Is it better to fly or drive?

Flying is much faster, but driving allows you to see the countryside.

How long is the flight?

The flight time is about 2 hours, plus airport transit.

Yes, both Sydney and Melbourne have toll roads.

What is the best route?

The M31 Hume Motorway is the standard route.

You can take a train from Sydney to Melbourne, but it is a long journey.

Harwood

Melbourne

Flight Driving

Harwood to Melbourne

Updated: 26 May 2026

The journey from Harwood to Melbourne is a significant 1,400-kilometer trek. You will travel south on the Pacific Highway, bypass Sydney, and join the M31 Hume Motorway for the long haul into Victoria. This drive typically takes 15 hours of transit time, usually requiring an overnight stop. You will traverse the diverse landscapes of the NSW coast, the Southern Highlands, and the agricultural plains of Victoria. It is a major interstate route connecting two of Australia's most vibrant regions.

Total Distance: 1,400 km driving distance; 1,100 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Ballina Airport is significantly faster than driving.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper if traveling with multiple passengers.

Compare Harwood to Melbourne Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours (including transit)	15 hours
Avg Price	$200 - $400	$250 fuel
Operator	Qantas/Jetstar	Personal Vehicle
Route	Flight from Ballina (BNK) to Melbourne (MEL).	Pacific Highway (A1), M7, M31 (Hume Motorway).
Tip	Book in advance to secure lower fares.	Plan an overnight stop in Albury or Gundagai to manage fatigue.

Travel Tips

Overnight Stops
Albury is a perfect halfway point for an overnight stay.
Tolls
Melbourne has extensive toll roads; ensure you have a toll pass.
Traffic
Avoid Melbourne CBD during peak hours; use the CityLink bypass.
Fuel
Fuel is generally cheaper in regional towns than on the highway.
Navigation
Use a reliable GPS for the complex motorway exits in Melbourne.

Safety Tips

Fatigue
This is a very long drive; do not attempt it in one sitting.
Wildlife
Be extra vigilant for kangaroos at dawn and dusk on the Hume Highway.
Weather
Melbourne weather is unpredictable; check forecasts before arrival.
Vehicle Check
Perform a full service on your vehicle before embarking on this long trip.