You could zip down the Hume Hwy from Sydney to Melbourne, but this longer, slower and infinitely more beautiful coastal route follows some of the countryās loveliest stretches of coastline.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
5ā7 DAYS
1100KM / 683 MILES
GREAT FORā¦
BEST TIME TO GO
November to March promises warm beach weather and a good chance of clear skies.
ESSENTIAL PHOTO
White-sand beaches near Jervis Bay.
BEST FOR FAMILIES
Wildlife around Merimbula includes kangaroos on the beach and passing whales in the spring.
Australiaās most popular stretch of its famous Route 1 shadows a stunning coastline, passing en route some pristine stands of tall-trees forest. Jervis Bay, Mallacoota and Cape Conran provide the most picturesque stretches of coastal wilderness, while Central Tilba charms with artistic finds, fine wine and cheese. For lovers of wildlife, there are koalas at Paynesville, seals and seabirds at Montague Island and kangaroos aplenty near Merimbula.
Top of Chapter
1 Sydney
Sydney may be one of the worldās most beguiling cities, but for our purposes itās merely the starting point of this classic coastal route to Melbourne.
The Drive Ā» Drive south of Sydney along Rte 1. At Loftus, and not long after leaving Sydneyās urban sprawl, take the turnoff for Bundeena and Royal National Park.
side roads 7am-8.30pm) protects almost 151 sq km of salt-water wetlands, subtropical rainforests and beaches lapped by azure waves. Itās the worldās second-oldest national park (1879) and its 32km of coast alternates between forbidding cliffs and inviting beaches. Garie and Wattamolla are two of the easier beaches to reach. Access roads close at 8.30pm and thereās a $12 fee for vehicles. Side roads to the smaller beaches close at 8.30pm. Even if you donāt get out and walk, Rte 68 loops through the park and is an utterly lovely drive.
The Drive Ā» Make sure you take the coast road along the Sea Cliff Bridge that links Clifton with Stanford Park ā youāll catch your breath as you cross the cantilevered bridge, hanging out over the water beneath high sea cliffs (thereās a small car park allowing a pause for up-close views). There are more dramatic views on the approach t...
Table of contents
Contents
Welcome to Australia
Australiaās Highlights
If You Likeā¦
Need to Know
City Guide
Australiaās Classic Trips
1 Sydney to Melbourne
2 Across the Nullarbor
3 Alice Springs to Adelaide
4 Kimberley Crossing
New South Wales & The Australian Capital Territory
