Sydney to Melbourne 3 Day Drive

Sydney to Melbourne or vice versa - 3 days

A short itinerary for those with limited time, but still keen on experiencing the scenic hightlight between Sydney and Melbourne.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 –Sydney to Batemans Bay

Leaving Sydney travel along the Coast Road, passing through Wollongong to Kiama; famous for the “Blow Hole”, which spouts water high into the air. Then onto Jervis Bay; with some of the whitest sand in the world, and crystal clear waters. It is a naturalist delight, bounded with pristine beaches within the Booderee National Park, ideal for all activities. The bay is 15km long and 10kim wide with little villages, bay beaches and surf beaches galore. This area is a must do however if time is limited fit in a bay cruise to see the resident blue nose dolphins.

Or if wanting to visit Canberra drive 300kms direct to the capital of Australia. This is the city that Federation created. Australia's national government sits here, as does the highest court of Australia. Some of the attractions include the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and Canberra's newest attraction, the National Museum of Australia. Spend the day exploring then drive the windy road to Batemans Bay. Be sure to visit Murramarang National Park, it is located 10km north of Bateman’s Bay. The highlight is the kangaroos at Pebbly Beach not to forget the wonderful beaches and stunning headlands, a great place for a swim. Carry on to Batemans Bay; enjoy the restaurants serving fresh seafood and pubs for entertainment. Overnight.

Day 2 – Batemans Bay to Lakes Entrance

Venture along the coast road and be sure to stop at Mogo; a quaint rustic town with a zoo dedicated to the conservation of exotic animals including Nepalese red pandas, snow leopards and Syrian brown bears, Narooma: for a trip to Montague Island to view a large colony of Little Penguins and Merimbula; famous for its oysters and prawns. Onto Eden; founded as a whaling station in the early 1800s; now an important fishing village on the South Coast. You may be lucky to see the migrating whales venture up or down the coast. Then arrive at Lakes Entrance; a much loved Victorian holiday spot which is in a spectacular position on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean. Take it easy and enjoy a boat cruise on the Gippsland Lakes, the largest inland network of waterways in Australia, walk over the footbridge to Ninety Mile Beach or indulge in one of the many fresh seafood shops. Overnight.

Day 3 – Lakes Entrance to Melbourne

Heard about the ‘Man from Snowy River’, this iconic poem was written about a man and horse based in the Snowy Mountains. The foothills of Snowy River Country are only 56km (35 miles) from Lakes Entrance. Whatever your idea of the outdoors is - horseriding, abseiling, quad biking, snow shoe tours, hiking through rugged terrain or charging down the slopes on a mountain bike this is the place to do it! After your adventure, drive past Bairnsdale onto Traralgon; stop for a coffee and stretch your legs in Victory Park; complete with its marble sculpture Lars Compatalis, historic band rotunda and beautiful gardens. Continue along the Princes Highway into Melbourne.

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