Roadtrip Sydney to Mt Adrah: Big Skies, Country Towns and Hidden Gems
Picked the driver? Packed a bag? Hit the road on a Roadtrip Sydney to Mt Adrah – a classic Aussie escape — think wide open spaces, heritage pubs, great coffee, and good old country hospitality. We’re hitting the road south from the city and winding our way through some cracking spots you might otherwise miss.
1. Sydney to Mittagong
Distance from Sydney: Approx. 110 km
Drive time from Sydney: Approx. 1 hr 20 mins
Mittagong is a great first pitstop – it’s big enough to find a good cafe and small enough to see that the community pretty much knows everyone – except you city slicker!. See historic sandstone pubs, and shops a few boutiques and gift shops plus supermarkets even McDonalds just out of town. Enjoy the relaxed country feel which makes this town an easy favourite. It’s also home to some fantastic walks and green spaces.
If you have time, drive up to Mt Gibraltar Reserve for stunning Highland views, or wander through the local art at Sturt Gallery and Studios. Mittagong is also a hotspot for antique lovers — the Mittagong Antiques Centre is packed with old treasures. If you’re a bit peckish, locals swear by The Shaggy Cow for brunch. Or if you want to take things slowly over a beer, the Southern Highlands Brewing Taphouse in nearby Moss Vale does a crisp cold one. Feeling more adventurous? The Grape Escape will take you and your mates on a fabulous award winning wine tour of the Southern Highlands.
2. Mittagong to Goulburn
Distance from Mittagong: Approx. 75 km
Drive time from Mittagong: Approx. 50 mins
One of Australia’s oldest inland cities, Goulburn blends historic grandeur with country hospitality. There’s a couple of very good bakeries –Bryant’s (you can’t beat the pies, or if your at the other end of town, there’s The Big Merino bakery opposite ). Watch out for the passing traffic – the main street is wide, but make sure you pull over and stretch your legs at the lovely town Belmore Park — there’s plenty of parking, a glass conservatory, public toilets, and a pavilion where the kids can play. The park is opposite the historic Goulburn Court House and is also a short walk to Goulburn’s historic railway station, plus other historic buildings such as the Post Office and clock tower, various churches and cathedrals.
Explore the Old Goulburn Brewery (Australia’s oldest operating brewery), and the historic Goulburn Historic Waterworks near the water. There’s any number of cafes with generous meals and knockout cakes. If you’re here on the weekend, the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery is a hidden gem showcasing local creatives, and don’t miss the dramatic Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre.
3. Goulburn to Yass
Distance from Goulburn: Approx. 87 km
Drive time from Goulburn: Approx. 1 hr
Full of old-world charm, Yass is a small town with a big heart. Visit historic Cooma Cottage, once the home of explorer Hamilton Hume, or take a walk along the Yass River. It’s a top picnic spot to just relax with some local goodies. If your’e into Art, the Tootsie Fine Art and Design Studio housed in a restored Art Deco garage is very cool. And there’s plenty of eateries like Kaffeine 2582 at 1/175 Comur St, Yass, especially if you like your coffee strong with some crispy chippies! Do remind yourself that if you’re travelling in March, the Yass Show is worth the trip. Totally brilliant! There’s also the lovingly restored old art deco style service station converted into a gallery/cafe in this quaint little town with lots of quirky and eclectic creativity on display. The kids have been known to ride these!
4. Yass to Gundagai
Distance from Yass: Approx. 80 km
Drive time from Yass: Approx. 50 mins
You can’t not know Gundagai – it’s stitched into the fabric of Australian folklore and well worth a stop. Take your selfie with the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox, a cheeky Aussie monument, which was staying, then going, now staying for the locals and tourists flooding to see it. It’s only a short detour off the Hume Hwy to see this small statue that we’ve heard about since we were kids.
Say you’ve walked some of the the heritage-listed Prince Alfred Bridge — the longest timber viaduct in Australia. It’s still not totally restored but take a pic instead. But if you’re into Gold Rush History, quirky artifacts and relics, a trip to the Gundagai Historical Museum is perfect for you. If your top priority is food, don’t satop until you get to The Coffee Pedaler or Niagara Cafe, housed in a groovy retro style, are super popular with locals. For a walk on the wild side, follow the Murrumbidgee River Walk, or pop out to Rusconi’s Marble Masterpiece – a miniature cathedral made from 20,948 tiny marble pieces that will knock your socks off!
5. Gundagai to Mt Adrah
Distance from Gundagai: Approx. 43 km
Drive time from Gundagai: Approx. 30 mins
Well here we are – in the tiny, peaceful hamlet of Mt Adrah. Your final destination, with wide horizons, brilliant starry nights and pure countryside relaxation. Nearby, don’t miss the Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins — a stunning riverside spot where you can explore historic gold-mining remains and waterfalls. We love the waterfalls here and the scenic walk through the ruins. They are well maintained facilities too and a must do on a warm day.
Head down the backroads to Mundarlo for scenic river crossings and picnic spots, or venture to Blowering Dam for fishing, swimming and lazy afternoons by the water. Swing through Adelong township for a coffee at The Adelong Café and a wander through its gorgeous heritage main street, packed with country charm. You’ll get lots of “giddays” and “welcome” in this tiny, totally underrated town.
It’s the perfect slow-travel ending to a classic Aussie roadtrip.
Looking for other things to do in the Mt Adrah area? Head to our ultimate guide on Things to do Around Mt Adrah. You’re going to have some good fun!
