[1] History [ edit] Selected for archiving. The destination for today is the Gippsland Lakes, the largest navigable inland water system in Australia. Things have changed a lot. Road Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links in this article. Keep following the coastal road and youll cross the border from Victoria into New South Wales before reaching the town of Eden, a destination thats as blissful as its name suggests. I think this itinerary offers a lovely mix of bush and beach, with national parks, wildlife experiences, and some heritage. If you discount the Hume Highway, that leaves you with two main options go along the coast or go inland. A short visit or overnight? Theres lots to see and do on the NSW South Coast. Nestled in the Victorian High Country, Beechworth is a fascinating town steeped in Australian history. In this coastal route from Melbourne to Sydney, I am suggesting stops at Walhalla, Metung, Gipsy Point, Narooma, and Jervis Bay. We recommend grabbing some food in Paynesville, catching the ferry,having some lunch in the park on the foreshore and then doing some Koala Hunting. Leaving Melbourne, you'll see Mount Fraser and pass the beautiful Kinglake National Park before reaching Broadford. (, I Guess Thats Why They Call It the Blues, Elton John. Theres also another interesting road trip route that goes even further inland, through cities like Shepparton, Junee and Bathurst. There are also costs like tolls, and potentially accommodation if you dont go the whole way in one day. Its a small town with a country pub and a museum of local history run by amateur historians, all at volley distance from the oversized racquet. A short visit or overnight? Just note the coast road via Eden, Sale is about 13 hours driving (not 8 hours in post 4) - it can be done but most people would fly that route. As the countryside opens up, youll be driving through the relatively flat agricultural lands of West Gippsland, known primarily for dairy farming but also for a burgeoning gourmet food scene. Ensure you take frequent breaks from the road and stock up on water and fuel when you have the opportunity to do so. Homemade raspberry pie with cream, East Lynne Store, NSW. If you are partial to a bit of cheese, consider stopping in at the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre, which has a small cafe and shop. But you can definitely just stay a night or two and you may appreciate the facilities on a long road trip. The Gippsland Lakes are perfect for trying out new water sports and fishing. You can get a quick, non-binding quote below: SafetyWing is, of course, not the only option available. Cost Go! Ive got more details in my story about things to do in Jervis Bay. There is also the famous blowhole and lighthouse to discover. if the cheapest flight available is more than $150, then it might start to be cheaper to drive in one day. Narooma is a wonderful coastal town and youll immediately see why its such a popular holiday destination. The Koala walk is signposted, and you can also pick up a small guidebook for a gold coin donation. This website uses cookies to improve the user experience. Its a drivers drive and Lisas only frustration is the often 60kmh speed limit. With large clean rooms, the Top of the Town Motor Inn also has a fantastic location right in the heart of all the action. As the sun sets, you will find that Australias huge array of nocturnal wildlife begins to emerge from the bush, and they wont be worrying about crossing roads. We do, however, pull in for homemade pies at the East Lynne Store north of Batemans Bay chunky pepper steak and a heavenly raspberry pie with cream and a side-trip to Hyams Beach at Jervis Bay for actually white sand and water that rolls in like green glass. This road trip is worth devoting a week to there being so much beautiful landscape, gorgeous beaches and cute little towns to visit. The first option is Berry, an inland town full of heritage buildings and quaint stores and cafes. In Sydney, enjoy the great mix of history and culture, catch a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge for brilliant views, relax on the busy beaches and enjoy that laidback, classic Aussie lifestyle in the outdoors. The shortest way to drive from Melbourne to Sydney is up the Hume Highway through Albury and Goulburn. The main attraction here is Old Gippstown, a recreation of Gippsland in the 1850s. Wildlife Driving at dusk and dawn brings its own dangers. Im first in, followed by a Sydney couple taking a dip on her birthday. It depends on the time you have available and your interests. Youll be amazed at how many water birds youll be able to get close to. This is a great spot to break your journey if you have not done so already. The lookouts scattered along the walkway offer breathtaking views out to the Pacific Ocean where you may witness the seasonal migration of whales and enjoy dolphin watching. Within Jervis Bay, there are several towns where you can base yourself Huskisson is the main centre, Vincentia has lots of accommodation, and Hyams Beach is small but famous for its white sand. Sydney to Melbourne drive via the coast road in 2-5 days, Travel Times and Distances on the Coast Road from Sydney to Melbourne, Two days from Sydney to Melbourne via the inland route, Travel Times on the Inland Road to Melbourne, Find Walks in Your LGA in Sydney: 60+ great ideas. Why visit? As well as thousands of penguins, there are huge populations of seals to be found sunning themselves on the rocks. Now you are on the home stretch to Melbourne where all the excitement of Australias second-biggest city awaits. Its also best to make sure you have adequate insurance and roadside assistance when you begin your Melbourne to Sydney road trip. Thousands of people lived and worked here during the boom. Fortunes werent to last and the gold ran out and the town was slowly abandoned. Where is it? A natural gap in a large rock is shaped almost exactly like the country itself and offers wonderful views across the town too. The peninsula is home to a national park as well as a marine reserve. If you have the capacity to keep some food cold, you might like to see if the boats are in and selling mussels off their decks. We think its best to have two drivers if you want to do a non-stop trip. There are huge granite mountains, forest, beaches, and rocky outcrops. Found just off the southern coast close to Melbourne, Phillip Island is famous for being a haven for local wildlife. The town is well-known for its restaurants and bars offering the best of its local cuisine and seafood. For much of the year the weather is incredibly pleasant, and in summer you can enjoy scorching, hot days that are perfect for beach lovers. There is less accommodation in Mallacoota than some of the other stops so sort this out before you decide. Melbourne and Sydney are lucky enough to experience some of the most temperate climates in Australia. The giant sheep is a symbol of Goulburns agricultural past and the citys prominence as a significant centre for Merino wool growing. The fastest route along the inland road with only a stop or two for coffee takes 10 hours. Approximately 850 kms, about 8 hours. How long does it take to drive from Sydney to Melbourne along the coast? How long does a Sydney to Melbourne road trip take? Marlo is where the Snowy meets the sea, and David from the anglers club explains that high tide has temporarily messed with the natural order of things, sending the river back towards the mountains from which it came. Part of the road also traverses Tasmania. Why stop here? Australia's Highway 1. This itinerary is a bit stop and start at the beginning, but these stops are short and very picturesque. After a long drive and a distance from Melbourne to Sydney of over 1,000 kilometers, you will find yourself in the capital of New South Wales and Australias largest city. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox. Mallacoota sits on the beautiful Mallacoota Inlet, and getting out on the water here is a truly delightful experience. Its Friday night at the Marlo Hotel in East Gippsland and everyone, it seems, is in on the joke. Best Places to Stay in Walhalla:Walhallas Star Hotel | Walhalla Wild Cherry | Walhalla Coach House. The Big Merino is not just for show. The Surf Beach Narooma Holiday Park is comfortable and basic, but its got an incredible location right on the beach. However, flights can get more expensive in peak time and at the last minute. A month earlier the river mouth was almost closed but recent rain has gifted us this little quirk of time and tide. Where is it? The Coastal Route from Sydney to Melbourne. If you intend to road trip more of Australias east coast, make sure to also check out our other itineraries: Adelaide to Melbourne, Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Brisbane, Brisbane to Cairns, and Cairns to Darwin. Theres also some diversity in these stops, rather than just going to a nice beach each day. Australias capital city is home to plenty of attractions, and most of them are free to visit. If you are renting a vehicle, double check you are covered, as you dont want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere. Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive | Routes, Maps & More Discover Somewhere New All the insider news, tips and inspiration you need to plan your next trip, delivered straight to your inbox. One of the best road trips you can do in Australia has to be the Melbourne to Sydney drive, tracing the coastline past stunning beaches and through epic national parks. Thank you for submitting the form. Next ATL closure is." But its all still beautifully laidback and, with the beaches and cafes, the whole region feels like a constant summer holiday. For Australians, just down the road can be 100 kilometers or 62 miles. There arent many stops along the way but youll probably want to get to todays destination of Croajingalong National Park early anyway, so you can make the most of your time. The charming decor of Anchors Aweigh sets the scene for this quirky guesthouse where youll instantly feel right at home. Also, be extra vigilant in areas known for kangaroos, on these drives anywhere south of Ulladulla along the coast route or Canberra on the inland road. So from here, you have an easy 150km drive into Melbourne city. If you stay in each location for just the night, itll be a six-day road trip from Melbourne to Sydney. Carry on inland from Kosciuszko National Park to visit Canberra, Australias very much underrated and under-visited capital city. I would suggest trying to extend for a night or two, though, and spend a whole day in at least one of the stops perhaps Metung, Mallacoota, or Jervis Bay.