The long way there
The drive from Sydney to Melbourne along the coast is one of Australia's great road trips. Depending on your route, you'll see pristine beaches, temperate rainforests, historic towns, and some of Australia's best wildlife. The coastal route is longer but offers iconic stops like the Grand Pacific Drive.
Where to pull over
Grand Pacific Drive
60 km inSea Cliff Bridge clinging to coastal cliffs
Jervis Bay
180 km inWhitest sand in the world and resident dolphins
Eden
480 km inWhale watching capital of Australia
Wilsons Promontory
900 km inMainland Australia's southernmost point
Phillip Island
1,000 km inFamous penguin parade at sunset
Driving tips
- 1
The inland Hume Highway is faster (9 hours direct)
- 2
Watch for wildlife, especially kangaroos at dawn and dusk
- 3
Book Phillip Island penguin parade tickets in advance
- 4
Take the Grand Pacific Drive route out of Sydney—spectacular
- 5
Eden whale watching is best June-November
Other ways through
Hume Highway inland (9 hours)
Princes Highway coastal (12 hours)
Great Alpine Road via mountains