This historic park brings the history of the area to life with twenty-seven original relocated buildings dating from the 1840s through to the 1930s, including a Cobb and Co Inn. "RACV copyright"--On some stripmaps. You need to leave Sydney by 6am to make good time and not get stuck in peak hour traffic. Its best not to drive at night, particularly in unfamiliar areas, as kangaroos, wombats and other animals will likely be out and about. Yes, there is a train from Melbourne to Sydney that connects the capital cities through stops including Wangaratta, Wagga Wagga, and Goulburn. If you are on a longer visit, then I would happily stay a while. Is the best the fastest, most scenic, easiest drive? Its a popular vacation spot and you can enjoy lots of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing and hiking. Have more time to spare? Re: Melbourne To Sydney Via Princes Highway. The charming decor of Anchors Aweigh sets the scene for this quirky guesthouse where youll instantly feel right at home. Suggested stops Bowral, Goulburn, Canberra, Gundagai, Wagga Wagga, Beechworth, Glenrowan. From Wilsons Promontory, carry on along the coast and youll soon reach Gippsland Lakes. The lookouts scattered along the walkway offer breathtaking views out to the Pacific Ocean where you may witness the seasonal migration of whales and enjoy dolphin watching. Although its constantly in the shadow of the larger and better-known cities of Melbourne and Sydney, the capital is slowly making a name for itself as a cultural hub. Both have their advantages and, if you have time (or are driving between Melbourne and Sydney in both directions) then you can try both routes. A short visit or overnight? Mallacoota is blessed not just with the lake system but also with beautiful beaches, visit the Main Beach at Bastion Point but also take a drive out to walk on Betka Beach, Quarry Beach or Secret Beach. #4 Good Water Bottle The sun can be brutal in Australia, so make sure to always carry a refillable water bottle with you. There are loads of opportunities to explore the tracks and back roads either on a guided tour or through independent exploration. If you have time, a couple of days in Wilsons Promontory is time well spent. The destination for today is the Gippsland Lakes, the largest navigable inland water system in Australia. Theres an inland highway that is a bit faster, or take the coastal road to see the townships along the way. Locally caught flathead fillets, Bluewave Seafood, Bermagui Fishermens Wharf, NSW. Bec from Wyld Family Travel is keen for you to make a stop in the beautiful La Trobe Valley. Ensure you take frequent breaks from the road and stock up on water and fuel when you have the opportunity to do so. Thousands of people lived and worked here during the boom. Morning Leaving Sydney, drive past the Royal National Park (the world's second-oldest national park) via the Princes Highway. Just a few minutes from town, Edgewater Terraces have a serious of large waterfront properties that are perfect for families or groups. Fish tacos with Lakes Entrance whiting, avocado, greens and chipotle mayo, Marlo Hotel, Victoria. The highway goes through some of the regions towns and bypasses some of them, but there are plenty of quaint places to stop for a coffee along the way, including Warragul, Yarragon, and Moe. Princes Freeway is a 159-kilometre (99 mi) Australian freeway, divided into two sections, both located in Victoria, Australia. Getting around Croajingalong is not easy and you wont be able to see a lot of it in one afternoon. In this road trip itinerary, the drive goes along the coast. Marlo is where the Snowy meets the sea, and David from the anglers club explains that high tide has temporarily messed with the natural order of things, sending the river back towards the mountains from which it came. Why stop here? Follow the signs to Paynesville. So what are you waiting for? Check out our detailed guide to the area if you have time to stop off for a bit. That being said, compared to other countries in the world the distances between cities and towns in Australia can still be comparatively vast. After passing along the edge of the (soon to be renamed) Ben Boyd National Park, youll hit the first of the coastal towns, Eden. One of the most impressive sights is waking up in the early morning to see a mob of kangaroos feeding on the grass right by the beach. There is a lot to do in Melbourne itself, and plenty more in the surrounding areas, and you may find yourself hanging around much longer than anticipated. Your camera will get a good workout. Once you arrive on the far South Coast of NSW, you are entering Australias Coastal Wilderness. You may also need to pick up some supplies here in Meeniyan for your overnight stay in the national park because Wilsons Promontory has a shop thats open during the day where you can get food, but theres nothing available in the evening. Thank you. Regardless, this is a wonderful way to see this part of Australia and the beautiful southeastern coast. One of the best road trips you can do in Australia has to be the Melbourne to Sydney drive, tracing the coastline past stunning beaches and through epic national parks. But I also think its got a fantastic amount of diversity big cities and small towns, the beach and the bush, relaxation and adventure, nature and culture. Where is it? This website uses cookies to improve the user experience. #2 Good Walking Shoes There will be a lot of walking around in Australia, so a good pair of shoes is really essential. I would not recommend you attempt this in less than 2 days. Dont underestimate how tiring driving long distances can be. It also has the best coffee in town. Kangaroos often run into the traffic at these times of the day. From here, you can explore the parts of the park that are easy to access. If youve got a bit of time, you could do for a bushwalk in the Clyde River National Park, or rent a kayak for a paddle up the Clyde River. We use cookies in accordance with our NRMA Group Cookie Policy. Next ATL closure is." Our entree to Sydney is via Royal National Park, on a gorgeous ribbon of road winding through hairpins and wide bends under a canopy of sub-tropical green. Sadly you can no longer tour the cheese factory but supporting the area by stopping in a never a bad idea. So, with all of that introduction out of the way, lets get into the details of this Melbourne to Sydney drive itinerary! Our friend Mark who hails from Gippsland and runs a site Travels in Gippsland recommends a quick break to visit Raymond Island. St Saviours Anglican Cathedral is home to an 1884 Fosters & Andrews organ and an attraction not to be missed is the 1883 Appleby beam engine, which is housed in the Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum by the banks of the Wollondilly River. Along the coast to the east of Melbourne are the beautiful landscapes of Wilsons Promontory. Ive got more tips here on things to do in Walhalla. Continuing up the New South Wales South Coast, youll start to go through some slightly larger towns with even more developed tourism infrastructure. After a long drive and a distance from Melbourne to Sydney of over 1,000 kilometers, you will find yourself in the capital of New South Wales and Australias largest city. Today, this ghostly place attracts tourists looking for something unique, and locals have even begun to reconstruct many of the old buildings, turning the town into an open-air museum. Best Places to Stay in Melbourne:Atlantis Hotel Melbourne | The Victoria Hotel | Great Southern Hotel Melbourne. The flight will take only an hour and, even with transport to and from the airport, its probably only about a two hour trip, compared to nine hours of driving. In winter, the area can be blanketed in snow, while in summer, its perfect for hiking and camping in the sunshine. Considering making the drive from Sydney to Melbourne? On the Princes Hwy there is no possibility of doing it in one day. Josh Shephard, who blogs at The Lost Passport shares one of our favourite spots along this route, Murramarang. Highlights include the Goulburn Courthouse, the Post Office, designed by well-known Colonial architect James Barnet, and two majestic churches with lovely stained-glass windows. Calories Bicycling 154.249 kcal Running 148.406 kcal Jogging 142.562 kcal CO2 Emission VS Trees Flight 535.76 kg (8982Trees) Bike 200.1 kg You can read my story about swimming with the seals at Montague Island or you can check the availability of the tours. Road trip checklist for your car before you leave, Heirloom tomato and goats cheese bruschetta, Koonwarra Store, Victoria (. Ive driven the Great Ocean Road a long, long time ago but would love to do more. Approximately 1000 kms, about 12 hours. A road trip from Melbourne to Sydney is the best way to truly appreciate this wonderful part of Australia, but it can be difficult deciding exactly which route to take between the countrys two largest cities. Todays destination is Walhalla, an old gold mining town that was one of the richest places in Australia in the late 1880s. That takes about ten hours of driving but its not particularly scenic. Lets get going. Melbourne to Sydney: The inland drive, via Hume Highway. This spectacular destination is home to a vast network of lakes and lagoons that meet with the open ocean. Ive got more details here about things to do in Thirroul. Each town in the Riverina has its own charm and specialty: With lots of local legends, great tastes and cool tales, its definitely worth the backspin through Barellan and the Riverina region. Jan Wild from Retiring not shy has also shared her love of Mallacoota. Thanks Lyn the map shows both routes, you just need to click on the top left of the map and you can switch the views. A short visit or overnight? The capital of the state of Victoria is constantly listed as one of the worlds most livable cities, and even if youre only staying for a few days, youll soon find out why. If you have time, take a boat across to Montague Island, a few miles off the shore, where you can find penguins and seals thriving in this protected area. Theres also the famous blowhole, where waves crash through and spray up into the air. Wherever you decide to stay, Murramarung National Park should be on your list! Home to one of the most iconic statues in Australia, The Dog on the Tucker Box. I would suggest taking this stretch of the drive slowly and dont be afraid to stop a few times along the way for a quick swim, a coffee, or even just a wander around town. There are a few different routes you could take to get between Melbourne and Sydney. Take a detour inland from the coastal road to visit the dramatic surrounding of Kosciuszko National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in Australia. If one runs in your path slow down but dont swerve, while the roo can do serious damage to your car, moving to the wrong side of the road can do much more. We are partial to this part of the coast; its relatively undiscovered by international travellers, a bit of a secret spot that locals want to keep to themselves. The Murramarang Holiday Park, surrounded by the national park, offers cabins and powered campsites right by the beach. I would recommend a tour into Long Gully Extended Gold Mine, to get a sense of what it would have been like for the workers. They search and compare rental prices from all major rental companies in Australia, so you can rest assured that youre getting the best possible price on your rental car. 2023 Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) All rights reserved. The planned city is easy to travel around, and you can visit the powerful ANZAC Museum to learn more about the countrys involvement in world wars before touring the national parliament and visiting the impressive national museum. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Weve forgone the nine-hour dash up the Hume and taken the low road instead, setting out from St Kilda for the easy green folds of South Gippsland with its fat cows and glossy nags and postcard-prosperous towns. Although its a small town, there are quite a few places to stay in Walhalla and they all come with a little bit of history. You will also find an extensive collection of farm machinery, trucks and cars from all over Gippsland on display. Key highlights on the coastal drive between Sydney and Melbourne. Although its been renovated, the 1896 cottage known as Walhalla Mill House is a self-contained property and can sleep up to 4 people. Recommendation: If you are renting a car for this Melbourne to Sydney road trip, make sure to check out Rentalcars.com. Along the road between Canberra and Wagga Wagga. An overnight stay or a longer visit? Youll usually need to book in advance to stay at Tidal River in the national park, but you can check availability here. For more information on road safety in Australia check out this article. Its a perfect place for a holiday because the lakes offer plenty of opportunity for water sport, while the beach is just metres away. Where is it? Well, we have come up with two different itineraries and have listed suggested brief breaks and overnight stops and even a couple of detours en route. A short visit or overnight? Although there isnt much here, the Pelican Point Coffee Lounge is good for a coffee or a meal. Australias capital city is home to plenty of attractions, and most of them are free to visit. Found in the Victorian countryside, this small town was once a booming gold mining settlement in the middle of the 19th century. Where is it? How many days should you allow to drive from Sydney to Melbourne? Photo: Lisa Luscombe. While you can cover the distance in a short time, we recommend taking your time and stopping off at plenty of locations to really enjoy the road trip. Now, though, there are less than 20 permanent residents. The road follows the coast at least half of the way as you head south. Homemade raspberry pie with cream, East Lynne Store, NSW. The fastest route along the inland road with only a stop or two for coffee takes 10 hours. SafetyWing offers travel insurance for only about $10 a week, making it a no-brainer to get. You can order from their website, cost $6 http://www.cartoscope.com.au/ However many visitor information centres have the booklets for free. A natural gap in a large rock is shaped almost exactly like the country itself and offers wonderful views across the town too. Print this page RACV touring guide : strip maps and route information : from Melbourne to Sydney via Princes Highway Get this Comments (0) Librarian's View Copyright Status Online In the Library Order a copy Request this item to view in the Library's reading rooms using your library card. But this means there are lots of places to stop, things to do, and towns where you can stay overnight. 246: 3: 0 |aFrom Melbourne to Sydney via Princes Highway : |bstrip maps and route onformation: 255 |aNot drawn to scale |c(E 1443500--E 1512200/S 335200--S 380800). Overnight stops are marked with a star; squares are suggested rest stops or detours. The coastal route is infinitely more scenic; it takes an average of 13 hours. Best Places to Stay near Wilsons Promontory:Prom Coast Apartments | Prom Gate Getaway | Driftwood Villas. The main area in Wilsons Promontory is Tidal River, where youll find a shop and many of the camping sites (and a few other accommodation options). Tip: Hop on a ferry and explore GippslandLakes. Stripmaps from Melbourne to Brisbane and Gold Coast via Newell Highway. Historically, Eden was a whaling town, and besides the beaches and natural history, the top tourist attraction is the Eden Killer Whale Museum, which is well worth a visit. Check this map for the best places to pull over and rest. explains why a stop at Eden is always a good idea. Its along this stretch of coast that youll find most of Queenslands natural wonders, plus the scenery between them is beautiful. Thank you for submitting the form. (This is the one I'm posting about today) Now we head into the Sapphire Coast and with a name like that you know its going to be very pretty. After all, thousands of people road trip around Australia every year. Or tkae it more slowly in a kayak or on a stand up paddle board. This is Kelly Country making Beechworth the perfect stop for anyone interested in Australian history and folklore. This Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive itinerary is a superb choice for nature lovers, with stunning national parks and plenty of chances to see Aussie animals in the wild. The last town on the East Coast of NSW is Eden, settled on the hillside overlooking the ocean and a beautiful harbour. You can relax on the sand or go hiking for hours (or even days). The coastal route adds at least 2-4 hours on top of the driving time of the inland route, compounded by the road being single lane in each direction. Title from title screen. Maps Our suggested itinerary maps appear below. Why stop here? melbourne to mansfield via hume highway. This is a great spot to break your journey if you have not done so already. You can also hire a little motorboat from them and drive yourself around, pulling into the small bays, powering across the lakes, and stopping at the beach. The most direct way is to go straight along the Hume Highway, the main road that connects the two. Here are few things to keep in mind when driving from Sydney to Melbourne or vise versa. Regardless of what type of holiday-goer you are, a trip to this stunning corner in Victoria when taking the coastal route from Sydney to Melbourne (or vice versa) will tick all the boxes. Gippsland's Port Albert. and of course, cakes. This road trip is worth devoting a week to there being so much beautiful landscape, gorgeous beaches and cute little towns to visit. Choosing Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains 2023, Royal National Park Walks: Planning Guide, The Coast Road via the A1, also known as the Princes Highway and the famous. Just after Moruya, youll reach Mogo Wildlife Park, which is famous for its work in breeding endangered animals. Theres a supermarket in Meeniyan or you could ask Marty at Moos to fix you up a dinner pack to cook on the barbeque (thats what I did). The most direct way is to go straight along the Hume Highway, the main road that connects the two. If you stay in each location for just the night, itll be a six-day road trip from Melbourne to Sydney. Where is it? Why visit? Hopefully one day to Melbourne to Sydney too!