The ultimate 4-day Melbourne to Sydney road trip

Flying is overrated, why not take the scenic route?

Sure, you could fly between Australia’s two biggest cities in just over an hour, but for lovers of the road and car karaoke, there’s no better way than to travel on four wheels.

To do the trip in four days, it’s easiest to break it up into four-hour-long driving segments, as that’ll allow you to stop along the way and take detours if you see something interesting. Don’t forget to pack your swimmers, a camera and your worst/best driving songs!

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Day 1: Melbourne to Metung, Vic

From Melbourne you could easily swing by to see the Philip Island penguins or beautiful Wilson’s Promontory National Park, but if you’ve only got four days, it might be best to head straight to the enormous Gippsland Lakes and the tiny town of Metung. A favourite of artists, sculptors, chefs and anglers, this lakeside village is surprisingly hip, with good coffee and a pretty outlook. Stay overnight here in one of the many farm stays, Airbnbs or campgrounds and wake up to an early morning boat ride or swim.

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Day 2: Metung to Tathra, NSW

Leaving the Lakes behind, drive north towards the border. Just past the coastal Ben Boyd National Park, which is work a photo stop, you’ll find one of Australia’s best whale watching spots. From May to November Twofold Bay, near Eden, attracts a huge amount of humpback whales, so you’re almost guaranteed a spotting. Spend a little time snorkelling or eating fresh mussels on the wharf at Snug Cove, before heading off to the seaside village of Tathra 45 minutes away. Spend the night having a beer at the famous Tathra pub on the cliff overlooking the beach.

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Day 3: Tathra to Jervis Bay, NSW

Spend the morning hiking in nearby Mimosa Rocks National Park, or try your hand at the 70km of single track mountain bike trails in the surrounding hills. Then, head north to the spectacular white beaches of Jervis Bay National Park. Your destination is Hyams Beach with its bleach-white sand and Maldives’ cool blue water. Take your snorkelling gear and spend an hour or two bobbing in the shallows. Camp or stay at the Jervis Bay Holiday Park.

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Day 4: Jervis Bay to Sydney

On this last leg, travel north to Nowra but then head inland through the lush hills of Kangaroo Valley and the cooler temperatures of Fitzroy Falls. Take a slight detour to the highland town of Bowral for super trendy shops and cafes, plus perfectly made scones (of course). The prices aren’t cheap but Bowral is one of the region’s most interesting and creative towns and is well worth the price tag. From there head up the highway to the mega-metropolis that is Sydney and arrive before dusk.

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