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Australia is a traveller’s paradise and with so much to see and do it’s hard to fit it all into one trip. One way to discover a wide range of what the country is by car, with long stretches of open road leading through historic towns, villages and metropolitan cities. Embarking on a road trip is an exciting feat – but it takes some careful planning!
Sydney and Melbourne are two of Australia’s most famous cities and the coastal route that links them is filled with natural attractions and amazing adventures. Check out some of the must-see places along the Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive below to get some inspiration for your trip.
Sea Cliff Bridge
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The first landmark on the route, the Sea Cliff Bridge is located in the northern Illawarra region of the state of New South Wales. One of seven offshore parallel to coast bridges in the world, it links the coastal villages of Coalcliff and Clifton. Leading into Wollongong, the bridge juts out and curves around the cliffs giving you the opportunity to drive 455 metres over the clear, blue ocean to a dramatic, clifftop backdrop. Take some out of your drive to visit the Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout for awesome ocean vistas and a chance to catch migrating whales heading north/south throughout migrating season.
Jervis Bay
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Jervis Bay is a definite must-see. On the south coast of New South Wales, the area is famed for its spectacular beaches and national parks. Visit Hyams Beach to relax on some of the world’s whitest sands or head to the Jervis Bay Marine Park to get up close to some amazing marine life including little penguins, sea dragons and bottle-nose dolphins.
Booderee National Park
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Just a hop, skip and a jump from Jervis Bay, Booderee National Park is filled with amazing wildlife and stunning beaches. Booderee is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘bay of plenty’ or ‘plenty of fish’ and is a place of great significance for the Koori people. Spend your days squeaking through the sumptuous white sands and splashing in the crystal clear waves before setting up camp on the beach at Green Patch and Bristol Point camping areas.
Bateman’s Bay
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Bateman’s Bay is a popular holiday town situated at the entrance of the Clyde River. There’s lots of nautical adventures to be had here in the town known as the heart of Australia’s Oyster Coast. Take a cruise down the river or enjoy some fishing and kayaking in the Clyde River National Park or stay on land and explore some of the park’s lush bushwalks. Away from the river Bateman’s Bay has many beautiful beaches. Spend the day on the sands of Surf Beach and enjoy some fun watersports on its clear waters. The area is also famed for its snorkelling trails, where you can catch a glimpse of some super colourful fish and rare coral reefs.
Phillip Island
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Take some time out to visit Phillip Island, a gorgeous island off Australia’s south coast. The island is a popular holiday destination for Aussie natives and international travellers. Famous for its fairy penguin colonies, head down to Summerland beach to catch the penguin parade or explore the island’s national park to see koalas and fur seal colonies.
