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Welcome to Sydney
Welcome to Sydney, the oldest and grandest of Australia's big cities. Blessed with a glorious natural harbour, golden beaches and a blissful climate, this incredible metropolis offers a stunning introduction to Australia.
Sydney Harbour Dining Cruise
Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Harbour tonight and discover Sydney in style. Sparkling wine in hand, enjoy spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you dine.
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Sydney - 1 Night
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Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb & Jervis Bay
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Experience a fantastic 360 degree panorama of Sydney when you ascend to the bridge's summit. Your knowledgeable guide will entertain you with tales of the bridge's amazing history and construction as you tick a true Sydney must-do off your bucket list.
Drive to Jervis Bay
Hit the road to the bustling coastal city of Wollongong and continue on to beautiful Kiama where the famous Blowhole awaits. Follow the coastline to Gerringong and Gerroa, perched on cliffs high above the ocean, and stop in at Coolangatta Estate to pick up some award-winning wines. Arrive at Jervis Bay and treat yourself to a refreshing swim or surf.
Jervis Bay is also famous for its white sandy beaches, crowned the ‘whitest in the world’ by the Guinness Book of Records!
Approximate Distance: 200 km | 124 miles Total Driving Time: 3 hours
Accommodation: Jervis Bay - 2 Nights
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Jervis Bay: Whales and Dolphins in the Wild
This marine wonderland is home to a unique mix of tropical and temperate species including the Weedy Sea-Dragon, Eastern Blue Devil Fish, Bottlenose Dolphin, Little Penguin, Fur Seal and the endangered Grey Nurse Shark.
Jervis Bay Whale Watching (May-Nov) or Dolphin Watching (Year Round)
With its spectacular backdrop, Jervis Bay is considered to be the premier whale watching destination in NSW.
The sheltered waters here offer a welcome rest for the whale calves on their long journey home, so this is a great place to see them in their natural habitat. Visit in the summer season and you will also meet Jervis Bay's pod of resident dolphins.
Included Meals: Breakfast
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Mallacoota via the Sapphire Coast
Drive along the Sapphire Coast to beautiful Mallacoota. Break your journey for lunch at Ulladulla Harbour where you can enjoy take away fish and chips, sitting on the dock of the bay.
The Sapphire Coast is halfway between Melbourne and Sydney. Stop in at Eden to visit the excellent Killer Whale Museum or swim in the warm turquoise waters. Then continue on across the State Border into Victoria, to Mallacoota and Gipsy Point.
Mallacoota, surrounded by the vast wilderness of the Croajingolong National Park, is a remote fishing village by the Mallacoota Inlet. This peaceful haven is known for its forests, secluded beaches and pristine waterways. With beautiful sunsets and spectacular coastal views, it's the perfect place to unwind.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Approximate Distance: 425 km | 264 miles Total Driving Time: 5 hours 45 mins
Accommodation: Mallacoota - 1 Night
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Mallacoota to Lakes Entrance
Drive from Mallacoota to Lakes Entrance, home to one of the world's longest uninterrupted beaches. This Gippsland gem boasts Australia's largest inland waterway network, ideal for seafood lovers—catch your own or enjoy fresh local fare. At Ninety Mile Beach, golden sands separate Gippsland Lakes from Bass Strait, hosting over 850 marine species. Perfect for fishing, swimming, walking, dolphin-spotting, or simply relaxing in the sun.
Approximate Distance: 202 km | 125 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins
Accommodation: Lakes Entrance - 1 Night
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Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory
Make your way south to Victoria's best-loved National Park: Wilsons Promontory, the southernmost point of mainland Australia.
Known as "The Prom" to the locals, Wilsons Promontory is home to great scenery and abundant wildlife. With over 80km of walking tracks, expansive stretches of beach, hidden bays and secluded coves, leave civilisation behind and embrace the wilderness for the next two nights.
Approximate Distance: 280 km | 177 miles Total Driving Time: 3 hours 45 mins
Accommodation: Wilsons Promontory - 2 Nights
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Explore Wilsons Promontory at Leisure
There is an incredible number of things to do in Wilsons Prom. Visitors are treated to unspoiled beaches, marvellous coastal views, rainforests, and the beautiful Australian bush. Gorgeous wildflowers grow in the national park too, such as wattle, heathland, and even orchids. There are over 30 self-guided walking tracks ranging from gentle strolls to more difficult multi-day hikes. Sailing, diving and snorkelling are very popular, why not check out the Wilsons Prom Lighthouse or take a wilderness cruise.
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Phillip Island Penguin Plus Pass
Leaving the Prom behind, take the time to explore the beautiful coastal hamlets along southern Gippsland's coastline before crossing the bridge onto Phillip Island, a popular family holiday destination.
Around 24 kms long and 9 kms wide, visitors flock to this small island for its swimming and surf beaches, unique wildlife and the famous penguins waddling along the beach every evening.
Each night at sunset, the world’s smallest penguins emerge from the sea and waddle ashore to their sand dune burrows. Enjoy up-close encounters with the charming little penguins as they traverse the Penguin Parade's main pathway.
Approximate Distance: 138 km | 86 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours
Accommodation: Phillip Island - 1 Night
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Melbourne & Guided Lanes & Arcades Tour
Crowned "The World's Most Liveable City" for seven years in a row, friendly Melbourne is the final stop on your Australian Road Trip. Explore the hidden secrets of Melbourne's laneways of Melbourne on a guided City Tour.
Melbourne’s arcades and laneways hide many treasures. Today's Hidden Secrets Lanes and Arcades walking tour is the ideal way to discover the inner heart of Melbourne.
Wandering through Melbourne’s signature lanes and arcades with your guide, you'll visit the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, with historical tales of Melbourne along the way.
Approximate Distance: 145 km | 90 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins
Accommodation: Melbourne - 1 Night
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Farewell From Melbourne
Say farewell to Melbourne today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 10 Day Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Self Drive Tour and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.

What Elizabeth says about this tour: "Driving from Sydney to Melbourne takes nine hours along the quicker Inland Route, but quicker isn't always better: this fantastic 10 day coastal journey will convince you of that! Why miss out on secluded seaside towns, a ninety-mile soft sand beach, frolicking whales and dolphins, and the rugged beauty of Wilsons Promontory and Phillip Island? Take the road less travelled and you'll soon understand why 85% of Australia's population lives within 50 kilometres of the country's coast."
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