getting there infoyesterday I drove from albury to northern beaches in just under 6 hours. I didnt stop once and I set the cruise control to the speed limit or 1 or 2 k over. I used the M2 and M7. the M2 is wider now and Holbrook is by passed. It is probably the easiest drive in Australia. On my way down there I used the M5, big mistake on that day!
Going to Melbourne I like drive to Albury or Seymour and sleep the night and then tackle Melbourne fresh and go straight to the race. Actually I reckon its best to arrive a day before as you'll find Port Phillip Bay takes a bit of tuning in with its unique chop. The event has a red, amber and green traffic light system. When it goes green you have 48 hours to make the start, i think. Better check that with the race committee. Actually check everything I say with the race committee

Currently we are on Amber, which is on hold.
Flying is a option but I remember Barbara Kendall (gold, silver and bronze medalist for NZ) telling me in back in the nineties, 'fly into frankfurt get a car and never fly with your gear'. the same applies here I reckon.