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| Photo Credit - Visit Mildura |
Getting Here
Whether you’re rolling in with a boot full of snacks, flying in for a quick weekend, or hopping on a coach and letting someone else do the driving — getting to Sunraysia is pretty straightforward. We’re a classic “big-sky river town” hub on the Murray, with good road access and regular air services.
By car (the classic road trip option)
Sunraysia is a brilliant drive, just remember: distances are big, and the last couple of hours can feel very “outback highway” (in the best way). Plan rest stops, keep water in the car, and watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk.
Driving distances (approx.)
| From | Distance | Typical drive time (non-stop) |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne → Mildura | ~544 km | ~6–7 hours |
| Adelaide → Mildura | ~398 km | ~4.5 hours |
| Sydney → Mildura | ~1,011 km | ~10–12 hours |
Road-trip tips (the stuff you’ll thank yourself for)
Fuel up before long stretches — towns can be spread out and servos aren’t always close together.
Take breaks (fatigue is the real villain on country highways).
Roos + emus are most active around sunrise/sunset — take it easy in low light.
In summer, keep an eye on heat + road conditions, and carry extra water.
Suggested stopovers (scenic + sensible)
From Melbourne
Bendigo – easy first break and a good coffee/stretch stop.
Ouyen – classic Mallee service town for fuel and a quick breather.
The Calder HWY also has several smaller towns, all unique and are worth a stop if time permits.
From Adelaide
Murray Bridge – a simple early stop once you’re out of the city.
Loxton / Renmark (Riverland) – perfect river-country break before the run across.
Berri – another great Riverland option for fuel, food, and a leg-stretch.
From Sydney
Wagga Wagga – a solid halfway-style stop with plenty of food options.
Hay – iconic big-sky NSW break and a good place to reset.
Balranald – gateway to the Mallee feel before the final leg.
(Stops depend on your exact route and travel style — these are “good common sense” break points rather than a strict itinerary.)
By plane (fastest way in)
Mildura has its own airport: Mildura Airport (MQL).
Flights
You can fly into Mildura with Qantas and Rex (Regional Express), with services operating to/from Melbourne and Sydney (routes can change seasonally, so check current schedules when booking).
Getting from the airport into town
The airport is only a short run from the CBD. Taxis and rideshare options are available — Mildura Taxis Associated lists airport transfer options and a 24/7 service.
By coach / bus (sit back and watch the Mallee roll by)
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| Photo Credit - Wongm's Rail Gallery |
If you’d rather skip the driving, there are coach options into Mildura.
From Melbourne (Victoria)
V/Line runs coach connections to Mildura (often via regional hubs). Timetables and service updates are published on V/Line’s timetables pages.
From Sydney / NSW
NSW TrainLink operates regional coach and train/coach services across NSW and into interstate destinations — bookings and service info are available via Transport for NSW.
Getting around once you’re here
If you’re exploring beyond Mildura’s centre (and you should), a car makes life easiest — especially for day trips out to the lakes, national parks, silo art, salt pans, and all that wide-open Mallee magic.
For local public transport, Visit Mildura lists options including Sunraysia Bus Lines (Mildura–Red Cliffs–Merbein and local services) and Coomealla Bus Lines for services around the NSW side (Buronga/Dareton/Wentworth).
Know before you go
Book ahead in peak periods (school holidays, major events, long weekends).
Summer travel: start earlier, plan stops, and keep water handy.
Reception can be patchy once you’re out of town — download offline maps if you’re heading remote.
