Melbourne to Sydney Itinerary

The route from Melbourne to Sydney is a stunning stretch of road over 1200 kilometres long. It connects these two capitals along the coast and has some magnificent places to visit along the way. So if you are about to leave Victoria for New South Wales, take a look at our itinerary below.

How to Prepare for your Road Trip

Plan your Trip According to the Seasons

We advise you to leave Melbourne in the mid-season, between September and November for example, or between March and May.

Melbourne is located in southern Victoria and is the closest major city to Tasmania. Its climate is mild, but remains affected by temperature changes. They say there can be four seasons in one day in Melbourne! In winter the average temperature is 13°C (July), and 26°C (January) in summer. Sydney is located in the southern part of New South Wales, where the climate is temperate all year round (20°C on average). Summers are hot and winters are mild.

How many Days will I Need?

Allow at least 8 days for this road trip to properly enjoy the coast, the distances are longer than they look, and several stops (Raymond Island, Lakes Entrance, Jervis Bay) deserve unhurried time. If you’re short on time, it can be compressed into 7 days, but expect some long driving days.

Overview: Choose Your Route

• Inland (Hume Highway): Quickest — ~879 km, ~9 hours of driving
• Coastal Route: More scenic — ~1,200 km, ~15 hours total drive time. Offers beaches, national parks, and charming towns along the southeast coast.
• Inland Detours (Snowy Mountains): ~1,100 km, ~14 hours, scenic with alpine landscapes.

Recommended Itinerary

We’ve put together a sample 7-day itinerary for you to follow on your road trip, taking in all the highlights along the way.

Which Vehicle for this Road Trip?

The Melbourne–Sydney coastal route is one of the easiest drives in Australia — sealed roads the whole way, no remote outback stretches, and towns every hour or so. That means almost any vehicle works, and the real choice comes down to where you want to sleep.

Campervan or motorhome — the most popular option for this trip. You can wake up facing the ocean, keep costs down by cooking on board, and stay overnight along the coast or in national parks. A 2-berth campervan is plenty for a couple; a 4-berth suits a small group. Given the number of beachside campsites between Wilsons Prom and Jervis Bay, this is the setup that makes the most of the route.
👉 Compare campervan and motorhome prices · How to rent a vehicle in Australia

A regular car + hostels/motels — cheaper on the daily rental rate, and the towns along the way (Lakes Entrance, Batemans Bay, Kiama) all have budget accommodation. A good choice if you’d rather not drive a larger vehicle or you’re travelling outside camping season.
👉 Compare car rental prices

Buying vs renting — for a one-week trip, renting almost always wins: no rego, insurance or resale hassle at the end. Buying only makes sense if you’re travelling for several months. If that’s you, here’s how to choose and buy a vehicle.

💡 One-way rentals: since you’re starting in Melbourne and finishing in Sydney, look specifically for a one-way rental (picking up in one city, dropping off in the other). Most major companies allow it, sometimes with a relocation fee — and occasionally you’ll find a relocation deal where that same one-way trip costs just a few dollars a day, because the company needs the vehicle moved. Worth checking before you book.

Phillip Island (Day 1)

From Melbourne to Phillip Island -> 142 km

Phillip Island is a small island of 101 km², very popular for daily excursions from Melbourne. The Island is famous for its wildlife and stunning coastal scenery. Visit the Penguin Parade to see Little Penguins returning to shore at sunset. The Koala Conservation Centre offers close encounters with koalas in their natural habitat. For thrill-seekers, the Grand Prix Circuit is a must-visit.

Highlights

• Koala Conservation Centre ($16 per person)
• Summerland Bay Penguin Parade ($32 per person)
• The Nobbies walk by the sea, where sea lions and sea lions like to come and bask
• The Cape Woolamai walk and its lookout from the Pinnacles.

⚠️ Melbourne CityLink (on the road out of Melbourne) is one of Australia’s few toll highways. Tolls are paid online via this link, as there is no ticket office.

Wilsons Promontory National Park (Day 2)

From Phillip Island to Wilsons Promontory National Park -> 130 km

Known as ‘The Prom,’ this park offers pristine beaches, rainforests, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy hiking trails like the Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit and the Mount Oberon Summit Walk for breathtaking views.

Highlights

• The Mount Oberon Summit Hike
• Norman Beach, Squeaky Beach, Whiskey Beach and Picnic Bay
• Tidal River camping: where wombats come out at dawn and dusk
• The 2km Prom Wildlife Walk to meet kangaroos.

Accommodation: Tidal River Campground offers various camping options and cabins.

Raymond Island & Lakes Entrance (Day 3)

From Wilsons Promontory National Park to Raymond Island -> 250 km
From Raymond Island to the Lakes Entrance -> 56 km

A tiny island 6km long and 2km wide, Raymond Island is located 200 meters from the coast. Raymond Island is renowned for its koala population. Take the ferry from Paynesville and explore the island by foot or bike (free). Lakes Entrance is famous for its waterways and seafood. Walk along Ninety Mile Beach and enjoy fresh local seafood.

Fifty kilometres from the island, the Lakes Entrance is a small seaside resort very popular with Australians. At the port, they unload the fresh fish of the day’s catch and the atmosphere is relaxed. Enjoy a seafood platter and some water sports before continuing on to Eden, your first stop in New South Wales.

Highlights

• The Raymond Island tour by bike with a picnic
• A kayak ride on Lakes Entrance.

From Eden to Narooma (Day 4)

From Raymond Island to Eden -> 295 km
From Eden to Narooma -> 130 km

You have arrived in Sydney’s state: New South Wales! The road that awaits you on the Sapphire Coast is sublime. Eden, known for whale watching (from the end of August to the end of October), offers historical insights at the Eden Killer Whale Museum. Travel north to Narooma, where you can enjoy the scenic Narooma Boardwalk and spot seals at Montague Island.

Highlight: The views on the road! The 130 km that separate Eden and Narooma are superb.

🐳 If you are in Eden between September and November, don’t miss the whales. Go see them either from the shore (you may need a pair of binoculars) or on a tour.

Batemans Bay (Day 5)

From Narooma to Batemans Bays -> 70 km

Batemans Bay is a charming coastal town known for its stunning natural beauty, serene beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. Situated on the South Coast, Batemans Bay offers a mix of coastal activities and laid-back exploration.

It is renowned for the quality of its oysters and shellfish, so make sure you try them! The bridge, which is quite unusual, is also the symbol and the pride of the city.

A popular destination for families is the Mogo zoo features a variety of exotic and native animals. Finally, Clyde River National Park offers scenic walking trails to enjoy picturesque views along the river.

Jervis Bay (Day 6)

From Batemans Bay to Jervis Bay -> 141 km

Jervis Bay boasts some of the whitest sands in the world, including Hyams Beach. Let yourself be seduced by its crystal clear water and fine sand for snorkelling or kayaking. This idyllic destination offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Dolphins (and sometimes whales) may come your way. A few kilometers to the south, lay down your bath towels at Hyams beach, which has the “whitest sand in the world” according to the Guinness World Records.

Enjoy a walk in Booderee National Park. This protected area showcases indigenous culture, offers scenic coastal walks, and is home to botanical gardens and wildlife.

Sydney (Day 7)

From Jervis Bay to Kiama -> 80 km
From Kiama to Sydney -> 120 km

We recommend a last stop in Kiama, a town renowned for its waves and surfers. Boyds Beach hosts world competitions every year.

Now all you have to do is drive to beautiful Sydney. We advise you to stay at least 3 days on site to cross the city up and down. Plan a few more days if you also want to explore the surroundings (Bondi Beach, Coastal Walk, Manly…)

Highlights

• The view of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from Kirribilli Point at night
• A picnic at sunset from the Sydney Observatory
• The lush Botanic Garden in the heart of the CBD
• The vintage district of The Rocks, very different from the tall buildings.

⚠️ Tolls in Sydney: Like Melbourne, Sydney’s motorways are all electronic — there are no toll booths. If your route takes you through the city’s toll roads, you’ll need a pass. Rental vehicles usually have a toll arrangement (check with your provider); if you’re driving your own vehicle, set up a temporary pass through Linkt.

Useful information