Embarking on a thrilling three-day adventure from Melbourne to Sydney along the stunning coasts of Victoria and New South Wales is a remarkable experience that beckons travelers with an abundance of attractions and culinary delights. While the journey may not epitomize slow travel, there are ample opportunities to savor the essence of this picturesque region by spending time in carefully chosen locations, providing a tantalizing glimpse of Victoria's East Gippsland and New South Wales' captivating Sapphire coast.
Prepare to be captivated by the untamed beauty of pristine national parks such as Croajingalong in Victoria and Ben Boyd, located just over the border near Eden. As you traverse the route, be prepared to be awe-struck by the majestic coastal lakes that form Australia's largest inland waterway in Gippsland, as well as the unspoiled expanse of Ninety Mile Beach, which creates a breathtaking backdrop throughout the journey. Delight awaits at every turn, especially as the road meanders through the lush forests surrounding the border, adding a touch of mystique to the experience.
The Scenic Coastal Journey
Embark on an exhilarating adventure along the picturesque A1 Princes Highway, stretching from the heart of Melbourne to the vibrant city of Sydney. This awe-inspiring coastal drive spans over an impressive distance of 1032 kilometers, excluding any tempting side-trips that may catch your eye. Fear not, for although there are a few congested areas within an hour of each city, the majority of the route offers smooth sailing, allowing you to leisurely explore the stunning attractions that line your path.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Australian coastline as you weave through charming coastal towns, lush national parks, and unspoiled beaches. Discover hidden gems along the way, where you can pause and rejuvenate during your journey.
Main attractions
Unless you have time to detour to the Mornington Peninsula or the Wilson’s Promontory, there’s not much to see along the early part of the drive. Concentrate on getting to the Gippsland lakes further east. Take your time at the excellent Krowathunkoolong Keeping Place in Bairnsdale to learn about the Gunnai/Kurnai people’s connection with the region that dates back tens of thousands of years.
Shortly before reaching Lakes Entrance, the village of Metung is a lovely base from which to explore Gippsland’s waterways, with several good eateries and boat hire. Nearer to the border, two coastal parks, Cape Conran and Croajingalong, encompass windswept beaches, quiet coves, rocky headlands and significant native wildlife. On either side of the Victoria / New South Wales border are historic lighthouses, Point Hicks in Croajingalong and Greencape, south of Eden, in Ben Boyd national park. Both are top whale watching spots.
Whale watching is a prime feature of much of the NSW south coast, particularly between September and December when humpbacks are returning to Antarctica with their calves. In Eden, a whaling centre until the 1930s, a siren is sounded every time there is sighting out in Twofold Bay. Eden also holds an annual whale festival (on 1 November in 2014).
Along the Sapphire Coast, a scenic drive links the seaside towns of Merimbula, Tathra and Bermagui and the Mimosa Rocks national park, with its secluded beaches, coastal walking trails and the eponymous lichen-covered boulders. Beyond Bermagui, a short detour inland leads to Central Tilba, a National Trust-listed village full of nick-nack shops and cheese and fudge stores.
The Princes Highway takes you on a captivating journey along the coast, passing tranquil lakes, meandering rivers, and charming towns like Narooma, Moruya, and Bateman’s Bay. As you continue driving, a side road leads you to Pebbly Beach, where you'll find the famous "surfing kangaroos" enjoying their meal amidst the stunning ocean backdrop.
If you venture three hours south of Sydney, you'll encounter the breathtaking Jervis Bay, home to Hyams Beach, renowned for its dazzling white sands. This beach is a top contender for having the whitest stretch of sand in all of Australia. Additionally, Jervis Bay offers exciting activities such as dolphin-watching cruises and unrivaled diving spots, making it an ideal destination for water enthusiasts.
Just when you think the road trip couldn't get any more dramatic, brace yourself for a thrilling drive across the Sea Cliff Bridge. This 680m bridge curves around the cliffs, providing an exhilarating experience just north of Woolongong.
Three must-dos
Skipper your own boat on Gippsland Lakes: It takes five minutes instruction from Riviera Nautic at Metung (rivieranautic.com.au) to prepare for a sunny morning put-putting among these calm waterways. In three hours I get as far as Barrier Landing, where I stroll through dunes onto Ninety Mile beach, which I have to myself. Back on the lake, I dawdle past squadrons of pelican, black swans and dolphin pods. It’s a relaxing gear change from driving the coastal road.
Trek to Point Hicks lighthouse: Getting to the start of this walk, along an unsealed 45km road through Croajingalong’s forested slopes, is part of the adventure. The 4.5km return trek winds behind beaches framed by granite boulders before ascending to the lighthouse, reaching 37m above a rocky headland that was Captain Cook’s first sighting of the Australian mainland, in April 1770. Weekend tours at 1pm.
Visit the Eden killer whale museum: “Which is the second most intelligent creature on the planet?” asks guide Barry Smith during our tour before answering his own question: the killer whale. There is plentiful evidence for his claim, including the symbiotic relationship between killer whales (actually the largest dolphins) and man going back to early Koori habitation of this area.
The late 1800s saw the advent of European settlers, who quickly discovered how to harness the wealth of the marine ecosystem for lighting oil and other prevalent industrial applications. The indigenous killer whale group, guided by their leader, employed a unique strategy of directing their larger counterparts - the humpbacks, into Twofold Bay. This strategy left the humpbacks debilitated and susceptible to the settlers' spear-hunting. Interestingly, the pods of killer whales were given the tongue and lips of the humpbacks as a unique reward - parts of the humpback that they find the most enjoyable. For further particulars: killerwhalemuseum.com.au (ticket price $9).
Gastronomic Adventures
A pause on the first leg of the Melbourne journey has been made even more appealing owing to Gippsland's unique, award-winning eatery, Neilsons in Traralgon. Housed in a historic Californian bungalow, the restaurant impresses with its creativity, offering unique plates like Campari-cured salmon, enriched with dill, squid ink, regional shrimp, and turnip. Alongside this, there's a delightfully crunchy, pot-roasted cauliflower, flavored with lemon myrtle, hazelnuts, leek oil, and pear vinegar. The impressive dishes are accentuated by being served on rustic stone platters, completing an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
It’s hard to go wrong eating anywhere in the little but lively lakeside village of Metung. Bancroft Bites is a convivial café delivering fresh, locally sourced fare morning, noon and night. The sticky date pudding is particularly irresistible. Across the street is the Metung Galley where the Middle Eastern eggs topped with spinach, feta and dukkah set you up beautifully for a day on the lakes. The lakefront Metung Hotel has one of Australia’s finest pub settings and top-quality tavern food and wine, including spicy seafood laksa, packed with fresh oysters, mussels, scallops, prawn and salmon.
Further along the East Gippsland coast near Cape Conran, Marlo Hotel is the place for sunset drinks over the Snowy River mouth. Over the border into New South Wales, A Taste of Eden is one of a cluster of eateries in Eden’s Snug Cove harbour, good for sustainably sourced local fare. Fans of bivalve mollusks shuold follow the oyster trail from Pambula to the Shoalhaven for regular tastings. Along the Sapphire Coast drive, the Wharf Locavore is a rustic gourmet eatery on historic Tathra quay. Bermagui has harbourside modern Italian at Il Passagio and the Gelati Clinic for afters.
Advancing further to the north, a three-hour journey from Sydney will land you in a quaint culinary realm established by renowned Brit, Rick Stein, nestled in Mollymook. Stein's heart lies in the South Coast's seafood, and he shows his adoration and nostalgia of his first visit in the 60s through his specialty dishes at Bannisters. Even the simplest snack food offered in the bar surpassed expectations. Progressing an hour southwards towards Sydney, in the previously underappreciated Nowra, you'll stumble upon a gastronomic revolution sparked by chef Dave Campbell. Here, Campbell has stirred up a unique blend of South American culinary charm at Wharf Rd restaurant, situated beautifully beside the peaceful Shoalhaven River. From indulging in tantalising ceviche to intriguing Alpaca kebabs, a first time experience you would wish to repeat, to Jervis Bay squid infused with black pudding and cancha corn nuts and squid ink, every delicacy in Campbell's carefully crafted tasting menu will take you on an unforgettable organic gastronomic journey.
Accommodation Suggestions
For an opulent experience at the hub of Metung village, consider staying at The Moorings. This establishment provides highly furnished luxury waterfront apartments with all necessary amenities.
Alternatively, if you like the thrill of city life, hotels in Victoria >> https://www.hotelsinvictoria.net/en/near-her-majesty-s-theatre-407989/ offer a wide range of hotels that ensure a comfortable and entertaining stay in the heart of the city. From chic boutique hotels to grand establishments, you'll be spoilt for choice when deciding where to lay your head after an enchanting night at the theatre. Back in the wilderness, you might like to lodge in a minimized-impact tent situated among coastal banksia, right above a beautiful beach within the vast 11,000-hectare coastal park at Cape Conran Wilderness Retreats. Added bonuses include visitations from local wildlife such as potoroos and wombats and offering unique services such as the in-tent massage by a local expert, along with a high-end coffee machine located in the nearby kitchen - all this adds an element of luxury to your wilderness experience.
Whichever style of accommodation you choose, both these locations and those found on Top Hotels in Australia at tophotels.com, offer breath-taking views, premiere services and an unforgettable experience to match your holiday preference, be it in the heart of a vibrant city or in the soothing lap of nature.
Imagine relishing stunning oceanic panoramas through grand window scenes, savoring the serenity from wraparound decks, while also enjoying personal spa baths and a generous room space that can rival Sydney standards. These features sum up the rooms at Bannisters Point Lodge, Mollymook. But it does not stop there, the Lodge is also famous for its exquisite cuisine and the cocktail bar located beside the pool that seems to stretch into infinity. If only the acclaimed Chef Rick Stein were there to enhance your barbecue experience, Bannisters Point Lodge would epitomize south coast ideal.
Best Time to Travel
Though the Melbourne to Sydney coastal drive can be enjoyed throughout the year, certain seasons offer unique experiences. Winter months often deliver serene, uncrowded beaches and opportunities for whale spotting, while early December, ahead of the school holidays, promises warm weather and an array of outdoor dining and accommodation choices. Further details and recommendations can be obtained from inspiredbygipsland.com.au, visitvictoria.com and visitnsw.com. Interestingly, these locations also serve as home to rare wildlife species, enhancing their appeal to nature enthusiasts. Additionally, these periods present the biggest chance to engage with the local culture, as many festive events and attractions are scheduled during these times.