VIC · NSW · QLD · Return trip
Melbourne ⇄ Brisbane
The Newell Highway is the classic inland run between Melbourne and Brisbane. Charging is sparser than the coastal routes, so this drive rewards a little planning: it is best split across two days with an overnight charge in central New South Wales.
Highway
A39 Newell Highway
Distance (one way)
1,680 km
Drive time
≈ 19 hours
Fast chargers
90+
Interactive route planner
Melbourne to Brisbane · A39 Newell Highway
Route
Melbourne to Brisbane
- Highway
- A39 Newell Highway
- Distance
- 1,673 km
- Drive time
- 19 hr 22 min
Loading map
Major charging stops
Key towns with DC fast charging along the route. Check live availability in Plugroo before each leg.
Shepparton
Fast charging before the NSW border
Parkes
Home of "The Dish"; central NSW charging hub
Dubbo
Popular overnight stop with multiple chargers
Moree
Artesian spa town, top-up before Queensland
Toowoomba
Last major charge before the run into Brisbane
Along the way
- The Parkes radio telescope ("The Dish")
- Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran
- Toowoomba’s gardens and the Great Dividing Range descent
Charging tips
- Treat this as a two-day trip with an overnight charge at Dubbo or Parkes.
- Chargers are further apart than on coastal routes — never leave a stop below the range needed to reach the next two chargers.
- Fuel and food towns can be small; check charger status before committing to a leg.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Newell Highway suitable for EVs?
- Yes, but it needs more planning than the coastal routes. DC fast chargers are spaced further apart, so plan each leg around confirmed working chargers and keep a comfortable buffer.
- Should I split the drive over two days?
- For most drivers, yes. An overnight stop around Dubbo or Parkes breaks the 1,680 km into two manageable days and lets you charge slowly and cheaply overnight.