Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive – coastal route
1160 km/719 miles, 14 hours
Get behind the wheel and set out for Sydney from Melbourne, taking in dramatic scenery, deserted surf beaches and the pristine waterways of the Gippsland Lakes. Go slowly and take the opportunity to spend quality time in Wilsons Promontory and Croajingolong national parks, where it feels like time assumes different dimensions.
Soak up the coastal vibe at resort towns like Merimbula, Batemans Bay and Lakes Entrance as well as smaller, quieter communities in Metung, Mallacoota and Paynesville. Compliment the unforgettable scenery with fine Victorian food and wine and hospitality.
170 km / 105 miles, 2.5 hr
Take the two-hour drive from Melbourne and experience Victoria's spectacular southern coast and local wildlife.
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220 km / 137 miles, 3 hr
Make your way to Paynesville and Metung, the gateways to the aquatic wonderland of the Gippsland Lakes.
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200 km / 124 miles, 2.5 hr
Head on to Lakes Entrance where the Gippsland Lakes meet the sea. Cast a line at beaches, rivers and jetties.
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570 km / 354 miles, 6 hr
On the final leg to Sydney, take in the New South Wales south coast, an area that includes 10 national parks.
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Highlights
One of Australia's most spectacular parks, Croajingolong's landscapes are so valuable that UNESCO has nominated it a World Biosphere Reserve.
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Experience the electricity of the moment you spot your first little penguins waddling through the twilight at a Phillip Island beach.
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Wilsons Promontory National Park sits at the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland, offering visitors stunning scenery and wildlife.
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Experience the largest inland network of waterways in Australia, the Gippsland Lakes. Go on board a cruiser or enjoy a range of water-based activities.
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