The Best Places To Stop Between Sydney And Melbourne

For travellers road-tripping along Australia's East Coast, there are some stunning small cities, beach towns, and national parks where you can stop between Sydney and Melbourne! As two of Australia's most dynamic and iconic cities, Sydney and Melbourne are hotspots for travellers. You can travel between the two cities by plane, bus, or car, with a car giving you the most freedom and flexibility to explore. 

If you have some spare time during your Australian adventure, consider driving between Sydney and Melbourne so you can soak in the small-town vibes and coastal charm of New South Wales and Victoria!

The 12 Best Places To Stop Between Sydney And Melbourne

Here are 12 amazing places to stop between Sydney and Melbourne. These destinations are all relatively non-touristy, as many backpackers choose to catch a quick, 1-hour flight between the two cities. But if you have time to drive, you can check out these fabulous destinations and get acquainted with the local culture, wildlife, cuisine, and nature. These stops can be found along the coastal route between Sydney and Melbourne.  

Royal National Park

Located directly south of Sydney, the Royal National Park is a mecca for nature lovers and adventurers. As Australia's first national park, this huge expanse of protected wilderness showcases native flora and fauna, epic walking trails, secluded campgrounds, and surprisingly untouched landscapes right outside the city!

Wollongong

Wollongong is a small city about an hour south of Sydney. Thanks to its excellent university and proximity to Sydney, "The Gong" has a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere. Here you can check out art museums, quaint cafes, international restaurants, coastal walks, botanic gardens, cycling trails, live music venues, nightclubs, and more. 

Kiama

Those looking to experience some coastal charm on their drive from Sydney to Melbourne should consider a stop in Kiama! Filled with historic architecture, delightful eateries, and a breathtaking coastal walk, Kiama is a lovely place to stop on the NSW South Coast. Be sure to check out the Kiama Blowhole and Little Blowhole, both of which showcase the power and beauty of the ocean!

Berry

Not far from Kiama lies the beloved town of Berry. Located slightly inland right off the Princes Highway, Berry is a convenient pitstop on a Sydney to Melbourne road trip. Here you can stroll along the charming streets while sipping on a coffee or window-shopping. And no visit to Berry is complete without treating yourself to a fresh donut from the famous Berry Donut Van or a nostalgic bag of lollies from the Berry Bon Bon Sweet Shop.

Jervis Bay

Located about two hours south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is a tourist hotspot where you can find some of Australia's most stunning beaches! See the highlights on the White Sands Walk, a leisurely stroll that passes countless white-sand beaches including the iconic Hyams Beach. You can also go whale-watching, try water sports, or camp in Booderee National Park. 

Milton

Experience the best of the NSW South Coast with a stop in Milton. Here you can go shopping, strolling, and dining through the gorgeous and rustic town centre. Venture west into the rolling green hills to visit a winery or farm-to-table cafe, or head to the coast and soak in the sun at the breathtaking Mollymook Beach. 

Bermagui

A gem of the NSW Sapphire Coast, Bermagui combines coastal beauty with the warmth of a classic Australian holiday town. Spend some time by the ocean, watching seals splash in the waves or swimming in the scenic Blue Pool. Or stroll through town, get ice cream, hire a paddleboard, and enjoy a relaxing stop on your journey from Sydney to Melbourne. 

Merimbula

The coastal town of Merimbula is about 6 hours south of Sydney and is a popular destination for surfers and foodies. With restaurants abound, here you can dine on fresh seafood and taste some of Australia's best oysters. Merimbula is also surrounded by national parks and beaches that are perfect for hiking, surfing, camping, and wildlife spotting.

Eden

Eden is often the final stop in New South Wales for travellers driving from Sydney to Melbourne. Located right near the border of NSW and Victoria, Eden is one of the best locations in Australia for whale watching in the winter months. Head out to sea on a boat to spot marine life, or check out a local museum or go for a bushwalk in the pristine forests outside town. 

Lakes Entrance

Nestled on the southeast coast of Victoria, Lakes Entrance is a stunning place to stop between Sydney and Melbourne. Known for its proximity to the tranquil Gippsland Lakes, this destination is a hotspot for fishing, water sports, and catching unbelievable sunsets over the water. Lakes Entrance is also an amazing place for wildlife spotting, both on land and at sea! 

Wilson's Promontory National Park

Just 3 hours away from Melbourne lies one of Victoria's most gorgeous national parks. Wilson's Promontory is a unique peninsula full of pristine beaches, fun bushwalks, secluded campgrounds, and native wildlife. If you're hoping to get a good dose of nature before heading into Melbourne, this is the perfect place to stop.

Phillip Island

If you have time for one more stop before reaching Melbourne, don't miss the chance to visit Phillip Island! This magnificent destination offers some once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters, including the Summerland Beach Penguin Parade, the Seal Rocks fur seal colony, and the Phillip Island Wildlife Park. 

Planning Your Sydney To Melbourne Road Trip

It's relatively straightforward to plan a Sydney to Melbourne road trip! Just choose your time frame, select your intended stops, and secure your vehicle. Most of the roads in the area are well-maintained and have good phone reception so you can use navigation apps. Here are some more things to consider for your adventure!

Hiring a car or campervan

To complete your Sydney to Melbourne road trip, you'll need your own car or campervan. You can also travel between the cities via coach bus, but you'll have more freedom with your own vehicle. If you hire a car, make sure you book some places to stay along the way! There aren't many hostel options between Sydney and Melbourne as it's not very touristy, but there are hotels, Airbnbs, and campgrounds. 

If you hire a campervan for your road trip, your accommodation is provided in the van which makes life easier! Park up at a cosy campground or caravan park and enjoy life on the road. In terms of cost, hiring a campervan can actually be more affordable than hiring a normal car since your accommodation is included, but it depends on how many nights you're travelling for as well. Chat with our travel experts about your best car or campervan hire options!

What is the most scenic route from Sydney to Melbourne?

The coastal drive is definitely the most scenic route between Sydney and Melbourne. If you head south from Sydney and follow the coastline to Melbourne, you can immerse yourself in some very special natural scenery away from the crowds. 

The most direct driving route between Sydney and Melbourne is the inland route, which covers around 870km and takes roughly 9 hours. You can find some lovely stops along this route as well, but the beauty of the coastline is truly unmatched! The coastal drive between Sydney and Melbourne is around 1,210km and takes roughly 15 hours. So it's a longer drive than the inland route, but the extra distance is worth it. Anyone who is really pressed for time should consider just flying from Sydney to Melbourne as it's only a 1 hour flight!

How many days does it take to drive from Sydney to Melbourne?

If you are going to drive the coastal route between Sydney and Melbourne, an ideal time frame is 3-5 days. This gives you plenty of flexibility and free time to explore the beaches, towns, and national parks along the way. If you want to spend ample time at all the above-listed best places to stop between Sydney and Melbourne, you may want to stretch your road trip into a week or more.

But the beauty of a road trip is that it's completely customisable. You can complete the entire drive in a couple of days, or you can take your time. However you choose to plan your Sydney to Melbourne itinerary, you're sure to fall in love with Australia's southeast coast!

For more fun things to do during your time in Australia, check out our top activities in Sydney and Melbourne!

You can also contact our travel agents or use the itinerary planner to further enhance your trip.