How long is the drive?

Approximately 18 hours of driving time.

No direct train; you would need to travel to Sydney first.

What is the best stopover?

Albury is the most convenient halfway point.

It can be quite cold in winter compared to Northern NSW.

Evans Head

Geelong

Flight Driving

Evans Head to Geelong

Updated: 26 May 2026

The route from Evans Head to Geelong covers 1600 km, heading south through New South Wales and into Victoria. You will primarily use the M1 Pacific Motorway, passing through Sydney and Canberra or the coastal route. Driving takes approximately 18 hours. Alternatively, you can fly from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport to Melbourne (Avalon or Tullamarine) and take a shuttle to Geelong.

Total Distance: 1600 km driving distance; 1400 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Ballina to Avalon Airport is the fastest, taking 5 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most cost-effective for groups.

Compare Evans Head to Geelong Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	5 hours	18 hours
Avg Price	$300 - $600	$350 - $500 fuel
Operator	Jetstar or Qantas	Personal Vehicle
Route	Ballina (BNK) to Melbourne (AVV/MEL) via Sydney.	M1 Pacific Motorway through Sydney to the Hume Highway.
Tip	Avalon Airport (AVV) is closer to Geelong than Tullamarine (MEL).	Plan an overnight stop in the Southern Highlands or Albury.

Travel Tips

Tolls
Be prepared for tolls in Sydney, such as the M7 or M5.
Traffic
Avoid Sydney traffic by timing your transit for mid-day or late evening.
Accommodation
Albury is a great halfway point for an overnight stay.
Weather
Victoria weather can change quickly; pack layers even in summer.
Navigation
Use Google Maps for real-time traffic updates around Melbourne.

Safety Tips

Fatigue
Take regular breaks on the Hume Highway.
Speed Cameras
Victoria has strict speed enforcement; watch your speed carefully.
Emergency
Keep a spare tire and jack in good condition.
Visibility
Use headlights during the day on highways for better visibility.