Sydney Melbourne coastal road trip.

Quick answer: A Sydney to Melbourne coastal road trip takes about five days if you want to enjoy the stops rather than rush them. Head south along the Grand Pacific Drive, stay in Nowra, Gipsy Point and Cabbage Tree Creek, explore the Gippsland Lakes, and finish with the penguins of Phillip Island before rolling into Melbourne.

Road trips are about spending unforgettable days with the people closest to you, and the coastal drive between Sydney and Melbourne is one of Australia’s most iconic. The scenery is spectacular and there are a thousand things to do, so the hardest part is deciding where to stop. Here is how your trip could go.

Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Road Trip at a Glance

Day	Highlights	Overnight
Day 1	Royal National Park, Grand Pacific Drive, Illawarra, Kiama, Seven Mile Beach	Nowra
Day 2	Jervis Bay, Mimosa Rocks National Park, Tilba Tilba	Gipsy Point
Day 3	Croajingolong National Park	Cabbage Tree Creek
Day 4	Gippsland Lakes by boat or kayak	Gippsland Lakes or Phillip Island
Day 5	Phillip Island penguins and beach walks	Melbourne

Day 1: Sydney to Nowra via the Grand Pacific Drive

Starting from Sydney, you naturally head south. The road trip really begins once you exit the Royal National Park and hit the Grand Pacific Drive. You can stop for a swim if you want a break, but the views are so absorbing you may not feel the need.

Make a few more stops along the way:

• Illawarra – the coastal region south of Sydney
• Kiama – a charming seaside town
• Seven Mile Beach – a long stretch of sand perfect for a walk

End your day in Nowra. You won’t feel homesick for a single second in this charming town.

Day 2: Jervis Bay, Mimosa Rocks and Gipsy Point

Next stop: the white sandy beaches of Jervis Bay. You absolutely should not miss this wonder, but don’t linger too long, as there is a lot of ground to cover.

Mimosa Rocks National Park might be your most memorable stop, because the nature there is simply amazing. If you can, squeeze in a visit to Tilba Tilba. Either way, head to Gipsy Point for the night and breathe in fresh air filled with the sounds of nature.

Day 3: Croajingolong National Park

Depending on how much time you have, you could add a few extra stops. If time is tight, head straight for Croajingolong National Park. Take your time once you arrive – there is so much to see that you will easily spend the entire day there.

Before night falls, hit the road again and spend the night in Cabbage Tree Creek.

Day 4: Exploring the Gippsland Lakes

You are almost there, but don’t skip the Gippsland Lakes. These wonderful lakes are best explored by boat, so leave the car for the day and get ready to spend it on the water.

Kayaking is very popular here. If you are a fan, give it a go – and if you have never kayaked, no worries, this is a great place to try it for the first time. The more memories you make, the better.

If you are happy to drive at night, head on towards Phillip Island, famous for its penguins. If not, get a good night’s sleep and get back on the road bright and early.

Day 5: Phillip Island and on to Melbourne

Spend the day on Phillip Island and try to see as many penguins as you can. Long walks on the beach are what it is all about here, and you won’t be able to get enough of the scenery.

Once you gather the willpower to say goodbye to Phillip Island, head towards Melbourne and slowly bring your journey to its end. And if you don’t feel like going home just yet, repeat the trip – but this time go the other way.

Useful Tips for Your Sydney to Melbourne Road Trip

• Travelling as a big group? This coastal drive is great for bigger groups, so take a look at bus hire in Sydney to find something that fits your group.
• Leave breathing space. There are lots of places to visit and things to try, so don’t over-plan. You never know when you’ll hit traffic or find a spot where you want to spend an extra hour.
• Don’t stress about the schedule. If you don’t complete the whole route exactly as planned, that’s fine.
• Pack entertainment. Prepare plenty of good music and games to play on the go so there isn’t a single dull moment.
• Sort out roles. Make sure you have a designated driver and a good co-pilot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need for a Sydney to Melbourne coastal road trip?

This itinerary covers the drive in five days, with overnight stops in Nowra, Gipsy Point, Cabbage Tree Creek and near the Gippsland Lakes or Phillip Island.

What are the must-see stops between Sydney and Melbourne on the coast?

Highlights include the Grand Pacific Drive, Kiama, Seven Mile Beach, Jervis Bay, Mimosa Rocks National Park, Croajingolong National Park, the Gippsland Lakes and Phillip Island.

Where can you see penguins on the way to Melbourne?

Phillip Island is famous for its penguins and makes a perfect final stop before Melbourne.

Is this road trip good for groups?

Yes. The coastal route works well for bigger groups, and hiring a bus from Sydney is an easy way to travel together.

Conclusion

The Sydney to Melbourne coastal road trip packs beaches, national parks, lakes and wildlife into just a few days on the road. Plan loosely, leave room for surprises, and have a safe trip!

Author Bio

Roxana is a Sydney based travel enthusiast with a passion for writing. She loves fashion and has an eye for anything visually appealing and aesthetical. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. You can find her articles on HighStyleLife.

Have you seen something amazing during your travels? Write about it and have it published on Backpackways.com Know How To!