A Melbourne to Sydney road trip is undoubtedly the most iconic adventure in Australia. The route between Australia’s two largest cities includes breathtaking beaches, isolated camping areas, rocky national parks, charming coastal villages, and a thriving van life community. Enjoy your trip to the fullest by going at your speed and selecting an itinerary from our suggested options. Whether you are a student who just wants to take a break, an adventurer, or someone simply seeking variety, there’s something for everyone on this trip. Visit unique places such as Great Ocean Road, Wilsons Promontory, and Phillip Island. Relish delicious food, beautiful beaches, and picturesque sunsets. This road trip assures new experiences, unforgettable treasures, and a real taste of Australia. Let’s go!
How Long is this Trip?
Driving time on a road trip from Melbourne to Sydney using this itinerary will be approximately 20 to 21 hours. It is up to you how you divide that up and how much time you spend at each stop. Phillip Island is the farthest day trip on this list at 140 km from Melbourne’s central business district, while the rest are within an hour’s drive. On weekends, traffic can be heavy leaving the city, but it should lighten as you approach the roads. You’ll be rewarded if you leave early, and there will undoubtedly be a fantastic brunch spot where you’re heading.
Road Trips Essentials
Here are essential road trip checklists to carry when going on a road trip like this one.
- Day Pack
- Healthy Snacks
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Coffee cup
- Water bottle
- Walking shoes
- Swimsuits
- Mosquito repellent
Bring an extra set of clothes if you’re going on a trek so you can treat yourself to a visit to a cafe or vineyard afterward. Now that we’ve covered the essentials, you’re ready to hit the road. Let’s go!
Melbourne to Philip Island
Travel southeast from Melbourne to Phillip Island, which is located in Western Port Bay and boasts sandy beaches, serene wetlands, and exceptional wildlife experiences. You’ll discover beautiful beaches in this Melbourne to Sydney road trip. Take a break at Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park, where you can interact with colorful birds, reptiles, and dingoes, feed kangaroos and wallabies, and get up close with charming koalas.
Add an extra night to your trip to fit in some after-dark fun at the sanctuary, which comes alive at night with chances to observe pythons, potoroos, small feathertail gliders, rare quolls, pademelons, and many other species in their natural nocturnal habitat.
Otherwise, proceed to Phillip Island, which is home to species such as fur seals, little penguins, and a sizable koala population that may be seen up close. Famous tiny penguins from the island trot up the beach to the protection of their sand-dune homes as the sun sets. Spend the night in San Remo and travel to Summerlands to see this yearly spectacular procession.
Philip Island to Wilson Promontory National Park
Although Wilsons Prom National Park may seem a bit out of the way if you’re short on time, you could just drive directly to Lakes Entrance and skip Wilsons Prom. It’s one of Victoria’s most stunning locations. The southernmost part of Australia is the peninsula extending into the ocean.
It is known for its rocky mountains, immaculate beaches, numerous natural animals, and fantastic walks. Camping and lodging are available near the Tidal River, the national park’s major center. The drive to the west shore of the peninsula, past the entrance gate, takes around half an hour.
Wilson Promontory to Lakes Entrance
Depending on the season, prepare for yet another early start and witness the dawn from Mount Oberon. The scenic route along this Melbourne to Sydney road trip offers breathtaking views. You will be able to see much of the prom from up there. When it’s time to depart from The Prom, take a little break and grab a bite to eat in Sale or visit Agnes Falls, Gippsland’s largest waterfall, to relieve your emotions.
The distance between Tidal River and your next destination, Lakes Entrance, is just over 275 kilometers. Take your time and enjoy the drive, which should take about three and a half hours. Once you reach Lakes Entrance, you may unwind after a hectic and early morning or engage in your preferred water sport.
You can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and quietly cruise into each of the bays, or you can go out on a boat and study marine life with the locals. Lakes Entrance can be a popular tourist destination in summer, so if you’d rather live a quiet life, you might want to consider staying in nearby Metung. From there, you can enjoy boating, diving, fishing, and scenic walks.
This region, referred to as the Seafood Capital, offers many options, including serene surface lakes, expansive rivers, and much more. While in town, you should check out the fresh seafood stores. It’s impossible to go wrong in this seaside town, but Wild Catch Fish & Chips is a crowd favorite. Even better, catch your meal and cook it on a camping barbecue right out of the ocean.
Lakes Entrance to Mallacoota
There are many things tourists can do in the Gippsland Lakes area. Get a short breakfast at the hotel, then drive directly to the south end’s Paynesville and the wharf for the five-minute ferry voyage to Raymond Island. Before crossing Raymond Island, grab a cup of coffee and use the restroom, as there are no services or shops.
There are hundreds and dozens of wild koalas on Raymond Island! It’s among Australia’s top spots to watch koalas. The hour-long break between regular weekday boats is ideal for walking along the signposted “koala trail,” which leads to the island’s back sanctuary region.
Get in your vehicle and drive up to Lakes Entrance, located on the northern side of the lakes, in around 45 minutes. The village is charming and offers plenty of places to get a quick lunch, but the main draw is the footbridge that crosses to Ninety Mile Beach, which gets its name from how long it is.
The beach serves as a breakwater, shielding the entire Gippsland Lakes area from the choppy waves of the Pacific. It’s a terrific spot for body surfing, surfing, beach play, and casual splashing. However, because the waves can be strong, keep little children nearby and only swim between the flags. Once you’ve got enough beach time, it’s time to travel three hours north to Eden to reach Mallacoota.
Mallacoota to Narooma
Swim in Mallacoota’s serene Secret Beach or famous Betka Beach in the morning. Explore the breathtaking Mallacoota Inlet waterfront by taking a 300-meter walk along the Narrows Walk to prepare for the next part of your tour, or take a 13-kilometer boat trip to Gabo Island. You’ll love the freedom of open road on this Melbourne to Sydney road trip. Take in the views from the island’s unique pink granite lighthouse and have a chance to see uncommon vegetation and animals.
Once you’re back on the road, you’ll need to drive north for a short while until you enter New South Wales. Take a gourmet break in Pambula to try award-winning fresh oysters as you go down the breathtaking Sapphire Coast, or make a detour to Tathra Beach to surf some waves. After you’ve rested, head into Mimosa Rocks National Park, which is only a few miles away, and take in the breathtaking coastline strip of rocky bays, bluffs, and inlets.
In the early afternoon, take advantage of the chance to unwind with a picnic after swimming again in the pristine lagoons. After about an hour of continuing along the coast, you will enter the small village of Tilba Tilba, a history town that has retained much of its charm from the gold rush of the 1890s.
Explore the city and its beaches to take in the laid-back atmosphere and the surrounding history, and indulge your palate with some of the delectable cheeses from the area. The state’s sole known colony of Australian fur seals can be found on Montague Island, a wildlife sanctuary located about 11 kilometers offshore. After you’ve seen enough wildlife, take a nighttime cruise back to Narooma.
Narooma to Jarvis Bay
After a refreshing swim in Narooma’s Surf Beach, bring your camera to explore the Glasshouse Rocks, which are historic rock formations at the southern end of the beach.
Drive through a verdant forest until you reach Batemans Bay, a well-liked vacation destination less than an hour away. The region is famous for its spectacular coastline and pristine waterways.
There are several amazing coves and stunning beaches for swimming and lounging along Beach Road, which leads south of town. Make a diversion onto Mt Agony Road, approximately 14 kilometers north of Batemans Bay, to watch some animals at Pebbly Beach. The likelihood of encountering beautiful kangaroos as they hop along the shore is high.
Since they are usually gentle, they might even pose for a photo with you. Back on the highway, a brief drive leads to the coastal village of Ulladulla. It’s an excellent spot for a late lunch stop and has a lovely harbor. Another hour north lies Jervis Bay, with its quiet waters and white sands.
Just when you think that this trip’s coastline can’t get any nicer or bluer, Jervis Bay pops out over the horizon. Jarvis Bay, which is part of the Shoalhaven area of the NSW South Coast, has some of the world’s whitest sand beaches. Admire the glistening azure waters of the well-known Hyams Beach before comparing it with other beloved local beaches, including Murrays Beach and Blenheim Beach.
The best thing about owning a car is that you may drive between them to choose the ideal beach. Early journeys are generally recommended while visiting this area, especially on weekends.
Jarvis Bay to Sydney
It’s the final part of the Melbourne to Sydney road trip, and it starts from Jarvis. Once you’ve had your fill of salt and sun, there are some fantastic pit breaks to make on the final half of the journey to Sydney. Stop by the old village of Berry to get a hot donut from the well-known Berry Donut Van and to pick up any locally made souvenirs.
If the time permits, reserve a lunch table at The Scarborough Hotel. This popular pub boasts fantastic views from its cliffside location. The most important part of this last journey, though, is to confirm that you are traveling on the coastal road just north of Clifton, where you will find the Sea Cliff Bridge. Stop at the top of the hill for a last time to gaze back over the majestic blue water and the towering bridge.
Arriving at sunset will reward you with stunning sky colors and, if you’d like, some fish and chips. Sydney’s central business district is about an hour away (assuming light to moderate traffic), and there is simply too much to do. If you’re still in the mood for more wildlife, you may also go to Maianbar in Sydney’s Royal National Park. Spend the rest of your week trekking, swimming, climbing, and exploring waterfalls in this popular park by booking a few nights in cottages or the camp area.
Conclusion
Your Melbourne to Sydney road trip may end, but the memories remain. 715km of coastline, culture, and adventure will leave you yearning for more. Relive the journey and start planning your next Australian escapade.
