Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive

Sydney to Melbourne or vice versa - 7 days via Phillip Island

The dramatic coast between Sydney and Melbourne is one of Australia's most stunning touring routes and takes in national parks, beautiful surf beaches and pristine lakes along the way. Call in at historic towns and quiet fishing villages where you'll always find seafood and local produce on the menu.

Surf the breaks, dive wrecks and set sail on the way. You may even spot migrating whales, seals, sea birds and dolphins. Surf the popular breaks around Wollongong, along the south coast of New South Wales and along Victoria's coastline at Cape Paterson, Venus Bay and Waratah Bay, Lake Tyers Beach, at beaches in the Cape Conran Coastal Park, Tip Beach near Mallacoota and around Phillip Island.

As you go the landscape changes from the lush green of the NSW south coast to the white sands of Jervis Bay, the pristine wilderness of the Croajingolong National Park, the long expanse that is Ninety Mile Beach, and the Gippsland Lakes, Australia's largest waterway system.

Down south, walk to the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland at Wilsons Promontory, see koalas in the trees and watch little penguins parade up the beach at Phillip Island.

Make time to take the side trip from Batemans Bay to Canberra, the nation's capital, to explore a stunning array of national attractions, many of which are located around Lake Burley Griffin.

Along the way you will be welcomed at quiet fishing villages, historic towns and holiday centres where there is plenty to see and do and you'll always find seafood and local produce on the menu.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Sydney to Jervis Bay (182km 2 hours 45 minutes)

‘Hit the road to the bustling coastal city of Wollongong. Continue on to beautiful Kiama where the famous Blowhole awaits. Follow the coastline through lush rolling hills to Gerringong and Gerroa, perched on the cliffs above the ocean, overlooking Seven Mile Beach. Follow the tourist drive alongside the Crookhaven River, stopping at Coolangatta Estate to pick up some award-winning wines. Buy supplies in Nowra before taking the turnoff to Jervis Bay in time for a late afternoon swim or surf.

Day 2 - Jervis Bay to Central Tilba (190km 2 hours 30 minutes)

Jervis Bay is well known for its resident dolphin population, which can be seen on a morning cruise with Dolphin Watch. The local beaches along the bay are famous for their white sand and turquoise waters – Hyams Beach is reputed to have the whitest sand in the world. Travel south stopping for lunch at Ulladulla Harbour where you can enjoy take away fish and chips, sitting on the dock of the bay. Further on visit the well preserved villages of Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba, where you can shop for high quality local arts and crafts, food and wine

Day 3 - Central Tilba to Mallacoota (206km, 2 hours 40 minutes)

Get up early to visit the Umbarra Cultural Centre and take a 4WD tour to the sacred sites of Gulaga (Mt Dromedary) to gain insight into local Aboriginal traditions and customs. Continue to Bermagui and travel along the beach road to Mimosa Rocks National Park for a picnic lunch and swim in the lagoons or continue on to surf Tathra beach. Stop off at Wheelers Oyster Barn in Pambula for fresh oysters. Visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum then continue on across the border into Victoria, to Mallacoota and Gipsy Point. Hire a boat and tie up at one of the barbecue jetties in the magnificent Croajingolong National Park

Day 4 - Mallacoota to Metung (227km, 2 hours 50 minutes)

Feed the sea eagles on a morning boat trip from Gipsy Point. Travel south to Cape Conran Coastal Park for a picnic lunch. Continue towards Lakes Entrance and along the way take a break and watch a glassblower and silversmith at work. Arrive at the stylish village of Metung in time for a late afternoon sail or motor yacht cruise around Australia’s largest inland waterway. Enjoy dinner at one of the town’s fine restaurants or on the water at the Metung Hotel.

Day 5 - Metung to Wilsons Promontory (288km, 3 hours 40 minutes)

Breakfast early and call in at Yarram for lunch on the way to Wilsons Promontory National Park, home to great scenery and abundant wildlife. At Tidal River book a cabin or pitch a tent and set out on one of the park’s many walks. Spend the day following the many walking tracks through eucalypt forests and wildflowers to secluded coves, white sand beaches and granite mountains. Stay overnight at Tidal River or in the nearby town of Foster.

Day 6 - Wilsons Promontory to Phillip Island (182km, 2 hours 40 minutes)

Stop for coffee at quirky Fish Creek, a tiny township alive with arts, crafts, books and cafes. Or stop at one of the great restaurants in Inverloch for lunch. Cross the bridge onto Phillip Island, a popular family holiday destination. Visit the famous Grand Prix circuit, solve puzzles at A Maze ‘N Things or experience early pioneer life on Churchill Island, a working heritage farm. See koalas and Australia’s second largest fur seal colony at The Nobbies Centre and don't miss the daily dusk parade of little penguins as they parade up the beach.

Day - 7 Phillip Island to Melbourne (140km, 1 hours 50 minutes)

Get up close to Australia’s favourite furry friends at the Koala Conservation Centre before making your way back across the bridge to San Remo and onto the highway towards Melbourne. Warrook Cattle Farm is a great place to stop for afternoon tea at the historic homestead and a tour of a working farm. From there it's an easy one-hour drive into the centre of Melbourne.

Return to self-drive tours...