Melbourne to Sydney Coastal Drive

Road trips are simply the best, particularly when they are drenched in sunshine, freedom and Australian beaches.

The journey from Melbourne to Sydney was going to take around 11 hours, so we decided to split this into 4 nights and 3 days with a few stops along the way. The journey times are pretty long, so we split them by sharing the driving. We didn’t do much research beforehand and thought we would just stop at a lot of little towns along the way to stretch our legs. We managed to find the perfect 3-day itinerary which didn’t disappoint one bit.

The Itinerary…..

DAY 1: MELBOURNE TO PHILLIP ISLAND

Head southeast from Melbourne and within an hour the sandy beaches and coastal towns of the Mornington Peninsula will stretch out before you. Along the way, stop at Brighton Beach to view the popular 82 distinctive multi-coloured beach huts that line the shores of one of Melbourne's most exclusive neighbourhoods.

Head southeast from Melbourne and within an hour the sandy beaches and coastal towns of the Mornington Peninsula will stretch out before you. Along the way, stop at Brighton Beach to view the popular 82 distinctive multi-coloured beach huts that line the shores of one of Melbourne's most exclusive neighbourhoods.

Hit the road eastbound towards Phillip Island, a destination for lovers of wildlife and home to little penguins, cavorting fur seals and a large population of koalas that can be viewed at close range.

Check in for a dose of luxury at hotels in San Remo, gateway to the island, and then make your way to Summerland Beach for the nightly penguin parade.

DAY 2: PHILLIP ISLAND TO WALHALLA

Leave the coast behind and head for the hills: to Baw Baw National Park. Get outdoors and revel in the spectacular alpine scenery. Embrace snow sports in winter and outdoor adventures among the snow gum forests in the summer months.

Unwind on the short drive to historic Walhalla, a tiny town of less than 20 residents that’s been lovingly preserved as it was in its 1860s gold-mining heyday. Explore the old hotels, shops, school and churches.

If you’re keen to experience history, pan for gold down at Stringers Creek, ride the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, or take a ghost tour to the old cemetery on the hill. Venture deep into the mountain on a tour of the original workings of the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine.

Travel through the farming landscapes for a couple of hours towards Lakes Entrance. A popular holiday destination, where the mighty Gippsland Lakes enters the Southern Ocean. Greet the local fishing boats and take a stroll along the magnificent Ninety Mile Beach. From here, it’s a two and half hour drive to Gipsy Point, and ideal hideaway off the main track. Stop off for a picnic lunch and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.

Continue on for a short drive north until you cross the border into New South Wales. Wind your way along the spectacular Sapphire Coast, taking a stop at Eden, a natural paradise. Eden’s extraordinary attractions range from spotting humpback whales in the deep blue waters of Twofold Bay to learning about the region’s whaling heritage and bushwalking in Ben Boyd National Park. Take a marine or wildlife tour and buy fresh blue mussels straight from the wharf.

Eden is one of the best whale-watching spots in Australia during the annual migration between May and early November. You will find plenty of shoreline vantage points around Twofold Bay and along the coast in Ben Boyd National Park. Green Cape Lookout is a popular spot.

Head further north to the town of Merimbula, which is perfect for an overnight stopover. This is an enchanting seaside town on the sparkling Sapphire Coast that offers rugged ocean beaches and tranquil coastal lakes. Wonderful things to do and see here include, relaxing on Merimbula Main Beach, whale watching, strolling on the Merimbula boardwalk, picnic in Bournda National Park, meeting koalas at Potoroo Palace, and tasting the best local sea food.

DAY 3: MERIMBULA TO SYDNEY

In the morning, enjoy a wholesome breakfast from The Waterfront Cafe and soak up the lake views before hitting the road.

Once refuelled, continue along the coast for roughly an hour, heading into tiny Tilba Tilba, a heritage town that retains much of its character from 1890s gold rush era. Wander the town and its beaches to absorb the relaxed vibe and historical surrounds, and satisfy your taste buds with some of the region’s delicious cheeses.

Head further north to the town of Narooma, which is a popular holiday destination in summer. This coastal town appears to have it all, the sparkling Wagonga Inlet, beautiful beaches, swimming, snorkelling and diving. It’s also the gateway to Montague Island, a spectacular wildlife wonderland, home to a colony of fur seals and more than 90 bird species.

Continue for a further 30 minutes on the Princess Highway to a town called Tuross Heads. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s plenty of both in this seaside gem. Enjoy fish n chips in a quirky boat shed overlooking the water. Be sure to get there early as it is a popular spot amongst the locals.

From here, set your sights north to Sydney, heading through Batemans Bay, Ulladulla and Nowra en route. Set on the banks of the majestic Shoalhaven River, the town’s attractive parks, green spaces and cafes make it an ideal spot to revive with lunch or get a quick caffeine hit.

Consider an inland detour through the very picturesque but windy Kangaroo Valley. Verdant farmland, spectacular wilderness and a tranquil river make this secluded spot in the Shoalhaven region one of Australia’s most beautiful valleys. Kangaroo Valley is a charming village known for its historic bridge, tea rooms and pies. It’s also a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, golf and wine tasting.

From here, it's onto the highway for the final highway trip into Sydney.

Complete this road trip in 3 days without rushing, but a week would be ideal if you have the time.