Driving from Adelaide to Sydney: The Journey Through Boredom and Wonder

Over the years, there have been numerous opportunities for me to travel from Adelaide to Sydney, and while the journey can be quite lengthy, it offers a unique and fascinating experience. Whether you choose to fly the route or take a drive, this 1,100 km (720-mile, 650-nm) trip through South Australia and New South Wales has much to offer.

Traveling by Air or Land

Traveling from Adelaide to Sydney by air might seem the most comfortable option, yet many have preferred the long journey by road. A light plane, like a Piper Warrior, makes for a 6-hour flight with a refueling stop, whereas driving the route can take between 6 to 8 hours, depending on the route and nighttime stops.

Adventures on the Road

Whether you decide to drive the inland route or the coast, the experience can vary greatly. For those opting for the inland journey, expect long, flat stretches of road, followed by hilly terrain at night. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, which are more active at night. Nights on the road in a caravan can be particularly slow, with trucks dominating the road.

Driving through South Australia offers a taste of the open road and the chance to pass through places like Broken Hill, a historic mining town that provides unique charm and interesting routes. Alternatively, choosing the northern route through Hay and the New South Wales central west brings you closer to the Australian outback, with fewer agricultural areas and more primitive beauty.

Challenges and Rewards of Driving

While the drive from Adelaide to Sydney can be long and monotonous, it is also filled with unexpected rewards. Drivers can mix in some interesting stops along the way, such as Broken Hill or other small towns, to add a sense of adventure and discovery.

To make the journey more manageable, many appreciate the options to drive in one day or break it up over several days. For those looking to turn the journey into a week-long adventure, exploring the coast and stopping at various points can provide a memorable trip.

Personal Experiences

As someone who has driven this route several times, I can attest to its unpredictability. You might drive through Adelaide and then spend days on the road, making stops at various points to see the landscape and the diverse communities along the way. The most interesting stretch of the journey is the Hay to Balranald portion, which is so unremarkable that it makes the rest of the drive seem more exciting in comparison.

For those who prefer to drive through the outback, the route through Broken Hill and northwards provides a different perspective. Broken Hill itself, though a city, offers a tangible taste of the outback with its unique mines and history. However, be warned that this route also includes the Hay Plain, an area of remarkable unremarkableness, which can stretch the patience of even the most enduring traveler.

For a true challenge, consider driving the entire route in a single day, leaving Adelaide at dawn to reach Sydney by nightfall, but be careful of the kangaroos and other wildlife that may be encountered. If the prospect of a long, uneventful drive intimidates you, remember that the charm lies in the mundane, making the journey from Adelaide to Sydney a fascinating adventure in its own right.