Australia is one of the most diverse and largest countries in the world! Nearly the size of Europe, the land Down Under requires plenty of time to explore fully. We spent five months traveling through Australia and are excited to share our top travel tips and itineraries with you. This Melbourne to Sydney 3-week itinerary showcases the very best Australia has to offer. Along the way, you’ll go from one beautiful national park to another where you will encounter more kangaroos, koalas and wombats than people. Get ready for an unforgetabble road trip from Melbourne to Sydney along Australia’s east coast!
Everything you need to know for your road trip Australia
Most travelers follow the route from Sydney to Cairns and often skip this part of Australia. Such a shame! In our experience, the road trip Melbourne to Sydney is just as stunning, offering a completely different mix of landscapes and environments. Here, nature feels wilder and more untouched, with an abundance of wildlife to discover. It’s also much quieter, and you’ll often feel like you have the place to yourself, apart from the vibrant hubs of Melbourne and Sydney. But you’ll gladly take those with you, because these are undoubtedly the two most exciting cities in all of Down Under!
How to get around Australia
The best way to get around Australia is by car or campervan. This way you have the freedom to adapt your own itinerary and also reach more remote places. For this part of Australia, you do not need a 4DW vehicle. The roads are paved, are often long and straight and in very good condition. You can book your rental car here for the East Coast of Australia! To rent a campervan, you can check out the Camplify platform where individuals offer their campervans in all sizes. We found our camper here from Open Road Campervans and can only recommend this one! For three months we lived full time in “Roma the Van” and we wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
TRAVEL TIP: In Australia, they drive on the left and you must be at least 21 years old. This takes some getting used to but there are plenty of signs along the road reminding you of this as well.
Finally, you can also use various bus companies in Australia such as the well-known Greyhound bus to get around. However, these buses don’t stop everywhere, and for this Melbourne-to-Sydney itinerary, they aren’t ideal since the bus route goes inland and doesn’t follow the coastline.
Where to stay in Australia
Australia is a true camping paradise, filled with plenty of campsites, as well as public barbecues, toilets and showers. Therefore, the best way to experience this amazing country, in our opinion, is with a campervan! If you travel by car on the other hand, you can stay in charming accommodations with extra space and comfort. For every stop on our itinerary, we’ve included the best options for both camping and lodgin, so all you need to do is book! Just remember, during the high season, it gets busy, so it’s a good idea to book your accommodations and popular campsites in advance.
The ultimate Melbourne to Sydney travel itinerary
Get ready for an amazing road trip in Australia packed with stunning landscapes! You’ll find that some days you will have to do some driving, but that is unavoidable in this country. We designed the itinerary so that you always have enough time in each place and it doesn’t feel rushed. Of course, you can modify this route however you want, but definitely don’t underestimate the distances in Australia.
Day 1 – 4: Melbourne
This itinerary begins in what is arguably Australia’s hippest city: bustling Melbourne! Also known as the cultural capital, there is a lot to do here and it is the ideal place to recover from your jet lag. You’ll find plenty of nice museums, botanical gardens where you can go to the open-air cinema in the summer, and indulge in the city’s amazing food scene. As a foodie, you’ll be spoiled for choice with Melbourne’s incredible restaurants and bars. Lastly, don’t miss a visit to the St. Kilda neighborhood, where you’ll find charming beaches and a laid-back vibe.
Where to stay in Melbourne
- Camping: Most campsites are not in central Melbourne so it’s best to stay in a hotel or hostel first. The nearest campground is Discovery Parks – Melbourne a 30-minute drive from the city center.
- Hotel: The Victoria Hotel is not only nice to stay at but is also within walking distance of the best sights in Melbourne! The Rydges Melbourne in turn has fantastic views.
Day 4 – 6: Great Ocean Road
+/- 380 km ● spread over 3 days
Today you will get up early and embark on what is perhaps the highlight of this Melbourne to Sydney road trip: the Great Ocean Road. From the town of Torquay, you’ll drive one of the most scenic roads in the world, stretching 243 km. Dramatic cliffs like the famous Twelve Apostles, pristine beaches, waterfalls and wildlife like koalas and kangaroos provide the backdrop. Although you could also do the Great Ocean Road as a day trip from Melbourne, we recommend three days for this. There is a lot to see along the Great Ocean Road and you really want to take your time here.
Where to stay
- Camping: There are several campgrounds along the Great Ocean Road to stay at. We were at Blanket Bay Campground in the middle of nature and at Princetown Reserve in the middle of the kangaroos!
- Hotel: There is certainly no shortage of cozy accommodations either! At Seafarers Getaway you are right on the beach. The cozy studios of Vayu Vista in turn are close to the Twelve Apostles!
Day 6 – 8: Grampians National Park
+/- 170 km ● 2h drive
On day 6, spend your morning exploring some final highlights along the Great Ocean Road, such as Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, and the Bay of Islands. The Great Ocean Road officially ends in Allansford, after which you’ll drive about two hours to Grampians National Park. Here, you’ll encounter plenty of kangaroos and emus! Furthermore, you can do a lot of amazing hikes here such as the Pinnacles Walk, where you have a fantastic view of the valley. Other must-visit viewpoints include Reeds Lookout, The Balconies and Boroka Lookout. Finally, don’t miss a visit to the impressive MacKenzie Falls and nearby Fish Falls. Halls Gap serves as the central hub in the Grampians, making it a great base to explore most of the park’s highlights.
Where to stay in the Grampians
- Camping: If you are traveling by camper then you should be at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park. For us, this was perhaps the best campground we stayed at in Australia. This is because of the many kangaroos and emus that come to graze in the adjacent pasture at night, but also because this campground has tremendously good facilities.
- Hotel: You can also stay at Halls Gape Lakeside Tourist Park, as they have glamping tents and cozy cabins! It’s a popular spot, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your stay.
Day 8 – 9: Phillip Island
+/- 400 km ● 4h30 drive
Today is a longer drive, so it’s best to leave early to reach Phillip Island in the late afternoon. Especially since you’ll want to arrive in time to witness a fantastic natural phenomenon: the Penguin Parade. Every evening around sunset, thousands of penguins come out of the sea to feed their young on land. At the visitor center, you can experience this phenomenon in an ethical way. Other fun things to do on Phillip Island include walking along the coastline toward Cape Woolamai or visiting the Churchill Island Heritage Farm. At Nobbies Centre you can find out more about the fauna and flora on Phillip Island. And with any luck, you might spot seals sunbathing here!
Where to stay
- Camping: You have a limited number of campsites on Phillip Island. Amaroo Park and NRMA Phillip Island have everything you need!
- Hotel: Thanks to its elevated location, at Hilltop Apartments a fantastic view of the sea and you are just a 15-minute drive from the visitor center
Day 9 – 11: Wilsons Promontory
+/- 145 km ● 2h drive
On day 8 of this itinerary Melbourne to Sydney you will travel on towards Wilsons Promontory National Park. Also known as “The Prom,” this is considered one of the most beautiful national parks in Australia. Among other beautiful beaches, you will find Squeaky Beach which itself was voted the most beautiful beach in all of Australia in 2024. Hike the 13-km Coastal Bay Walk that takes you from one beautiful beach to another, and don’t forget to take a refreshing dip along the way!
Wilsons Promontory National Park mainly stole our hearts because of its lovely residents. In addition to emus and kangaroos, you will also find wombats! Hike the Prom Wildlife Walk in the afternoon when you are most likely to see these adorable animals. Afterwards, head toward Mount Oberon, grab a drink if you like, and get ready for a spectacular sunset. From here you also have an insane view of the entire national park.
Where to stay
- Camping: The best option is the Tidal River Campground. Not only is this campground right on the beach, this is also where most of the hikes begin. In addition, chances are you will see a wombat sniffing around the campsite at night.
- Hotel: There are no accommodations in the park itself, but the Black Cockatoo Cottages are very close by. Nice to retreat to the cozy cabins after a full day of hiking.
Day 11 – 12: Raymond Island
+/- 260 km ● 3h15 drive
You will already notice that this road trip from Melbourne to Sydney features a lot of Australian wildlife. Haven’t seen any koalas so far? Not to worry, because you will undoubtedly see those on Raymond Island! To reach Raymond Island, take the free ferry (for pedestrians) from Paynesville that will take you across in 10 minutes. On the island, you can follow the 2 km Koala Walk from the ferry. Raymond Island is home to more than 200 koalas, so there is almost a 100% chance that you will see one in their natural habitat. We saw as many as 23 during our walk. Just don’t forget to look up! The ferry runs daily between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and goes every 20 minutes (excluding holidays).
Where to stay
- Camping: Of the two campgrounds you have near the ferry in Paynesville, you should choose Paynesville Holiday Park. In this part of Australia you will also find frequent “rest stops” that are free to spend a night along the highway.
- Hotel: Mariners Cove is close to the ferry towards Raymond Island and these studios have a nice view over the harbor.
Day 12 – 14: Eden
+/- 300 km ● 3h30 drive
When you drive toward Eden, you leave the state of Victoria and enter New South Wales. First, make a stop at Lakes Entrance and the Gippsland Lakes. This is a nature reserve full of lakes, marshes and lagoons where you can explore the water with a SUP or kayak. Eden itself is one of the best places along the East Coast to spot whales between May and November! You also have the nearby Beowa National Park here, where you can do the Pinnacles Loop Walking Track, among other things. Finally, New South Wales is known for its famous “rock pools”. These pools, often carved from the rocks on the rugged coastline, are not only fun to swim in, but also very photogenic.
Where to stay
- Camping: The campsite Reflections Eden is right on the beach and a lake, so no matter where you stand you have a nice view! You also have spacious sites for your camper here.
- Hotel: If you are in Eden then you must stay in Hotel Australasia. Built in 1904, you can still find many historical features and feel like you have stepped back in time.
Day 14 – 16: Jervis Bay
+/- 340 km ● 4h drive
You’ll cover some distance today as well, but you can make some nice stops along the way. You’ll pass by another insane rock pool in Bermagui called “Blue Pool”, a rock pool where you can swim while ocean waves crash over the edge. Then you can make a stop in Batemans Bay, which is known for its oysters. At Oyster Shed on Wray you can taste them fresh overlooking the ocean!
Jervis Bay is known for its beautiful beaches, including Hyams Beach which some say has the whitest sand in the world. We personally loved Murrays Beach for a relaxing day by the water, where we even spotted dolphins playing near the shore. Other beautiful beaches in Jervis Bay include Little Hyams Beach, Chinamans Beach, and Greenfield Beach. Many of these beaches also have public barbecues, making it a great spot to cook dinner while watching the sunset!
Where to stay
- Camping: We stayed at the “Green Patch Campground” in the national park and it was fantastic! Right on the beach and with good facilities and at night there are regular kangaroos. Booking on time is again recommended.
- Hotel: At the The Woods Farm Jervis Bay you just don’t want to leave. Here you will stay in a glamping tent or cute cottages on a farm. And feeding the farm animals is included free of charge!
Day 16 – 18: Blue Mountains
+/- 275 km ● 3h30 drive
Today a another amazing drive awaits you: the Grand Pacific Drive! As you head toward the Blue Mountains National Park, be sure to take the scenic route via the Sea Cliff Bridge. This stunning piece of architecture offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Then, continue on to the Blue Mountains, where you’ll find yourself in a completely different landscape. The area is perfect for hiking, with must-do trails like the Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Grand Canyon Track. The Blue Mountains also boast numerous spectacular viewpoints, especially during sunrise or sunset, including Evans Lookout, Lincoln’s Rock, Govetts Leap Lookout, and Echo Point.
Where to stay
- Camping: The great thing about the Blue Mountains is that you have wonderful campsites that are free too, such as Blackheath Glen Reserve, Old Ford Reserve and Mount York Campground. Arriving on time is recommended if you want to secure a spot.
- Hotel: In the Blue Mountains, you have plenty of fun and unique accommodations. Both Kyah and Whispering Pine Cottages are two gems waiting to be discovered.
Day 18 – 21: Sydney
+/- 100 km ● 1h30 drive
We wrap up this itinerary in the amazing city of Sydney! There’s always something happening here, and you could easily spend several days exploring. For your first evening, we recommend a sunset dinner cruise that takes you past the iconic Opera House from the water. We did this and loved it as a first introduction to the city! Spend a day exploring highlights like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Don’t miss the Coogee to Bondi Walk, where you’ll pass beautiful beaches, including the world-famous Bondi Beach. End your day with a stunning sunset at Observatory Hill Lookout for one last breathtaking view in Australia!
TRAVEL TIP: Drop off your car or campervan before exploring Sydney so you save some money. In Sydney you have an excellent public network and can do a lot on foot if you stay in the CBD.
Where to stay in Sydney
- Campsite: We ourselves were at the campsite Discovery Parks – Lane Cove because of its easy access to downtown Sydney.
- Hotel: If your trip ends here, treat yourself by staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney with a view of the Opera House! In turn, a nice, budget-friendly option is the Pacific House.
How to get to Australia
Both Sydney and Melbourne have a large, international airport that you can fly into. Keep in mind that from Europe it is an extremely long flight and you will suffer some jet lag on the first day. From the airport, you can use a Grab or public transportation to your accommodation.
Shorten or expand your Australia itinerary
You can also do this Melbourne to Sydney itinerary perfectly in two weeks if you have less time or want to use your time to see other parts of Australia. Take a day trip from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and then travel on to your next destination. You have several options here:
- Travel on towards Sydney as described here or take a domestic flight. After Sydney, you can continue exploring the East Coast as far as Cairns, a very popular itinerary which takes you past the Whitsundays and Fraser Island, among others.
- From Melbourne, take the ferry towards Tasmania and discover this amazing destination. Unknown is unloved but this was the highlight of our trip through Australia for us! Here you can read our ideal 2-week itinerary through Tasmania.
- After the Great Ocean Road, travel on toward Adelaide. From there you can head inland toward the Outback and the world-famous Uluru. Or book this 8-day tour to explore the Red Centre carefree in group!
Best time to visit Australia
The seasons in Australia are reversed from those in Europe and also different for each area. That is, summer falls in December and January and this is also the high season. During these months you are most likely to have good weather in this part of Australia, but it is also crowded because of Australians having vacations. Spring (October-November) and autumn (February-March) are also good months to explore this part of Australia, when it is often less crowded.
Have you visited Australia yourself? Let us know in a comment below what your experience was with this amazing country! Looking for more information for your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us contact or feel free to email info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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