Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Bowen, Queensland to Melbourne, Victoria

Australia has a lot of scenic drives that would take your breath away. One of such drives is from Bowen, Queensland to Melbourne, Victoria. This road trip that stretches over 2,299km presents rare opportunities to explore some of Australia's hidden treasures. Of course, it takes about 23 hours to get to Melbourne, including stops. However, these stops are worth taking as they offer breathtaking views, and scenery unique to Australia's diverse attractions.

Cunnamulla, QLD - Halfway Point

Cunnamulla is the halfway point of the Bowen to Melbourne drive and is situated by the Warrego River. You might not be too excited to leave the car, but it’s worth it when you do. Due to its location, Cunnamulla is a unique destination that discovers Australia's outback, where some of the intriguing ancient heritage was forgotten for centuries. Visit the Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Centre to learn more about Cunnamulla's historical significance, the wool growing industry and the outback life. You can also enjoy the beauty of the Warrego River, perfect for a quick swim on a hot day.

Favorite Food: Warm Beef and Gravy Roll with Fresh Yabbies

1. Eromanga, QLD

Make your way to Eromanga when you're ready to add a touch of prehistoric adventure to your trip. Eromanga is famous for the largest dinosaur skeleton found in Australia, 'Cooper'. The size of the dinosaur is awe-inspiring, and kids will enjoy seeing firsthand the fossilised remains found in the area. While in Eromanga, explore the Eromanga Natural History Museum visible from the main road. The museum showcases local prehistoric finds, including fossils of dinosaur dug up from the Eromanga Basin.

Favourite Food: BBQ Chicken Burger with Chips and salad

2. Parkes, NSW

Parkes is a must-see stop for radio enthusiasts and science fiction fans of all ages. The town sets your pulse racing as it is home to Australia's largest radio telescope located at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory, famously remembered as "The Dish." The dish was used as a communication base for the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969 and featured in the movie "The Dish" 2000. Visitors can experience a real-time space communication show and learn about the role the radio telescope played in the space race of the 20th century.

Favorite Food: Aussie Beef Pie with Mushy Peas

3. Melbourne, VIC

Melbourne is a bustling city that brims with history, monuments, and sights for everyone. From the famous trolley trams to the Flinders Street Station, Melbourne is a city that enamors visitors. Make the most of Melbourne's many attractions like the busy streets of China Town, the historic arcades, art exhibits, and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Take the 88 floors, nine-minute journey to the top of the Eureka Skydeck. The Skydeck observation tower is the largest building in the southern hemisphere, which offers a panoramic view of the city skyline.

Favorite Food: Chicken Salt Fries and Vic Bitter Beer

4. Gippsland, VIC

Gippsland is the ultimate destination for hiking, fishing, and camping in Victoria. The scenic landscape around Gippsland is full of beautiful forests, beaches, and waterways, including over ninety miles of stunning coastline. Explore Buchan Caves located 55km from Bairnsdale is a famous natural attraction in Victoria. The caves hold a magical world, where visitors can explore the limestone formations, stalagmites, and underground rivers. The caves remain mild throughout the year, making it a blessing momentary respite from the outside heat.

Favorite Food: Fish and Chips

5. Albury, NSW/VIC border

Albury, home to 50,000 residents, is located on the NSW and Victorian border. The New South Wales regional town provides an enticing mixture of contemporary culture and traditional heritage. Take a walk or cycle along the tracks of the Murray River, and learn about its vital history in the region. Explore the Albury city center with an art exhibition at Murray Art Museum Albury on Dean Street. The Museum showcases beautiful works of Aboriginal Art as well as a 10,000 Australian dollar National Photography Prize.

Favorite Food: Steak and Chips

The Bowen to Melbourne drive is a road trip that offers many breathtaking stops. It is quite the adventure that takes voyagers through some of Australia's most diverse attractions. From Cunnamulla's outback to the prehistoric fossils in Eromanga, the communication base in Parkes to the city of Melbourne, hiking, and fishing in Gippsland to the traditional heritage of Albury. The journey presents visitors with a rare opportunity to explore Australia's hidden treasures, meet new people, and most importantly, bond with friends and family.