Sydney to Melbourne Roadtrip: Chasing Sunsets in Australia

Difficulty

677 miles / 1090 km

Distance

7

Recom. Days

Nature

Trip type

Renata Almeida
Renata Almeida

Having lived in 3 continets already, Renata is passionate about travelling and loves creating unique iteneraries.

Sydney to Melbourne Roadtrip: Chasing Sunsets in Australia

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Australia is a place known for its amazing scenery, luscious nature and white, sandy beaches. Sydney and Melbourne are two of the biggest cities in the country, but what lies in between is the real treasure. Whether they’re a native or a tourist, people take road trips from Sydney to Melbourne to experience the magnificent sights of Australia's southeastern coast!

Road Trip Sydney Melbourne

During this 7 days, 1090-kilometer adventure, you will visit some of the most popular hotspots as you make your way to Victoria’s capital city of Melbourne. You’ll immerse yourself into the various beach cultures, dine at fan-favorite restaurants, take the most scenic photos, and stroll through breathtaking nature reserves.

Pick-up in
Sydney Pick-up Center
1

Start in Sydney

Sydney — is an Australian national treasure and world-renowned city thanks to the famous Opera House and vibrant city life. The Land Down Under’s most popular city is also the capital of New South Wales and the perfect place to start a road trip of the country’s sunny East Coast.

While in Sydney, you should take time to admire the main attractions, like the harbor-facing Opera House and amazing Skywalk with 360-degree views of the city. Meanwhile, have fun exploring Bondi, the beach district with the world-famous Bondi Beach and miraculous surf scene.

Visiting

Sydney

2

Recom. Days

Main route

4.8 kms/ 3 miles

Indie Campers Sydney Pick-up Center

10 min

drive

You can hire campervans from Indie Campers in more than 40 different destinations across Scotland, England and the rest of Europe.

Visit

Sydney Opera House

Catch a show at this world-class performing arts center, ranging from dance shows to classical theater and modern musical shows.

Sydney Harbor Bridge

Walk or cycle across the most iconic bridge in Sydney, and enjoy the views of eastern Sydney.

Bondi Beach

Nestled in the eastern burbs of Sydney, Bondi Beach is one pit stop you’ll want to make. With waves to ride and panoramic views of the ocean, it’s no wonder why thousands flock here every year.

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Stay at

NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park

Stay just 40 minutes from the city and enjoy RV powered sites with a camp kitchen, barbecue, and laundry amenities. Costs start at AUD$63/night.

Lane Cove River Tourist Park

It may be just 20 minutes from Sydney, but you’ll feel like you’ve ventured deep into the Australian bush at the campgrounds in this national park. Picnic tables, BBQ facilities, bathrooms, and powered sites are available, plus WiFi. Pricing starts at $43/night.

Katoomba Falls Tourist Park

An hour and 15 minutes from Sydney lies Katoomba Falls, filled with picturesque scenery. Close to the Blue Mountains and famous Echo Point. Parking costs $53/night.

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Eat at

Home Thai

$

Delicious Thai food with generous portion sizes in a hotspot loved by locals.

Ragazzi

$$

Great Italian food in the heart of Sydney with a modern atmosphere and impressive wine collection.

Restaurant Hubert

$$$

The best place to experience French cuisine in Sydney, featuring an opulent dining room and live piano performances.

Parking

Parking in Sydney

Your best bet for parking in Sydney is a private garage or car park, which can range from $28 AUD to $80 a day.

Street Parking

Finding a spot to park on a street is difficult and next to impossible in an RV. If you do find a location that allows you to park, expect to pay around $8 AUD an hour during peak season (December-February), and around $5 during off season (June-August are especially cheaper).

2

Enjoy Snow-White Sand at Jervis Bay

Your first stop during your journey will be Jervis Bay, a coastal paradise in New South Wales! If you’re a beach lover, you won’t want to miss out on the cleanest and most pristine beaches in the world. Combined with crystal-clear, deep-blue waters, this is the perfect place for a quick rest and swim. Jervis Bay is also a fantastic destination for you to take scenic photos ranging from the beaches themselves to you relaxing or participating in water sports!

Once you’re finished soaking in the sun and feeling the soft white sand beneath your feet, pop by the Jervis Bay Brewing Co. for a quick drink. Then, make your way and explore the history of the area at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum before you reembark on your travels.

Visiting

Jervis Bay

2 days

Recom. Days

Main route

170 kms/ 122 miles

from Sydney Pick-up Center

2h50min

drive

You can hire campervans from Indie Campers in more than 40 different destinations across Scotland, England and the rest of Europe.

Visit

Hyams Beach

Coat your feet in some of the whitest sand in the world at the most popular beach in Jervis Bay!

Booderee National Park

Formerly known as Jervis Bay National Park, Booderee National Park and Botanical Gardens offer visitors a chance to bask in nature with its unique fauna and wildlife!

Jervis Bay Maritime Museum

Uncover the secrets of Jervis Bay by touring around the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum! You’ll find tons of different maritime artifacts and purchase fun souvenirs for your family back home!

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Eat at

Stonegrill

$$$

A favorite among the locals, this steakhouse serves delicious meals with a smile.

5 Little Pigs

$$

Fresh coffee with a coastal view, plus tasty bites to hold you over until lunch.

Wildginger Huskisson

$$

This restaurant is the perfect blend of Asian fusion and a sophisticated wine bar.

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Stay at

Green Patch Campground

$$$

Situated in Booderee National Park, this gorgeous campground gives you access to both beautiful beaches, lush greenery and plenty of hiking trails. Pricing varies depending on the season.

Jervis Holiday Park

$$

This privately owned park offers everything you could want: a boat ramp, a floating pontoon and an onsite food van serving up some of the best-tasting coffee you’ll ever taste.

Holiday Haven

$$

Holiday Haven is only 10 minutes from clubs, cafes, pubs and some of the best spots to go whale watching. It also offers plenty of space for parking your RV, caravan or camper.

Parking

Murray’s Beach Carpark

$

Murray’s gives you easy access to all the major attractions you want to see in town.

Hyams Beach Parking

$

This small RV park checks all the boxes with all-day parking and plenty of clean restrooms to clean up in.

3

Enjoy Narooma and head out to Montague Island

Your next pit stop will be Narooma, a coastal town located in the Sapphire Coast. Narooma’s activities and attractions are found within the coastline. You can do just about anything such as fishing, snorkeling, swimming and gazing at the wildlife.

Fun fact: did you know that Narooma is the breeding grounds for Australian fur seals? It’s also home to other exotic animals such as pelicans and stingrays. You can admire these magnificent creatures and breathtaking scenery by strolling down the Mill Bay Boardwalk. 

Narooma has its own charm, but the real crown jewel for this specific stop is Montague Island! Montague Island is home to a ton of fun activities and unforgettable landmarks such as the Australian Rock and Gulaga National Park!

When you’re not snorkeling and gazing at the colorful underwater ecosystem, you’ll be watching out for the hordes of little penguins that gather at the beaches. If you’re lucky, you may very well see over 1,000 penguins down the shoreline!

Visiting

Narooma & Montague Island

2

Recom. Days

Main route

211 km / 131 miles

from Jervis Bay

2 hr 46 min

drive

You can hire campervans from Indie Campers in more than 40 different destinations across Scotland, England and the rest of Europe.

Visit

Montague Nature Reserve

Feel like you’re a part of the ocean by swimming with the friendliest fur seals at the Montague Nature Reserve.

Batesmans Marine Park

Get your fill of fishing and gaze at the ocean life by paying a visit to Batesmans Marine Park.

Australia Rock

Take scenic and scrap-book material photos on the oceanfront by posing in the middle of Australia Rock!

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Stay at

Figtree Camp at Mystery Bay

$

This family-owned beef cattle farm is conveniently located near Mystery Bay Beach. They offer biking, boating and fishing, and are also pet-friendly with prior approval. Prices start at $22 AU per night.

Pretty View Retreat

$$

The name says it all at Pretty View. Nature lovers can boat, fish and hike, as well as park their camper starting at $30 AU per night.

Tumut Valley Holiday Park

$$

This quiet family-friendly park allows you to pitch a tent or park your RV to admire the Snowy Mountains or the lovely deciduous trees in autumn. Tumut Valley is pet-friendly and also offers power access as well. Prices start at $35 AU per night.

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Eat at

Ciccios Surfebeach Cafe

This laid-back local favorite is a great place for delicious burgers, fries and of course, a tasty cup of coffee as you watch the waves roll in.

Tilba Valley Winery & Ale House

Wine, ale and a unique, not to mention tasty, lunch menu you got to try.

Narooma Ice Creamery Cafe

$$

Dine in or take out, the food is always just as good. Oh, and the ice cream is pretty awesome, too!

Parking

Narooma Wharf

If you are looking for a place to park and explore, the NSW National Parks offers parking at Narooma Wharf.

4

Embrace Serenity and Nature's Beauty in Merimbula

After saying your farewells to Narooma and Montague Island, you’ll soon find yourself in the coastal retreat of Merimbula. This charming seaside town offers visitors a wide variety of activities and attractions that have something for everyone to enjoy. From touring the primeval Merimbula Lake to kayaking and taking in the glorious scenery, Merimbula Lake has no shortage of fun water-based activities.

Want to score a big prize? Then, you’re in luck! Merimbula is one of the best places to go fishing. Snappers, tailors and Australian flatheads are just daring you to catch them! When you’re finished getting your fill of fishing and snorkeling, have some fun on land by playing a round of golf at the Pambula Merimbula Golf Park or by participating in activities at Magic Mountain Merimbula!

Visiting

Merimbula

1

Recom. Days

Main route

113 km/ 70 miles

from Narooma

1h20min

drive

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Eat at

Bar Beach Kiosk

$

This beach restaurant is a fan-favorite among visitors for its vegetarian meals!

Dulcie’s Cottage

$$

Dulcie’s Cottage offers visitors some of the best burgers in Australia!

Ritzy Wine & Tapas Bar

$$$

Taste authentic Mediterranean food at the Ritzy Wine & Tapas Bar!

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Stay at

Millingandi Station

Situated between Pambula and Merimbula, this waterfront oasis offers green spaces and easy road access. Prices start at $25 AU per night.

Rose Gum Farm

With 170-acres of bushland to discover and creeks to wade in while you watch the wallabies, you’ll enjoy having a spot to park your RV or caravan here. Prices start at $40 Au per night.

Kanarutha Farm

Green paths and plenty of biking trails is what you’ll find at Kanarutha. To keep things intimate, there are limited spaces for your RV, so be sure to plan ahead. Prices start at $50 AU per night.

Parking

Merimbula Park

Merimbula Park offers all-day parking.

You can hire campervans from Indie Campers in more than 40 different destinations across Scotland, England and the rest of Europe.

Visit

Merimbula Aquarium

This 27-tanked aquarium boasts a large ocean tank, allowing you to look through the glass straight into the ocean.

Bar Beach

A lovely beach with calm waters, great for families. Good for snorkeling and, during low tide, you can walk to Main Beach or Spencers Park Beach.

Broadwalk

This smooth 3.4 km boardwalk is perfect for strollers and bikes because it's flat. It's well-marked, so you can enjoy the wildlife and plants along the way.

5

Ride waves in Mallacoota & Croajingolong National Park

If you’re someone who enjoys catching and riding the waves, then this next stop is just for you! Up next, we have Mallacoota; a small, yet extraordinary coastal town that’s tucked away within the Croajingolong National Park. Clean, beautiful beaches and exotic animals such as the kangaroos and Australian Water Dragons, there are plenty of sights to behold here!

When you’re done hanging ten with the surfboard you purchased at the Mallacoota Surf Shack, get your cultural fill by gazing at the exhibits at the Mallacoota Arts Space Art Gallery. Mallacoota and Croajingolong National Park provides visitors with a calm, relaxed atmosphere, which can help you destress after spending hours on the road.

Visiting

Mallacoota & Croajingolong National Park

1

Recom. Days

Main route

110 km/ 69 miles

from Narooma

1h28min

drive

You can hire campervans from Indie Campers in more than 40 different destinations across Scotland, England and the rest of Europe.

Visit

Bastion Point

Enjoy sailing the deep-blue sea at Bastion Point; one of the safest boat launching access in Australia!

Gabo Island

Immerse yourself in cultural history by taking a trip off the mainland to Gabo Island; home to the Gabo Island Lighthouse!

Croajingolong National Park

Have fun bush walking through lush forests, get your feet wet at beautiful coastal environments and soak in the atmosphere of the remote, yet expansive grasslands!

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Eat at

Lucy’s

$$$

Experience traditional Asian cuisine at Lucy’s!

Mallacoota Hotel Motel Family Bistro

$$$

Chow down on pub food at the best family bistro in Mallacoota!

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Stay at

Cozy Corner Glamping

If you want to go all out after you park your RV, this is the place to do it. Cozy teepees and twinkling lights make it an experience to remember. Prices start at $90 AU per night.

6

Indulge in Lakeside Tranquility and Culinary Delights in Paynesville

After exploring the plethora of natural wonders of Australia’s southeastern coast, the final coastal town you’ll explore is Paynesville. Paynesville is located within the shores of Lake King, so you’re going to be surrounded with nothing but some of the best water views and soothing scenery.

Visitors are in for one of the most relaxing times of their life as there are plenty of fun activities to do. But we’d be remiss not to talk about the dining scene. Paynesville has tons of different types of cuisine such as seafood, Asian, Thai, Italian and Chinese. Whatever you’re in the mood to snack on, Paynesville has you covered! Get a sample of Italian food by dining at Three Double8zero or enjoy the Asian flavors at Tham Dynasty!

Visiting

Paynesville

1

Recom. Days

Main route

247 km/ 153 miles

from Mallacoota

2h56min

drive

You can hire campervans from Indie Campers in more than 40 different destinations across Scotland, England and the rest of Europe.

Visit

Koala Trail

Hike down this five-mile trail to gaze upon the koalas and other wildlife who inhabit it!

Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place

Gaze upon priceless artifacts by walking around the exotic museum of Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place!

Buchan Caves

These remarkable natural caves are a must-see phenomenon. The Fairy Cave and Royal Cave, distinguished by unique features, stand as premier attractions within Gippsland.

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Eat at

Sardine Eatery + Bar

$$

Dine on a plate of fish and chips with a quality beer at the Sardine Eatery!

Alma’s

$$$

Alma’s gives its patrons a real taste of high-quality Australian cuisine!

Waterview Bakery

$

Grab a quick bite at Waterview Bakery before embarking on the Koala Trail.

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Stay at

Lake Caravilla

Located in Kalimna, you can park your caravan and check out area’s natural beauty.

NRMA Beach Holiday Park

Not too far from Paynesville, is NRMA. Here, you have access to free wifi, a pool and BBQ grills.

7

Finish the Trip in Melbourne

With your coastal journey coming to a close, the final part of your road trip is to explore the main destination: Melbourne! This almost 200-year old city is the capital of Victoria and offers visitors to explore the extraordinary street art, shop around the historic Queen Victoria Market and experience a one-of-a-kind dining scene.

Enjoy the bustling, yet serene atmosphere of Melbourne by participating in various activities! Soar the skies in a hot air balloon ride in Yarra Valley, learn the history of Australia by touring around Melbourne Museum and get a scenic view on top of the Melbourne Skydeck!

Visiting

Melbourne

2

Recom. Days

Main route

295 km/ 184 miles

from Paynesville

3h38min

drive

You can hire campervans from Indie Campers in more than 40 different destinations across Scotland, England and the rest of Europe.

Visit

Queen Victoria Market

Over 600 small businesses await you in this grand shopping center!

National Gallery of Victoria

Experience a rich history with over 70,000 artworks in the oldest museum of Melbourne!

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Stroll through the illustrious Botanic Gardens and smell the flowers!

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Eat at

Da Guido La Pasta

$$

Experience a taste of Italy right in the heart of Melbourne!

Juicy Bao

$

Savor the flavor of Shanghai down at Juicy Bao!

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Stay at

Discover Parks - Melbourne

Discovery has everything the all-inclusive traveler could want: laundry, wifi and plenty of parking. Prices start at $119 AU per night.

Crystal Brook Tourist Park

Crystal Brook offers on-site facilities with a fully equipped kitchen and coin-operated laundry. Prices start at $89 AU per night.

Sundowner Caravan & Cabin Park

Cabins, caravans and renovated school buses to sleep in are just the beginning. Prices will vary depending on the type of lodging you choose.

Drop-off in
Melbourne Pick-up Center

325km/ 202 miles

from Paynesville

3h41min

drive