Sydney to Melbourne – An Australian Privately Guided Tour Itinerary

 

Your Private Driver/Guide

When you touch down in Australia you will be met at the airport by Your Private Driver/Guide.

Our guides have been with us for a long time and are seasoned professionals. Our aim is to give ‘you’ our guests a memorable experience of New Zealand and its stunning scenery. With years of experience in tourism in Australia, we guarantee that you will receive a first-class service!

The best part about our guides is that they are local and chances are they have their go-to destinations that only locals know about. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, a favourite local pub, or a fantastic attraction that most tourists overlook, our guides can help recommend authentic experiences that you may not discover on your own.

First Light Travel Guide

1

Welcome to Sydney

Welcome to Sydney, the oldest and grandest of Australia's big cities. Blessed with a glorious natural harbour, golden beaches and a blissful climate, this incredible metropolis offers a stunning introduction to Australia.

Sydney Harbour Dining Cruise

Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Harbour tonight and discover Sydney in style. Sparkling wine in hand, enjoy spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you dine.

Accommodation: Sydney - 1 Night

Sydney
Featuring a swimming pool, fitness centre and a sauna and overlooking beautiful Cockle Bay, Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney, Darling Harbour is located in Sydney CBD (Central Business District), and offers self-contained accommodation with flat-screen satellite TV. Most rooms offer a private balcony. Located in Sydney’s entertainment hub of King Street Wharf.
Adina Sydney

2

Sydney to Jervis Bay: Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge this morning, then journey down the coast to the white sand beaches of Jervis Bay.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Experience a fantastic 360 degree panorama of Sydney when you ascend to the bridge's summit. Your knowledgeable guide will entertain you with tales of the bridge's amazing history and construction as you tick a true Sydney must-do off your bucket list.

Drive to Jervis Bay

Hit the road to the bustling coastal city of Wollongong and continue on to beautiful Kiama where the famous Blowhole awaits. Follow the coastline to Gerringong and Gerroa, perched on cliffs high above the ocean, and stop in at Coolangatta Estate to pick up some award-winning wines. Arrive at Jervis Bay and treat yourself to a refreshing swim or surf.

Jervis Bay: The World's Whitest Beaches

Jervis Bay is one of only 6 Marine Parks in New South Wales and an area of unique, natural beauty. Only 2.5 hours south of Sydney, it spans over 100kms of coastline and adjacent ocean.

Jervis Bay is also famous for its white sandy beaches, crowned the ‘whitest in the world’ by the Guinness Book of Records!

Approximate Distance: 198 km | 123 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 51 mins

Accommodation: Jervis Bay - 2 Nights

Jervis Bay
Nestled in a peaceful bush setting on the banks of a tranquil waterway, the camp is just five minutes' drive from the natural wonders of Jervis Bay and is the perfect base from which to explore its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and unspoilt national parks.
Paperbark Camp - Jervis Bay

3

Jervis Bay: Whales and Dolphins in the Wild

Today, experience some of the best dolphin and whale watching in New South Wales (May-Nov).

This marine wonderland is home to a unique mix of tropical and temperate species including the Weedy Sea-Dragon, Eastern Blue Devil Fish, Bottlenose Dolphin, Little Penguin, Fur Seal and the endangered Grey Nurse Shark.

Jervis Bay Whale Watching (May-Nov) or Dolphin Watching (Year Round)

With its spectacular backdrop, Jervis Bay is considered to be the premier whale watching destination in NSW.

The sheltered waters here offer a welcome rest for the whale calves on their long journey home, so this is a great place to see them in their natural habitat. Visit in the summer season and you will also meet Jervis Bay's pod of resident dolphins.

The Spirit of Jervis Bay has 5 viewing platforms with 80% of the viewing area under cover. It is the biggest and most stable dolphin watching vessel on Jervis Bay so you know you will be safe, protected and comfortable in all conditions.

Jervis Bay Whale Watching

4

Mallacoota via the Sapphire Coast

Drive along the Sapphire Coast to beautiful Mallacoota. Break your journey for lunch at Ulladulla Harbour where you can enjoy take away fish and chips, sitting on the dock of the bay.

The Sapphire Coast

The Sapphire Coast is halfway between Melbourne and Sydney, on the far south coast of New South Wales. Stop in at Eden to visit the excellent Killer Whale Museum or swim in the warm turquoise waters. Then continue on across the State Border into Victoria, to Mallacoota and Gipsy Point.

Mallacoota

Mallacoota, surrounded by the vast wilderness of the Croajingolong National Park, is a remote fishing village by the Mallacoota Inlet. This peaceful haven is known for its forests, secluded beaches and pristine waterways. With beautiful sunsets and spectacular coastal views, it's the perfect place to unwind.

Approximate Distance: 421 km | 262 miles   Total Driving Time: 5 hours 23 mins

Accommodation: Mallacoota - 1 Night

Sapphire Coast
Nestled on the banks of the Mallacoota Inlet, Gipsy Point Lakeside boasts a heated outdoor pool and free kayak hire. All rooms feature lake views, outdoor dining and a kitchen. Gipsy Point Lakeside Accommodation is a 10-minute drive from Genoa Falls and a 20-minute drive from Mallacoota. All air-conditioned rooms feature a kitchen including a stovetop and a dishwasher. They offer a lounge and dining area with a flat-screen TV, a DVD player and an iPod docking station.
Gipsy Point Lakeside - Mallacoota

5

Mallacoota to Lakes Entrance

Enjoy the drive from Mallacoota down to Lakes Entrance, home to one of the longest uninterrupted beaches in the world (Ninety Mile Beach).

Lakes Entrance

This popular holiday spot in the Gippsland region of Victoria boasts Australia's largest inland network of waterways. A paradise for seafood lovers, you can catch your own fish or sample the day's catch from one of the many seafood stores in town.

At Ninety Mile Beach, the Gippsland Lakes meets the Southern Ocean. A 90-mile stretch of golden sand separates the Gippsland Lakes from the Bass Strait. Here you will find a diverse population of sea creatures: over 850 species have been found within one ten-mile stretch! It's perfect for beach fishing, swimming, walking, dolphin-spotting or just lazing in the sun.

Approximate Distance: 202 km | 125 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 27 mins

Accommodation: Lakes Entrance - 1 Night

Lakes Entrance
Set on a narrow strip of land between 2 stretches of water at the entrance to the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, this relaxed resort is a 9-minute walk from the Griffiths Sea Shell Museum & Marine Display. The modern rooms to 3-bedroom apartments offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and DVD players, plus tea and coffeemaking equipment; rooms add minifridges. Apartments feature full kitchens, washer/dryers, dining tables and balconies. Some units come with additional TVs and bathrooms.
Esplanade Resort & Spa lakes Entrance

6

Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory

Make your way south to Victoria's best-loved National Park: Wilsons Promontory, the southernmost point of mainland Australia.

Wilsons Promontory

Known as "The Prom" to the locals, Wilsons Promontory is home to great scenery and abundant wildlife. With over 80km of walking tracks, expansive stretches of beach, hidden bays and secluded coves, leave civilisation behind and embrace the wilderness for the next two nights.

Approximate Distance: 278 km | 173 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 38 mins

Accommodation: Wilsons Promontory - 2 Nights

Wilsons Promontory
Peaceful and quiet Coastal View Cabins offers outstanding accommodation with direct views to Wilsons Promontory. The cabins are set on 10 acres, which include 3 acres of old, growth forest offering sanctuary to a wide array of native flora and fauna. They are certified members of Land Care and Land for Wildlife and are officially accredited as 4 Star accommodation.
Wilsons Promontory Coastal View Cabins

7

Explore Wilsons Promontory At Your Leisure

How you enjoy Wilsons Prom today is entirely up to you, so plan your day to be as active or lazy as you would like! With 195 square miles of National Park and everything from lush rainforests to giant sand dunes, there's plenty to see and do. Try these suggestions to get you started:

  • Walk or drive to charmingly-named Squeaky Beach or Whisky Bay.
  • Take a sunrise hike to the summit of Mount Oberon for 360-degree views of the Park.
  • Follow the many walking tracks through eucalypt forests to secluded coves, sandy beaches and granite mountains.
  • Watch for resident kangaroos, lizards, wombats, echidnas, and even emus on the open plains.
  • Tackle the 19km hike to historic Sealers Cove and be rewarded with one of the Prom's most beautiful hidden beaches.
  • Take a wildlife cruise to Refuge Cove to spot dolphins, whales, albatross and sea-eagles.

Of course you can simply find a secluded beach and snooze the day away, surrounded by some of the Australia's most gorgeous coastline.

Wilsons Promontory

8

Wilsons Promontory to Phillip Island

Leaving the Prom behind, take the time to explore the beautiful coastal hamlets along southern Gippsland's coastline before crossing the bridge onto Phillip Island, a popular family holiday destination.

Phillip Island

Around 24 kilometres long and 9 kilometres wide, visitors flock to this small island for its swimming and surf beaches, unique wildlife and the famous penguins waddling along the beach every evening. The island also hosts major racing events including the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and Superbike World Championship.

You will experience the best of Phillip Island with a 3 Park Pass allowing you to explore three of the Island's best-loved attractions: the Koala Conservation Centre, the historic Churchill Island Heritage Farm and most famously of all: the Penguin Parade.

Each night at sunset, the world’s smallest penguins emerge from the sea and waddle ashore to their sand dune burrows. This is a truly memorable natural wildlife experience.

Approximate Distance: 138 km | 86 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Accommodation: Phillip Island - 1 Night 

Phillip Island
Comfort Resort Kaloha Phillip Island is a tropical, beachfront park, just 5 minutes' walk to the town centre. It offers a large hot tub, salt water solar heated swimming pool, children's playground, and BBQ facilities. All rooms and apartments feature reverse cycle air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, ironing facilities and tea/coffee making supplies. Each includes a private bathroom with a shower, hairdryer, and free toiletries. Some accommodation offers a spa bath, kitchenettes and all motel rooms include free WiFi.
Comfort Resort

9

Phillip Island to Melbourne: Guided Lanes & Arcades Tour

Crowned "The World's Most Liveable City" for seven years in a row, friendly Melbourne is the final stop on your Australian Road Trip. Explore the hidden secrets of Melbourne's laneways of Melbourne on a guided City Tour.

Melbourne's Hidden Secrets: Guided Lanes & Arcades tour

Melbourne’s arcades and laneways hide many treasures. Today's Hidden Secrets Lanes and Arcades walking tour is the ideal way to discover the inner heart of Melbourne.

Wandering through Melbourne’s signature lanes and arcades with your guide, you'll visit the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, with historical tales of Melbourne along the way.


Approximate Distance: 142 km | 88 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 50 mins

Accommodation: Melbourne - 1 Night

Melbourne Town
Located in Melbourne CBD, this award-winning, eco-friendly boutique hotel features free Wi-Fi and relaxing massage chairs in the cosy lounge. It offers air-conditioned accommodation with an LED flat-screen TV, over 100 cable channels and an iPod dock. Guests enjoy free access to a fitness centre just 3 minutes' walk away.
Alto Hotel On Bourke - Melbourne

10

Return rental car and depart Melbourne

Say farewell to Melbourne today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 10 Day Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Self Drive Tour and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.

Melbourne

What Jess says about this tour: Enjoy the coastal seaside towns and natural wilderness of this Sydney to Melbourne trip. Your driver/guide can provide you with just the right amount of commentary and make sure that your trip runs seamlessly - taking care of checkins and luggage. There is so much to enjoy on this trip - get in touch to start planning your bespoke journey.
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