If you have time, a couple of days in Wilsons Promontory is time well spent. Fatigue Fatigue is one of the biggest killers of drivers on outback roads. It can be considered a giant "ring road" as it, except for a few shortcuts in the north, follows the entire coastline of mainland Australia. Less than 9 hours of driving for both. The main street is lined with gorgeous buildings and there are plenty of boutique shops with local produce or collections of homewares. They are comfortable, lightweight and sturdy. A month earlier the river mouth was almost closed but recent rain has gifted us this little quirk of time and tide. Welcome to the enormous Croajingalong National Park, which stretches for more than 100 kilometres along the coast. Depending on the vehicle you choose, you can also calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact. A natural gap in a large rock is shaped almost exactly like the country itself and offers wonderful views across the town too. If you are partial to a bit of cheese, consider stopping in at the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre, which has a small cafe and shop. But other activities include bushwalking, whale watching tours, and kayaking. At a high point we glimpse our destination, the harbour city herself glinting late-afternoon blue. As a wise man once said, If you cant afford travel insurance, you cant afford to travel. So dont leave home without it. In this road trip itinerary, the drive goes along the coast. SELECT A MAP Barkly Highway (66) Townsville to Tennant Creek Bruce Highway (1) Brisbane to Rockhampton Bruce Highway (1) Rockhampton to Cairns Dukes/Western Highway Adelaide to Melbourne (Inland) (8) Eyre Highway (1) (Adelaide to Ceduna) Eyre Highway (1) (Ceduna to Norseman) Eyre Highway (1) (Norseman to Perth) Great . Found just off the southern coast close to Melbourne, Phillip Island is famous for being a haven for local wildlife. There are also walking tracks to locations other than beaches, such as the mangrove walk, the Durras Lake Trail, and the Depot Beach Rainforest Walk. However, taking this option means you miss out on everything in between. Tips? Although I think the quieter community of Gipsy Point is actually a nicer place to stay, if youre looking for something less busy. Alivio Tourist Park Canberra is a great overnight stop if you need one. RACV Melbourne to Sydney map, including strip maps detailing route and attractions along the Hume and Princes highways ($6 member price at RACV Retail Stores). I would not recommend you attempt this in less than 2 days. Once you arrive on the far South Coast of NSW, you are entering Australias Coastal Wilderness. Can you, yes, the inland road can be covered in one long day. Cost Go! The Murramarang Holiday Park, surrounded by the national park, offers cabins and powered campsites right by the beach. Leaving Melbourne, you'll see Mount Fraser and pass the beautiful Kinglake National Park before reaching Broadford. Not all maps in this archived site have been captured. Best Places to Stay in Melbourne:Atlantis Hotel Melbourne | The Victoria Hotel | Great Southern Hotel Melbourne. Its one of the most interesting natural locations in Australia but, for some reason, gets a limited number of tourists. Pop into the visitor information centre for advice on your options. The coastal route via the Princes Highway and Grand Pacific Drive (A1) is the slowest route from Sydney to Melbourne by car but is the most scenic. In total, this coastal route between Melbourne and Sydney is 1200 kilometres long and will take a total of about 15 hours driving. When you reach Helensburgh, pat a kangaroo and take a selfie with a koala at Symbio Wildlife Park.Make a pit-stop at Stanwell Tops - a launch spot for hang-gliders and paragliders. Todays destination is Walhalla, an old gold mining town that was one of the richest places in Australia in the late 1880s. The NSW Far South Coast is a popular holiday region (although, because its a long drive from Sydney or Melbourne, tends to attract longer stays, rather than weekend visits). Try some water-skiing or tubing with the family, or learn how to stand-up paddle board in the breathtaking . Stripmaps from Melbourne to Brisbane and Gold Coast via Newell Highway. Luke from Culture Shock Adventure shares some more fantastic Aussie history with us. 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. Built in 1890, Windsor House is one of the last original properties in Walhalla and offers five rooms for B&B accommodation. melbourne to mansfield via hume highway. With views of the lake from most of the rooms, the Metung Waters Motel is great value for clean and comfortable rooms. Approximately 850 kms, about 8 hours. 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. Road trip checklist for your car before you leave, Heirloom tomato and goats cheese bruschetta, Koonwarra Store, Victoria (. 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. Its also best to make sure you have adequate insurance and roadside assistance when you begin your Melbourne to Sydney road trip. After a night at Marlo we carry on east, rock-hopping atCape Conrans Sailors Grave Beachthen adding a 20-minute leg-stretch around theboardwalkedand swing-bridgedMcKenzie River Rainforest Walk, a little loop of sultry air and screaming cicadas just off the highway. Here you can enjoy the beaches and oceans, but also the unusual sight of Australia Rock. An alternate overnight stop is less than 30 minutes away. You can fly from Melb to Syd on budget airlines Jetstar for $75 one way and the trip only takes 1.5 hours. No, not unless you start early and stop and rest at least two or three times or have two drivers. Most of the accommodation is in Mallacoota, but youll find a much quieter community nearby at Gipsy Point. 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. I wish you a safe journey regardless, BB Report inappropriate content Steve H Melbourne, Australia Level Contributor 19 posts 27 reviews The most popular option in town, Walhallas Star Hotel has an original facade but has been rebuilt with boutique suites and an excellent restaurant. A rough 3-hour drive east from Melbourne,LakesEntranceis the regions hub; home to breathtakinglakes, golden sand beaches, quaint little towns and breathtaking nature trails. 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. Cartoscope do a great touring route booklet guide for the Princes Hwy, Melb- Sydney. The coastal route is infinitely more scenic; it takes an average of 13 hours. This is another beautiful spot, but again there are no shops or fuel available here. A good place to stop on the drive from Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory is Meeniyan. You can read my story about the Pambula oyster tour. So does theSapphire Coast, for reasons that become sparklingly clear all the way from the border to Bermagui. We linger a while in Eden, where a line of masts divides the main shopping street, and old sailors have a prime berth in the cemetery across from a perfect beach. Along the coast to the east of Melbourne are the beautiful landscapes of Wilsons Promontory. The first is Sale, a former port that has an affluent heritage to it. In Sydney, enjoy the great mix of history and culture, catch a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge for brilliant views, relax on the busy beaches and enjoy that laidback, classic Aussie lifestyle in the outdoors. Make sure you also get petrol here or at nearby Fish Creek because there are no petrol stations at Wilsons Promontory. We bob around, pleased with ourselves, and the sun comes out. Coastal Discovery MapInland Discovery Map Routes & Regions Itineraries Blog Trip Planner If you are on a longer visit, then I would happily stay a while. In fact, the white sand at many of the beaches is one of the main attractions and its easy to just spend your time swimming and hanging out at the coast. Whether you need a fast a-b route or you have time to meander along the way we have plenty of suggestions below along with detailed tables of travel distances and average times. An overnight stay or a longer visit? Its also home to the only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens in the country. Despite discriminative policies at the time, the Barellan townspeople let her play, paving the way for the first indigenous Australian to reach world number one in tennis. It comprises the largest towns in Gippsland; Traralgon, Moe and Morwell. 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. The destination for today is the Gippsland Lakes, the largest navigable inland water system in Australia. Our go to shoes are Nike Free 5.0. Why visit? Recommendation: One place you definitely have to visit is the Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles. The charming decor of Anchors Aweigh sets the scene for this quirky guesthouse where youll instantly feel right at home. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and loves exploring different parts of Australia. Where is it? I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Considering making the drive from Sydney to Melbourne? I would suggest trying to extend for a night or two, though, and spend a whole day in at least one of the stops perhaps Metung, Mallacoota, or Jervis Bay. If you want to stop for the night in Kiama, its probably wise to book some accommodation before you arrive as its a popular town, particularly on weekends and holidays. You can pick up cheap camping equipment in Melbourne or Sydney, or you could even rent a campervan to function as both your transport and accommodation when on the road. Tip: For those wanting to rough it, bush camping is also available at a few campsites in the national park itself, try the Pebbly Beach, Pretty Beach or Depot Beach campgrounds. We do, however, pull in for homemade pies at the East Lynne Store north of Batemans Bay chunky pepper steak and a heavenly raspberry pie with cream and a side-trip to Hyams Beach at Jervis Bay for actually white sand and water that rolls in like green glass. A wonderful part of Jervis Bay is Booderee National Park, which is one of just a handful of national parks administered by the Federal Government (like Kakadu National Park). Princes Freeway is a 159-kilometre (99 mi) Australian freeway, divided into two sections, both located in Victoria, Australia. Youll see why its such a popular destination during the school holidays. The South Pacific reaches full sapphire at Tathra headland, then the road crosses inlets, estuaries and single-lane wooden bridges, and swoops through the etherealMimosa Rocks National Park, tall pale trees on both sides and at the crest of a hill theyre in front too, so were driving into the trees. Where is it? Which Sydney Airport Hotels Should You Book? We recommend staying for a night or two to explore the whole area fully.Tip: Whether you stay overnight or not, you cannot pass through without stopping for a pie and cake at the famous Beechworth Bakery. Car, plus road, plus company. Just after Moruya, youll reach Mogo Wildlife Park, which is famous for its work in breeding endangered animals. Every evening, in whats known as the Penguin Parade, these little critters emerge from the water in large groups and waddle their way onto the island. But you can definitely just stay a night or two and you may appreciate the facilities on a long road trip. UNESCO has declared the park a World Biosphere Reserve because of the natural diversity it has within it. For greater detail and planning, Google Maps has all the information you need to plan your road trip adventure. Other interesting buildings include the 1850s Telegraph Station, the Chinese Burning Towers, and the Lunatic Asylum (Yep, thats what its called) that will send chills down your spine. 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. The views are incredible from Limosa Rise, plus this self-contained accommodation has a great design that makes you feel immediately at home. Theres also plenty of heritage and cultural attractions on the drive from Brisbane to Cairns, and youre going to miss most of them if you just fly between the two cities, or dont take the time to stop regularly along the way. An hour later grey skies have drained the beach vibe at Mallacoota, and a pack of pelicans look with painted-on eyes towards Cape Howe 20 kilometres away, the literal turning point of our trip. The Raymond Island Koala walk is one of the most popular attractions in Gippsland, and its free! As I mentioned, there arent many obvious places to stop along the way because this stretch of the road is the least populated of the road trip. 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. For food in Metung, I would definitely suggest eating at theMetung Hotelfor dinner andBancroft Bitesfor breakfast. Jump down to a particular day - or keep reading for my complete Melbourne to Sydney itinerary. A short visit or overnight? With only two days, do not attempt Wilsons Promontory. Is the best the fastest, most scenic, easiest drive? It has been an important fishing port since 1857. Eden is a great place to break your journey, and a terrific choice is Sprout Caf in the main street also a good spot to pick up some local preserves and other produce. The Big Tennis Racquet is a tribute to Evonne Goolagong Cawley. With large clean rooms, the Top of the Town Motor Inn also has a fantastic location right in the heart of all the action. Its about a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney and a perfect place for a break when travelling along the Hume Highway to Melbourne. It depends on the time you have available and your interests. Map from Sydney to Melbourne via Princes highway Total Driving Distance Travelled is 2582 Km Driving Distance 2582 Driving Time 26 hrs 56 mins Flight Distance 714 Flight Time 1 hr 23 mins Directions Go! Its a popular vacation spot and you can enjoy lots of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing and hiking. Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today. The area is popular amongst families and outdoor lovers who come here to enjoy water sports, rent houseboats or simply bask in the beautiful nature that surrounds them. Wilsons Promontory is the southernmost point of mainland Australia and it has an amazing collection of natural offerings. The road follows the coast at least half of the way as you head south. Melbourne and Sydney are lucky enough to experience some of the most temperate climates in Australia. Imagine sailing on a lake one day, hanging out with kangaroos the next. From car insurance and emergency roadside assistance to money-saving fuel apps and vehicle safety, here's what to check before you leave on a road trip. The wildlife Off shore: Thousands of whales migrate along the NSW coast from May to November, with prime viewing spots at Eden and Jervis Bay. This route is about 1100 kilometres and takes about 14 hours of driving. For breakfast, or lunch, try Croajingolong Caf where Michelle serves the most innovative food in town as well as coffee, teas, smoothies etc. If you are taking a road trip around Australia, then check out Jans tips on organising your caravan. Enjoy! As you can see on the map above, theres lots of ground to cover. Ive got more tips here on things to do in Walhalla. The fastest way to drive from Melbourne to Sydney is to take the highway, a distance of around 900 kilometers or 560 miles that you could traverse in a day, if you really needed to. Regardless, this is a wonderful way to see this part of Australia and the beautiful southeastern coast. You should also try to get out on the water and explore the isolated beaches and bays that cant be reached by car. Its here that the continent turns a corner due north and New South Wales begins. Travel writer Christina Pfeiffer from Travel2next suggests your first stop out of Sydney should be in Goulburn. The train is relatively basic, though, and certainly not the standard you find with high-speed trains in Europe or Japan. The road follows the coast at least half of the way as you head south. If the smokehouse is closed, the fish shop at the wharf also carries their produce. Things have changed a lot. The region is famous for its oyster industry and your guide will take you around Pambula Lake to show you the oyster farms and explain the whole process. Ensure you take frequent breaks from the road and stock up on water and fuel when you have the opportunity to do so. Now with that out of the way, lets get this Melbourne to Sydney itinerary on the road already (pun intended)! However, flights can get more expensive in peak time and at the last minute. The clearly marked trail is 1.3 km long. Eden itself doesnt offer many exciting overnight options, but just south of Eden at beautiful Twofold Bay, you will find the boutique SeaHorse Inn. 260 It has glistening white beaches, high cliffs, and crystal clear water for swimming. swimming with the seals at Montague Island, Coastal itinerary for a Melbourne to Sydney drive. All Rights Reserved. Otherwise, there are these options near the parks entrance. Or tkae it more slowly in a kayak or on a stand up paddle board. Ive got more details here about things to do in Thirroul. For more information, Ive got a story about things to do at Wilsons Prom. The height of summer can be outrageously hot in both Melbourne and Sydney, and the start and end of summer are perhaps the best time to undertake a road trip. We are regular visitors to this pretty seaside town and have shared our favourite things to do in Kiama here. This is a lovely spot for an overnight stay (or longer) and a good meal in the brasserie or their a la carte restaurant. One of the trips is during the day, and the other is overnight. Theres lots to see and do on the NSW South Coast. There arent too many places worth stopping that are close to the highway. In busy periods, Driver Reviver areas, which provide free coffee and snacks, are set up along both routes. The fastest route along the inland road with only a stop or two for coffee takes 10 hours. As well as the spacious apartments of different sizes, the Moorings at Metung also offer swimming pools, a tennis court, and private marina. Best Places to Stay by the Gippsland Lakes:Allambi Holiday Apartments | Esplanade Resort And Spa | Heyfield Motel and Apartments. The sheer excitement when you spot your first Koala in the wild at Raymond Island is amazing. There they are just sitting in the tree sleeping or eating, not a fence around them, not a zookeeper in sight. Next ATL closure is." Our full disclosure policy is here. Also, be extra vigilant in areas known for kangaroos, on these drives anywhere south of Ulladulla along the coast route or Canberra on the inland road. Best Places to Stay near Kosciuszko National Park:Alpine Gables | Pure Chalet | Lantern Apartments. Further up the coast, Kiama is one of the most beautiful towns in the region, with great swimming beaches, calm azure rock pools, and large grassy slopes for picnics. This road trip is worth devoting a week to there being so much beautiful landscape, gorgeous beaches and cute little towns to visit. Maps Our suggested itinerary maps appear below. The monument is an exact replica of her wooden racquet, except its twenty times bigger. But your best option is to turn left towards the township of Mallacoota. Of course, turn the page upside down, and you have a Melbourne to Sydney itinerary ready to go . Quiet and laidback, you can hang at the beach or go cycling along the coast track, and then refresh with excellent dining options like the Whale Inn and the Quarterdeck. Over a million people traverse some part of the highway network every day. Its a drivers drive and Lisas only frustration is the often 60kmh speed limit. While there are plenty of accommodation options along the road between Sydney to Melbourne, you will also find that there are plenty of free and cheap camping options too, which can add a new element to your road trip. To break up the journey today, I suggest a stop at Cann River, which youll reach after about two hours. The seals are really playful and this is a wonderful experience. Now, though, there are less than 20 permanent residents. Best Places to Stay in Narooma:Whale Motor Inn | Coastal Comfort Motel | Horizon Apartments. Along the road between Canberra and Wagga Wagga. There are loads of opportunities to explore the tracks and back roads either on a guided tour or through independent exploration. If you discount the Hume Highway, that leaves you with two main options go along the coast or go inland. Josh Shephard, who blogs at The Lost Passport shares one of our favourite spots along this route, Murramarang. 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. Just up the road from Eden is the equally beautiful coastal town of Narooma, a place famous for the quality of its oysters. melbourne to mansfield via hume highway. You can take your car or board as a foot passenger. Where is it? Where is it? That being said, compared to other countries in the world the distances between cities and towns in Australia can still be comparatively vast. Although its been renovated, the 1896 cottage known as Walhalla Mill House is a self-contained property and can sleep up to 4 people. Except for wallabies, echidnas, a kookaburra, a hen near Sydney and the two tortoises that Lisa swears she sees while Im looking the other way. Best Places to Stay in Walhalla:Walhallas Star Hotel | Walhalla Wild Cherry | Walhalla Coach House. Along the inland road, it is 880km or 550 miles. Ulladulla is an Aboriginal name meaning safe harbour. There arent many stops along the way but youll probably want to get to todays destination of Croajingalong National Park early anyway, so you can make the most of your time. It takes about nine hours to complete the drive, although it can be a little longer depending on traffic while leaving Sydney or entering Melbourne. For example, it is 1,040 kilometres (650 mi) from Sydney to Melbourne on Highway 1 as opposed to 870 kilometres (540 mi) on the more direct Hume Highway ( National Highway 31), and 915 kilometres (569 mi) from Melbourne to Adelaide compared to 730 kilometres (450 mi) on the Western and Dukes Highways ( National Highway 8). From here, the scenic drive oscillates between the coast and the bush, giving you great views of the landscapes. Australias capital city is home to plenty of attractions, and most of them are free to visit. For more information on road safety in Australia check out this article. But, if you do want to stick to the coast, then the alternative option for day 1 is to drive down to Wilsons Promontory instead. If you can manage an extended visit, Neil has a rundown on the best walks in the area. Why stop here? Becoming number one, she replaced another Australian, infamous for pro-apartheid views, so her title is extra special. With apartments of different sizes, Gowings of Mallacoota is great for families or longer-stay visitors wholl appreciate the amenities. After all, thousands of people road trip around Australia every year. There is a bit of everything for everyone in the Latrobe Valley, but even a short visit is well rewarded. Kids are rolling down the lawn out front, the sun is setting silver, orange, pink then purple over the dunes opposite. A minimum of a week is needed, but if you have 10 days or more youll be much more comfortable. Take a detour here onto the C311 and head to Hanging Rock, renowned for its incredible prehistoric rock formations . The sun comes out too, not far over the border in Eden, and egg and bacon rolls do the switcheroo to bacon and egg. A short visit or overnight? This wedge of rugged land extends from the coast out into the ocean, and its full of wildlife and wonderful hiking. Winter can be much colder and there can be a lot of rainfall, however, it wont keep you from enjoying the road trip unless you are looking to camp out along the way every night. 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.
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