road trip sydney to melbourne

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Sydney to Melbourne Road Trip: Best Stops of Coastal Splendor

Get ready for an unforgettable journey as we take you on the best Sydney to Melbourne road trip. This detailed road trip itinerary unveils the best 13 stops of scenic locations, promising a voyage of awe-inspiring beauty and natural wonders. This road trip is a visual feast from the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge to the serene shores of Green Patch Beach at Jervis Bay, the rugged beauty of Bingi Bingi Point, and the tranquil Tura Beach rockpool headland walk.

We’ll explore the pristine beaches of Mallacoota, chase waterfalls, follow the Koala Trail in Paynesville, and admire the historic charm of the La Trobe Swing Bridge. Venture along the 1193 kilometres of scenic landscapes and relish the coastal delights before reaching the final destination – Melbourne.

Best Stops Along the Coastal Route – Sydney to Melbourne Road Trip

Day 1 – sydney to batemans bay – sydney to melbourne road trip, day 2 – batemans bay to mallacoota, day 3 – mallacoota to paynesville – sydney to melbourne road trip, day 4 – paynesville to melbourne, road trip map.

Come along on this fantastic coastal road trip Sydney to Melbourne…

Depart Sydney early for a day of sightseeing with incredible coastal vistas en route to Melbourne. Head south along the Princess Highway towards Coalcliff.

Stop 1 – From Coalcliff, drive the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge. Be sure to stop at the Sea Cliff Bridge Viewpoint for the magnificent view of the bridge and the coastline beyond.

Stop 2 – Jervis Bay. Just outside Jervis Bay Village is Green Patch Beach. On a warm day, this is a perfect spot for a swim. Don’t forget your camera to capture the vistas of gleaming white sand and blue-green ocean…

Stop 3 – Continue to Ulladulla. How about a picnic lunch at Warden Head Lighthouse? Continue to Batemans Bay. Stay at Batemans Bay for one night – 280 km.

Explore 13 of the best stops along the coast road – Sydney to Melbourne road trip…

Things to do at Batemans Bay:

Explore Clide River National Park – Walk to Holmes Lookout
Fancy a beach stroll? Discover one of the many stunning beaches: Caseys Beach, Corrigans Beach, or Denhams Beach.
Re-discover relics from the past at Batemans Bay Heritage Museum.
Are you thinking of food? Perhaps a seafood meal sensation, JJ’s at the Marina. For a grab-and-go delight, try Batemans Bay Bakehouse.

Stop 4 – Bingi Bingi Point. Explore this secluded point and the striking striped rocks that make this location unique. Stroll along the walking trail to the rock feature and boiler runs.

Stop 5 – Wallaga Lake. Take a short walk to view Horse Head Rock, another stunning coastal rock formation worthy of exploration.

Stop 6 – Tura Beach Rockpool. The 10-minute walking trail will showcase coastal views from the headland. Continue along the rocky cliff to reach the rockpool; take time to explore and take in this striking coastal area.

Stop 7 – Mallacoota. Continue the southern drive to the lovely seaside town of Mallacoota, and welcome to Victoria! Stay in Mallacoota for one night – 281 km.

Things to do in Mallacoota:

As a small coastal town, yes, more beaches are calling for attention! Explore the viewpoints from Captain Stephenson’s Point, then continue the exploration with these places:

Tip Beach
Davis Creek Lookout
Betka River loop walk
Geology Point Victoria
Quarry Beach
Secret Beach…

Stop 8 – Genoa Falls. Back onto the Princess Highway from Mallacoota is Genoa Falls. The 10-minute walk takes you to the granite-framed river, showcasing a pretty waterfall.

Stop 9 – Lakes Entrance. This stop could be as simple as a coffee shop at one of the local cafes. To explore more, perhaps a walk across the Cunninghame Arm Foot Bridge to be greeted by Ninety Mile Beach on the other side! Or, for an informative stop, check out The Griffiths Sea Shell Museum and Marine Display.

Stop 10 – Paynesville. Stay in the pretty lakeside town of Paynesville. Stay for one night, 247 km.

Things to do in Paynesville:

See the Koala Trail Nature Preserve. Take the free 5-minute passenger ferry to Raymond Island. Walk the Koala Trail to see a Koala.
Paynesville Foreshore Reserve. For scenic lake views and bird spotting.
Fine dining at SARDINE dining.

Stop 11 – La Trobe Swing Bridge. Stop for a picnic on the shady riverside or admire the historic bridge constructed in the late 1800s.

Stop 12 – Continue along the S Gippsland Highway to follow the coastal route. Fancy a long jetty walk? Visit the small village of Port Welshpool to experience this jetty walk and a BYO picnic. There are limited food outlets in Port Welshpool.

Stop 13 – Agnes Falls. This gorgeous hidden gem, Agnes Falls, is north of Port Welshpool. Take an easy walk to the falls and enjoy a picnic in the picnic area.

Continue towards Melbourne, and your fantastic road trip Sydney to Melbourne is complete! Arrive in Melbourne, 385 kms.

As this Sydney to Melbourne road trip comes to a close, you will be left with a treasure trove of memories and a newfound appreciation for the coastal splendours of the journey. Every stop has a unique addition to the adventure, from the engineering marvel of the Sea Cliff Bridge to the pristine beaches, serene rockpools, Koala trails, and historic bridges. This road trip is a coastal odyssey filled with awe-inspiring places, and it’s a testament to the natural wonders to be discovered on this coast road Sydney to Melbourne.

You can explore further with Road Trips Australia and find your next journey of discovery, complete with a meal planning guide , packing list and camping gear guide .

Remember to keep our natural places beautiful and leave no trace .