SYDNEY TO MELBOURNE COASTAL DRIVE
From Sydney heading south to Melbourne , the routes are jam packed full of unspoiled beaches and bays , vast green hinterland of forests and mountains , creating the perfect drive through holiday on the South Coast of New South Wales and through the diverse countryside of Victoria . Stretching from Sydney ’ s Royal National Park to Eden , near the Victorian border , the South Coast region offers a myriad of fun for the whole family and with the majority of the region within three hours from Sydney it ’ s easily accessible and is one of the most beautiful drives you can take in Australia .
The South Coast region includes an abundance of activities , from water sports such as fishing , diving and snorkelling , sailing , canoeing and kayaking , right through to fine gourmet dining , art galleries and antique shops . You will also find a seemingly endless supply of walks through the region ’ s national parks , marine parks and nature reserves and you will never be lost when it comes to good accommodation and fresh food , particularly the local supplies of sweet Clyde River oysters , tuna , mussels and kingfish , all of which hail from the rivers , estuaries and seas .
Shellharbour ; in the heart of the Illawarra region sits between the sparkling waters of the Tasman Sea and the Illawarra Escarpment , with Lake Illawarra to the north and the Minnamurra River in the south . Further south , famous for its blowhole and lighthouse , Kiama overlooks the coastline and has several popular surfing beaches , as well as numerous caravan parks , cafes and restaurants . Kiama has an interesting history , having been the site of two volcanic flows , the Gerringong Volcanics .
The blowhole was formed as part of the erosion process of more recent rock and the region was originally the home of Aboriginal tribe Wodi Wodi , with evidence dating back more than 17,000 years .
Less than 30 kilometres from Kiama lies Shoalhaven . The town ’ s attractions include a contrast of forests and beaches and it is home to the famous Jervis Bay , the Kangaroo Valley , Ettrema Wilderness , Budawang Ranges and Morton National Park .
It is a popular vantage point to watch the whales as they make their annual migration , coming within just three kilometres of the coastline . Seven Mile Beach , part of the Shoalhaven River delta , is a fisherman ’ s haven and another popular sight is the Hamden Bridge , a suspension bridge across the Kangaroo River which is a medieval style bridge and the oldest surviving suspension bridge in the country .
Continue to travel further down the coast to explore the Eurobodalla region , and along the Sapphire Coast . As you cross the Victorian border you will enter the tranquil coastal town of Mallacoota , and the lakes of Mallacoota Inlet . You can paddle a canoe up the Genoa or Wallagaraugh rivers to Gipsy Point , or see one of the world ’ s largest colonies of little penguins at Gabo Island . At Cape Conran Coastal Park a camping spot between heathlands , wild ocean beaches and banksia woodlands makes for a great overnight stay . Heading south through extensive dairy country you can continue to the gold rush village of Walhalla , surrounded by dreamy forestry on the southern edge of the Victorian Alps . Mine tours are popular here , and the town ’ s gold mining history is very distinguished and intriguing . Walhalla is also located on the threshold of the Baw Baw National Park , which is very popular for bushwalking , scenic drives and picnics . Snorkelling and diving at the granite cliffs is also very popular , and the nearby dairy town of Foster has many beautiful inlets and bays to do this .
From Foster , drive through the fishing and pelican haven of San Remo and over the bridge to the famous Phillip Island , where you can visit the Penguin Parade , see fur seal colonies or go to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit . The final stretch of the journey is short , there are beaches , wineries and berry farms to visit , and at the peninsula of Sorrento , you can swim with dolphins . The diverse beach town of Mornington boasts all year round seasonal produce , glorious gardens , sparkling golf greens , vineyards and captivating new experiences . From here the only place left to go is Melbourne where you can soak up her labyrinth of laneways , magnificent bars , elite restaurants and hidden boutiques for weeks .