School Holiday Road Trips — Why The Marulan Village Centre Should Be Your Pit-Stop

Written By The Lazy George Cafe

As the September-October school holidays approach in NSW, many families are planning getaways — whether to the coast, the countryside, or visiting friends and family. If you’re driving between Sydney and Canberra, consider making Marulan your mid-point stop. Marulan is conveniently located just two minutes off the Hume Highway, making it an ideal “breather” for travellers: stretch your legs, grab a coffee, refill, and make your trip more enjoyable for the kids.

Marulan, NSW - Southern Highlands

View of the Marulan Village Centre with the historic palm tree.

What Marulan & Marulan Village Centre Have to Offer

When you stop in Marulan, there’s more than just a rest-stop. Here’s what you can expect — what’s convenient, what’s local, and what the Village Centre provides to make your journey smoother.

At the Marulan Village Centre

Stores & Shops

  • IGA Marulan + Liquor: great selection of groceries, fresh produce and bakery items — perfect for packing up picnic supplies or grabbing snacks for the trip ahead.

  • The Shed Marulan: lots of indoor/outdoor furniture, renovating and decorating items, books, memorabilia, tools. Good if you’re interested in browsing for longer or need something for the home or garden.

  • TerryWhite Chemmart Marulan: for any medical or first aid needs, or just to pick up sunscreen, insect repellent or something you forgot.

  • Marulan Strength & Rehabilitation: for those who like to keep active, or maybe after a day of hiking something gentle or rehab-type services.

  • TMT Tobacconist: sweets, small treats, accessories, etc.

  • The Lazy George Cafe: open 7 days, serving Campos Coffee and fresh tasty meals. Ideal for breakfast, brunch or a stop for lunch. They have a dog-friendly outdoor deck space, perfect for your furry friends to stretch their legs too!

Sandstone Cottage

White Cottage

  • Little Fairytail Hair: perfect if you need a quick trim, a freshen-up for the kids, or even a wash and blow-dry before continuing your journey.

Facilities & Amenities

  • Clean, customer restroom facilities.

  • Ample parking, including accessible parking bays.

  • Wheelchair and pram-friendly access.

So whether you need to rest, refuel, grab something quick, enjoy a relaxed meal, or let the kids run around a bit, Marulan Village Centre has what you need.

More to Discover in Marulan

Beyond the Village Centre, Marulan offers a few hidden gems and family-friendly spots to stretch your legs or enjoy some fresh country air:

  • Tony Onions Memorial Park – located just a short walk from the Village Centre, this is a great place for kids to burn off energy. It has a modern playground, open grassy areas and shaded picnic tables.

  • Marulan War Memorial & Community Hall – a touch of history and a nice stop for those interested in the town’s heritage.

  • Picnic Spots – dotted around the village, there are benches and grassy spaces where families can relax with takeaway from The Lazy George Cafe or goodies from IGA.

  • Heritage Charm – stroll around the village streets and enjoy sandstone buildings, cottages, and the historic railway line that showcase Marulan’s rich past. Visit the Marulan website for details about a self-guided tour!

  • Local Events & Markets – depending on the timing of your visit, Marulan often hosts community markets or seasonal events (check the Marulan Village Centre noticeboard for updates).

Marulan may be small, but it’s safe, clean, and welcoming — a great little detour from the highway that makes family road trips far less stressful.

Getting Here: Easy Directions

  • From Sydney: Head south on the Hume Motorway (M31). Marulan is about a 1 hour 45 minute drive (approx. 160 km) from the Sydney CBD. Simply take the Marulan exit, turn left onto George St and you’ll see the Village Centre just off George Street, right in town opposite the pub.

  • From Goulburn: If you’re coming from Goulburn, it’s an easy 20 minute drive (approx. 27 km) north on the Hume Highway. Take the Marulan exit and follow the signs straight down George St into the village.

Things to See & Do with Kids in the Southern Highlands

Once you’ve broken up the drive (or once you arrive at your holiday destination), the Southern Highlands offers many family-friendly options. Here are suggestions — nature, history, outdoor fun.

Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame - For cricket fans (or kids who like hands-on exhibits), this is fun and educational. Interactive displays.

Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre & Reserve - Stunning waterfalls, bushwalks, picnic spots. Great for active families and kids with energy.

Corbett Gardens, Bowral - Beautiful gardens, nice open spaces, good for a relaxed wander, picnic, maybe photo ops.

Historic Berrima Village - Georgian architecture, small shops, places to eat, heritage walks. It’s like stepping back in time. A MUST SEE is the Berrima Courthouse and it’s self-guided tour, which ends with a light and sound show within the court room of actual cases heard within the walls.

Walks, National Parks & Lookouts - Mount Gibraltar Lookouts, the many bush walks around the Highlands, nature reserves.

Parks, Playgrounds & Local Experiences - Families with younger children will enjoy playgrounds, local markets, farms, maybe fruit picking depending on season.

Wombeyan Caves - If you have some more adventurous kids or older ones, caves can be a memorable experience.

Why This is a Great Time to Visit

  • Spring (September/October) is lovely in the Highlands — blossoms, milder weather, not too cold. Perfect for outdoor adventures.

  • Offers a break from the city without having to travel huge distances.

  • Many places host special school-holiday events or activities. Keep an eye on local tourism sites or town noticeboards. (Marulan Village Centre also has a community noticeboard for local events.)

The Lazy George Cafe https://www.lazygeorge.com.au