Is the Princes Highway safe?

Yes, it is a major national highway, though it has many winding sections.

There is no direct train from Berry to Melbourne; you must travel to Sydney first.

How long is the drive?

Approximately 9 to 10 hours depending on traffic and stops.

Only if you travel through Sydney or specific Melbourne city links.

What is the best stopover?

Eden or Lakes Entrance are ideal mid-way points.

Melbourne

Flight Driving

Berry to Melbourne

Updated: 27 May 2026

The journey from Berry to Melbourne covers approximately 880 kilometers via the M1 Princes Highway. Driving is the most flexible option, taking roughly 9 to 10 hours of pure transit time. Alternatively, you can drive to Sydney Airport and take a flight to Melbourne Tullamarine. The route passes through scenic coastal towns like Batemans Bay and Eden. Expect heavy traffic near the Victorian border during holiday periods.

Total Distance: 880 km driving, 720 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Flight from Sydney Airport takes 1 hour 30 mins air time.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest for groups of two or more people.

Compare Berry to Melbourne Routes

	Flight Connecting via Sydney Airport	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours including transit	9 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	120-300 AUD	150-200 AUD in fuel
Operator	Qantas or Jetstar	N/A
Route	Drive to Sydney Airport, fly to Melbourne Tullamarine.	M1 Princes Highway through Batemans Bay, Eden, and Bairnsdale.
Tip	Book at least three weeks in advance for the best fares.	Stop in Eden for fresh seafood to break up the long drive.

Travel Tips

Fuel Stops
Fill up in larger towns like Bega to avoid high prices in remote stretches.
Traffic Alerts
Use the Live Traffic NSW app to check for roadworks on the Princes Highway.
Accommodation
Book motels in Lakes Entrance if you plan to split the drive over two days.
Tolls
Ensure your e-tag is active if you pass through Sydney toll roads.
Weather
Melbourne weather changes rapidly; always carry a jacket regardless of the forecast.

Safety Tips

Fatigue Management
Take a 15-minute break every two hours to stay alert.
Wildlife
Be extremely cautious of kangaroos at dawn and dusk on rural roads.
Road Conditions
Check for flooding warnings in Gippsland during heavy rain events.
Emergency
Keep a physical map in your car as mobile reception is spotty in parts of the South Coast.