When you go on a Sydney to Melbourne road trip, it’s about the journey AND the destination. While both cities are brimming with several must-visit attractions, the coastal road connecting the two cities is also laden with seaside spots and wildlife retreats.
If you want to explore Sydney and Melbourne plus everything in between, a week-long road trip during your next holiday is the best way to go. And if you don’t have a vehicle, don’t fret! You can always pre-book your car rental on Klook—it’s convenient, easy on the wallet, and if something comes up and the road trip has to take a backseat, you can easily cancel your booking for free!
When you pre-book your car rental, you can get the best rental rates from leading car hire operators such as Hertz, Alamo, Europcar, AVIS, and more. You can also pick the vehicle that suits your needs, from compact 4-seater sedans, compact SUVs, and family vans—so make sure to bring all your friends along! Klook also partnered with leading reliable car rental operators to ensure the quality of your vehicle. Plus you can choose from several pick-up and drop-off points across Australia.
Why book your car on Klook?
🚙 Top and trusted brands at the best prices (We've got Hertz, AVIS, Alamo, etc!)
🚙 Over 22 pick up and drop off locations across Australia & New Zealand
🚙 Instant confirmation on your booking (with at least 4 hours ahead of desired pick up time)
🚙 Free cancellation if plans change (before pick up!)
🚙 Choose from a variety of car types to suit your needs
🤑 Pre-book your car for Sydney on Klook and save heaps!
Now that we’ve got the essential car rental covered, you’re ready to plan your Sydney to Melbourne road trip itinerary!
Details:
Estimated Time: 9 days
Total Distance: 1,540 kilometres (958 miles)
Map:
Go BIG here this year, Australia 🦘🇦🇺
Klook has partnered with Tourism Australia to bring great deals for you to go on a BIG adventure in Australia this year!
Take 15% off EPIC experiences on Klook when you pay with Afterpay - it’s all yours to explore, when you can pay it in 4 🔥 Use code ‘GOBIG2021’ at checkout.️ (The code is valid on all activities featured in this blog, too!)
Day 1: Sydney to Berry
Distance: 144 km
Estimated total drive: 3 hours
Activity length: Whole day
The journey starts in Sydney, known for its busy but beautiful harbour. You can go on cruises, visit pristine beaches, and visit world-renowned landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
From Sydney CBD, you can go on an hour and a half drive through NSW’s coastal roads up to North Wollongong Beach. There, you can enjoy the stretch of the beach or check out their amenities such as the rock pool or visit the nearby shops and cafés.
You can also check out these activities during your stops:
Go Tandem Skydiving Experience in Sydney Wollongong
Feel a rush like no other with this tandem skydiving experience
Start your Sydney to Melbourne road trip with a bang by leaping from a plane 15,000 feet up high! This tandem skydiving experience over North Wollongong Beach will be one of the most thrilling 60 seconds of your life for sure!
All the while, you’ll have an unparalleled view of the pristine sandy beaches and waters of Wollongong. Pro-tip: this experience is Dine & Discover NSW eligible, which means you can get $25 off when you book using your vouchers until the end of July!
Explore Berry, a quaint village in Shoalhaven NSW
If you’re hungry after your skydiving experience, then it’s an excellent time for snacks! Image credits: @milkwoodberry on Instagram
After Wollongong, you can head to Berry, which is 61.9 kilometres away, for a good hour and a half. This village in Shoalhaven has scenic beaches and rolling green hills, multiple historical buildings, and other memorable attractions and destinations.
You can snap IG-worth pics at Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout then re-energize with some coffee and snacks at Berry Sourdough Café and Milkwood Bakery. Afterwards, you can explore the Berry Historical Walk, where you can see the Berry Museum, the Berry Hotel, and the post office.
You can also stock up on road trip supplies at their markets, go wine tasting, and more! There are lots to do before you call it a night and rest up for Day 2 of your trip.
Day 2: Berry to Jervis Bay
Distance: 58 km
Estimated total drive: 1 hour
Total activity time: 4 hours
After a good shut-eye at Berry, you can head out to Jervis Bay for Day 2 of your Sydney to Melbourne drive coast-side. Jervis Bay is famous for its beaches, cruises, nature parks and trails, dolphin watching, and more. It’s also known for having a particularly longer whale-watching season which spans from May to November.
Here, you can try the following activities:
Go on the Jervis Bay Whale Watching Cruise
You can’t miss out on whale-watching when you go to Jervis Bay. Image credits: @jervisbaywild on Instagram
A trip to Jervis Bay is incomplete if you don’t go whale watching. The best way to do so is by going on the Jervis Bay Whale Watching Cruise, where a vessel will take you to the waters of Honeymoon Bay, where it’s best to spot some whales.
This tour will also take you through stunning sea cliffs, rocky headlands, and the Port Perpendicular Lighthouse. Make sure to have your camera ready because there are plenty of sights to see during this cruise!
Pro-tip: You can get $25 off on this cruise when you book with your Dine & Discover NSW vouchers!
Try Boom Netting
Take a dip in the water when you go boom netting! Image credits: @jervisbaywild on Instagram
Boom netting is an increasingly popular water activity wherein you ride a sturdy net attached to a vessel that will pull you along. This allows you to dip in the water and cover a vast expanse while letting the relaxing waves lap against you. Boom netting is entirely safe for beginners and expert swimmers alike!
While checking out all the sights and splashing in the water, you will learn more about the area and the marine wildlife thanks to an expert guide. This 2-hour boom netting experience will be an unforgettable part of your Sydney to Melbourne road trip for sure!
Day 3: Jervis Bay to Batemans Bay
Distance: 116 km
Estimated total drive: 2 hours
Total activity time: Whole day
After a day of cruises and whale watching at Jervis Bay, get ready for a 2-hour drive to Batemans Bay, an excellent destination for snorkelling, diving, and other fun water activities. It's also known for its fantastic seafood, especially its oysters. Here you can also swim, kayak, stand up paddleboard or SUP, surf, or fish.
If you’re up for a unique kayaking experience with complimentary pizza, you can check this out:
Watch the sunset and eat pizza while kayaking
Pizza and kayaking? Sounds amazing!
We don't know about you, but kayaking along the beautiful mangroves and sand flats while watching the sunset AND eating pizza is a recipe for a great day.
And yes, you will get to do all that on the Pizza Paddle Sunset Kayak Tour in Batemans Bay. Sam’s Pizzeria on the waterfront will be delivered straight to your kayak, warm and delicious for you to enjoy!
Day 4: Batemans Bay to Merimbula
Distance: 175 km
Estimated total drive: 3-4 hours
Total activity time: Whole day
The next day, get ready for a scenic three to four-hour drive to Merimbula, a town blessed with coastal lakes and picturesque beaches. It’s also an excellent destination for watersports, whale watching, and diverse wildlife.
One of their most popular and highly acclaimed destinations is Potoroo Palace Animal Sanctuary.
Meet furry friends at Potoroo Palace
Meet the protected wildlife at Potoroo Palace. Image credits: @potoroopalace on Instagram
If you're an animal lover, then this part of your Sydney to Melbourne road trip is perfect for you! Potoroo Palace is a sanctuary that conserves various native Australian animals, such as potoroos, koalas, dingoes, echidnas, possums, wombats, emus, and more.
You can see them free-roaming in the sanctuary grounds, and you can even get as close to them as possible with the help of the friendly rangers. You can even feed some kangaroos—after all, a way to any animal's heart is through their stomach!
Your tickets also support Potoroo Palace's conservation programs, so your visit will help them protect the animals in their sanctuary.
Day 5: Merimbula to Lakes Entrance
Distance: 299 km
Estimated total drive: 4 hours
Total activity time: Whole day
Lakes Entrance is a quaint coastal town in Eastern Victoria famous for—you guessed it—scenic lakes, specifically the Gippsland Lakes. Gippsland Lakes are a network of lakes and inland waterways where you can go boating and fishing and visit Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park.
Lakes Entrance is known as the Seafood Capital of Australia, thanks to its bustling dining scene. You can head out to their restaurants, such as Albert & Co, which has fantastic views of Gippsland Lakes. Another option is Funkey Monkey, with outdoor dining areas perfect for large groups of ravenous road trip travellers. You can also try the coffee and pastries at Six Sisters & A Pigeon!
After catching some grub, you can head out to the beach for some surfing, body-boarding, or simply relaxing by the shore. You can also join some whale-watching cruises and fishing charters!
Day 6: Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory
Distance: 274 km
Estimated total drive: 4 hours
Total activity time: Whole day
At this point, you would have already exited NSW and begun heading into the Southernmost part of Victoria. The next stop would be Wilsons Promontory, a.k.a. “The Prom” by locals, home to rugged mountain ranges, nature parks and reserves, and native Australian wildlife such as the kangaroo and koala.
Here, you can try these activities:
Go on a day tour at Wilsons Promontory National Park** - Currently unavailable
Explore the beauty of Wilsons Promontory. Image credits: @wilsons.promontory on Instagram
Go bushwalking, sightseeing, and wildlife spotting on Wilsons Promontory National Park Day Tour!
The Prom’s surreal mountain and rock formations, plus its stunning beaches, will surely wow you and your road trip buddies. During this tour, you’ll be able to visit the white sands of Squeaky Beach and snap some photos at the Giant Rock. You can also stroll along the Tidal River and at a deserted airfield where you can see some wildlife milling about.
Spot the Humpback and Southern Right Whales on Wilsons Promontory Whale Watching Cruise
Witness these magnificent creatures up close on this whale-watching cruise!
You can’t miss the chance to see the Humpback and Southern Right Whales at Wilsons Promontory during your Sydney to Melbourne road trip. On this whale-watching cruise in Wilsons Promontory, you’ll have the best vantage point to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Aside from the whales, you’ll also see other wildlife such as seabirds, shy albatrosses, Australian fur seals, common dolphins, and more! The area is also riddled with surreal natural landmasses such as Rabbit Island, Sealers Cove, and Refuge Cove.
Day 7 to 9: Wilsons Promontory to Phillip Island
Distance: 168 km
Estimated total drive: 2 hours
Total activity time: 2 days
Phillip Island is a popular day-trip destination from Melbourne, thanks to its stunning beaches and coastlines and its famous residents: the Little Penguins. It’s also only 90 minutes away from Melbourne, making it a great weekend retreat for locals who want to escape the busy city.
You definitely can’t miss out on Phillip Island when you’re on your way to Melbourne! Coming from Wilsons Promontory, you’ll go on a 2-hour drive covering 168 kilometres. Despite the proximity from Melbourne, you’re far from done with your Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive—there are lots to do and see at Phillip Island!
Here are some activities that you can check out during the trip:
Learn to make chocolates at Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. Image credits: @phillipislandchocolatefactory on Instagram
Witness expert chocolatiers make fantastic chocolate creations and learn more about this well-loved dessert at Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. After watching how these sweet treats are made, you can also try your hand at creating your own and most importantly, you get to eat them after!
Take note, however, that cars aren’t allowed on this island. So remember to park at Cowes to rent a bike from there. It’s a great chance to go on a bike ride!
Go on a Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise in Phillip Island
Spot some whales and dolphins on a Phillip Island cruise
Spot more Humpback and Southern Right Whales, plus some dolphin pods, seals, and seabirds on the Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise in Phillip Island. You can also sip on complimentary tea or coffee while relaxing on deck or head over to the bar for beer, wine, or mixed drinks!
During this cruise, you’ll also see Cape Woolamai, known for its pink granite pinnacles.
Watch the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island Nature Parks
Catch these cuties waddle back to their nesting boxes during the Penguin Parade. Image credits: @phillipislandnp on Instagram
The Little Penguins are the stars of Penguin Island, and you can’t miss the chance to see them during your epic Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive!
At sunset at Phillip Island Nature Parks, you can catch the Little Penguins waddling back to their nesting boxes during the Penguin Parade. The viewing platforms for the parade are specially designed to give you the best view of these cuties!
If you arrive earlier than sunset, you can check out the koalas in their natural habitat or visit Churchill Heritage Farm to learn about the farming activities there.
Spend a whole day exploring Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island
Meet the diverse wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary and Phillip Island on this tour package
With this tour package, you can catch the famous Penguin Parade and go on a day tour of Healesville Sanctuary for the ultimate wildlife retreat at Phillip Island!
Healesville Sanctuary is home to various native animals such as birds of prey, koalas, kangaroos, platypus, and more. Here, you’ll be accompanied by expert guides to get to know your new animal friends more!
Day 10: Phillip Island to Melbourne
Distance: 168 km
Estimated total drive: 2 hours
Total activity time: Whole day
At this point, you’ll be heading to the finale of the trip: Melbourne, the Cultural Capital of Australia. After your wildlife nature escapades, you can head out to the city to check out their famous laneways, take pictures of the superb street art, visit famous cafés, and more!
You can also try these fun activities:
See all of the city from the top of the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
The Melbourne Star is no ordinary Ferris wheel. Image credits: @melbourne_star on Instagram
With its peak at 120 metres or around 40 storeys high, you’ll be able to see the whole city from Melbourne Star, the only giant observation wheel in the Southern Hemisphere! Each cabin has glass walls all around, providing an unbridled 360-degree view of Melbourne. Plus—they’re very roomy, comfy, and air-conditioned!
Going on the Melbourne Star is perfect for any time of day, but the sunset is a sight to behold!
See Melbourne from 285 meters high at Eureka Skydeck
You’ll be in awe at the view from the Eureka Skydeck! Image credits: @melbourne_star on Instagram
See all of Melbourne through the Eureka Skydeck, which stands at 285 metres above ground and provides 360-degree views of the city. You can also check out famous landmarks such as the Immigration Museum and the Prima Pearl, which you can better see through high definition binoculars.
Tip: don’t forget to download the audio guide tour on your iPhone! You can use the free WiFi.
Go on a 4-hour Melbourne City Bike Tour
A bike ride and a city tour in one makes for a day well-spent in Melbourne! Image credits: @melbourne_star on Instagram
Bike around Melbourne with the help of a friendly guide and check out the famous street art, IG-worthy laneways, multicultural neighbourhoods, and well-loved cafés. You’ll get to see more and do more than when you tour on foot, for sure!
You can also taste the gourmet treats and have lunch at Victoria Market! A fast, fun, and chill way to go around Melbourne!
