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. Allow at least eight days for your road trip from Melbourne to Sydney.
Table of Contents
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?
We advise you to plan about 8 days of road-trip between Melbourne and Sydney to fully enjoy the landscapes of the coast. If you don’t want to hang around or are short on time, the road trip can be done in 7 days.
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.
Phillip Island (day 1)
From Melbourne to Phillip Island -> 142 km
Have you stocked up on memories of Melbourne and haven’t missed a thing, from its street art to its rooftops, its museums and its cosmopolitan CBD? If so, pack your suitcase to leave the city and reach the island of koalas.
Phillip Island is a small island of 101 km², very popular for daily excursions from Melbourne. It is famous for its wild nature and its animals. Wallabies, koalas, penguins, sea lions and echidnas are an integral part of the fauna. A word of advice – keep your eyes wide open and your camera at the ready!
If you haven’t seen any koalas yet, this is the place to go! Perched on top of a eucalyptus tree or along the road, these real-life teddy bears are just the cutest things. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see penguins walking in groups along the beach.
The highlights:
- Koala Conservation Centre ($15 per person)
- Summerland Bay Penguin Parade ($30 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
💡 Good to know
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
Victoria’s most popular national park, The Prom is a 50,000 hectare nature reserve. Beautiful hikes, breathtaking lookouts and wide stretches of beach allow you to take as many breaks as you like, so you can enjoy them at your own pace.
The 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
💡 Good to know
One day is enough to enjoy a beautiful hike and a bit of beach time if you don’t want to stick around longer here. Be warned that there are very few free camping sites. Make sure you book your campsite in advance, as they can fill up quickly, especially during school holidays.
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. Pedestrians and cyclists, note that the ferry is free for those without a vehicle. If you want to rent a bike for the day, do so before you get to the island in Paynesville. Raymond Island is famous for being a reserve of koalas and kangaroos. With a bit of luck, a few dolphins and sea lions will also be there.
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.
Make a short stop in Eden, a fishing village where life is good. In addition to turquoise water and white sand beaches, the spot is famous for observing humpback whales if the season is right (from the end of August to the end of October). Continue to follow the coast. The road is sometimes winding, but the landscapes are incredible. To take in the view, stop at the view points to admire the ocean. Make a second stop at Narooma to enjoy the beach and its clear water. Fish of all colours swim to the shore!
Highlight: The views on the road! The 130 km that separate Eden and Narooma are superb.
💡 Good to know
If you are in Eden during late August to late October, don’t miss the whales. Go see them either from the shore (you may need a pair of binoculars) or on an organized 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. Batemans Bay is surrounded by beautiful beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports.
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.
These places inevitably attract people during school holidays. But during off-peak periods, it is possible to have the beach to yourself!
Sydney (day 7)
De Jervis Bay à Kiama -> 80 km
De Kiama à 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
What to do in Sydney in two days?
After living more than 5 years in this magnificent city, here is what we recommend you do if you only have 2 days and want to make the most of it.
Useful information
Car rental
Motorhome and campervan rental
Camping & Free Camps
Download the Wikicamps or Campermates app to find the best ones!
[…] Even though the southeast coast is heavily frequented by tourists during the summer holidays, backpackers should not miss this part of Australia. It offers beautiful and diverse landscapes, gorgeous beaches and a great biodiversity. There is one attraction after another. We show you 7 spots that you should not miss on the drive from Sydney to Melbourne! […]