Duration: 4 Days, 3 Nights
I wanted to drive to Sydney, New South Wales, instead of flying there from Victoria. It was also decided that we would cover most of the attractions walking in Sydney, allowing us to explore the streets and areas closely. Read along to discover the itinerary for Canberra and Sydney, and other spots in new south wales while doing a walking trail of Sydney attractions.
Travel Route
La Trobe Valley – Canberra – Sydney – Eden
Alternate route via. Melbourne
Melbourne CBD – Albury – Sydney – La Trobe Valley
Day 1: Drive from Churchill to Canberra
We began our journey early and left home around 5:30 am to get a head start and avoid any roadworks and traffic.
Travel Time:
From La Trobe Valley to Canberra: Approx. 7 hours
Stop 1: Cann River
Our first stop was Cann River after approximately 3 hrs 30 mins. The road conditions were good to drive even in the dark. Cann River was a perfect spot for a break and also to refuel. We were glad we did; this was the only station for a while (about 45 to 1hr unless you take a detour). After a quick break, coffee and refuelling, we were on our way. We took the turnoff on B23 Monaro Hwy from Comma to Canberra.
Stop 2: Parliament House
Opening time: 9 am to 5 pm
Cost: No Cost
We reached Canberra around 1 pm and decided to go straight to Parliament House. Enough parking is available on site, so it should not be a worry. After we parked, we made our way to the entry and explored the different areas of the parliament house. Ensure to download the map online or grab one from the information desk. It is highly recommended, as when you start exploring, it is hard to keep track of where you are and at what location. There are tours available at a cost that you can take as well, ensure to check before the times.
Stop 3: Grill’d
After Parliament House, we were ready for lunch and decided to have Grill’d as we could not settle on anything else, and it was around the corner. The food was good, but the service was subpar.
Stop 4: National Gallery Australia, Canberra
Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: No entry cost. Parking is free for the first hour and then charged.
After lunch, we decided to make our way to NGA. We tried to find free parking around here but could not (because who wants to pay for parking but has to..), so we decided to park in NGA and went to the entrance. We spent about 50 mins here.
NGA connects to the Portriats Museum and the victorian high court. You can view the international flag display from the back of the High Court. We did all of that and, having completed our spots, decided to head back to our accommodation.
Quite a few options are available here, depending on your needs. booking.com* gives you a lot of options that you can choose from.
Day 2: Canberra to Sydney Sightseeing
Description
Stop 5: Ainslie Lookout
Opening time: Always open
Cost: No cost
We started our journey at around 10 am on day 2. The first stop was at Ainslie Lookout. An excellent lookout gives views of the new and old parliament house and international flag display. You will find parking on the drive to the lookout itself. After spending about 15/20 min at the lookout, we headed to Sydney. The drive is about 4 hours if taken by toll*, which I highly recommend—reaching Sydney around 1 pm.
Stop 6: Sydney Accommodation
Our check-in time was at about 2 pm, and like everyone else, we wondered if we would be allowed in as it was an hour early. Our accommodation was at Park Royal**. We wanted to freshen up and take a break anyway, so we decided to rock up early and wait, but surprisingly they checked us in early. They also offer overnight parking and valet parking, which is quite accessible. We decided to do all the attractions walking in Sydney, so we parked our car for the day.
Stop 7: Darling Harbour
Once we had freshened up, we headed out for lunch. There are several restaurants and a range of food options, with amazing harbour views.
Stop 8: Sydney harbour bridge walk.
On the way: the rocks
On our way to this walk, we passed through the Rocks and explored a few lanes. The walk was about 1.6km one way, and if you do not exit at the start, you will have to continue and exit either at the other end or walk back. You do get a good view of the Sydney opera house from here. Instead of walking back, we decide to exit at the other end. After a quick stop for gelato, we made our way to the Opera House.
Stop 9: Opera House
On the way: Circular Quay (dinner)
We made our way to the Opera house. At the entrance of the opera house, you get the most amazing views of the harbour bridge and the opera house combined in one frame. We ended up spending the evening enjoying the atmosphere and the sunset. Getting tables near the Opera house can be tricky, so we had to be on our toes. A tip would be just to wait until someone finishes. It got quiet in the evening around 6:30, which was good, as it was super busy when we got there. We ended up having dinner at the circular quay before heading out to our accommodation and retiring for the night. We did about 13km of walking for the day, so everyone passed out quickly.
Day 3: Sydney – Eden
Day 3 also started around 10 am ish; we took the tolls out of Sydney and made our way to the first stop in Helensburgh.
Stop 11: Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Helensburg NSW
Opening hours: 8 am – 12 pm & 4 pm – 7 pm
Cost: No cost
Our first stop was at Sri Venkateshwara Temple, about an hour and ten mins from Sydney. A beautiful religious location.
Stop 12: Stanwell top lookout
Opening time: Always Open
Cost: No Cost
Our next stop was Stanwell’s top lookout, about 3/4 km from the temple. The Stanwell top lookout gives a good view of the sea cliff bridge. It is also a stop for some coffee and a bite to eat. Given that the grand pacific drive passes through here, you will also get to see some awesome bikes here and on the drive. After enjoying the views and taking a quick break, we headed for Kiama Blowhole.
Stop 13: Kiama town centre.
We reached Kiama about lunchtime and decided to walk around the town centre. The street is filled with many shops and cafes. We decided to go with fish and chips for the day, but we walked to a nearby park instead of driving to a picnic spot and enjoyed lunch with the views of the water. Beware of seagulls. Please do not feed them.
Stop 14: Kiama natural pool and blow hole
Opening time: Always open (going during high tide would be preferred)
Cost: No Cost
We then walked towards the Kiama blowhole, it’s a nice walk there, and you will be able to the natural pool on the way. It is not directly evident from the roadside as it is hidden behind. We also encountered a group who had caught yellowfin tuna, quite a significant size. They were cleaning the fish while the pelican below was enjoying the remains!
It takes about five to six minutes between cycles for the water to build up at the blow hole, so be patient.
Stop 15: Eden
Around 3:30ish, we decided to leave Kiama and head for Eden, which is around a five hours drive. We spent more than expected at Kaima, which extended our time to reach Eden. The estimated arrival was showing 8:30 pm, and after a quick Google search, it was evident we may not arrive in time for any cafes/restaurants to be open. So on the way, we grabbed dinner before we reached Eden, as everything was closed then. It is a windy road and tricky to drive at night. If I had to redo it, I would cover the drive before it gets dark.
Day 4: Eden – la Trobe Valley
We did not get a chance to explore Eden the day we reached it, so we woke up early morning and walked around to explore the area. The walk was good, but the walking tracks are only halfway, and then we walked on the sides. We walked past the visitor centre. Next to it was the working port of Eden. On our way back, the cafes had opened in the town centre, so it was a good time to grab our morning coffees and get ready for the road again.
Stop 16: Lakes Entrance
During lunchtime, we stopped for lunch at the Lakes Entrance and explored a little around the town. There are quite a few walks one can do, and jetty’s as well, but we drove past, stopped for lunch at a picnic spot and made our way back home. The first after this was to pick up Leonidas, who was very happy to see us 😸.
We took tolls wherever possible. Given that we were short on time, we wanted to save as much time as possible and avoid traffic. I also picked and chose destinations. If you have visited these or would like to share your travel with me, do so in the comments below – I would love to hear from you!
Until our next travel escapade, happy wanderings!
Tips:
- Always download or pick up maps of the location from the visitor centre
- I observed that Canberra closes around 5 pm, so be prepared. I needed medical supplies and could only find one private one close by with limited supply. Bigger stores were 20 mins drive away
- For a table near the Sydney Opera House, have patience and wait. If you go past 6 pm, it starts getting quieter and more peaceful. I enjoyed the twilight and nighttime more at the Opera house, enjoying the harbour and views.
- Ensure to carry your power banks. I had issues with my phone being on 5%. There are stores near the circular quay where you can buy items, but make sure to do so in time.
- Have your toll tag placed and topped up.
*Toll – did you know you can download the Linkt app, which works across Australia?
It is handy as it saves your start and endpoints. Remember to order your free tag. If you pass without an installed tag, it charges you approx. 50 cents per image if the tag is not installed.
*I am not affiliated with Park Royal, but I did like their service
*I am not affiliated with booking.com, but we do use them often
suezway 
Have a happy journey 🍸
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