Start the day with a leisurely departure from Canberra, taking the Kings Highway toward the Southern Tablelands and stopping for panoramic views at Mount Ainslie Lookout to stretch legs and photograph the cityscape. Continue via the Federal Highway and detour to explore the convict-era charm of Goulburn's Big Merino precinct, where you can visit the [Goulburn Historic Waterworks](https://www.google.com/search?q=Goulburn+Historic+Waterworks+canberra+to+rutherglenn+road+trip%0A+official+site) and grab a coffee at a local café before heading deeper into the country roads toward Goulburn township.
After a relaxed morning, continue north into the Southern Tablelands and pull off at Roslyn Village for a stroll among heritage buildings and a light lunch at the charming The Roslyn Inn; the village green is perfect for a picnic if the weather's mild. In the later afternoon, follow the Crookwell road for a short detour to Bungonia National Park (entrance picnic areas and short walking tracks) or, if you prefer staying closer to Goulburn, explore the informative exhibits at the [Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre](https://www.google.com/search?q=Goulburn+Rail+Heritage+Centre+canberra+to+rutherglenn+road+trip%0A+official+site) before checking into your accommodation and enjoying an evening pub meal.
Wind down the day with a relaxed stroll and dinner in the heart of Goulburn at Belmore Park, then head to the nearby riverside precinct for an after-dusk walk along the Littler Creek Riverwalk to watch lights reflect on the water. Finish with a nightcap at The Goulburn Club or sample local brews at Boags Ale House, where cosy interiors and live-acoustic nights often set a friendly, small-town scene.
Leave Goulburn after breakfast and take the scenic route through rolling farmland to visit Taralga Sheep Station, where you can join a guided farm tour and watch a working sheepdog demonstration before sampling fresh cheeses at the on-site farm shop. Continue toward Yass with a stop at Linton Grove Olive Estate for an olive oil tasting and a short grove walk, then arrive in Yass in time for a riverside coffee at The Riverbank Café and a stroll along the Yass River Walk.
In the afternoon, drive toward the historic village of Murrumbateman for a tasting at Clonakilla Vineyard, sampling cool-climate shiraz and riesling while enjoying vineyard views, then stop by Poachers Pantry for artisan preserves and a light country-style lunch. Continue with a tranquil riverside wander at Gunning Memorial Park, where shady picnic spots and heritage monuments offer a relaxed pace before heading into Yass township to check into your accommodation and explore its boutique shops.
As the day cools, enjoy a relaxed dinner in the historic heart of Yass at The Yass Hotel Bistro, sampling local lamb paired with a regional wine before a short after-dinner walk to Yass Soldiers' Memorial Hall to admire its heritage façade and evening lights. Finish the night with a stargazing stop at Lake Burrinjuck Lookout (a tranquil spot for constellations and reflected water views) or cozy up with a craft beer tasting at The Yass Brewing Co., where friendly staff can recommend local pours and stories about the town.
Leave Yass after breakfast and follow the Lachlan River north, stopping first at Boorowa Lookout for sweeping valley views and a short photo-friendly walk; then stretch your legs on the easy riverside loop at Murrumbidgee River Scenic Reserve, where birdlife and shaded picnic spots make for a peaceful morning pause. Continue through rolling countryside to visit Beanie and Blossom Farm (a working flower farm and café) for seasonal blooms, a light brunch, and the chance to pick-your-own stems before resuming the drive toward Young.
After a gentle morning by the river, head inland to explore the tranquil slopes around Lillyvale Reserve, where a short creek-side trail and shaded picnic tables make for a lazy lunchtime stop; pick up hearty pies and local produce at Young Farmers' Market (weekend hours permitting) to enjoy on the grass. Later, continue toward town via the scenic backroads and pause at Burrinjuck Lookout for sweeping reservoir views and a late-afternoon walk along the ridge, then arrive in Young mid-afternoon to check into your accommodation and stroll the heritage streets, popping into Small Town Books & Co. for local history and road-trip souvenirs.
As dusk falls, settle into the cosy riverside atmosphere at Gum Swamp Reserve Picnic Area, enjoying a short sunset boardwalk where wetland birds settle in and the light softens across the marsh. Afterwards, head into town for a relaxed meal at The Royal Oak Young followed by a slow, lantern-lit stroll through Centre Square Gardens, where heritage palms and evening benches make for a peaceful end to the day's countryside drives.
Set out from Young and dive into local gold-rush heritage with a guided underground tour at Temora Goldfields Heritage Mine, followed by a hands-on panning demonstration where you can try your luck at finding a flake or two. Afterward, drive a short distance to the family-run Boorowa Valley Farmstand for a farm-to-table breakfast of warm scones, seasonal preserves and freshly brewed coffee, then wander the orchard lanes and pick up regional honey and preserves to carry onward toward Harden.
Wind through rolling paddocks to the historic gold town precinct at Murrumburrah Heritage Village, where you can wander restored streets, visit the local museum and try a guided heritage tram ride that brings the gold-rush era to life. Afterward, stop at Harden Farmers Market (or the weekend stall stands if open) to sample seasonal cheeses, hand-crafted chutneys and freshly baked sourdough, then stretch your legs on the scenic riverbank walk at Harden/Murrumburrah Riverside Reserve before checking into your evening accommodation.
As the sun softens, head to Wee Jasper Lookout for panoramic views across the valley and a short sunset walk along the ridge, then descend toward town for a relaxed riverside meal at The Dockside Eatery where locally sourced lamb and seasonal veg feature on the menu. After dinner, enjoy a guided heritage lantern tour at Harden Courthouse Precinct, where stories of the gold-rush era and restored period buildings come alive, finishing the night with a warming regional dessert and a digestif at The Old Post Inn.
Depart Harden with an easy drive through rolling wheatlands and stop for a hearty country breakfast at Cootamundra Café on Goldsmith, then stretch your legs on the riverside boardwalk at Jubilee Park, Cootamundra, where birdlife and picnic tables make for a peaceful pause. Continue via the scenic Burley Griffin Way to explore the historic steam-era displays at Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum, followed by a tasting of locally made chocolates and breads at Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory before heading onward toward Wagga Wagga.
After a riverside morning, cruise the Burley Griffin Way into Riverina farmland and pull off at Bidgee Riverside Reserve for a leisurely picnic and a short paddle in a hired canoe along the Murrumbidgee. Continue toward Wagga with a foodie stop at Turvey Park Farmers' Lane to sample regional cheeses and seasonal pies, then stretch your legs on the scenic boardwalk at Victory Memorial Gardens before checking into your Wagga accommodation.
As dusk settles, unwind with a riverside dinner at The Boatshed Wagga overlooking the Murrumbidgee, where seasonal Riverina produce and a regional wine list make for a relaxed, local-flavoured meal. After dinner, take a gentle twilight stroll through Sturt Park to watch the river lights and listen for nocturnal birdlife, then finish the night with a craft-beer tasting or nightcap at Fraternity Club Wagga, a friendly spot popular with locals.
Set out from Wagga Wagga and make a relaxed mid-morning stop at Holbrook Submarine Museum, where the unique WWII submarine exhibit offers a quirky history break before the countryside opens up. Continue through the rolling Victorian plains to arrive in Rutherglen in time for a late-morning tasting at Campbells Wines and a vineyard walk at All Saints Estate, sampling fortified styles and seasonal cheese pairings while soaking in the sunlit vines-an easy, flavorful arrival that builds on the Riverina-to-vintage progression of your trip.
After lunch, roll into Rutherglen for a relaxed cellar-door crawl beginning with a tasting flight at All Saints Estate Distillery & Cellar Door to sample their tawny and Muscat expressions, followed by a guided fortifying tour and tasting at Campbells Winery to learn about traditional methods. Finish the afternoon with a scenic bike ride through the vineyards to Sam Miranda Wines for a late-afternoon tasting on the terrace and a platter of local charcuterie while the light softens over the rows of vines.
As the golden light fades, head to Chateau Tanunda for an elegant evening tasting of fortified wines and a guided pairing of local cheeses in a heritage cellar room, then stroll the atmospheric grounds to watch vineyard lights come alive. Finish with a relaxed dinner at The Proprietor Rutherglen, where seasonal Riverina produce and a regional shiraz flight make for a lingering finale to the road trip before retiring to your accommodation amid quiet vineyard views.