{"id":10619,"date":"2022-09-08T13:17:53","date_gmt":"2022-09-08T13:17:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/?p=10619"},"modified":"2022-09-15T07:03:18","modified_gmt":"2022-09-15T07:03:18","slug":"melbourne-to-sydney-road-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/road-trips\/melbourne-to-sydney-road-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Melbourne to Sydney: A coastal road trip full of hidden treasures"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!-- THIS IS THE INTRODUCTION PART --><\/p>\n\n\n<p><strong>From breathtaking mountain views to the whitest sand in Australia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning a Melbourne to Sydney road trip? Heading straight up the Hume Highway is one way to do it. But why do so when you could head towards the coast and cruise along rocky cliffs, explore secluded beaches and stop in cosy towns with must-try cafes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s plenty to see and do between Australia\u2019s two largest cities. Imagine starting your morning with a scenic hike and ending your day watching the sunset from a boat on a clear water bay. No two days behind the wheel need be the same, and this itinerary will take you where you need to go to embrace nature\u2019s best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><a href=\"#wilsons\" style=\"color:black\">1. Wilsons Promontory National Park<\/a><br><a href=\"#lakes\" style=\"color:black\">2. Lakes Entrance<\/a><br><a href=\"#merimbula\" style=\"color:black\">3. Merimbula<\/a><br><a href=\"#narooma\" style=\"color:black\">4. Narooma<\/a><br><a href=\"#jervis\" style=\"color:black\">5. Jervis Bay<\/a><br><a href=\"#sydney\" style=\"color:black\">6. Sydney<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Info at a glance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" id=\"block-f689c5fd-dbe4-4566-a0a2-68905760c5d2\"><li><strong>10 days <\/strong>of travel<\/li><li>Type of route: <strong>Nature<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>6 stops <\/strong>along the route<\/li><li><strong>826 miles<\/strong> (1,330 km) of driving<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highlights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Hike to the top of Mt. Oberon for views of Wilsons Promontory<\/li><li>Eat fresh seafood at Lakes Entrance<\/li><li>Bring binoculars for whale watching<\/li><li>Take a picture of Australia Rock<\/li><li>Go to Darling Harbour in Sydney<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<iframe data-src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1gKTxHAiZU89N12vDngpnMfDNXSWjpwE&amp;ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"100%\" height=\"480\" frameborder=\"0\" 0=\"&gt;&lt;\/iframe\"  src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#f0f0f0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\">Getting to the start<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your adventure starts in Melbourne, the perfect place to grab a coffee for the first leg of your road trip. By plane, you can touch down at Tullamarine and rent a car at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/car-hire\/australia\/melbourne\/melbourne-airport\/\">Melbourne Airport<\/a> before heading onto the M1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or, if you\u2019re already in Melbourne, catch a train or tram to Southern Cross Station and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/car-hire\/australia\/melbourne\/\">rent a car from Melbourne city<\/a>. You can take the M1 from here or go via the A440 \u2013 both are toll roads, but the M1 is generally faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a class=\"button small\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/car-rental\/australia\/melbourne\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CAR RENTAL IN MELBOURNE<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\">What to pack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This coastal road trip offers great views year-round, but if you want to take advantage of the crystal blue beaches you\u2019ll come across (or camp at your stops), spring and summer is the best time of year to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure to pack a few swimsuits, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and a picnic blanket for impromptu stops when the scenery demands it. There are also plenty of walking trails (from beginner to pro), so take a good pair of shoes if you\u2019re up for trying a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\">Driving tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The main <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/toll-payments-process\/\">tolls<\/a> you\u2019ll hit on this road trip will be coming out of Melbourne on the M1 or A440. Depending on your destination in Sydney, you may come across some upon entering too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The roads between the two major cities are free of tolls and can slow to speeds of 80-100 km rather than the set 110 km of the Hume Highway. Be careful when entering small towns where the speed will often slow to 50 km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to know about the route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that we\u2019ve got all the basics out of the way, you\u2019re almost ready to hit the road. The great news is this road trip itinerary allows you to soak up some of the best nature Australia has to offer without having to head down any dirt roads or tackle rough terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout Victoria, you\u2019ll be cruising along the South Gippsland Highway before switching to the Princes Highway in New South Wales. Both are smooth and well-maintained roads, so your choice of vehicle can be left to your personal preference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A real highlight of this trip is the scenery you\u2019ll spot simply by looking out the window. From the huge granite mountains of Wilson\u2019s Promontory National Park to the sparkling waters of the Sapphire Coast, nature lovers will find a new slice of paradise at every turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"wilsons\"><\/a><h2>Wilsons Promontory National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/wilsons-promontory-au-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"blond woman in purple jacket and blue pants standing on a rock looking over the ocean in wilsons promontory national park\" class=\"wp-image-10621 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/wilsons-promontory-au-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/wilsons-promontory-au-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/wilsons-promontory-au-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/wilsons-promontory-au.jpg 1140w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/678;\" \/><figcaption>Photo: Judyta Jastrzebska on Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Prom\u201d is a must-visit in Victoria. As the southernmost point of Australia, Wilsons Promontory National Park has a unique blend of landscapes, featuring forest, beaches, granite mountains and rock formations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On your way in, pick up some supplies in Meeniyan, so you don\u2019t get stuck if the stores are closed when you arrive. Tidal River is the main area (and a completely nature playground) where you\u2019ll find plenty of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parks.vic.gov.au\/places-to-see\/parks\/wilsons-promontory-national-park\/where-to-stay\/tidal-river-campground\">camping<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parks.vic.gov.au\/places-to-see\/parks\/wilsons-promontory-national-park\/where-to-stay\/tidal-river-accommodation\">accommodation options<\/a>, as well as easy access to some of the best spots in the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From here, we highly recommend walking to Squeaky Beach, a name that accurately describes the sound the sand makes when you walk on it. The view from the top of Mount Oberon is also breathtaking and allows you to look out over most of The Prom. It can be steep in parts, but most people seem to manage the 6.8-km (4.2-mile) return hike, with chairs placed for rest along the way. The path is a wide-graded road for the most part and well worth getting an early start if you\u2019re looking for a place to take in a good sunrise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it\u2019s time to leave The Prom, ease your sadness by stopping in Sale for a bite to eat or go via Agness Falls to see the tallest waterfall in Gippsland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sixt Insider Tip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who prefer a sunset, Whisky Bay is the place to go. It\u2019s only a 10-minute drive from Tidal River, where surrounding islands are silhouetted with a golden glow as the sun reaches the ends of the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Wilsons Promontory to Lakes Entrance 272 km (169 miles)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"lakes\"><\/a><h2>Lakes Entrance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/lakes-entrance-au-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"ships passing between small islands covered in trees with turquoise blue water at lakes entrance, australia\" class=\"wp-image-10622 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/lakes-entrance-au-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/lakes-entrance-au-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/lakes-entrance-au-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/lakes-entrance-au.jpg 1140w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/682;\" \/><figcaption>Photo: Ikonya on Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Known as a destination for seafood, Lakes Entrance is surrounded by vast waterways, from the calm surface of lakes to the picturesque Ninety Mile Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take your pick when it comes to water activities; head out on a boat to explore marine life with the locals, or rent your own kayak or stand-up paddle board and slowly cruise into all the different bays yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also a bike path, stretching 4.5 km (2.8 miles) one way or 9 km (5.6 miles) round trip. Start at \u200b\u200bKalimna Jetty Road and follow the Esplanade along the shore, stopping just before Short Street in Lakes Entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, you\u2019d also be remiss not to try any of the fresh seafood restaurants while you\u2019re in town. Wild Catch Fish &amp; Chips is a crowd favorite, but you can hardly go wrong in this coastal town. Better yet, catch your own dinner and cook it straight from the sea on a campsite BBQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a great place to rest and recuperate before hitting the road again, where you\u2019ll coast over the border into New South Wales, passing the Ben Boyd National Park and through the charming town of Eden to reach our next destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sixt Insider Tip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lakes Entrance can be quite a tourist attraction in summer, so if you prefer the quiet life, you could also stay in the neighboring town of Metung for some tranquility. From there, you\u2019ll still have access to boating and fishing activities, as well as plenty of scenic walks to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Lakes Entrance to Merimbula (166 miles)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"merimbula\"><\/a><h2>Merimbula<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/merimbula-au-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"two wooden chairs on a wooden platform at short point beach near merimbula with turquoise water\" class=\"wp-image-10623 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/merimbula-au-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/merimbula-au-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/merimbula-au-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/merimbula-au.jpg 1140w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/684;\" \/><figcaption>Short Point Beach near Merimbula. Photo: Alf Manciagli on Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The blend of lakes and ocean continues once you make it to the coastal paradise of Merimbula. It\u2019s the perfect place to get in some beach time, whether you want to surf, sunbathe or test out your photography skills. There are even dog-friendly stretches of sand for those who\u2019ve brought their furry friend along for the ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Merimbula is also a whale-watching hot spot, so if you\u2019re visiting in the peak window of early September to November, grab some binoculars and keep an eye out. Or get even closer to the largest sea mammal via an organised whale watching charter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best free activity by far is to stroll along the Merimbula Boardwalk, which hugs the shores of the lake and winds through mangrove forests and eucalyptus canopies. It\u2019s a 2.1-mile (3.4-km) return trip and takes about an hour and a half to complete at a leisurely pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sixt Insider Tip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Being surrounded by water, Merimbula is another great place to get a seafood fix. But if you\u2019re after something different, head to Dulcie\u2019s Cottage for burgers and beers in the beer garden. There are plenty of locally sourced ingredients on the menu, and on some nights there\u2019s live music to enjoy. With the shortest drive of the trip coming up next, you can afford to stay out a little later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Merimbula to Narooma (70 miles)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"narooma\"><\/a><h2>Narooma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/narooma-au-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"large brown seal laying on a light brown rock by the ocean in narooma, australia\" class=\"wp-image-10624 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/narooma-au-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/narooma-au-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/narooma-au-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/narooma-au.jpg 1140w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><figcaption>A seal on the rocks at Narooma. Photo: Daria Nipot on Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Narooma offers the ideal mix of dramatic coastline and quaint small-town charm, with a long list of activities to choose from. The first thing you\u2019ll be welcomed by is the emerald-blue water that contrasts spectacularly with the rocky surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking of rocks, no visit to Narooma is complete without a snap of Australia Rock \u2013 an eroded section of headland with an Australia-shaped hole right through its middle. See it at its absolute best by heading there at sunrise or sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Narooma is thought to be derived from the Aboriginal word meaning &#8220;clear blue waters&#8221;, and the destination is rich in Indigenous history. The Montague Island Nature Reserve is a sacred site known as Barunguba by the local Yuin Aboriginal people. It\u2019s also home to hundreds of friendly seals, which you can watch frolicking from the deck of a boat or jump in the water (via a tour) to swim and snorkel with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sixt Insider Tip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After a day of adventuring or relaxing (the choice is yours), head to Quarterdeck for a tiki-style banana daiquiri and watch the sun go down over the inlet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Narooma to Jervis Bay (131 miles)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"jervis\"><\/a><h2>Jervis Bay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/jervis-bay-au-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"turquoise blue water with a pod of dolphins swimming under it at jervis bay, australia\" class=\"wp-image-10625 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/jervis-bay-au-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/jervis-bay-au-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/jervis-bay-au-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/jervis-bay-au.jpg 1140w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><figcaption>A pod of dolphins in Jervis Bay. Photo: Elly Weidner on Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Just as you start to think the coastline on this trip couldn\u2019t get any better, Jervis Bay appears on the horizon. Located in the Shoalhaven region of the NSW South Coast, Jervis Bay is home to the whitest sand beaches in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be dazzled by the sparkling aqua blue waters of the famous Hyams Beach before comparing it with other local favorites such as Murrays Beach and Blenheim Beach. The beauty of having a car is you can flit between them to find your perfect stretch of sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We highly recommend getting an early start when in this region, particularly on the weekends before the Sydney crowd arrives. 5 Little Pigs in Huskisson has one of the best breakfast menus in the area, and the coffee is well worth sacrificing sleep for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019re plenty salt and sun-soaked, there are some incredible pit stops to make on the final leg towards Sydney. Don\u2019t miss ducking into the charming town of Berry to pick up local gifts and grab a hot donut from the famous Berry Donut Van (make sure to eat it while it\u2019s still warm).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sixt Insider Tip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the timing is right, book yourself a table for lunch at The Scarborough Hotel. This buzzy pub is perched on a cliff edge with incredible views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Jervis Bay to Sydney (117 miles)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"sydney\"><\/a><h2>Sydney<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/sydney-au-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"sydney harbor with ships and the harbor bridge, with the sydney australia skyline in the background\" class=\"wp-image-10626 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/sydney-au-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/sydney-au-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/sydney-au-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/6\/2022\/09\/sydney-au.jpg 1140w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><figcaption>Photo: Rudy Balasko on Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve made it to the final destination of this Melbourne to Sydney road trip! Sydney has plenty of restaurants, bars and activities to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to continue your coastal tour, head east to complete the Coogee to Bondi walk or keep driving north to explore the beaches of Manly. Even though it\u2019s a city, there\u2019s always plenty of nature to experience if you know where to look (and drive).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your journey ends here, you can return your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/car-hire\/australia\/sydney\/\">rental car in Sydney<\/a> or start the itinerary from this destination and do the road trip the other way around, from north to south.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sixt Insider Tip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since Sydney is on the water, sometimes the fastest way to get somewhere is to take a ferry. The city has a robust ferry system as part of its public transportation, so it&#8217;s an affordable way to see some sights on the water.<\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From breathtaking mountain views to the whitest sand in Australia Planning a Melbourne to Sydney road trip? Heading straight up the Hume Highway is one way to do it. But why do so when you could head towards the coast and cruise along rocky cliffs, explore secluded beaches and stop in cosy towns with must-try&#8230;<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":10621,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"full-width-content","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-10619","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-road-trips","8":"entry"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip | SIXT Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The drive from Melbourne to Sydney is a long one, but the stunning coastal scenery, seafood and charming towns make it worthwhile.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/road-trips\/melbourne-to-sydney-road-trip\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip | SIXT Magazine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The drive from Melbourne to Sydney is a long one, but the stunning coastal scenery, seafood and charming towns make it worthwhile.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" 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