29/07/2025
Great trip!
Here’s a detailed itinerary for your Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive, followed by the return inland route with sightseeing.
Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive (via Grand Pacific Drive & Princes Highway)
Duration: 4–7 days (depending on stops)
Day 1: Sydney → Jervis Bay (200 km, 3 hrs)
• Drive along the Grand Pacific Drive, stopping at:
• Sea Cliff Bridge – Iconic coastal views.
• Wollongong & Kiama – Visit the Kiama Blowhole and Little Blowhole.
• Continue to Jervis Bay – Famous for white sandy beaches.
• Hyams Beach – Known for its incredibly white sand.
• Booderee National Park – Coastal walks, botanic gardens, and wildlife.
• Dolphin Cruise – Optional boat tour to spot dolphins.
Day 2: Jervis Bay → Narooma (210 km, 3 hrs)
• Stop at Murramarang National Park – Spot kangaroos at Pebbly Beach.
• Visit Batemans Bay – Great for seafood (especially Clyde River oysters).
• Narooma Highlights:
• Australia Rock – Natural rock formation.
• Montague Island – Optional tour to see seals, penguins, and historic lighthouse.
Day 3: Narooma → Merimbula /Tura Beach (140 km, 2 hrs)
• Visit Tilba Tilba – A historic village with heritage buildings and artisan shops.
• Explore Merimbula – Coastal walks and fresh seafood.
• Stay Birdsong at Dolphin Cove Tura Beach
Day 4: Merimbula/Tura Beach → Lakes Entrance (275 km, 3.5 hrs)
• Eden – Famous for whale watching (seasonal: May–November).
• Killer Whale Museum – Learn about whaling history.
• Cross into Victoria, stopping at Genoa Peak Walk for panoramic views.
• Lakes Entrance – The gateway to the Gippsland Lakes.
• Walk along the Ninety Mile Beach.
• Optional boat cruise on the lakes.
Day 5: Lakes Entrance → Wilsons Promontory (220 km, 3 hrs)
• Visit Metung & Paynesville – Charming waterfront towns.
• Explore Wilsons Promontory National Park:
• Hike to Mount Oberon for stunning views.
• Relax at Squeaky Beach.
• Spot wombats and emus in the wild.
Day 6: Wilsons Promontory → Melbourne (220 km, 3 hrs)
• Stop in Phillip Island (optional detour):
• Penguin Parade at sunset.
• Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve.
• Explore The Nobbies & Seal Rocks.
• Continue to Melbourne, ending the coastal journey.
Melbourne to Sydney Inland Drive (via Hume Highway)
Duration: 3–5 days (depending on stops)
Day 1: Melbourne → Beechworth (285 km, 3 hrs)
• Stop at Glenrowan – Learn about Ned Kelly at the museum.
• Explore Beechworth – A well-preserved gold rush town.
• Visit the Beechworth Bakery.
• Tour the Beechworth Gaol.
• Enjoy local wines and honey tastings.
Day 2: Beechworth → Canberra (340 km, 4 hrs)
• Drive via the Snowy Valleys Way, stopping at:
• Yackandandah – A charming historic village.
• Tumbarumba – Wineries and scenic mountain views.
• Explore Canberra:
• Australian War Memorial.
• Parliament House.
• National Gallery & Lake Burley Griffin.
Day 3: Canberra → Blue Mountains (280 km, 3.5 hrs)
• Stop at Goulburn – Australia’s first inland city.
• Explore the Blue Mountains:
• Three Sisters & Echo Point Lookout.
• Scenic World (cableway, railway, and skyway).
• Leura & Katoomba – Quaint mountain towns.
Day 4: Blue Mountains → Sydney (100 km, 1.5 hrs)
• Optional stops at:
• Wentworth Falls – Short hike with stunning views.
• Featherdale Wildlife Park – Hand-feed kangaroos and see koalas.
Arrive in Sydney, completing the round trip.
Best Time for the Trip:
• Spring (Sep–Nov): Ideal weather, wildflowers in bloom.
• Summer (Dec–Feb): Great for beach activities but can be busy.
• Autumn (Mar–May): Beautiful foliage in the inland areas.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): Whale watching season on the coast, snow in the Snowy Mountains.
Safe travels 😊
