Melbourne to Sydney Coastal Drive

Melbourne

Marvel at the multicultural metropolis of Melbourne, one of Australia’s most loved cities. A good place to start exploring is Flinders Square, right in the heart of the action. Grab a cappuccino in one of the cafes, browse the galleries or watch the live street performances before taking a walk through Melbourne’s lively Laneways, or riding the tram down to the seaside suburb of St Kilda and scaring yourself silly on the rollercoasters in historic Luna Park, built in 1912.

Phillip Island

Phillip Island is known for its wildlife watching opportunities, and your Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass will take you to the best of the action. You’ll spot koalas and wallabies at the Koala Conservation Centre, watch sheep shearing at Churchill Island Heritage Farm and, for the grand finale, you’ll watch the penguin parade, a procession of little penguins returning to their nests after a hard day at sea.

Lakes Entrance

Choose from swimming, paddle boarding, sailing and rowing, or take a walk along the sand. When you fancy a break, head down to the family-run Wyanga Park Winery and sample the fine wines and cheeses, dine out on a tasty lunch, or take part in a winery cruise.

Merimbula

A beachy town with a sweep of white sand, Merimbula’s crystal clear turquoise seas are the perfect spot for a swim, while the boardwalk, taking you along the shoreline, is a great place to get a vantage point of the lake and oyster beds. Alternatively, try a coastal walk or join a cruise and head out to sea to look for humpback whales.

Batemans Bay

Join a river cruise, shop for arts and crafts, learn to surf or explore nearby Murramarang National Park. If flowers are more your thing try the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens, where 42 hectares of forest houses local plants, trees and shrubs and where you might be lucky enough to spot kangaroos, wallabies, possums and myriad birds.

Jervis Bay

If you’re here between May and November you can head out on a whale watching cruise and look for humpback whales. If beaches and the outdoors appeal then you could also head to Booderee National Park, with its beautiful beaches and coastal walks.

Kiama

The coastline here is simply beautiful – look out for The Blowhole, which dramatically sprays seawater high up into the air, or head down to Cathedral Rocks to take some photos of the rugged formations. Or you could explore the Pilots Cottage Museum, where the restored building, erected in 1881, tells the tale of the local cedar industry and basalt quarries.

Sydney

Spend the day relaxing and exploring the city, including the iconic Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Take to the glittering waters of Sydney Harbour to see the bridge in all its glory, or better yet climb to the top for far reaching Opera House views. Once you’ve wandered the city, browsed the shops and sampled the restaurants, be sure to head down to the world-famous Bondi Beach where you can try your hand at surfing.