11-day road trip from Sydney to Melbourne
Explore the pristine coast that stretches between Sydney and Melbourne on this dreamy 11-day road trip. Discover some of the best scenery in Australia from the Royal National Park to Wilsons Promontory National Park, relax at Jervis and Batemans Bay, and wine and dine in Shoalhaven and the Mornington Peninsula. VroomVroomVroom brings to you the ultimate Sydney to Melbourne itinerary. Pick up your rental car in Sydney and get started!
Sydney to Melbourne road trip map
Sydney to Melbourne itinerary:
Day 1: Sydney to the Royal National Park, Sea Cliff Bridge and Wollongong
Day 2: Wollongong to Minnamurra rainforest and Kiama Blowhole
Day 3 & 4: Kiama to Hyam Beach, Jervis Bay and the Shoalhaven wine region
Day 5: Shoalhaven to Batemans Bay
Day 6: Batemans Bay to Bega and Eden
Day 7: Eden to Mallacoota, Croajingolong National Park and Lakes Entrance
Day 8 & 9: Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory National Park
Day 10: Wilsons Promontory National Park to Mornington Peninsula
Day 11: Mornington Peninsula to Melbourne
How long is the drive from Sydney to Melbourne?
If you drive from Sydney to Melbourne using the inland Hume Highway, your drive time can be as little as nine hours. If however, you’d rather enjoy the beautiful New South Wales and Victoria coast, then you’re looking at almost 18 hours of driving and 1,283 km. Now we’d never suggest you try to drive that long in one hit, and if you wanted to break the drive over ten days or so, then here are the step-by-step distances and trip times for a coastal drive from Sydney to Melbourne.
| From | To | Distance & duration |
| Sydney CBD | Wollongong | 85 km & 1 hr 34 min |
| Wollongong | Kiama | 25 km & 40 min |
| Kiama | Jervis Bay | 76 km & 1 hr 10 min |
| Jervis Bay | Batemans Bay | 115 km & 1 hr 37 min |
| Batemans Bay | Eden | 196 km & 2 hrs 26 min |
| Eden | Lakes Entrance | 242 km & 2 hrs 45 min |
| Lakes Entrance | Wilsons Promontory | 283 km & 3 hrs 25 min |
| Wilsons Promontory | Mornington Peninsula | 187 km & 2 hrs 26 min |
| Mornington Peninsula | Melbourne CBD | 74 km & 1 hr 17 min |
| Sydney | Melbourne | 1,283 km & 17 hrs 40 min |
All distances in kilometres, calculated on the shortest direct route by car with Google Maps. Distances correct as at 24 September, 2025.
Day 1: Spend the day exploring Royal National Park, Sea Cliff Bridge and Wollongong
How far: The drive from the Sydney CBD to Wollongong is around 85 km.
Drive time: The drive time from the Sydney CBD to Wollongong is around one hour 30 minutes.
Known as one of the oldest national parks in the world, the attractions of Royal National Park include 11 amazing beaches, walking tracks and vibrant flora and fauna. Get in touch with nature and check out the Jibbon Beach Loop Track or Karloo Walking Track.
On your drive south, you’ll be able to drive along the cantilever Sea Cliff Bridge, from which you can enjoy awe-inspiring coastal views.
Next up is Wollongong, where you’ll find beaches with terrific surfing conditions. This coastal gem is also home to the stunning Breakwater Lighthouse, impressive cliffs and amazing hang gliding conditions.
Day 2: Discover the Minnamurra rainforest and Kiama Blowhole
How far: The drive from the Wollongong to Kiama is 25 km.
Drive time: To drive time Wollongong to Kiama should take about 40 minutes.
Minnamurra Falls is a stunning family-friendly area to explore. You’ll find breathtaking rainforests, canyon and waterfall views.
The Kiama Blowhole is one of the most popular attractions in the area and for good reason. Located in Kiama Harbour, water from the 2.5 metre wide blowhole can reach a staggering 30 metres in the air.
Mission Beach: Mission Beach is a great spot for spotting cassowaries, and they can even be seen wandering onto the sand. Why not try a cruise to go snorkelling on the reef while you’re there?
Day 3 & 4: Relax at Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay and the Shoalhaven wine region
How far: The drive from the Kiama to Jervis Bayis 76 km depeding on the route selected.
Drive time: Expect the drive time from Kiama to Jervis Bay to be around one hour and ten minutes.
Jervis Bay is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in New South Wales. Maybe it’s Hyams Beach which has some of the whitest sand in the world, or perhaps it’s the crystal clear water that Captains, Hole in the Wall, Bristol Point, Iluka and Whiting beaches boast.
There are some pretty spectacular national parks in the area. Locals rave about Booderee National Park due to its range of scenery — the park has beaches, gardens, rainforests and is an awesome place for camping.
The Shoalhaven wine region stretches from Kiama to Durras and is where you’ll be able to spend time exploring and enjoying the award-winning wineries.
Day 5: Wine and dine in Batemans Bay
How far: The driving distance from Jervis Bay to Batemans Bay is 115km.
Drive time: The drive time from Jervis Bay to Batemans Bay should be between 1.5 hours and one hour and 45 minutes.
Are you after some drool-worthy seafood and stunning views? Batemans Bay belongs near the top of your list. Aside from its world-class restaurants and coastal views, Batemans Bay is also the perfect place to snorkel.
The Batemans Bay Snorkelling Trail is a must do if you have time, highlights include Maloneys Beach, Sunshine Cove Beach and Guerrilla Bay.
Other water sports are aplenty — why not kayak around the bay and explore the area on water for a whole new perspective into this dreamy location.
Day 6: Experience Bega and Eden
How far: The diste from Batemans Bay to Eden is 196 km.
Drive time: Expect a drive time of two hours and 30 minutes from Batemans Bay to Eden.
Whilst you’re in Eden, you need to check out the Light to Light Walk that stretches from Boyds Tower to the Green Cape Lightstation. This is a multi-day walk, however you can walk as far or as little as you wish.
The Ben Boyd National Park is where beach camping, awesome fishing and hiking all come together to form an epic experience. Eden is an awesome place for whale watching in spring.
Who doesn’t love cheese, right? Well, lucky for you, the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre can be found on your road trip. Stop by, taste some delicious cheese and learn about how the cheese is made.
Day 7: Visit Mallacoota, Croajingolong National Park and Lakes Entrance
How far: The drive distance from Eden to Lakes Entrance is 242 km.
Drive time: The drive time from Eden to Lakes Entrance is two hours and 45 minutes.
Located on the Victorian coast, Mallacoota has the best of both worlds — beautiful year-round weather and the beauty of the Croajingolong National Park. Thanks to its range of plant species and animals, the national park is also a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
While in the area, sample the water views on The Narrows Walk that stretches along the Mallacoota Inlet.
Lakes Entrance is a popular holiday spot thanks to the Gippsland Lakes, Ninety Mile Beach and a plethora of things to do including surfing, boating and swimming. What’s more is the range of restaurants and shops to check out — as Lakes Entrance is one of the biggest inland water networks on the coast, it is well known for its seafood.
Day 8 & 9: Continue south to Wilsons Promontory National Park
How far: The drive from the Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory is 283 km.
Drive time: The drive time from Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory is around three hours and 30 minutes.
Wilsons Promontory National Park is one of Victoria’s most loved parks. The juxtaposition between its stark granite mountains, rainforests and pristine coastline makes “The Prom” one of a kind.
Check out the Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse at the southernmost tip of Australia, and while you’re here, be sure to visit Norman Beach and Squeaky Beach. The great thing is there are a ton of places to camp in and around the area.
If you are looking for more to do, climb Mount Bishop, check out Tidal River or go on the Prom Wildlife Walk.
Day 10: Chill out on the Mornington Peninsula
How far: The distance from Wilsons Promontory to the Mornington Peninsula is 187 km.
Drive time: Expect the drive from Wilsons Promontory to the Mornington Peninsula to take around two hours and 30 minutes.
The Mornington Peninsula is where you can check out lavender farms and botanic gardens one day and go diving and sailing the next.
The peninsula is home to gourmet food and wine, and from its farmers markets to its breweries, distilleries, and lovely cafes, almost any craving you have will be satisfied.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, there is a bustling arts scene, golf course, a range of shopping options, and chic spas to spend your time in.
Day 11: Welcome to Melbourne
How far: The drive from the Mornington Peninsula to the Melbourne CBD is 74 km depending on your selected route.
Drive time: The drive time from the Mornington Peninsula to the Melbourne CBD is between one hour 15 minutes and one hour 30 minutes depending on your chosen route and traffic conditions.
After an amazing holiday jam-packed with nature, beaches, food, wine and hikes, you’ll find yourself in Melbourne.
Melbourne is famous for its street art, world class food, culture and vibrant lane ways — the city is like no other in Australia.
After your scenic road trip from Sydney to Melbourne, you might like to stay in the city and explore all that is on offer. Check out the Queen Victoria Market, cafe hop through the cosy lane ways and stroll around the range of art galleries. If you don’t want to stay in the city, why not take a drive along the Great Ocean Road?
