An Epic road trip from Melbourne to Sydney: Phillip Island, Jervis Bay, and more!
If you’re looking to hit two iconic cities in one trip, here’s how to do a scenic coastal drive with our Melbourne to Sydney self-drive itinerary and map. There’s fun and adventure at every road trip stop so this drive will be far from a boring journey. Enjoy!
How to rent a car in Australia
Can’t do a road trip without a car! Klook’s car rental service is serviced by top-rated suppliers and familiar names for your peace of mind such as Hertz, Europcar, and Avis.
For this road trip, head over to your Klook app's main page then click "Car rentals". You'll then be led to the car rental page where you can toggle the settings to pick up your car at Melbourne Airport and drop it off in Sydney. You can also toggle different time slots for the collection and drop off of the car according to your convenience.
Australia road trip necessities
SIM Card / Wifi Device
A key road-trip essential is having data connection! For a fuss-free data connection in Australia, you can easily get an eSIM just by scanning a QR code sent to you via email upon purchase. Yup, no need for the hassle of going to a local carrier or paying excessive roaming fees!
Melbourne to Sydney Coastal Drive Road Trip
1. Melbourne, Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley
Distance: ~50km
Drive duration: 1 Hour from Melbourne City Centre
Things to do in Melbourne
From its cozy cafes, street art laneways, and colorful cityscape, Melbourne boasts a ton of things to see and do. If you want to conquer all the must-hit attractions do consider getting a Klook Melbourne Pass, which allows you admission to 2-7 attractions of your choosing:
- ArtVo Melbourne
- Luna Park Melbourne
- Melbourne Skydeck
- Melbourne Zoo
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
- O'Brien Icehouse
- Old Melbourne Gaol
Must-Dos in Melbourne:
- Visit Melbourne Zoo and SEA Life Melbourne Aquarium
- Enjoy a day out at Luna Park
- Stroll through the famous street art laneways
Where to Stay in Melbourne
Looking for a hotel that’s close to the city center for convenient travel and free parking? Melbourne Marriott Hotel checks all the boxes, with free valet parking and a sweet location that’s just a 5-minute walk to buzzy Chinatown, a 5-minute drive to Queen Victoria Market and a 10-minute drive to Melbourne Zoo.
📍 Corner Exhibition &, Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
What to do in Yarra Valley
Once you’re done exploring the city, why not head out on a day trip to explore more? Besides the ever-famous and iconic Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road drive, there are also other regions like the Dandenong Ranges for gorgeous hikes, and Yarra Valley, one of Melbourne’s best wine regions.
Puffing Billy Railway
Choo choo! The journey aboard Puffing Billy takes you through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges on Australia's premier preserved steam railway. Enjoy your train journey and take in the gorgeous sights and sounds of the lush fern gullies brushing past and Mountain Ash trees towering from up above.
You can take a return trip from various stations depending on how much time you have to spare. The shortest return route is from Belgrave to Menzies Creek (recommended total time spent is 2 hours) while the longest is the Belgrave to Gembrook Return (recommended total time spent is 6 hours). Take some time to explore the stations you drop off at – be it with a picnic lunch or rent a bike and go on a mini adventure!
Yarra Valley Winery Tour
Yarra Valley is wine country. And what’s the best way to experience Melbourne’s wine region than by going vineyard and winery hopping? Relax and unwind, there is no need to rush when you’re here. Kick back and enjoy the view of rolling vineyards and hills, sip on some wine and indulge in a tasty lunch and or charcuterie.
The Yarra Valley Wine and Chocolate Tour with Lunch will bring you to four (yes, four!) wineries, with tastings at each stop, along with lunch and even a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie for sweet treats.
Hot air balloon ride
Create unforgettable Yarra Valley memories with a hot air balloon ride! Imagine taking in the sunrise from high up above and looking down onto gloriously golden-bathed scenery of the rolling hills and vineyards of Yarra Valley below. To call it breathtaking would definitely be an understatement!
Level up your hot air ballooning experience by topping up for breakfast, and you will get to enjoy a glass of champagne and a full hot meal after you disembark (bliss!).
Other Yarra Valley highlights:
- Healesville Sanctuary for cute and cuddly animal encounters with Koalas and Echidnas
- Yarra Valley Tandem Skydive Experience and White Water Kayaking in Yarra Valley for a dose of adrenaline
2. Melbourne to Phillip Island
Distance: ~150km
Drive duration: 2 Hours
Recommended length of stay at Phillip Island: 1 night
Things to do in Phillip Island
Phillip Island is the perfect pitstop for nature and wildlife lovers as it's jam-packed with wildlife activities. While its most iconic attraction is the Penguin Parade, you can also take a cruise to see Australian Fur Seals and visit the Koala Conservation Reserve.
Penguin Parade
The Penguin Parade is one of Phillip Island’s most iconic must-do activities, so make sure you don’t miss it! Come evening, penguins will emerge from the sea and waddle up to shore and back home to their burrows on the beaches. You'll be able to see them from the boardwalks and viewing platforms, depending on which type of ticket you choose.
For those who want more than a glimpse of the adorable penguins, there’s the Penguin Ultimate Adventure Tour, which allows you to venture out to the secluded beach to see the penguins even closer.
📍 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands, Victoria 3922
⏱️ Penguin parade opening time from 6pm
Seal Watching Cruise
Penguins aren't the only cuties you can see on this island! Phillip Island is also a well-known spot for viewing Australian Fur Seals! The best way to see them is on a seal-watching cruise, a 2-hour boat ride that will allow you to explore the beauty of the coastline and bring you closer to Australia’s largest fur seal colony.
Other Phillip Island highlights:
- Hike The Nobbies - explore the boardwalks and take in the view of the rugged coastline and get to see the iconic Seal Rocks
- Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve where you can get an up-close view of koalas in their natural habitat
Where to stay in Phillip Island
The Hilltop Apartments Phillip Island offers free parking and has everything you need for a comfortable night’s stay. Its central location also means convenience, with the Penguin Parade being less than a 10-minute drive away. The accommodation is also just a 15-minute drive to The Nobbies for a view of the Seal Rocks. There are also tons of cafes and eateries that are just a 5-minute drive away, too!
📍124-128 Red Rocks Rd, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia
3. Phillip Island to Wilsons Promontory
Distance: ~130km
Drive duration: 2 Hours
Recommended length of stay at Wilsons Promontory: 1 or 2 nights
What to discover in Wilsons Promontory
Wilsons Promontory’s South Point is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. Wilsons Prom is home to stunning coastal and inland natural wonders, ranging from bushland trails to pristine white-sand beaches.
The Wilsons Promontory National Park is great for hikes and camping (Tidal River Campground is a fave among the locals), as well as scenic views all around (especially from the peaks of Mount Bishop or Mount Oberon!).
Other must-dos in Wilsons Promontory:
- Explore Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
- Climb Mount Bishop and or Mount Oberon for amazing views
- Do The Big Drift Walk (inland sand dunes)
- Swim at beaches like Squeaky Beach, Cotters Beach, Whisky Bay, and Fairy Cove – and check out the various granite rock formations
- View marine life at Norman Bay, the biggest marine sanctuary in Victoria (go snorkeling or join a boat tour!)
Can’t decide how to get the best of the sea and the mountains? Try a Wilsons Promontory Hiking Day Tour that will take you on a hike through The Big Drift sand dunes and a hike up Mount Oberon for breathtaking coastal views of Victoria. For a dose of seaside fun, you'll also get to go to Squeaky Beach, which gets its name from the squeaking sound you hear when walking on the sand (how cute)!
Wilsons Prom is also the perfect spot for sublime views, even at night as it's a popular spot for stargazing due to its little to almost no light pollution. You can view the Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights, and see bioluminescence (light given off by tiny organisms living in the sea), too!
Where to stay in Wilsons Promontory
Besides camping out in the national park itself, there are quite a few accommodation options to choose from at Wilsons Promontory National Park. Tidal River is the main info hub for your activities in Wilsons Prom, and you can find out more information and book one that best suits your needs at the Tidal River Accommodations page here.
4. Wilsons Promontory to Lakes Entrance
Distance: ~270km
Drive duration: 3.5 Hours
Recommended length of stay at Lakes Entrance: 1 night
Things to do in Lakes Entrance
Located where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean, Lakes Entrance is a beautiful coastal town with plenty of seaside charm and lots to do. First stop, do the Ninety Mile Beach, which offers pristine stretches of sand and refreshing dips. Since this region is by the sea, it also means that it's well-known for seafood, so make sure to have a feast or two while you’re here!
The best way to explore Lakes Entrance? Locals recommend going for boat cruises or eco tours down the lake. You should also try water activities like snorkeling and surfing, and even try your hand at fishing!
More Must-Dos in Lakes Entrance:
- Enjoy a picnic at Lakes Entrance Beach
- Do the Entrance Walk, which will take you across Cunninghame Arm Footbridge to a beautiful lake as well as along Ninety Mile Beach
- Have a seafood feast and indulge in delicious fish and chips (Sodafish is a crowd favorite!)
- Explore the beautiful Gippsland Lakes via a boat cruise
- If you have the time to go further, there’s also Croajingolong National Park which is filled with more gorgeous bush walks to conquer (Note: 2.5-hour drive away)
Where to stay in Lakes Entrance
Lakeside Motel Waterfront is a 12-minute walk away from Lakes Entrance Beach and less than a 10-minute walk from Sodafish, so good eats aren’t hard to find. Free parking is available and a quick 3-minute drive from Cunninghame Arm Footbridge where you can start your Entrance Walk.
📍 164 Marine Parade, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909, Australia
5. Lakes Entrance to Merimbula
Distance: ~270km
Drive duration: 3 Hours
Recommended length of stay at Merimbula: 2 or 3 nights
Things to discover in Merimbula
Congratulations! Your road trip has officially entered in its second half, and you have officially crossed over from Victoria into New South Wales! Sydney is just a few days away, but hey who’s counting anyway when every day is so much fun?
Located on the stunning Sapphire Coast, the charming, laid-back coastal town of Merimbula is a popular holiday escape among locals. Beach hop, whale watch, bush walk, meet animal friends at Potoroo Palace, and pay a visit to Magic Mountain, Merimbula’s theme park - you’ll never want to leave!
Potoroo Palace
It’s wildlife encounters galore at Potoroo Palace Native Animal Educational Sanctuary! Potoroo Palace is a place where you can not only meet kangaroos, emus and ducks, but hand feed them as well. And unlike a traditional zoo, The Palace offers a unique experience where you can meet free-roaming animals throughout the sanctuary grounds, while learning about the effort to conserve and protect their habitats.
Klook Tip: Let’s practice safety and responsibility around the animals here. Please treat them gently and don't feed them without staff permission. Thank you!
📍 2372 Princes Highway, Yellow Pinch Merimbula NSW 2548
⏱️ Open daily 9am to 4pm
Beach hopping and Whale Watching
Want to see something whale-y fantastic? It’s the awesome sight of one of the world’s most magnificent creatures frolicking in the ocean! Whale migration season (the best months are said to be between September to November), you’ll be able to catch these giants off the coasts of Merimbula. Besides whales, you'll also get to see dolphins, penguins, seals, and more!
If you’re visiting during the non-migration season, there are still plenty of beaches to explore such as Merimbula Main Beach, Spencer Park Beach, Bar Beach, to name a few - take your pick and set up camp for a picnic and lots of fun under the sun!
Other Merimbula highlights:
- Have a seafood feast (again, another must because you’re in a seaside town!) Top Tip: Have oysters fresh from Merimbula’s oyster farmers for maximum satisfaction!
- Enjoy theme park rides at Magic Mountain
- Take hiking day trips to Ben Boyd National Park, Bournda National Park, Mimosa Rocks National Park, and more!
Where to stay in Merimbula
Choose from cabins, villas, and camping sites to suit every need at Tween Waters Merimbula. There’s free parking and a swimming pool on the premises, and the accommodation is a few minutes walk from the town center, just a 2-minute drive away from Merimbula Beach, and a 10-minute drive from Potoroo Palace!
📍 Dunns Ln, Merimbula NSW 2548, Australia
6. Merimbula to Narooma
Distance: ~112km
Drive duration: 1.5 Hours
Recommended length of stay at Narooma: 2 or 3 nights
Things to do in Narooma
Did you know that Narooma comes from the Aboriginal word meaning "clear, blue water"? That is exactly what you’ll discover here, with the many beaches, estuaries, and inlets around the region.
Narooma is also well-known and loved for its beautiful natural landmarks, including the famous Australia Rock and the Glasshouse Rocks. Get ready for a wealth of outdoor explorations while you’re here!
Australia Rock
The Bar Rock Lookout and Australia Rock (yup, if you look at it from a certain angle, this rock is said to resemble the shape of the Australian continent!)are a duo of iconic natural landmarks located almost side to side.
Stop by the Bar Rock Lookout for sweeping ocean views and even get a chance to see seals sprawled out and happily sunbathing on nearby rocks, before heading to Australia Rock for that picture-perfect ‘gram photo!
📍 1 Bar Rock Rd, Narooma NSW 2546, Australia
Cycling tour of the Dalmeny Coastal Trail
One excellent way of taking in the sights and sounds of Narooma is by a cycling tour down the famous must-do, the Dalmeny Coastal Trail!
Take in the sensational scenic sights and sounds of one of Australia’s most picturesque coastal trails, a 21km ride that will bring you to see seals frolicking at the Australia Rock lookout, and Surf Beach to see the Glasshouse Rocks.
Other Narooma highlights:
- Explore Montague Island Nature Reserve (lots of hiking trails and coastline views all around!) Do stop by the historic Montague Island Lighthouse too! And if you are up for an adventure, there are plenty of charters that offer swimming and snorkeling tours with the seals
- Narooma Oyster Festival (indulge in Rock Oysters native to NSW)
- Take a day trip to Batemans Bay to snorkel, dive, and hike (1-hour drive from Narooma)
- See Glasshouse Rocks (an over 400 years old rock!) and Pillow Lava
Where to Stay in Narooma
Conveniently located in the heart of the Narooma CBD and with free parking included, Anchors Aweigh is a great place to set up camp for your adventures in Narooma. Australia Rock is just a 3-minute drive away and Narooma Beach and Glasshouse Rocks a 6-minute drive away.
📍 5 Tilba St, Narooma NSW 2546, Australia
7. Narooma to Jervis Bay
Distance: ~222km
Drive duration: 3 Hours
Recommended length of stay at Jervis Bay: 1 night
Must-Dos in Jervis Bay
Beach bums will love their time at Jervis Bay, where it’s all about that island paradise life. Famed for its sensational white-sand shores and crystal-clear aquamarine waters, you’ll find yourself never wanting to leave the seaside. As night falls, you might also get to witness the ultra-cool sight of beaches with a bright blue bioluminescent glow, thanks to the bioluminescent plankton in the waters.
Do also check out Booderee National Park, an Aboriginal-owned park where wildlife encounters are waiting for you, as well as whale and dolphin watching charters and cruises.
Booderee National Park
Hike, swim, climb and picnic your way through Booderee National Park in search of secret beaches and coves as you cover the various bushwalking trails. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Cape St George Lighthouse ruins too (great vantage point for whale watching)!
Booderee National Park highlights:
- Go beach hopping! Recommended beaches include Murrays Beach (sheltered so it's great for swimming), Iluka Beach, Steamers Head Beach, and Bherwerre Beach)
- Go bird watching (there’s an app that helps you identify different Booderee birds) or dolphin and even whale watching (early June to early July)
- Stroll through the Booderee Botanic Gardens to admire the flora and fauna
📍 Jervis Bay Rd, Jervis Bay JBT 2540, Australia
Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise
Enjoy a scenic cruise down Jervis Bay Marine Park, which is home to over 100 Bottlenose Dolphins! Unlike whale-watching charters, which are more seasonal according to whale migration periods, the dolphin-watching cruise runs all year round, and you can spot these playful creatures anytime!
Dolphin pods are often feeding near Plantation Point and Callala, and besides dolphins, you will also get to spot fur seals and sea eagles!
Where to stay in Jervis Bay
From camping grounds to holiday parks and cute little self-contained cottages, take your pick from the wide range of accommodation options at Jervis Bay.
8. Jervis Bay to Sydney
Distance: ~199km
Duration: 3 Hours
Things do in Sydney
Welcome to Sydney! Your epic Melbourne to Sydney road trip has concluded, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop! Continue your adventures in the vibrant capital of New South Wales and explore all it has to offer, from iconic tourist attractions like Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House to day trip excursions to the Blue Mountains and more!
- Head to Bondi Beach and learn to surf
- Go cafe hopping! There are so many cafes to choose from!
- Take day trips to the surrounds and explore Blue Mountains National Park, Hunter Valley, and more!
Want to hit as many attractions as possible and save on tickets? Grab The Klook Sydney Pass, which covers admission to 2 - 6 attractions of your choosing:
- Sydney Zoo Admission Ticket
- Taronga Zoo Sydney General Entry Ticket
- Sydney Opera House Tour
- Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Adventure
- SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Ticket
- Sydney Hop On Hop Off Cruise
- 1 Day Pass by Captain Cook
- Sydney Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tours (Open-Top)
- True Crime Sightseeing Cruise on Sydney Harbour
- Madame Tussauds Sydney Ticket in Sydney
- Blue Mountains Scenic World Scenic Pass
- Australian National Maritime Museum
- Sydney Tower Eye
- WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Entry Ticket
- Adults Only: Secret Bar Crawl Experience in Sydney, Brix Distillers Rum Distillery Experiences Sydney
Where to stay in Sydney
Imagine staying in a room with a view of the sparkling Darling Harbour. What could be better than waking up to that? Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is located right in the heart of Darling Harbour - which means that you are not far from all the hot attractions and plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars - there’s always something to see, eat, and do.
Paid valet parking is available (AU$84/car/day) or you can choose to park at the two adjacent parking lots are available – Wilson Darling Harbour Car Park or ICC Car Park.
📍 Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, 12 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
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