Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton, New South Wales © Destination NSW
9-day Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive
Follow the coastal highways between Australia’s two biggest cities to discover laidback towns, national parks teeming with wildlife, sandy beaches and incredibly fresh seafood.
Trip overview
9 days
Car, boat
1,475km (916mi)
The must-do experiences
- Feast on famously fresh oysters south of Sydney
- Explore vast lakes and long beaches in eastern Victoria
- Be immersed in nature at Wilsons Promontory
Day 1: Sydney to Jervis Bay
3hrs
199km (124mi)
Start your journey in Sydney, heading south to explore treasures along the New South Wales coast.
Day 2: Jervis Bay to Central Tilba
3.5hrs
230km (143mi)
Continue south from Jervis Bay to the oyster town of Batemans Bay and historic Central Tilba.
Day 3: Tilba to Merimbula
1hrs
93km (58mi)
Buckle up for a day of incredible food, rugged national parks and charming seaside villages on the Sapphire Coast.
Day 4: Merimbula to Mallacoota
1.5hrs
115km (71mi)
Today you’ll drive to Mallacoota, at the eastern end of Victoria’s scenic Gippsland region.
Day 5: Mallacoota to Lakes Entrance
2.5hrs
202km (125mi)
Continue deep into Victoria’s Gippsland region, home to pristine beaches and a vast lake system.
Day 6: Lakes Entrance to Walhalla
2.5hrs
196km (122mi)
Head inland from Lakes Entrance to find a history-soaked haven in Victoria.
Day 7: Walhalla to Wilsons Promontory
2.5hrs
189km (117mi)
Rainforests, charming country towns and a striking coastal national park await on this section of the drive.
Day 8: Wilsons Promontory to Phillip Island
1.5hrs
117km (73mi)
Cruise down coastal roads from one stunning destination to the next.
Day 9: Phillip Island to Melbourne
2hrs
141km (88mi)
Linger on Phillip Island before ending your epic journey in cosmopolitan Melbourne.
