Welcome to the vast landscape of Australia! For Aussies, it’s common to drive vast distances across the country. Everything in Australia is so spread out, so it’s a good idea to turn your long drive into a road trip, so that you can stop and see landmarks along the way.

Take the inland routes or take the coastal route. The coastal route detours along the beautiful sapphire coast. There are three different routes that you take when you are driving from Melbourne to Sydney. It all depends how long you have to drive, and what you would like to see.

Route Option 1: The Scenic Route

The Scenic Route takes anything from 3 to 5 days.

You’ll cross three different states, and you’ll go through some gorgeous Australian scenery.

The scenic route makes the following stops: Phillip Island, Wilson’s Prom, Lakes Entrance, Canberra and then Sydney.

The first one is the scenic route. If you have a little bit more time to stop and explore the beauty of the journey along the way, then check out this scenic route.

Stop 1: Phillip Island

If you’re stopping in Phillip Island, make sure you try to catch the penguin parade! It happens every day at sunset. You’ll be able to watch the penguins emerge from the water and head into their little burrows.

Stop 2: Wilson’s Prom

There are 50% of Victoria’s Bird Wildlife existing here! Check out some of the most beautiful birds and scenery in the area. There are plenty of hiking trails in the Wilson’s Prom National Park. Take a journey through this beautiful bushland and check out the wildlife and the scenery.

Stop 3: Lake’s Entrance

Lakes Entrance is a beautiful town on the edge of the Sapphire Coast. There’s a waterpark in the middle of the lake, as well as plenty of beaches along the coast.

Lakes Entrance is a great stop off along the way, because there are plenty of shops and restaurants along the main promenade. There’s lots of opportunity to refuel, get some rest, supplies and get a feed! After you’ve finished up in Lakes Entrance, it’s time to head up North into the scenic mountains, and head upwards towards Canberra.

Stop 4: Canberra to Sydney

Canberra is in the Australian Capital Territory. Australia’s capital is full of interesting architecture, museums and places of cultural significance.

Option 2: The Coast Route

The Coastal Route takes anything from 2 – 4 days.

Is your priority to see the Sapphire Coast? Make sure you see the gorgeous azure waters of the coast with this pretty coastal journey. You’ll get to see some of the finest views in Australia from the comfort of your driver’s seat! Put on your favourite playlist, and cruise along the South East coast of Australia. Don’t forget to stop for a swim in the ocean!

The coastal route is doing everything in Option 1.

The only difference? You take the coastal route further along, rather than going up north to Canberra.

Continue from Lakes Entrance to Merimbula. There are plenty of accommodation options here in Merimbula, and there are lots of places to stop for something to eat, and fill up your tank with fuel. Take a drive from Merimbula to Sydney the next day.  The drive from Merimbula to Sydney is about 6 hours, so set off as early as you can, and drive up to Sydney.

Option 3: The Fastest Route

This route can be done in 2 days.

Short on time?

The quickest way to get to Sydney from Melbourne is by going straight up North. Bypassing any of the coastal parts of the journey. Make a stop off in Tarcutta for an overnight stop, and go up into the mountains.

By going all the way up into the mountains, you’ll beeline straight for Sydney. The total drive time is about 9 hours – so you could split this up into 2 days by doing 4.5 hours of driving each day.