MG National Meeting: Albury Wodonga, 18 – 22 April 2025

John and I have always seen national meetings as a way of discovering more about various parts of our beautiful country. So, if you have never driven from Sydney to Albury, here is an opportunity to not only see what there is in and around Albury and Wodonga, but to also discover some of the beautiful towns and sights along the way.

Driving from Sydney to Albury – a possible route and itinerary:

Sydney to Thirroul: Thirroul is a 1h 20min drive south of Sydney via the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive which takes you over the astonishing Sea Cliff Bridge.

South of Loftus take the turn off to drive through the Royal National Park. Beaches, rainforest, waterfalls, rockpools, sheer cliffs – this remarkable backdrop is just an hour south of Sydney. Australia’s oldest national park delivers 15,000 hectares of nature at its finest.

Enjoy the fabulous view at Governor Game Lookout where the ocean vista is framed by native forest, a magnet for crimson rosellas and yellow-tailed black cockatoos. Views from Bald Hill Lookout are just as wild, although more colourful thanks to hangliders drifting across the horizon.

Charming Thirroul and its northern neighbours of Austinmer, Coledale, Wombarra and Scarborough invite you to stop and enjoy stunning beaches, magnificent views and incredible bushwalks. Stroll the palm tree-lined streets of this laid-back Thirroul where you’ll find plenty of boutique shops, lively eateries and grassed picnic areas.

Thirroul to Bowral: approximately 1 hour

There is plenty to do in and around Bowral, it just depends on how long you want to stop and explore. Cool climate wineries, the Corbett gardens, the Bradman Museum and streets of interesting shops and cafes.

Bowral to Goulburn: approximately 1 hour

Standing on Goulburn’s fringe is the Big Merino – one of Australia’s iconic ‘big things’ and symbolic of the city known as the fine wool capital of Australia. For a beautiful panorama of Goulburn, head to the tower lookout at the Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum.

Explore Goulburn’s beautifully preserved history on a self-guided heritage tour which takes you past the historic court house, post office, St Saviour’s Cathedral and the Sts Peter & Paul’s Old Catholic Cathedral. You can also visit historic Riversdale Homestead and Garroorigang Homestead, both of which date back to the 1800s. Rail buffs will love the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre.

You may wish to stay in Goulburn for the night or drive to Yass, depending on your timing and inclination!

Goulburn to Yass: approximately 1 hour

This is the heart of the Canberra cool climate wine country, so expect awe-inspiring vino experiences at every corner in this fertile region of southwest NSW. Where there’s good wine, delicious food and artisan producers follow; and so, apparently, do alpacas (four farms and counting) and artists, whom you can encounter at the myriad galleries and design studios.

You’ll find a wealth of history and heritage throughout the region. Begin your discovery on the Yass Town Walk and visit explorer Hamilton Hume’s former residence, Cooma Cottage, now a National Trust museum. The historic main street of Gundaroo is also an outdoor heritage museum, 40 mins southeast of Yass.

Yass to Gundagai: approximately 1 hour

Despite the diversity of attractions in and around Gundagai, you’ll want to make your first stop at that famous monument. The Dog on the Tuckerbox depicts a faithful pet guarding its dead master’s food container and commemorates the European pioneers who settled in the area.

The Gundagai Historic Museum delves into the history of the region. Among the stories that you can explore is that of Wiradjuri Aboriginal men Yarri and Jacky Jacky – the pair saved some 69 lives during the great flood of 1852, by using bark canoes to rescue the townsfolk. A bronze sculpture of the two heroes is on the corner of Kitchener and Sheridan streets.

If you prefer to explore history in the great outdoors, lace up your walking shoes to take on the Architectural Heritage Walk. You’ll discover the Gundagai Heritage Railway and the Old Gundagai Gaol where infamous bushranger Captain Moonlite was held. You’ll also stroll past the Prince Alfred Bridge, described as the grandest bridge in the colony when it opened in 1867 – it’s one of the historic bridges of Gundagai.

Gundagai to Holbrook: approximately 1.5 hours

Affectionately known as ‘Submarine Town’, Holbrook is named after the first submariner to receive the Victoria Cross, Lieutenant Norman Holbrook. Learn about his bravery during the 1914 Gallipoli campaign at the Holbrook Submarine Museum and explore a fascinating collection of submarine memorabilia and the decommissioned HMAS Otway submarine.

There’s more heritage to uncover at the National Museum of Australian Pottery, where you’ll find 2,000 pieces of pottery. Learn about Holbrook’s pioneering past at the Woolpack Inn Museum.

Eateries and interesting shops round out what Holbrook has to offer the traveller.

Holbrook to Albury: approximately 50 minutes

Obviously this itinerary can be extended and also include a side trip to Canberra where there are a myriad of attractions and activities to keep you entertained.

Importantly, put the 2025 Nat Meet in your diary and be there to support the NSW contingent.
Stay with everyone from MG Car Club Sydney and book now at one of the following two hotels.

Albury Townhouse Motel
461 Wilson St, Albury NSW 2640
+61 2 6021 3000
[email protected]

and

Albury Georgian Motel
599 Young Street, Albury, NSW 2640
+61 2 60218744