Melbourne to Sydney
Step off the beaten path and take an unforgettable road trip from Melbourne to Sydney, as you follow 'the other Great Ocean Road'.
Begin your journey in Melbourne and head south to Phillip Island, where you'll find stunning ocean views, rugged coastlines, and the world-famous Penguin Parade—a must-see wildlife encounter as little penguins waddle ashore at sunset. Take in the dramatic cliffs of The Nobbies, explore coastal walking trails, or visit the Koala Conservation Reserve before continuing east.
Next, travel through the picturesque Gippsland region to Wilsons Promontory National Park. Hike to panoramic lookouts, relax on white-sand beaches, and spot native wildlife like wombats and emus in the wild. From there, follow the coast to Lakes Entrance, a charming waterfront town known for its seafood, boating, and serene beaches.
As you head north, discover Eden’s rich whaling history and dramatic cliffs, and enjoy the relaxed vibes of Batemans Bay, before the powder-white sands of Jervis Bay, one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the country.
Take your time, follow the coastline, and experience the best of Australia—one stunning stop at a time. The Melbourne to Sydney coastal road trip is not just a drive; it’s a destination in itself.
As with all our Australia itineraries your road trip from Melbourne to Sydney can be tailor-made to suit you. We can recommend a selection of hand picked accommodation based on your preferences,. We can also extend your holiday, should you wish to combine this with another of our suggested itineraries.
To begin planning your holiday, get in touch with our team. Phone our travel professionals on 01892 779900 or e-mail us using info@awwt.co.uk.
- Melbourne
- Philip Island
- Wilsons Promontory
- Lakes Entrance
- Eden
- Jervis Bay
- Sydney
Begin your journey in sophisticated Melbourne – Australia’s cultural capital.
Melbourne enjoys a friendly rivalry with neighbouring Sydney but that’s where their similarities end. Australia’s sporting and cultural capital centres around its CBD, a buzzing city centre which is easily navigable on foot.. Its beautiful South Bank overlooks the River Yarra, here you will find riverside dining, restaurants and night life. Explore the diverse suburbs and you will see the many different aspects that make up this sophisticated city. Chapel Street offers some of the best shopping in Melbourne, Lygon Street showcases the many stylish restaurants and cafes or take a tram to laidback St Kilda for some fresh air and seaside feels. If you can bear to leave the city, a visit to The Great Ocean Road is a must.
Philip Island is famous for its nightly penguin parade which pulls in busloads of day trippers from Melbourne. Stay a little longer though and you will be rewarded with idyllic beaches, attractive towns and unique wildlife. The small town of Cowes has a fantastic array of cafes and waterfront restaurants, not to mention stunning ocean views. Tread the boardwalk amongst the mangroves and mudflats of Rhyl inlet and you’ll be able tosspot migratory wading birds. The Koala conservation reserve is a great opportunity to see these sleepy bears in their native habitat. After you’ve seen the penguins waddle off to bed at sunset, you will then have the opportunity to enjoy some incredible stargazing.
Jutting out into the Southern Ocean, Wilsons Promontory Peninsula is the Southernmost point of the Australian mainland. The ‘Prom’ as it known locally is a vast national park, defined by its granite tors, white sandy beaches and temperate rainforest. Snorkel or dive amongst the designated marine national park, and you’ll see coral, giant sponges and schools of colourful fish. On dry land you may see penguins waddling on the beach or wallabies and kangaroos hopping across the sand. For an adventurous experience you camp in the park, or let us recommend a selection of comfortable lodging in nearby Yanakie.
A favourite of Victorian holidaymakers, this family friendly destination will charm you with its mix of sandy beaches, fresh seafood and natural beauty. Sat between the Gippsland lakes and the Southern Ocean – water is a way of life here. Lakes Entrance is home to not only Australia’s largest inland waterway, but also its biggest fishing fleet. Whether you are lazing on the golden sands of 90 mile beach, kayaking the lakes, or dining on the freshest fish and chips – you’ll never be far from the water at Lakes Entrance.
Todays drive will take you across the border into NSW, as you travel to Eden.
Located on the Sapphire Coast, Eden is a gem of its own. Discover secretive coves, deserted beaches and the beautiful Beowa National Park. The annual humpback whale migration passes through each spring, making the town one of the best places in Australia to whale watch. Hike the multi-day Light to Light Walk between Boyds Tower and Green Cape Light Station, or walk some of the shorter trails and you’ll soon see why this piece of paradise is named Eden.
Batemans Bay sits where the Clyde River meets the Pacific Ocean, offering a laid-back coastal escape with a strong connection to nature, fresh seafood, and outdoor adventure. Located on the NSW South Coast, it’s a popular stop for road trippers and a favourite getaway for those looking to slow down and enjoy the sea air.
The town is known for its excellent oysters, caught straight from the river, as well as calm beaches, scenic waterways, and easy access to surrounding national parks. Whether you’re into kayaking, paddleboarding, bushwalking, or just relaxing by the water, Batemans Bay offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Add in waterfront cafés, local markets, and sweeping ocean views, and you’ve got a destination that’s easy going but never boring.
Jervis Bay is one of the South Coast’s most striking destinations—famous for its crystal-clear waters, brilliant white sand, and abundant marine life.
The bay is home to some of the world’s whitest beaches, including Hyams Beach, and is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding, and sailing. The calm, sheltered waters make it a favourite for spotting dolphins, seals, and even whales during the migration season.
Beyond the beach, Jervis Bay’s national parks offer scenic bushwalks, secluded coves, and dramatic cliffs. Booderee National Park, with its walking trails, native botanic gardens, and cultural sites, provides a deeper connection to the area’s natural and Indigenous heritage.
The nearby towns of Huskisson and Vincentia add to the appeal, with relaxed cafés, fresh seafood, and local galleries.
Built on a natural harbour, Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Whether you are relaxing on its famous beaches, or soaking up its world class culture, there is no shortage of things to see and do here. Visit the famous Opera House, wander around the historic rocks district where this city has grown up around or head to Darling Harbour for a wealth of entertainment. The city has a plethora of museums to discover, or explore the beautiful Botanical Gardens, a green oasis with majestic views across the harbour. The relaxed beach suburbs of Coogee, Bondi and Manly are a bus or ferry ride away from the city and are the perfect place to while away an afternoon on golden sands. The scenic Blue mountains and their picturesque country villages are just a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Alternatively travel out to the scenic Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s oldest wine regions.
Please call us on (01892) 779900 or email info@awwt.co.uk stating your travel dates, and preferred standard of accommodation for a detailed & competitively priced quotation.
