Tip: Just up the hill from the wharves is the Eden Smokehouse, the award-winning purveyor of smoked seafood, including those delicious mussels in several different flavours. Ive split the road trip into six days of driving but you can tailor it to your own needs. You can do the drive in a day if you leave early and dont mind the long drive. St Saviours Anglican Cathedral is home to an 1884 Fosters & Andrews organ and an attraction not to be missed is the 1883 Appleby beam engine, which is housed in the Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum by the banks of the Wollondilly River. A rough 3-hour drive east from Melbourne,LakesEntranceis the regions hub; home to breathtakinglakes, golden sand beaches, quaint little towns and breathtaking nature trails. Although the Wave Oasis B&B is set up like a guesthouse, each small apartment is self-contained and feels quiet and private. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. From car insurance and emergency roadside assistance to money-saving fuel apps and vehicle safety, here's what to check before you leave on a road trip. If youre looking to stay somewhere a little secluded, then Murramarang is the perfect spot to stay a night on your way down the coast from Sydney to Melbourne. If you are taking a week to make this trip, consider stopping off at Wattamolla for a swim. Hiking up to the top of Genoa Peak gives you fantastic views and is relatively easy, taking about 30 minutes from the carpark. It goes inland for short periods, but it is still very scenic. Quiet and laidback, you can hang at the beach or go cycling along the coast track, and then refresh with excellent dining options like the Whale Inn and the Quarterdeck. The Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen works just as well as a regular sunscreen but without all the harmful chemicals. For the drive directly from Melbourne to Sydney on the Hume Highway, Albury or Gundagai are good places to stop overnight or just for a bit of a rest. There are also rare birds, whales and dolphins waiting to be spotted. There arent many stops along the way but youll probably want to get to todays destination of Croajingalong National Park early anyway, so you can make the most of your time. You may hit a little bit of traffic if you leave during peak hour, but the roads are quite good. We do not recommend doing this if you only have two days. Why stop here? Tip: For those wanting to rough it, bush camping is also available at a few campsites in the national park itself, try the Pebbly Beach, Pretty Beach or Depot Beach campgrounds. A short visit or overnight? An alternate overnight stop is just a short drive away at Murramarang. Nearby Merimbula also makes for a lovely rest. But it makes an excellent stopover for those on a road trip travelling the Hume Hwy between Melbourne and Sydney. Its super lightweight, compact, and the image quality is amazing. At its peak, thousands lived and worked here, but now there is a resident population of around 20 people. A large site with a pool, playground and water access, Jervis Bay Holiday Park is a perfect option for families and casual holidays. In total, this coastal route between Melbourne and Sydney is 1200 kilometres long and will take a total of about 15 hours driving. There is the practical benefit that you get between the countrys two largest cities without having to worry about the logistics of a flight. This is the experience that awaits you atRaymond Island Koala walk-in Gippsland. As well as the spacious apartments of different sizes, the Moorings at Metung also offer swimming pools, a tennis court, and private marina. Maps Our suggested itinerary maps appear below. The wildlife Off shore: Thousands of whales migrate along the NSW coast from May to November, with prime viewing spots at Eden and Jervis Bay. Its also worth taking a ride on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, a charming heritage train that crosses a series of bridges before reaching its destination 20 minutes later, before heading back. It has places of interest, town maps etc. If you are taking a road trip around Australia, then check out Jans tips on organising your caravan. Best Places to Stay by the Gippsland Lakes:Allambi Holiday Apartments | Esplanade Resort And Spa | Heyfield Motel and Apartments. Canberra is 2.5 hours from Sydney and 6.5 hours fromMelbourne. In this road trip itinerary, the drive goes along the coast. But feel free to change things as you go there are lots of other options, particularly along the NSW South Coast. One of the trips is during the day, and the other is overnight. As Australias first inland city, Goulburn has a rich history dating back to 1885, with many Victorian Italianate, Art dco and Edwardian-style buildings. But you can definitely just stay a night or two and you may appreciate the facilities on a long road trip. If you can manage an extended visit, Neil has a rundown on the best walks in the area. The monument is an exact replica of her wooden racquet, except its twenty times bigger. In the southeast you dont need to worry about sticky, unbearable humidity or the threat of dangerous cyclones. But keep driving to Mallacoota, a town of just 1,000 people year round that swells to 8,000 to 10,000 in the summer. However, before we get to our itinerary, we just wanted to remind you to purchase travel insurance. Why stop here? I wish you a safe journey regardless, BB Report inappropriate content Steve H Melbourne, Australia Level Contributor 19 posts 27 reviews If youre looking for somewhere to stop along the way, there are two good options. Or, if you want to get a bit more driving in before you stop, then Thirroul is a excellent option for a stop. Whether you are looking for the fastest or the most scenic from Sydney to Melbourne, we have you covered. Start your road trip across southeast Australia in the eclectic and multicultural city of Melbourne. Stay on the coast road as far as Gerroa, so you can see Gerringong and the fabulous Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Lookout over Seven Mile Beach. There are two major routes for a Sydney to Melbourne road trip: Today we will answer the most common questions we have received in our Facebook Group to help you decide which route is best for you. Although Lakes Entrance is the main tourist centre of this part of Gippsland Lakes, I recommend you stay instead at Metung, which offers a more charming village atmosphere. Its some way to start a day. Driving from Sydney to Melbourne: The Ultimate Guide, Easy to follow itineraries for a Sydney to Melbourne drive, Frequently asked questions about driving from Sydney to Melbourne. A good place to stop on the drive from Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory is Meeniyan. Were atBermaguis Blue Poolat 8 oclock the next morning, the ocean breaking against its rock wall but cool stillness on our side. Weve been loaned a smashing Mercedes convertible, my companion is a favourite colleague, and the road is rich and mostly new territory that we have to ourselves far more often than not. Melbourne to Sydney: The inland drive, via Hume Highway. It continues beyond these extremities as the Princes Highway towards Adelaide to the west and Sydney to the northeast. The views are incredible from Limosa Rise, plus this self-contained accommodation has a great design that makes you feel immediately at home. Nestled in the Victorian High Country, Beechworth is a fascinating town steeped in Australian history. Although its quite small, another option for a break is Yarragon. Sydney to Melbourne 7 days From the cosmopolitan splendour of Sydney this ride takes in the intricate New South Wales coast, epic Snowy Mountains, Victoria Highlands, Grampians National Park and ends on a high with a ride along the world famous Great Ocean Road. You can take your car or board as a foot passenger. Here are the best fuel saving tips for road trips and long drives. Car, plus road, plus company. Its possible to explore a few of the main sights in two to three hours, but if youre keen on Australian history, an overnight stay will allow more time to explore. The Bean Scene has great coffee, or you can pick up some supplies at Stellas Pantry. Its here that the continent turns a corner due north and New South Wales begins. The area is popular amongst families and outdoor lovers who come here to enjoy water sports, rent houseboats or simply bask in the beautiful nature that surrounds them. This route is about 1100 kilometres and takes about 14 hours of driving. This is about 900 kilometres long and will take just over nine hours of driving (without stops). How do you determine best? Princes Freeway is a 159-kilometre (99 mi) Australian freeway, divided into two sections, both located in Victoria, Australia. Mercedes E 300 Cabriolet. The sun comes out too, not far over the border in Eden, and egg and bacon rolls do the switcheroo to bacon and egg. This is a lovely spot for an overnight stay (or longer) and a good meal in the brasserie or their a la carte restaurant. I think this itinerary offers a lovely mix of bush and beach, with national parks, wildlife experiences, and some heritage. The height of summer can be outrageously hot in both Melbourne and Sydney, and the start and end of summer are perhaps the best time to undertake a road trip. Best Places to Stay near Kosciuszko National Park:Alpine Gables | Pure Chalet | Lantern Apartments. Historically, Eden was a whaling town, and besides the beaches and natural history, the top tourist attraction is the Eden Killer Whale Museum, which is well worth a visit. Klean Kanteen Classic Stainless Steel Water Bottle, most beautiful national parks in Australia, 15 Best Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, 15 Reasons Why You Should Hire People Who Love to Travel, 25 Harry Potter Destinations You Can Visit in Real Life. Raymond Island is best accessed from Bairnsdale off the Princes Highway. While you can cover the distance in a short time, we recommend taking your time and stopping off at plenty of locations to really enjoy the road trip. Where is it? Every evening, in whats known as the Penguin Parade, these little critters emerge from the water in large groups and waddle their way onto the island. If one runs in your path slow down but dont swerve, while the roo can do serious damage to your car, moving to the wrong side of the road can do much more. The Jervis Bay accommodation is quite spread out, although theres a lot around Huskisson and Vincentia. The train goes twice a day in each direction. And that brings us to the end of the itinerary for this Melbourne to Sydney drive along the coast. From Wilsons Promontory, carry on along the coast and youll soon reach Gippsland Lakes. The Surf Beach Narooma Holiday Park is comfortable and basic, but its got an incredible location right on the beach. Seaside towns Broulee and South Durras miss the cut, as do the Mogo Zoo and Kiama, and Arthur Boyds artist retreat at Bundanon. We linger a while in Eden, where a line of masts divides the main shopping street, and old sailors have a prime berth in the cemetery across from a perfect beach. Mallacoota sits on the beautiful Mallacoota Inlet, and getting out on the water here is a truly delightful experience. Its along this stretch of coast that youll find most of Queenslands natural wonders, plus the scenery between them is beautiful. Key highlights on the coastal drive between Sydney and Melbourne. On land: We spot everything from echidnas to kookaburras, and Lisas tortoises might have been freshwater turtles looking for a nesting site in breeding season. Ive got more details in my story about things to do in Jervis Bay. As well as thousands of penguins, there are huge populations of seals to be found sunning themselves on the rocks. If you want to stop for the night in Kiama, its probably wise to book some accommodation before you arrive as its a popular town, particularly on weekends and holidays. This route is about 1200 kilometres long and takes about 15 hours of driving. One of the best things to do in Narooma is a trip to Montague Island, which is home to hundreds of friendly seals. Ive chosen Narooma as todays destination, but any of the other nearby towns (such as Moruya or even Batemans Bay) are also great options. Other interesting buildings include the 1850s Telegraph Station, the Chinese Burning Towers, and the Lunatic Asylum (Yep, thats what its called) that will send chills down your spine. #1 Good Camera Chances are you will be snapping pictures pretty much non-stop in Australia, so you really need a good camera to do its beauty justice. The visitors centre is home to Ned Kellys Last Stand, a 40-minute show featuring computerised robots that is not quite high tech, but it is interesting and breaks up the drive. Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today and has been a journalist for 20 years. Otherwise, there are these options near the parks entrance. Please wait until you reach this point to stop the car for photos. You can read my story about the Pambula oyster tour. The first is Sale, a former port that has an affluent heritage to it. You need to leave Sydney by 6am to make good time and not get stuck in peak hour traffic. Less than 9 hours of driving for both. But its all still beautifully laidback and, with the beaches and cafes, the whole region feels like a constant summer holiday. Why stop here? If you are not into camping, dont worry, we have listed the best places to stay for each stop on this Melbourne to Sydney road trip itinerary for you below. This is another beautiful spot, but again there are no shops or fuel available here. Mallacoota is blessed not just with the lake system but also with beautiful beaches, visit the Main Beach at Bastion Point but also take a drive out to walk on Betka Beach, Quarry Beach or Secret Beach. See also. Mallacoota is definitely worth an overnight stay if you enjoy the natural environment. Youll be amazed at how many water birds youll be able to get close to. One of the interesting things to do is to take a local walk around Warden Head Reserve. [1] History [ edit] The area is scattered with beautiful small beaches to explore; Myrtle Beach, Cookies Beach, Deport Beach, Pebbly Beach, and Pretty Beach, among others. The Coastal Route from Sydney to Melbourne. April 25, 2023 . A short visit or overnight? What is the best driving route from Sydney to Melbourne? What are the best Sydney to Melbourne road trip stops? A detour to the Prom is always a good idea. Its also home to the only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens in the country. Print this page RACV touring guide : strip maps and route information : from Melbourne to Sydney via Princes Highway Get this Comments (0) Librarian's View Copyright Status Online In the Library Order a copy Request this item to view in the Library's reading rooms using your library card. For more information on what to do, where to stay, etc., check out our Sydney itinerary. Choose the number of stops based on the time you have. If you have time, take a boat across to Montague Island, a few miles off the shore, where you can find penguins and seals thriving in this protected area. The South Pacific reaches full sapphire at Tathra headland, then the road crosses inlets, estuaries and single-lane wooden bridges, and swoops through the etherealMimosa Rocks National Park, tall pale trees on both sides and at the crest of a hill theyre in front too, so were driving into the trees. To break up the journey today, I suggest a stop at Cann River, which youll reach after about two hours. We would recommend staying overnight and enjoying many of the local cafes and a wander around the Harbour foreshore. Approximately 1000 kms, about 12 hours. If youre looking for more than just a rest stop on this stretch of the drive, I would recommend heading to Pambula in time for one of Captain Sponges Magical Oyster Tours. Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today. And heres where a road trip is defined by the things you dont do. Try some water-skiing or tubing with the family, or learn how to stand-up paddle board in the breathtaking . As well as being longer, your average speed is way lower as the highway is one lane basically all the way from Melbourne to Sydney, and most of the trip is winding through forests and hills, with little opportunity to overtake. I want emails from Road Affair with travel updates and marketing. For food in Metung, I would definitely suggest eating at theMetung Hotelfor dinner andBancroft Bitesfor breakfast. Travel writer Christina Pfeiffer from Travel2next suggests your first stop out of Sydney should be in Goulburn. The South Coast of NSW is dairy country, as you may have already noted from the number of cows you have probably passed along the way. The sprawling pub set on a small hill is chockers, pots bouncing across the bar, raffle tickets flying, a line jostling to the bistro counter and the whole joint alight with end-of-working-week cheer. With apartments of different sizes, Gowings of Mallacoota is great for families or longer-stay visitors wholl appreciate the amenities. Todays destination is Walhalla, an old gold mining town that was one of the richest places in Australia in the late 1880s. Only you can decide that, but we can help by showing you what you can see, do and eat on the road between these two capital cities to help you make your choice. Set amongst bushland but with easy access to the beach, the Shady Gully Caravan Park has cabins that can sleep up to six. Some of these beaches are accessible by car, others only by walking track. I would suggest taking this stretch of the drive slowly and dont be afraid to stop a few times along the way for a quick swim, a coffee, or even just a wander around town. Approximately 850 kms, about 8 hours. I know I promised a coastal drive, but you may have noticed the first days destination was Walhalla, which is very much inland. If youre only planning to stay one night, you wont be able to access the areas that need long hikes in. Sydney to Melbourne: The coastal drive via the Princes Highway. enable JavaScript in your browser. Can you, yes, the inland road can be covered in one long day. After all, thousands of people road trip around Australia every year. Road trip: Sydney to Melbourne in 3 days | Road trips The best Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive, taking in Berry, Mollymook, South Durras and Lakes Entrance. Eden is a great place to break your journey, and a terrific choice is Sprout Caf in the main street also a good spot to pick up some local preserves and other produce. There is a safe viewing area on the southern side of the bridge. The Sydney fella, whos taking his wife to Mollymook for lunch at chef Rick Steins seafood place, sends us to nearby Horse Head RockthenCentralTilbafor heritage-listed wooden buildings and great jewellery shops. After all, tap water is drinkable in Australia, plus its free. Highway 1 of Australia is with a length of 14,500 km (9,000 mi), the longest national highway in the world. The road follows the coast at least half of the way as you head south. Lets get going. The clearly marked trail is 1.3 km long. The most picturesque option is to combine the two to create an encompassing itinerary where youll cover well over 1,000 kilometers or 620 miles by car, but that will ensure you see the best that southeast Australia has to offer. Depending on which route you are driving between Melbourne and Sydney, there are lots of options for places to stop and quite often there a few interesting towns in close proximity that you can choose from. The last town on the East Coast of NSW is Eden, settled on the hillside overlooking the ocean and a beautiful harbour. Ideally, allow two days for the inland road and three days or more for the coast road. Deciding whether to travel inland or along the coast is also a challenge when planning your overland journey from Melbourne to Sydney. There are loads of opportunities to explore the tracks and back roads either on a guided tour or through independent exploration. There are beautiful sun-bleached coastal regions and offshore islands teeming with wildlife while historic mining towns are found inland, as are snow-capped mountains and remote, rural communities. The road is easy to drive but it has enough dips and turns to keep it interesting, and as the sun shines through the treetops, the various lighting effects create some glorious landscapes. Dont underestimate how tiring driving long distances can be. Just after Moruya, youll reach Mogo Wildlife Park, which is famous for its work in breeding endangered animals. Our full disclosure policy is here. RACV Melbourne to Sydney map, including strip maps detailing route and attractions along the Hume and Princes highways ($6 member price at RACV Retail Stores). As you can see on the map above, theres lots of ground to cover. For the first part of the drive, youll continue through charming South Coast towns and there are a few that I would recommend for rest stops (and a little exploration). Pop into the visitor information centre for advice on your options. There are a few things to see in town, and the Redd Catt restaurant is nice for a meal or a coffee. and of course, cakes. The peninsula is home to a national park as well as a marine reserve. This post contains affiliate links. Your coastal drive map is wrong it is the inland map. Stripmaps from Melbourne to Brisbane and Gold Coast via Newell Highway. If you stay in each location for just the night, itll be a six-day road trip from Melbourne to Sydney. von | Apr 28, 2023 | richmond active warrants | are peter millar suits good | Apr 28, 2023 | richmond active warrants | are peter millar suits good Wherever you decide to stay, Murramarung National Park should be on your list! It can be considered a giant "ring road" as it, except for a few shortcuts in the north, follows the entire coastline of mainland Australia. With that in mind, its worth trying to avoid arriving in Sydney during peak hour because the last stretch can get very slow with traffic. Now we head into the Sapphire Coast and with a name like that you know its going to be very pretty. East Lynne Store steak and mushroom pie. Where is it? Kangaroos often run into the traffic at these times of the day. We think its best to have two drivers if you want to do a non-stop trip. This has long been whale-spotting territory and amuseumhere holds the legend and the bones of famed Old Tom, the killer whale that collaborated with whalers by herding baleen whales into Twofold Bay. An overnight stay or a longer visit? Sure is, if you have enough time to stop and smell the roses. Driving long distances in Australia can be challenging but its certainly doable. The Australian states of Victoria and New South Wales cover enormous areas of land and are incredibly diverse in their landscapes, towns and cities. Jump down to a particular day - or keep reading for my complete Melbourne to Sydney itinerary.