Is Geelong worth visiting?

Yes, it is a beautiful city with great food, history, and culture.

Yes, you can take a train from Sydney to Melbourne and then to Geelong.

What is the best way to travel?

Driving is the most practical and fastest method.

Is the Hume Highway safe?

It is a major road, but requires careful driving due to heavy traffic.

Hawks Nest

Geelong

Train Driving

Hawks Nest to Geelong

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Hawks Nest to Geelong is approximately 1,000 kilometers. Driving is the most practical option, taking about 11-12 hours via the Pacific and Hume Highways. Alternatively, you can drive to Sydney and take a train to Melbourne, then a connecting train to Geelong. Geelong is a major city in Victoria, serving as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road.

Total Distance: 1,000 km driving distance; 850 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest way, taking about 12 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is often more economical for groups, while train travel is a comfortable alternative for solo travelers.

Compare Hawks Nest to Geelong Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	14 hours	12 hours
Avg Price	150-300 AUD	200-300 AUD in fuel
Operator	NSW TrainLink, V/Line	N/A
Route	Train from Newcastle to Sydney, then XPT to Melbourne, then V/Line to Geelong.	Pacific Highway (A1) to Sydney, then Hume Highway (M31) to Melbourne, then M1 to Geelong.
Tip	Book your train tickets in advance to secure the best prices.	Plan for at least one overnight stop if you prefer not to drive the full distance in one day.

Travel Tips

Booking
Book your train tickets in advance to secure the best prices.
Car Rental
Rent a car in Geelong to explore the Great Ocean Road easily.
Sun Protection
The sun can be strong; always wear a hat and sunscreen.
Dining
Enjoy the diverse dining options on the waterfront.
Weather
Be prepared for variable weather, especially in winter.

Safety Tips

Driving
If driving, never push through fatigue; stop and rest.
Emergency
Keep a first aid kit in your vehicle if you are driving.
Communication
Mobile coverage is good on the highway but can be spotty in remote areas.
Wildlife
Be cautious of kangaroos on the road at dawn and dusk.