Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip Itinerary
The Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip is a great way to explore the stunning scenery of Australia's south east coast. Starting in the vibrant city of Melbourne, the 761 mile journey takes you through the towns of Port Albert, Mallacoota and Bermagui before ending in the iconic city of Sydney. The best time of year to drive this route is typically spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom and the weather is mild.
Along the way, you can visit some of Australia's most beautiful beaches, take in the stunning landscapes and explore some of the country's most iconic UNESCO Heritage Monuments. The roads are generally in excellent condition, although some sections can be quite windy and narrow.
This road trip provides a truly unique experience and is sure to leave you with plenty of memories. Suitable for drivers of all levels, it is best enjoyed with a high budget. Enjoy the journey!
5
number of days
1,221 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the left
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Melbourne
Distance 1,221 km
Driving time 16.8 h
Pace: fast
366.2 kWh
Airports
MEL
,
MEB
[detailsContainer]
Melbourne is one of Australia’s most vibrant cities and the perfect starting point for the “Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip”. This bustling city is home to an array of fantastic attractions including the famous Eureka Tower, the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens, and the National Gallery of Victoria. With its world-class restaurants, cafes, and bars, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy during your stay in Melbourne.
Travellers arriving by air can access Melbourne through the Melbourne Airport (IATA: MEL), which offers a range of car rental services for those looking to start their road trip. This renowned airport is well-connected with many international destinations, making it easy to get to Melbourne.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find that there are plenty of exciting sights to explore. Take a stroll along the Yarra River, which winds its way through the city, or take a guided tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground. For the more adventurous, a visit to the nearby Phillip Island will be sure to satisfy your wildlife cravings.
Whichever way you choose to explore, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in Melbourne. So, make sure you don’t miss out on the start of your “Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip” and begin your journey with a visit to this incredible city.
1
Melbourne
- Port Albert
Distance 250 km
Driving time 3.2 h
Pace: fast
74.9 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an exciting road trip from Melbourne to Port Albert! Start in Inverloch, a seaside town located on the Bass Coast. Visit the Bunurong Marine National Park with its rugged coastline and amazing rock formations. Take a look at the historical sites of the Kurnai people, including the Fish Creek Mission. Continue on the scenic A440 road, taking in the views of Wilsons Promontory National Park. As you drive through, admire the UNESCO Heritage sites along the way. The 155mi journey will take you fewer than 4 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the charming seaside village of Port Albert. Here, you can find a number of attractions, including the 19th century wharf, the Port Albert Maritime Museum, and the nearby Tarra Bulga National Park. For more information about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, jump in the car and get ready for an amazing journey!
Port Albert - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - portalbert.vic.au
❯
❮
2
Port Albert
- Bairnsdale
Distance 158 km
Driving time 2.0 h
Pace: fast
47.3 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Start your journey in Port Albert, Australia, and drive 101 miles to Bairnsdale. This journey of fewer than 2 hours is full of picturesque landscapes and scenic roads. Along the way, be sure to stop off in Lakes Entrance, a popular tourist destination in the Gippsland region. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Gippsland Lakes, the 90 Mile Beach, and the stunning nature reserves. Make sure to visit the Maffra Cheese Factory and the Gippsland Lakes Cruises, where you can take a relaxing boat tour. Further south, you’ll find Buchan Cave Reserve, a limestone cave system that is home to unique wetland animals and rare species of plants. Before you reach Bairnsdale, take a break in Orbost and check out the Snowy River National Park. Here, you can explore the forests, rivers, and mountains, and enjoy some of the best hiking trails in the region. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Bairnsdale - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Britannica
❯
❮
3
Bairnsdale
- Mallacoota
Distance 239 km
Driving time 2.9 h
Pace: fast
71.7 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Start your journey in Bairnsdale, Australia, and take a 148 mile, less than 3 hour drive towards Croajingolong National Park. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the East Gippsland region as you drive through the rolling hills, vibrant forests and serene lakes. As you make your way, you will come across a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape. After exploring the park, make your way to the coastal town of Mallacoota, where you can take in the breathtaking view of the ocean and the beautiful forests. As you continue your journey, be sure to make stops at the local attractions and enjoy the local cuisine. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.
Mallacoota - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Pixabay
❯
❮
4
Mallacoota
- Merimbula
Distance 110 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: fast
33.1 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome, road-trippers, to one of the most scenic routes between Mallacoota and Merimbula. A 68mi journey, this drive is sure to take your breath away with its picturesque landscapes and scenic roads. On the way, take a break to explore the beautiful Mallacoota Inlet and its stunning beaches. You can also visit the nearby Genoa Peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the area. When you arrive in Merimbula, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Merimbula Boardwalk, the Merimbula Imlay Historical Society, and the Merimbula Lake. This is just one of the many stops on your road-trip, so make sure to pay attention to the beauty of the area and make the most of your journey. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Merimbula - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Sapphire Coast
❯
❮
5
Merimbula
- Bermagui
Distance 81 km
Driving time 2.0 h
Pace: slow
18.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a road-trip from Merimbula to Bermagui, 50mi away, and enjoy a drive of fewer than 2 hours along the picturesque landscapes of the coast. You will be amazed by the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, and the winding roads of the region. Keep an eye out for narrow sections of the road, and you will be rewarded with stunning sights of the coastline. This is one of the most scenic drives in the area, so make sure to have your camera ready. Along the way, don't miss the chance to visit the charming town of Pambula, with its beautiful beaches and inviting cafes. Further down the road, you can explore the stunningly beautiful Bermagui Beach, and the nearby iconic Blue Pool. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Bermagui - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - www.visitbermagui.com.au
❯
❮
6
Bermagui
- Batemans Bay
Distance 101 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: fast
30.4 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for a great road trip from Bermagui to Batemans Bay? This is an amazing journey of just 63 miles (101 km), which should take you less than two hours to complete. Along the way, you will find yourself passing through some of the most beautiful areas of the NSW South Coast.
Start your trip off in Bermagui, where you can check out the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the stunning beaches. Then, as you head north, you will come across the historic towns of Tilba Tilba and Narooma. From there, you can explore the coastal towns of Broulee and Mollymook, before reaching the bustling town of Batemans Bay.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the stunning scenery along the way, including the rivers, lakes, and forests which surround the area. Don't forget to stop for photos and take in the sights and sounds of the area.
Once you arrive in Batemans Bay, you can check out the breathtaking views from the lookout, explore the local shopping district, and visit the incredible beaches.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So get ready, and enjoy your road trip from Bermagui to Batemans Bay!
Batemans Bay - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Expedia
❯
❮
7
Batemans Bay
- Sydney
Distance 282 km
Driving time 3.7 h
Pace: fast
84.7 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you up for a road trip from Batemans Bay to Sydney? This route is a great way to explore the beauty of the Australian coast. With a distance of 175 mi and a driving time of fewer than 4 hours, it’s an ideal getaway. Along the way, you can explore historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and scenic roads. You’ll even pass by UNESCO Heritage sites, making it a great opportunity to experience the area’s culture and history. But don’t forget to make stops to appreciate the stunning views! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to consult the “Itinerary” of this stage. So pack your bags and get ready to make some unforgettable memories on this amazing road trip!
Sydney - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Sydney, Australia
❯
❮
Sydney
[detailsContainer]
Sydney, Australia is the perfect end to the "Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip". This journey will take you through some of the most stunning scenery Australia has to offer, with plenty of opportunities to explore the countryside and take in the sights.
As you make your way into Sydney, you'll come across some of the city's most iconic landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. For a unique view of the city, take a stroll along the harbour foreshore, or take a ferry to explore the harbour islands.
The city also boasts a range of cultural and historical attractions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Australian National Maritime Museum, and the Queen Victoria Building. For a more relaxed experience, visit the laneways and backstreets of Sydney's vibrant inner-city suburbs.
For those travelling by car, the closest international airport is Sydney Airport (SYD). From there, you can easily access the city centre and the surrounding areas.
To complete your road trip, take in the beauty of the Blue Mountains, the spectacular beaches of the south coast, or the lush rainforests of the Northern Beaches. No matter which route you take, Sydney is the perfect ending point for your road trip.
Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip at a glance
-
Start:
Melbourne
-
End:
Sydney
-
Distance:
1,221 km
-
Stay:
5 days
-
Getting there:
Melbourne International Airport (MEL),
Melbourne Essendon Airport (MEB)
-
When to drive:
January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December
-
More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip to discover the captivating allure of Australia's southeast coast. Covering approximately 1,223 kilometers (761 miles), this journey weaves through awe-inspiring natural landscapes, quaint coastal towns, and cosmopolitan cities offering a tapestry of experiences.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Melbourne: Start your adventure in this dynamic metropolis, renowned for its rich arts scene, thriving culinary offerings, and lush gardens such as the Royal Botanic Gardens.
- Wilsons Promontory National Park: A detour to this natural paradise rewards travelers with stunning bushland, abundant wildlife, and panoramic views from Mount Oberon.
- Port Albert: Immerse yourself in the quaint charm of this historical fishing village, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and explore its maritime heritage.
- Mallacoota: This tranquil town grants access to the unspoiled beaches and diverse ecosystems of Croajingolong National Park, recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional natural value.
- Bermagui: Visit this coastal haven to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the renowned Blue Pool, set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and coastal flora.
- Jervis Bay: Known for having some of the whitest sand in the world at Hyams Beach, it's a paradise for beachgoers and a great spot for dolphin watching.
- Sydney: Conclude your expedition with the splendor of Sydney's world-famous landmarks, including the architectural marvel of the Sydney Opera House, the impressive Harbour Bridge, and the golden sands of Bondi Beach.
Best Time to Go:
The spring months of September to November are particularly delightful for this Road Trip, as the landscape bursts into color with wildflowers, and the temperate climate offers comfortable conditions for exploring.
Potential Risks:
- Drivers must be vigilant on windy and narrow stretches of the road and be prepared for sharp turns.
- Be aware of wildlife on the move, particularly at dawn and dusk, when animals such as kangaroos are most active.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The journey encompasses several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens in Melbourne, and the Sydney Opera House.
- The excellent condition of the roads ensures a smooth driving experience for both novice and seasoned motorists.
- Allowing for a generous travel budget will enhance the journey, providing the chance to savor regional gourmet delights, partake in local tours, and stay in comfortable accommodations.
A good choice for:
The scenic coastal drive from Melbourne to Sydney is a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural richness. It's a journey that promises to leave Road Trippers with lasting memories and stories to share, making it an essential experience for those who love to explore the open road.
-
