where to stop between sydney and canberra

Heading from Sydney to Canberra? Treat yourself to the Southern Highlands: Bowral or Berrima for cafés and a wander through heritage streets. Goulburn’s Big Merino is a gloriously woolly excuse to stretch the legs (and nab a pie). Closer to the capital, pull in at the Lake George lookout for big views and bigger crosswinds. Bungendore has galleries and antiques if you fancy a civilised detour, while Collector is a cracking little pit-stop for coffee. It’s a 3–4 hour run, but with these pauses you’ll arrive fresher, smugger, and less at war with your spine.