The coastal drive between Australia's two largest cities – Sydney and Melbourne – is one of the country's most rewarding road trips. Spanning approximately 1,000 kilometers along the picturesque coastlines of New South Wales and Victoria, this journey offers travelers an incredible mix of pristine beaches, charming seaside towns, lush national parks, and gourmet food regions.
While the direct inland route can be completed in about 9 hours, the coastal route deserves at least 5-7 days to truly appreciate its diverse attractions. This guide will help you plan the ultimate Sydney to Melbourne road trip, highlighting the must-see stops and hidden gems along the way.
Planning Your Trip
Best Time to Travel
The coastal route is beautiful year-round, but each season offers different experiences:
- Summer (December-February): Perfect beach weather but expect crowds and higher accommodation prices. Book in advance.
- Autumn (March-May): Mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and beautiful changing colors in certain regions.
- Winter (June-August): Quieter roads and accommodation deals, but some coastal towns may feel sleepy. Whale watching season begins in late winter.
- Spring (September-November): Wildflowers bloom, temperatures warm up, and crowds are moderate.
Vehicle Selection
A standard car is sufficient for this route as roads are well-maintained. However, consider these options:
- A campervan offers accommodation flexibility and is ideal for nature lovers
- A convertible makes the coastal drive especially scenic (with good weather)
- A 4WD isn't necessary but provides access to some off-road beach areas
The Route: Key Destinations
Day 1: Sydney to Jervis Bay (3 hours)
Begin your journey by heading south from Sydney through the Royal National Park, Australia's oldest national park. The Grand Pacific Drive offers stunning coastal views, particularly along the Sea Cliff Bridge where the road curves dramatically over the ocean.
Continue to Wollongong for a lunch stop at one of the beachfront cafes before driving to Kiama to see its famous blowhole. As water rushes into the coastal cavity, it creates spectacular spouts that can reach 20 meters high in the right conditions.
End your first day at Jervis Bay, renowned for having some of the whitest sand beaches in the world. Hyams Beach is particularly famous, but nearby Greenfield and Chinamans beaches are equally stunning and often less crowded.
Where to stay: Huskisson offers a range of accommodations from beachfront holiday parks to boutique hotels. For a unique experience, consider glamping at Paperbark Camp in the nearby bush.
Day 2: Jervis Bay to Batemans Bay (1.5 hours)
Spend your morning exploring Booderee National Park within Jervis Bay. The park offers excellent bushwalking trails, aboriginal cultural sites, and opportunities to spot native wildlife including kangaroos and colorful birds.
Consider a dolphin-watching cruise or, if visiting between May and November, a whale-watching tour as humpbacks migrate along the coast. The clear waters of Jervis Bay Marine Park also make it perfect for snorkeling.
In the afternoon, continue south to Batemans Bay, the gateway to the Eurobodalla region. This charming coastal town sits at the mouth of the Clyde River and is famous for its fresh oysters and seafood.
Where to stay: Batemans Bay offers numerous waterfront accommodations. Alternatively, the nearby town of Mogo provides quirky B&Bs in a historic gold rush setting.
Day 3: Batemans Bay to Merimbula (2 hours)
Begin with a visit to Mogo Wildlife Park, home to one of Australia's largest collections of exotic animals, including rare white lions. Then drive through the scenic Mimosa Rocks National Park with its distinctive rock formations, peaceful lagoons, and pristine beaches.
Stop at Bermagui's Blue Pool, a natural rock pool carved into the coastline that offers a stunning ocean swimming experience. The vibrant blue water against the rocky backdrop makes for incredible photos.
Continue to Merimbula, known as the "Jewel of the Sapphire Coast" with its extensive lake system opening to the ocean. Take the Merimbula Boardwalk around Top Lake for beautiful sunset views and opportunities to spot stingrays and pelicans.
Where to stay: Merimbula offers everything from luxury apartments overlooking the lake to cozy beach cabins. For something different, consider staying in nearby Tathra in a historic seaside cottage.
Day 4: Merimbula to Lakes Entrance (3 hours)
Cross the border into Victoria and visit the charming town of Mallacoota, surrounded by the beautiful wilderness of Croajingolong National Park. The town offers excellent fishing, boating, and bird watching opportunities.
Continue to Cape Conran Coastal Park where you can walk along deserted beaches and through coastal heathland. The rock pools here are perfect for peaceful exploration.
Arrive at Lakes Entrance by late afternoon. This popular holiday town is the gateway to Australia's largest inland network of waterways, the Gippsland Lakes. Take a sunset cruise or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
Where to stay: Lakes Entrance has numerous accommodation options ranging from waterfront resorts to holiday apartments. For a unique experience, consider staying on a houseboat on the lakes.
Day 5: Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory (3 hours)
Spend the morning exploring the Gippsland Lakes by boat or kayak. The lakes system covers over 400 square kilometers and is home to dolphins, pelicans, and other wildlife.
Drive through the picturesque countryside to Wilsons Promontory National Park, affectionately known as "The Prom." This spectacular wilderness area is the southernmost point of mainland Australia and offers some of Victoria's most stunning coastal scenery.
Take the short walk to Squeaky Beach, famous for its quartz sand that squeaks underfoot. For panoramic views, hike to the summit of Mt. Oberon (a moderately challenging 3.4 km return trail).
Where to stay: Accommodation within the national park includes cabins and a campground (book well ahead). Alternatively, stay in nearby towns like Yanakie or Fish Creek for farm stays and cozy B&Bs.
Day 6: Wilsons Promontory to Phillip Island (2 hours)
Spend the morning exploring more of Wilsons Promontory's walking trails and beaches. Wildlife enthusiasts should look out for wombats, echidnas, and emus that are commonly spotted throughout the park.
Continue to Phillip Island, famous for its nightly penguin parade where little penguins (the world's smallest penguin species) return to shore at sunset. Plan to arrive by late afternoon to secure tickets for this popular attraction.
Before the penguin parade, visit the Koala Conservation Centre to observe koalas in their natural habitat, or experience The Nobbies boardwalk with spectacular coastal views and a chance to spot Australian fur seals offshore.
Where to stay: Phillip Island offers a range of accommodation from luxury resorts to family-friendly holiday parks. Cowes is the main town with the most facilities.
Day 7: Phillip Island to Melbourne (2 hours)
If you're an early riser, catch the sunrise at Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island's highest point, with its distinctive pink granite cliffs. Morning is also a great time to visit the Grand Prix Circuit or take a wildlife cruise around the island.
Continue your journey toward Melbourne, but detour through the Mornington Peninsula. This beautiful region is known for its wineries, hot springs, and beach bathing boxes. Stop at Red Hill for lunch at one of the excellent winery restaurants.
Complete your journey by driving into Melbourne via Beach Road, which hugs Port Phillip Bay and offers lovely views of the city skyline as you approach.
Road Trip Tips
Practical Advice
- Book accommodation in advance, especially during peak periods (December-January)
- Download offline maps as mobile reception can be patchy in some coastal areas
- Be mindful of wildlife on roads, particularly at dawn and dusk
- Fill up your fuel tank when in larger towns as some stretches have limited service stations
- Check for national park closures or fire warnings during summer months
Must-Pack Items
- Swimwear and beach towels
- Hiking shoes for national park trails
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle and shopping bags
Extending Your Trip
If you have more time, consider these worthy extensions to your journey:
- Great Ocean Road: Continue west from Melbourne along this iconic coastal drive to see the Twelve Apostles and other dramatic limestone formations
- Snowy Mountains: Take an inland detour from Batemans Bay to experience Australia's alpine region
- Grampians National Park: Head northwest from Melbourne to explore ancient mountain ranges and aboriginal rock art
Final Thoughts
The Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive showcases some of Australia's most beautiful landscapes. By taking your time and venturing beyond the main highway, you'll discover charming towns, pristine beaches, and natural wonders that many travelers miss.
This journey is as much about the stops along the way as it is about the destinations at either end. Each town and national park has its own character and attractions, making this route perfect for travelers who enjoy variety and spontaneous discoveries.
Whether you're interested in wildlife, outdoor adventures, gourmet food experiences, or simply relaxing on perfect beaches, the coastal route between Sydney and Melbourne offers something for every traveler.