How to do the Sydney to Melbourne drive itinerary; Australia Roadtrip!
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Sydney to Melbourne drive in one week? Doable.. yes! No road trip to Australia is complete without a detour to Sydney and Melbourne. Both vibrant cities with their unique charm, but what about getting there? We decided to hire a JUCY campervan and take the scenic road trip down the south coast.
You do have the option to get the Sydney to Melbourne flight, but this is not much fun. The flight from Sydney to Melbourne is good if you’re short time on your Australia itinerary. But if you have the time, then you should do the Melbourne drive. You can check some of the best places to see in Australia like Sydney, Jervis Bay and Hymes beach. Along the drive from Sydney to Melbourne, there is plenty of things to see and do.
You should also check out my Sydney to Cairns itinerary and campervan cooking tips to make life easier on the road.
Day 1 – Explore Sydney City
Before you embark on your journey, make sure to get some good food inside of ya. You can check out some awesome vegetarian restaurants in Sydney that offer amazing food 🙂
Things to do in Sydney
- Okay, so day 1 on the ultimate travel bucket list adventures. Sydney has always been on my bucket list and it didn’t disappoint. There is so much to see and do in Sydney you’ll be spoiled for choice. We decided to start with a trip up Sydney Tower Observation Deck to get a bird’s eye view of this amazing city and its surroundings. With unrestricted views of magnificent Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, this is an experience you will never forget. On a clear summer’s day, you can even see as far as the Blue Mountains, now that’s impressive.
Sydney tower observation deck Price = Adult: (26.50AUD) Child (4-15yrs): 17AUD
Location = Sydney Tower, Westfield Centre, 100 Market Street, central Sydney
- No trip to Sydney would be complete without a visit to the famous Bondi Beach. Whether you want to top up your tans, ride the waves, take a stroll around the coast routes or dine at the quirky cafes, Bondi Beach has something for everyone whether your young or old. We took on the challenge of the Bondi to Coogee clifftop walk, which took us around 2 hours. The views were incredible and made for many insta shots which are always a bonus! There’s also plenty of bays to take a dip and cool off from the hot sun or free BBQs to cook up a perfect picnic. Make sure to check out the Sydney Harbour 4 islands well whilst you’re there!
Bondi beach Price = Free
Location = Bondi Beach, Bondi
- Last but not least explore city life. Take a walk through the Botanic Gardens and find your way to Sydney Opera House before heading to Sydney Harbour Bridge or shop to you drop at the many malls and outlets Sydney has to offer. Altogether we walked 10 miles exploring Sydney’s streets and rewarded ourselves with an ice-cold beer at one of Sydney’s quirky cafes.
Price = Free
Location = Sydney City Centre
Day 2 – Sydney to Jervis Bay (3 hours)
Only a three-hour drive from Sydney to Jervis Bay – this road trip is not to be missed. This is one of the coolest places on the Sydney to Melbourne drive. The picture-perfect paradise is home to the world’s whitest sand, now that’s an Aussie achievement. Hyams Beach is the perfect place is unwind and relax whilst listening to the waves lap against the shoreline.
- We visited Hyams beach just at the start of the Aussie summer holidays and were expecting to be bombarded with tourists, but to our surprise, we were welcomed by nobody. Maybe that was because we got there to witness the most stunning sunrise of our trip so far! I would recommend going early to secure number 1, a car parking spot and number 2, a place on the beach. Don’t let this put you off though, Hyams Beach may be busy, but it’s an unforgettable magical place that will stay in our hearts forever.
Hyams beach Price = Free
Location = Hyams Beach, New South Wales
2. If you’re into hiking and beach hopping Booderee National Park is the one for you. You do need a parking pass to enter this national park, but it’s worth every penny. There’s several walking trails, beaches and viewpoints to explore, as well a good snorkelling and perfect swimming conditions. What’s not to love!
Booderee National park Price = 13AUD for 48 hours per car
Location = Jervis Bay Road, Jervis Bay Territory ACT 2540, Australia
- Why not end the day with a Dolphin watch Cruise around Jervis Bay to witness the acrobatics of up to 100 bottlenose dolphin’s sweep past the boat chasing a shoal of fish. For 1.5 hrs you’ll get to watch the pod of dolphins interact and play and if you’re lucky enough even spot a baby!
Jervis bay dolphin watch cruise price = Adults: (35AUD) Children: 22AUD
Location = 50 Owen Street, Huskisson, New South Wales
Day 3 – Jervis Bay to Mount Kosciuszko (6 hours)
Mount Kosciuszko is Australia’s highest mountain at 2228 meters above sea level, so if you’re visiting Mount Kosciuszko National Park in summer why not concur the peak! We took on the 13km challenge and found it a breeze even in the 20-degree heat so it’s suitable for most fitness levels, just remember to take plenty of water and sun cream. You also have the option to take the express chair lift to the start of the hike or walk from the town Thredbo, which adds another few hours onto the walk. The chair lift is open 365 days a year and provides spectacular views of Thredbo village and the high country. This is the furthest out in the bush we drove on the Sydney to Melbourne itinerary.
If you’re visiting Australia on a budget then the Mount Kosciuszko can be quite expensive, but still, an awesome place to visit in Australia.
Mount Kosciuszko Price = Chairlift: (39AUD) Mount Kosciuszko National Park Entrance Fee: Price differs due to time of year visited (17-29 AUD per vehicle per day)
Location = Thredbo Resort Centre, Friday Drive, Thredbo Village NSW
2. If you’re feeling super fit, why not hire a mountain bike and explore of 50km of Mount Kosciuszko biking tracks. From downhill, flow, all-mountain, cross-country & several skills parks for all ages, there is a lot to love about riding in the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park this summer from 17th Nov 2018 – 28 April 2019.
Thredbo Mountain Bike Park Price = Mountain Bike Chair Lift Pass from (61AUD) Bike hire from (30AUD)
Location = Thredbo Resort Centre, Friday Drive, Thredbo Village NSW
Day 4 – Mount Kosciuszko to Lakes Entrance (4 hours)
Hire a kayak or paddleboard on lakes entrance and explore the wildlife or try your hand at fishing. Whilst out Kayaking, you may see Pelicans, swans and other birdlife, as well as dolphins, seals and whales, fish and other sea life. This is Nature at it’s finest. This is one of the sweetest places to see in Australia. How’s the Sydney to Melbourne drive itinerary so far? Hope you’re enjoying it 🙂
kayak or paddleboard on lakes entrance Price = Paddleboard: from (30 AUD) Kayak: from 45 AUD
- Looking for a unique adventure, well why not try camel riding along Australia’s 90-mile beach. Camel rides operate throughout School Holidays, Christmas and Easter and long weekends between January and April.
Camel riding on 90-mile beach Price = Adults: 80 AUD Child 60 AUD
Location = 90 Mile Beach
Cheap hotels at lakes entrance
Day 5 – Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory National Park (3.5hrs)
You need to visit the awesome Wilsons Promontory National Park on your journey! Enjoy stunning views from Mount Oberon summit, Australia’s most southerly point. This walk is suitable for most fitness levels and ages and takes around 2-3 hours. You may even spot kangaroos, wombats and wallabies.
Price = Free
Location = Wilsons Promontory VIC
Cheap hotels in Oberon
Did you manage to see the Purling Brook Falls in Springbrook National Park on your travels?
Day 6 – Things to do on Philips Island (2 hours from Wilsons Promontory National Park)
The number one attraction on Philips Island is to experience the Penguin Parade. Watch these furry friends waddle up the shore in their groups as they return to their home at sunset to feed their young. There is also a viewing platform to watch the penguins once they have returned to their nest to watch any interaction with their young. It is a once in a lifetime experience and perfect for both travellers and families.
The penguin parade is hands down the best thing to do on Philips Island.
penguin parade Price = Adult: (26.20AUD) Child: (13AUD)
Location = 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands, VIC
- Why stop of penguins? Visit the Philips island Koala Sanctuary and take your time strolling through woodland to observe these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat munching away on eucalypt leaves. The new koala boardwalk provides exceptional koala viewing and even catch a glimpse of this year’s koala joeys, as they take their first adventures out of the mother’s pouch, learning to climb, find food and meet each other. Plenty of insta shots can be taken here!
Philips island Koala Sanctuary Price = Adult: (13AUD) Child: (6.50AUD)
Location = 1790 Phillip Island Road, Cowes, VIC
3. Philips Island is renowned for its most consistent top surf location in Australia, making is the perfect places for both beginners and any of you experts out there. There are plenty of surf shops on Philips Island that also provide board hire so there are no excuses for not giving it a go.
If you’re into surfing (big time), have you thought about checking out Surf Snowdonia back in the UK?
Philips Island Price = Board hire 12.50AUD per hour or 40AUD per day
Location = Woolmai Beach, Point Leo, Cat Bay
Cheap hotels on Philipps island
Day 7 – Things to do in Melbourne (2 hours from Philips Island)
Melbourne is a hip dynamic city full of life and character so it’s not surprising there’s so much to see and do in Melbourne – which is why it’s one of the best stops on the roadtrip Sydney to Melbourne. This is one of my favourite places on the Melbourne to Sydney drive itinerary.
- We loved walking around Queen Victoria Market, tastings the delicious food and packing our bags full of souvenirs to take back home. It’s one of the biggest open markets in the southern hemisphere, now that’s impressive! Nobody can go here and come home empty-handed, so be careful you broke backpackers on a tight budget!!
Need extra tips? Check out this guide of the Australia east coast must-see on your travels.
Melbourne market Price = Depends on what your buying!
Location = Queen St, Melbourne VIC2
A short train ride away brings you to Brighton Beach, a charming sheltered beach perfect for swimming to cool off from the city heat. Brighton beach is home to 82 brightly coloured bathing boxes which have become very popular for that perfect insta shot. There’s plenty of quirky designs to keep you entertained for a few hours.
Brighton Beach Price = Free
Location = Brighton Beach, Brighton, VIC
3. You’ve visited the largest open market in the southern hemisphere, so why not also visit the tallest building in the southern hemisphere, the Eureka Sky Deck. The Eureka Sky Deck offers fantastic views of Melbourne both in the daylight and at night.
Price = Adult: 23AUD Child: 15AUD
Location = 88 Riverside Quay, Southbank, Melbourne
Summary
The Sydney to Melbourne drive is an amazing itinerary and you will have an awesome time along the way. There is so many cool places and things to do in Australia. The beaches in Australia are amazing and you usually won’t have to travel far to find one (unless you’re out in the bush).
Places like Hyams beach, Philipps island and Sydney are awesome. That’s why you have got to check these places out if you are visiting Australia.
You may have the option to do the Sydney to Melbourne flight, but I would highly recommend doing the drive if you have the time 🙂
Check out the three sisters mountains
Where to next? Check out this Great Ocean Road Itinerary or you can make your way across Oz and check out the awesome Adelaide travel destination
Here is a couple of awesome tips for your Australia road trip
You’ll need some decent shades on them bright days!
Always keep hydrated! You will be driving for hours at a time and will need plenty of water. Also, it help the environment, you won’t have to keep buying plastic bottles.
We always make sure we take a speaker to the beach. Watching the sunset whilst listening to your favourite songs is surreal.
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