Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive
SELF DRIVE TOUR
HUSKISSON | TILBA TILBA | GIPSY POINT | METUNG | PHILLIP ISLAND | MELBOURNE
The coastal drive from Sydney to Melbourne is quite spectacular. A stay at Phillip Island with its nightly penguin parade before a two night stay in Australia’s second city, Melbourne, enhances the self-driving journey.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Enjoy the clear blue waters and pristine sands of Jervis Bay, home to dolphins year round
- Don’t miss the nightly penguin parade on Phillip Island
- Enjoy a water’s edge location when you stay in the fabulous Gippsland Lakes
- Experience the “real” rural Australia in Tilba Tilba
- Melbourne for an eclectic mix of cultures and style with a vibrant coffee shop culture
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
Day 1 : Sydney - Huskisson (114 miles)
Collect your car from the Hertz office and drive south on Highway 1 before taking the turnoff to Jervis Bay in time for a late afternoon swim or surf. Jervis Bay is famed for its white sand, clear water and friendly dolphins; it has tranquil waters and great beaches.
Day 2 : Huskisson - Tilba Tilba (125 miles)
Continue south to arrive at the wonderfully preserved villages of Central Tilba Tilba, an area renowned for its clean uncrowded beaches and beautiful forested mountains.
Day 3 : Tilba Tilba - Gipsy Point (113 miles)
Leave Tilba Tilba behind and continue to Mallacoota and Gipsy Point. Nestled in the heart of Croajingalong National Park, this amazing getaway is located on the water’s edge of Mallacoota Lakes near to the junction of the beautiful Genoa and Wallagaraugh rivers.
Day 4 : Gipsy Point - Metung (130 miles)
Continue on the Princess Highway towards Lakes Entrance and the stylish village of Metung. Set in the heart of the picturesque village of Metung, The Moorings is the only waterfront resort on Australia’s largest inland lake system, the Gippsland Lakes.
Day 5 : Metung - Phillip Island (187 miles)
You’ll take an inland route today, passing through the country towns of Sale and Moe before heading south towards the coast and pretty Phillip Island. The first inhabitants of Phillip Island were the aboriginal Bunurong tribe, followed by a succession of ranchers all who faced tough times with the climate. Chicory farmers did best and for over 100 years it was the main product of the area; the remaining chicory kilns with their pyramid shaped roofs are a Phillip Island icon. Nowadays tourists come to see the daily penguin parade at Summerland beach. Be sure to get there before the sun sets and see the penguins waddle up the beach after a days fishing; it’s a truly amazing sight.
Day 6 : Phillip Island - Melbourne (88 miles)
This morning make your way to Melbourne, perhaps making a detour to explore the Mornington Peninsula with its vineyards, olive groves and historic country house hotels. Melbourne was at one time the nations’ capital and still lays claim to being Australia’s most livable city, rich in culture and with a 175 year heritage. After checking into your hotel the rest of the day is free to explore on your own. Melbourne is an exciting, creative, ever-changing city with extraordinary surprises to be discovered in every basement, alleyway and rooftop. Experience the essence of Melbourne’s cultural heritage, with its historic architecture and meandering lanes; its vast open market, resplendent gardens and vibrant riverbank. Explore the historic arcades, seek out the hidden bars, and enjoy the amazing cuisine and incredibly European café and restaurant culture for which the city is so famous.
Day 7 : Melbourne
You have your car until 5pm today. Perhaps head for the Yarra Valley and explore the vineyards, head south to Geelong for the day or maybe take the car back early and explore some more of Melbourne.
Day 8 : Melbourne Departure
Take a shuttle transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
