Top ten must-visit destinations when driving from Melbourne to Sydney:
Hitting the road for a scenic drive from Melbourne to Sydney? Buckle up for an unforgettable ride filled with incredible coastal stops!
Discover the Aussie east coast's intoxicating blend of beaches, seaside towns, and national parks, all part of a journy that serves up equal parts adventure and relaxation.
Aiming to get from Melbs to Syd in under a day via the Hume Highway? This coastal road trip is an epic journey that's all about the journey, not just the destination.
Before you hit the road, make sure you're set for the adventure by packing an emergency roadside kit, updating your emergency roadside assistance coverage, and checking EV charging availability along the route for those driving electric cars.
Let's take a gander at the coolest spots between Melbourne and Sydney you won't want to miss on this coastal road trip:
Gi'za the Lowdown
- Phillip Island
- Inverloch
- Wilsons Promontory
- Paynesville and Lakes Entrance
- Marlo
- Mallacoota
- Merimbula
- Narooma
- Jervis Bay
- Wollongong
- Sydney
From Melbourne to Phillip Island
- Distance: 140km
- Time: 2 hours
- Why Go: Home to the Little Penguins
Pump up the music and roll down the windows—your slice of paradise awaits at Phillip Island, a southern coast holiday hotspot where you can immerse yourself in nature with some insane wildlife areas.
Witness the iconic Penguin Parade and explore the rugged coastline of Cape Woolamai, or simply kick back on the sandy shores of Cowes Beach.
From Phillip Island to Inverloch
- Distance: 55km
- Time: 50 minutes
- Why Go: Amazing dinosaur fossil site
Next up is the charming seaside town of Inverloch, where pristine beaches and tranquil waterways beckon you for coastal adventures. Take a leisurely saunter along the Inverloch Foreshore Reserve, dig up some dinosaur fossils, or join forces with nature on the Screw Creek Nature Walk.
From Inverloch to Wilsons Promontory
- Distance: 64km
- Time: 50 minutes
- Why Go: One of Victoria's most beautiful beaches and abundant native fauna
Get yourself over to Wilsons Promontory, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia's pristine national park spanning 50,000ha. Think wildflowers blooming, orchids, wattles, and heathlands galore, plus native fauna ahoy. Stroll on the pure sands of Squeaky Beach or summit Mount Oberon for a view that'll take your breath away.
From Wilsons Promontory to Paynesville and Lakes Entrance
- Distance: 232km
- Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Why Go: Lots of koalas on Raymond Island
Prepare for a slightly longer stretch, but trust us—it's worth it. Kick things off in Paynesville, the region's boating capital, then head over to Lakes Entrance, a premier holiday destination with plenty of fishing, boating, and water sport opportunities. Be sure to catch a ferry to Raymond Island for your chance to see koalas in their natural habitat.
From Lakes Entrance to Marlo
- Distance: 2km
- Time: 50 minutes
- Why Go: Home of the famed Snowy River
Marlo's a seaside town at the Snowy River mouth, perfect for fishing, water sports, and relaxation. Check out nearby Cabbage Tree Creek, home to Australia's southernmost stand of rare Cabbage Fan Palms.
From Marlo to Mallacoota
- Distance: 147km
- Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Why Go: Recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
Your journey northward leads you past Croajingolong National Park, home to ancient forests, amazing beaches, and dunes, and abundant wildlife. Don't miss the chance to check out Point Hicks, a birdwatcher's paradise.
From Mallacoota to Merimbula
- Distance: 110km
- Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
- Why Go: Rugged ocean beaches and mouthwatering oysters
Once you've hopped over the state border into the Land Down Under, you'll stumble upon the picturesque seaside town of Merimbula, known for its tranquil coastal lakes and rugged coastline. Spend your days swimming, snorkelling, or kayaking in the sparkling waters of Merimbula Lake, or explore the bush in Borunda National Park.
From Merimbula to Narooma
- Distance: 113km
- Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Why Go: Bespoke arts and crafts, heritage architecture, and adorable wildlife
Your next stop is the charming seaside town of Narooma, where aquamarine waters, pristine beaches, and an abundance of native Australian wildlife await. Don't miss the chance to 'ooh' and 'aah' at Glasshouse Rocks, Montague Island's wildlife, or snorkel and spot seals, seasonal humpback whales, and over 90 bird species.
From Narooma to Jervis Bay
- Distance: 190km
- Time: 2 hour 38 minutes
- Why Go: Clear waters, white sandy beaches, and superb marine life
No coastal road trip would be complete without a stop in Jervis Bay, home to impossibly white sands and often rated as one of Australia's most beautiful beaches. Check out the sparkling waters of Hyams Beach, Green Patch, and Murrays Beach before heading into the bush in the Aboriginal-owned Booderee National Park.
From Jervis Bay to Wollongong
- Distance: 118km
- Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
- Why Go: Superb panoramic vistas, cultural delights, and breathtaking views
Your final stop before reaching Sydney is Wollongong, where you can hike Mount Keira for a breathtaking view from this Wodi Wodi Dreamtime cultural heritage site, chill at the beach, or check out amazing art and culture at the Wollongong Art Gallery and Taiwanese Nan Tien Temple.
Arrival: Sydney, the Harbour City
- Distance: 93km
- Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Why Go: Iconic landmarks, world-class attractions, and a vibrant atmosphere
You've made it! Finish your epic road trip in the legendary city of Sydney, where you'll be treated to amazing attractions, dining experiences, and cultural delights. Explore the spectacular Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, stroll around Circular Quay, take a dip at Bondi Beach, or soak up the energy of this bustling metropolis.
Good luck on your road trip, you sexyman. Remember to snap a ton of sick pics for the 'gram and enjoy every single minute!
Enjoy the diverse blend of your home-and-garden and travel experiences as you visit the coastal towns and national parks along the East Australia's coastal road trip. packing an emergency roadside kit, updating your emergency roadside assistance coverage, and checking EV charging availability for a smooth journey to your final destination, Sydney.
From Melbourne, experience the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, followed by the charming seaside town of Inverloch, then journey to Wilsons Promontory for a taste of nature's bounty. In-between these stops, you can marvel at the wildlife, beaches, and forests that make up the diverse charm of this coastal road trip.
