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Plan your journey
Plan Your Journey
Plan your Journey to Australia’s Snowy Peaks
Thinking of heading to the snow this winter? It’s time to pack your gear, hit the road, and make some unforgettable memories. But before you hit the slopes, let’s talk about how to get there. Whether you're coming from Melbourne, Sydney, or Adelaide, we’ve got your travel details sorted to make it a smooth journey.
Image Credit: Kirk Richards
From Melbourne >>> to the Snowy Mountains
The journey from Melbourne to the snowfields is a scenic one. Depending on which park you’re headed to, here are your best options:
- Discovery Parks – Bright
- Drive time: 3-4 hours via the Great Alpine Road.
- Pit stop: 2 hours in, Euroa is a good spot for a pie or snack.
- Discovery Parks – Mount Buffalo
- Drive time: 4 hours via the Great Alpine Road.
- Pit stop: Stop at the same haunts as Bright, you only have a little further to travel.
- Discovery Parks – Jindabyne
- Drive time: 6-7 hours via the Hume Freeway.
- Pit stop: 3 hours on the road, stop in Wangaratta for some fresh air and a coffee break.
Image Credit: Alexandra Adoncello
From Sydney >>> to the Snowfields
Hitting the road from Sydney? Here’s how to make the drive to the slopes part of the adventure:
- Discovery Parks - Jindabyne
- Drive time: 5–5.5 hours via the Hume and Snowy Mountains Highways.
- Pit stop: After 2.5 hours, stop to grab a bite at a local café in Goulburn.
- Discovery Parks - Bright
- Drive time: Around 6.5-7 hours via Hume Highway and Great Alpine Road or 7.5-8 hours via Canberra.
- Pit Stop: 4.5 hours on the road and you’ll reach Wagga Wagga, stop for lunch at the local brewpub, Thirsty Crow.
- Overnight stay: Break up the journey over 2 days, stopping after 3 hours on Day 1 for a site stay at Discovery Parks – Canberra. Once you’ve recharged, you’ll have 4.5-5 hours ahead to Bright on Day 2.
- Discovery Parks – Mount Buffalo
- Drive time: 7-7.5 hours via the Hume Highway and Great Alpine Road or 8-8.5 hours via Canberra.
- Pit stop: Stop at the same haunts as Bright, you only have a little further to travel.
From Adelaide >>> to the Snowfields
Adelaide’s a longer haul (around 11–14 hours on the road), so turning it into a two-day adventure is the way to go. Breaking up the drive means less fatigue, more fun, and a chance to explore some great regional sights along the way.
- Overnight stops: Discovery Parks – Mildura, Buronga Riverside and Discovery Parks - Echuca are great spots to stop along the way – rest, recharge and even sneak in some river sightseeing before hitting the road again.
Image Credit: Visit Victoria
Top 5 winter road trip tips:
You’ve mapped out the route, picked your pit stops, and maybe even pencilled in a detour for that legendary brewpub burger. Now, before you hit the ignition, here are some tips to keep the journey smooth, safe, and just the right amount of spontaneous.
- Check your tyres (and chains): Make sure your tyres are winter-ready, and don’t forget snow chains – they’re mandatory on some mountain roads.
- Leave early: Beat the traffic (and catch a sunrise) by hitting the road early, especially on weekends.
- Fuel up and save: Make the most of G’day Rewards and use your fuel discount to save when you fill your tank at the nearest participating Shell Service Station – every bit counts on a long drive.
- Plan pit stops: Regular breaks keep everyone happy and give you time to refuel and refresh.
- Stay informed: Stay on top of road and weather updates with handy apps like Weatherzone, BOM Weather, and live traffic apps. For radio updates on the go, tune into local stations like ABC Melbourne, ABC Sydney, ABC Adelaide, or 2GB 873.
