Sydney to Canberra in five days
This Sydney to Canberra road trip guide is a five-day itinerary that will take you to some inland towns that are worthwhile destinations in their own right. From vistas of the Blue Mountains to homegrown wine in Bathurst and Cowra, a dull three hours on the road will turn into a week-long adventure in country NSW.
So read on and see what the central west and south western slopes of New South Wales can offer you on your rental car road trip from Sydney to Canberra.
Sydney to Canberra itinerary:
Day 1: Sydney to Katoomba
Day 2: Katoomba to Bathurst
Day 3: Bathurst to Cowra
Day 4: Cowra to Yass
Day 5: Yass to Canberra
How long is the drive from Sydney to Canberra?
While you can drive from Sydney to Canberra in as little as three hours using the M31, if you’d rather take a longer scenic route, then you’re looking at almost seven hours of driving and 501 km. Why not rather than driving 500 km in a day, spend five days driving the same? If that sounds like a good idea for a holiday road trip, here’s the step-by-step distances and trip times for a scenic drive from Sydney to Canberra.
| From | To | Distance & duration |
| Sydney CBD | Katoomba | 101 km & 1 hr 30 min |
| Katoomba | Bathurst | 100 km & 1 hr 40 min |
| Bathurst | Cowra | 106 km & 1 hr 15 min |
| Cowra | Yass | 127 km & 1 hr 30 min |
| Yass | Canberra | 67 km & 1 hr |
| Sydney | Canberra | 501 km & 6 hr 55 min |
All distances in kilometres, calculated on the shortest direct route by car with Google Maps. Distances and trip times correct as at 8 October, 2025.
Day 1: Sydney to Katoomba
The Blue Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has several picturesque lookouts, mountainside paths, and immersive activity spots, so it’s best to leave Sydney a bit earlier to make the most of your first day and beat the traffic. Drive along the Great Western Highway for about an hour, take a left to Tableland Road, and you’ll reach Lincoln’s Rock. So if you get up and leave really early, you might arrive in time for a clifftop view of the sunrise over the Jamison Valley.
Return to the Tableland Road turnoff, and a short drive further along A32 will deliver you to Wentworth Falls just shy of Katoomba, where, if you turn to Valley Road and take the Wentworth Falls track, you can dip your feet right at the foot of the waterfalls.
Six kilometres from A32 and Valley Road is the town of Katoomba — your access point to Scenic World, which features a railway and cable car system that transports visitors across the gorge, above the Katoomba Falls, and to a rainforest walkway down the mountain. Do keep in mind that Scenic World is open from 9 AM to 5 PM and it gets busy at times, so if you’re considering riding the railway to cross the gorge to Echo Point — where you’ll be closest to the Three Sisters rock formations — try to get there early to avoid the long queues.
How far: The drive from the CBD to Katoomba is 101 km.
Drive time: The drive time from the CBD to Katoomba is one hour and 30 minutes.
Day 2: Katoomba to Bathurst
After an exhilarating day at Blue Mountains, driving an hour and a half from Katoomba will bring you to Bathurst — your first laid-back stop on this road trip. A walk around the city will introduce you to well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Motor racing fans may enjoy visiting the popular Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, while foodies can eat their way through Bathurst’s eclectic food scene and drink their way through the local pubs — why not buy some authentic made-in-Australian gin in the process?
If you’re renting a campervan, the Bathurst Showground is where you can get settled for the night. Famed for its exhibition spaces and functional outdoor lodging, the showground has become a communal area for farming enthusiasts and tourists alike. If you so happen to be in the city during an event, you’re in luck — the Bathurst Showground hosts both community-driven farm exhibitions and educational events including the Royal Bathurst Show, where everyone is welcome to join in on three days of agricultural shows and practical learning.
Whether you’re in town for the a pop-up thrift market at the showground or a campsite that’s in close proximity to shops and a fresh IPA at one of Bathurst’s many brewhouses, the Bathurst Showground is a one-stop destination for immersing yourself in a lively rural community.
How far: The distance from Katoomba to Bathurst is 100 km by car.
Drive time: Driving from Katoomba to Bathurst will take one hour and 40 minutes.
Day 3: Bathurst to Cowra
About an hour away from Bathurst is Cowra, similarly famous for its locally produced beverages, meaning a wine tour at a local vineyard will be worth a try. Some farms may offer produce-picking when you visit in spring or summer, and beautiful accommodation if often available within the farms.
Visit the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre to learn how Japanese culture is reflected in Cowra’s scenic landscapes — a connection that dates back to wartime when Cowra served as a migrant camp for Japanese war prisoners. The in-house cafe offers a unique dining experience as it offers both Australian and Japanese cuisine. The five-hectare garden features an open-air tea house, perfect for a relaxing afternoon tea.
One way Cowra’s local government shows support to its artists is through the Cowra Civic Centre. Home to various independent creatives and film buffs, the venue has been hosting live performances and film screenings since the 1970’s. It opens from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekdays only. You can check their website for event schedule details.
How far: The drive from Bathurst to Cowra is about 106 kms if you take the M41.
Drive time: The drive from Bathurst to Cowra will take you around an hour and 15 minutes.
Day 4: Cowra to the Yass Valley
Known for its surrounding farms, Yass is 188 kilometres from Cowra, the longest single drive of this Sydney to Canberra road trip. With alpacas, llamas, and camels, if you’re fond of the little furry fellas, the Yass Valley farms often allow visitors to get up close, making for a great experience, especially for those with their own little fellas sitting in the back seat. If mingling with animals isn’t enough for you, some farms have gift shops of fleece clothing, knitting material, and other souvenirs.
After Yass, head 60 kilometres west to Jugiong for more artisan shops, with an emphasis on gardening and woodwork. Take a ride on a “local bushranger” (a horse) to explore Jugiong’s famous sites, including Australia’s second longest river the Murrumbidgee River.
If you’d rather explore Jugiong on your own, a good starting point are the town’s historic buildings, including its pubs. Once frequented by travellers, some have been converted into rustic-themed pub-slash-inns that take pride in their contribution to Jugiong’s culture of hospitality. Apart from the local beer, and thanks to its cool climate, Jugiong also has wine cellars that make great Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blancs.
How far: The distance between Cowra and Yass is around 127 km.
Drive time: Cowra to Yass by car is about an hour and 30 minutes.
Day 5: Yass to Canberra
Less than an hour from Yass is Canberra, Australia’s largest inland city and the nation’s capital. Upon entering the Australian Capital Territory, stop over at Cockington Green Gardens, to admire its miniature replicas of international icons, including Stonehenge and the Loch Ness Monster. The park is also an ideal stopover for its outdoor dining space equipped with a free-to-use barbeque grill and picnic tables.
From Cockington Green Gardens, Canberra’s City Hill is just 15 minutes away. If you only have one day to explore, drive along Lawson Crescent to the National Museum of Australia which houses a comprehensive collection of native Australian art. Just outside of the museum is a park lined with paths for walking and biking. The park overlooks Lake Burley Griffin — open to water activities, including boating and swimming.
Another worthwhile option is a lake cruise tour. If you find the variety of dining options in the city overwhelming, try the dinner cruise or join a party boat to cap off your day. You can visit the official government website to see all of the lake cruise tours available.
How far: Yass is about 67 km away from Canberra.
Drive time: You can expect the drive time from Yass to Canberra to be around an hour depending on traffic.
While other inland road trip routes between Sydney and Canberra can get you there faster, a five-day road trip through NSW’s mountain and wine regions is hard to beat. With more time, consider adding other vineyard towns like Orange. Don’t forget, before you go, make the necessary preparations for the long drive, such as ensuring there’s a place for you to park your vehicle at every stop, especially if you plan to explore protected heritage sites like the Blue Mountains.
