Blog Drive Melbourne to Sydney – The Long Way!

Dreaming of a Melbourne to Sydney road trip? You could fly through the inland route to shorten the journey, but to truly appreciate the beauty of caravanning this vast country, you need to take the long way!

Hidden within a sea of common and curious names on a map, there lies a magnificent landscape of little-known gems, places only locals and those who wander will ever find. You won’t find these places on tourist brochures or on a list of Australia’s Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations.

But by slowing down and taking the path less travelled, you can experience jaw-dropping natural landscapes, quirky local characters, and a lifetime of memories.

This time, drive Melbourne to Sydney and see things in a whole new way!

Croajingalong National Park, Victoria. Image  by Felix Dance at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Melbourne To Sydney Road Trip Itinerary

This Melbourne to Sydney road trip includes six destinations to visit along the way, but the overall timeline is up to you. Depending on whether you have days or weeks to explore, you can choose how long to spend at each location, and where you’d like to stop over for a night or more. During peak holiday seasons, you should book caravan park accommodation well ahead of time.

Please note: The distances and travel times are a guide to the main centres or towns only. They do not take into account changing local, road or weather conditions which may be encountered as you drive Melbourne to Sydney. It is recommended that you check local conditions prior to starting a particular route, including checking local emergency warnings for the area you plan to travel through.

When towing caravans Sydney bound travellers should allow extra travel time for stops, activities (including 4WDing along recommended tracks) and getting to your chosen campsites.

Ninety Mile Beach

Distance from Melbourne: 250km

Travel time: 3 hours

For those with caravans Melbourne is a great starting point for an epic road trip.

Ninety Mile Beach is a hidden gem that’s so much more than the standard Lakes Entrance stop off. Enticing stretches of powdery golden sand beg passersby to linger longer.

Take your first drive off-road on the 4WD track that passes behind the dunes at McLoughlins Beach, leading to quiet spots perfect for swimming and fishing.

Croajingolong National Park

Distance from Ninety Mile Beach: 320km

Travel time: Allow 4 hours

Often overlooked by Victorian locals and missed by roadtrippers, Croajingolong National Park is wild, remote, and a wildlife spotter’s dream. From fishing to fur seals, yellow-bellied gliders to superb lyrebirds, there is so much to see and do.

As can be expected for such a remote place, 4WD tracks traverse the landscape, giving you access to places even fewer people ever go.

Beowa National Park

Distance from Croajingolong National Park: 120km

Travel time: Allow 2 hours

Once you cross into New South Wales, schedule a stop at Beowa National Park. Here you’ll find a spectacular coastline and enviable swimming spots.

To get even more off the beaten track, Terrace Beach and Lennards Island are only accessible by 4WD. Diving, fishing and beachside BBQs are calling.

Mimosa Rocks National Park

Distance from Beowa National Park: 100km

Travel time: Allow 1.5 hours

Another gem along the southern New South Wales coastline, Mimosa Rocks National Park is the perfect spot for a few lazy days taking in the snorkelling spots, forest walks, and local history. This is prime whale-watching coastline, where headlands offer spectacular views out to sea.

For an off-road adventure of a different kind, chuck your kayak in for a paddle.

Wadbilliga National Park

Distance from Mimosa Rocks National Park: 91km

Travel time: Allow 1 hour and 40 minutes

Keen for a tree change? Take a detour from the coast as you head north to Wadbilliga National Park. Featuring cascades and camping, waterways cut through quintessential Aussie bush landscapes, giving way to waterfalls where the topography changes.

The Wadbilliga Road drive stretches across 35km of the park. This 4WD track has a difficulty rating of medium and features diverse terrain and some challenging patches, and is recommended for those who have some solid 4WD experience under their belts.

Booderee National Park

Distance from Wadbilliga National Park: 250km

Travel time: Allow 3 hours and 40 minutes

Too beautiful to pass up, Booderee National Park is worth a visit, even if you’ve been before. With sands so white and seas so blue, you can count on going home with some spectacular photos.

Within the park, the Jervis Bay Botanic Gardens stretch over 80ha and are owned and managed by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community. Allow extra time to wander the gardens and learn more about the plants that make this iconic spot so special.

The Final Stretch To Sydney

Distance from Bouderee National Park to Sydney: 200km

Travel time: Allow 3 hours

Welcome to Sydney! When you hear the familiar call of wanderlust again, you might like to try the Sydney to Lakes Entrance road trip.

Ready To Hit The Road?

Looking for the perfect hybrid caravan for your Melbourne to Sydney road trip?

Visit the JAWA Offroad Campers Melbourne Showroom or Sydney Showroom for expert advice and the opportunity to check out a selection of Aussie-tough caravans before you buy.