Is it better to fly or drive?

Flying is much faster and often cheaper.

You can take a train from Sydney to Melbourne, but it takes over 11 hours.

Is the Hume Highway safe?

Yes, it is a major, well-maintained highway.

What is the best way to get around Melbourne?

Public transport is excellent, especially the trams.

Melbourne

Flight Driving

Port Kembla to Melbourne

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Port Kembla to Melbourne covers approximately 900 kilometers. Driving via the Hume Highway is the most direct road route, taking about 9 to 10 hours. Alternatively, you can travel to Sydney Airport and take a direct flight to Melbourne. This route takes you through the Southern Highlands and across the border into Victoria.

Total Distance: 900 km driving distance, 700 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Sydney Airport is significantly faster than driving.

Cheapest Way

Flying with a budget airline like Jetstar is often cheaper than the cost of fuel for driving.

Compare Port Kembla to Melbourne Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	1 hour 35 mins (flight time)	9 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	$120 - $300	$150 - $250 fuel
Operator	Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia	Personal Vehicle
Route	Sydney Airport (SYD) to Melbourne Airport (MEL).	M1 to M31 Hume Highway, continuing to Melbourne.
Tip	Book in advance for the best prices on this high-frequency route.	Stop in Albury or Gundagai to break up the long drive.

Travel Tips

Flight Booking
Compare prices across multiple airlines using a comparison site.
Driving Breaks
Plan your stops along the Hume Highway to avoid driver fatigue.
Melbourne Transport
Use the Myki card for all public transport within Melbourne.
Weather
Melbourne is known for having four seasons in one day; pack layers.
Airport Transfers
Use the SkyBus for an affordable transfer from Melbourne Airport to the city.

Safety Tips

Fatigue
Take a break every two hours if driving the Hume Highway.
Wildlife
Be cautious of wildlife on the road, especially at night.
Emergency
Keep a mobile phone and charger in your car.
Road Conditions
Check for roadworks or accidents on the Hume Highway before departing.