.

from £33
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Rich River Golf Club Resort

Rich River Golf Course is situated alongside the beautiful Murray River at Echuca-Moama.Our 'Tee Up Midweek Golf Package' includes 2 nights accommodation, unlimited golf, meal vouchers and full use of all Clubhouse facilities.

from £226
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Tours & Attractions
Golden Dragon Museum

Experience a living history of the Chinese people of Bendigo from the gold rush to the present at the Golden Dragon Museum and Chinese Gardens.

from £3
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Bendigo Pottery

Bendigo Pottery is Australia’s oldest working pottery. Visitors can discover the history of the pottery in the Interpretive Museum, watch potters working, have a hands on experience with clay play and wheel throwing lessons, relax in the café, and shop in the sales gallery.

from £3
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Heathcote-Graytown Park

Home to a concentration of large old tree sites and fauna refuges, Heathcote-Graytown National Park also contains significant Aboriginal cultural sites and places.

 
Tours & Attractions
Murray-Sunset National Park

Murray-Sunset National Park is one of the few remaining semi-arid regions in the world where the environment is relatively untouched. With its wide open landscapes, breathtaking sunsets and starry nights, it is well worth a visit.

 
Mildura Ballooning

Mildura Ballooning offers visitors to Mildura the ultimate tourist adventure! Experiencing the Murray Outback Region from a magnificent, comfortable and safe hot air balloon gives tourists of all ages a relaxed unbeatable view of this unique area.

 
Swan Hill Pioneer Museum

The Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement Museum offers visitors the chance to step out of the present and discover an early Australian inland settlement.