Aerial view of the Sea Cliff Bridge suspended over the ocean in Clifton, New South Wales © Destination NSW

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.

Wilsons Promontory National Park, Gippsland, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Guide to Gippsland

Brimming with incredible nature and culinary experiences, Gippsland guarantees the perfect indulgent escape.

Read time • 4min

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do this itinerary in reverse or customise the route?

Absolutely, this coastal journey is designed to be flexible, allowing for additional overnight stops, a slower pace or driving the route in reverse.

Route in reverse: You can just as easily follow this itinerary in reverse, starting in Melbourne and finishing in Sydney.
Scenic detours: Destinations like Jervis Bay and Wilsons Promontory National Park are especially worth stopping in if you have the time, with beautiful beaches and national parks.
Adjustable pace: This stretch of coastline rewards a slow pace, so if you have the time, spend an extra night somewhere that stands out to you.

What is the best time of year to road trip from Sydney to Melbourne?

You can enjoy the coastal drive between Sydney and Melbourne at any time of year, but spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are particularly beautiful.

Spring (September to November): Spring brings mild temperatures and fewer crowds than in the peak of summer. This is a great time for mild hikes, whale watching and rushing waterfalls.
Autumn (March to May): Autumn is perfect for reliable weather and warm ocean temperatures. It's also peak harvest season across southern Australia's food bowls, so expect the likes of fresh oysters along the Sapphire Coast and wine harvests in the Mornington Peninsula.
Summer (December to February): Summer is popular for swimming, beach stops and long sunny days, though it can be busier with holiday travellers and higher accommodation prices.
Winter (June to August): Winter is cooler (with temperatures between 6.5ºC / 44ºF and 14ºC / 58ºF near Melbourne) but this season is still a great option for this itinerary, especially for whale watching along parts of the coast and escaping the crowds.

Is there anything I should know about driving distances and fuel stops when doing a road trip in Australia?

The coastal drive between Sydney and Melbourne is a spectacular journey, but it’s worth planning ahead, especially if you’re used to dense highway networks.

Driving distances: Along this route, distances between towns can be longer than they appear on a map, and it’s common to drive two to four hours between major stops, particularly through quieter regions like the Sapphire Coast and East Gippsland.
Fuel stops: It's a good idea to fuel up when you have the opportunity, as petrol stations and convenience stores can be limited between towns.
Scenic lookouts: You'll find plenty of designated places to pull over and take in the view. This is a great opportunity to not only take in the scenery, but also stretch your legs.
Choose your pace: There's no need to rush on a drive along Australia's coast, so take your time as you wind along the highway.

Explore more nearby

Portsea Pier, Mornington Peninsula, VIC © Mornington Peninsula

Places to go

Places near Melbourne to visit

The Great Ocean Road, Lorne, VIC © Visit Victoria

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A man and woman admiring the distant view of the city from St Kilda Pier, Melbourne, Victoria © Visit Victoria

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