Sydney Melbourne Heritage Drive

Bendigo to Echuca-Moama

87 km, about 1.25 hours

Bendigo outstripped Melbourne in size when gold was first discovered here in the mid-1800s. You'll see the city's early wealth in its beautiful Victorian-era sandstone buildings, century-old gardens and established trees. Explore the streets lined with sidewalk cafes, art galleries, and fine food, wine and antique stores.

Don't miss a visit to Bendigo Art Gallery for top international and national exhibitions, from sculpture and ceramics to painting and decorative arts, photography and modern arts. This highly respected regional gallery is one of the oldest and largest in Australia.

Take a 60-metre elevator underground to experience the operating Central Deborah Gold Mine on a one-hour tour that follows a 400-metre subterranean circuit. Then catch the Bendigo Heritage Tram from the front door of the mine for a travelling commentary of Bendigo’s major sights.

See the legacy of the tens of thousands of Chinese gold diggers who sought their fortune in Bendigo at the Golden Dragon Museum (home to the world's longest dragon), the Joss House temple, classic Chinese gardens and the Chinese section of the White Hills Cemetery.

Pop in to Bendigo Pottery, Australia's oldest working pottery. It has a sales gallery, interpretive museum, heritage-listed kilns, wheel throwing lessons, demonstrations and a Clay Play area for kids. Alternatively, head to Echuca-Moama via the nearby Bendigo and Heathcote wine regions, famous for their fine shiraz. Allow at least an additional 35 minutes of driving (55 kilometres), plus time for detours and wine tasting.

Echuca-Moama to Albury Wodonga

245 km, about 3 hours

Heading out of paddle-steamer capital Echuca-Moama, journey along the Murray Valley Highway, passing by wineries, cafes and boutique towns and villages. Jump aboard a Kingfisher Cruise along the Murray River in the Barmah National Park – you'll be amazed at the birdlife and wildlife as your guide helps you spot the kingfisher, a tiny bird with brilliant colours.

Carry on to Lake Mulwala, an aquatic playground with fishing, water skiing and pleasure cruising activities year round. The centre has plenty of cafes, pubs and shops to stop in to, not to mention championship golf courses where you can tee off.

From here, the drive is scattered with farm gate produce shops that will tempt your tastebuds with locally made jams, chutneys, cheeses and snacks made from recipes handed down over generations.

Arrive in Rutherglen, Victoria's fortified wine capital, ready to sample world-famous Muscat and Topaque. There are many outstanding wineries you can choose from, with cellar door tastings and opportunities to stock your own wine cellar at home. Pinot noir and chardonnay are also popular in this region.

Onward to the twin cities of Albury and Wodonga. Explore contemporary art at the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), where international touring exhibitions show alongside regional art that maintains deep connections to the surrounding area and its cultural identity. Take a walk along the Yindyamurra Sculpture trail, enjoying artwork from local Aboriginal artists and reading their comments on the works.

Albury Wodonga to Canberra

350 km, about 3.5 hours

Leave the Murray River and head towards the border. The Hume Highway will take you into New South Wales and express to Canberra in 3.5 hours if you want. Or why not take a more scenic route through the beautiful Victorian villages of Tallangatta and Corryong before crossing into New South Wales High Country. On the way you can stop for tastings at distilleries and stretch your legs on walking trails to spot unique wildlife.

Arrive in Canberra and make time to experience the capital's diverse cultural and historical attractions. Take in art, culture and history with visits to the Australian National Gallery and the National Museum of Australia, and numerous archives, collections and landmarks. Shop at markets, graze on regional food and wine, get out on the lake, or breathe the fresh air in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Corrin Forest.

Break your trip with an overnight stay, then head on to Sydney by continuing on the Hume Highway (286 km, roughly 3 hours) or crossing over to the coast and hugging it north from Batemans Bay (427 km, roughly 6 hours without traffic).