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East Coast Australia Road Trips: From Sydney to Melbourne
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Brisbane to Melbourne, exploring Australia’s stunning east coast and the iconic Great Ocean Road. This detailed itinerary is tailored for both seasoned backpackers and first-time adventurers, highlighting must-see attractions and offering practical “road trips Australia” tips. As you journey through bustling cities, serene beaches, and breathtaking natural wonders, you’ll collect travel stories that capture the essence of each stop. This guide ensures a seamless and enriching travel experience along one of Australia’s most scenic routes.
The Sydney to Melbourne route features stunning coastal drives, charming rural towns, and vibrant cities. Approaching Melbourne, the atmosphere becomes more vibrant, with cultural landmarks, renowned dining, and iconic sites. This route combines natural beauty, rural charm, and urban sophistication.
1. Road Trips Australia Itinerary : Days 18-26 from Sydney to Melbourne (About 1070 km via Canberra)
14. Jervis Bay
Hyams Beach : Hyams Beach, located approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Sydney, is famous for its incredibly white sand and clear turquoise waters. A road trip to this stunning destination takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, making it a perfect choice for those exploring Australia by car. The beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and photography, offering a quintessential Australian coastal experience.
Booderee National Park : Booderee National Park offers rich cultural and natural experiences with bushwalking trails, botanical gardens, and Aboriginal heritage sites.
Snorkeling and Diving : Jervis Bay is a premier destination for snorkeling and diving due to its clear waters and rich marine life. Popular spots like Murrays Beach and Jervis Bay Marine Park offer excellent underwater visibility and diverse aquatic habitats. Snorkelers and divers can encounter colorful fish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins. The bay’s rocky reefs and seagrass meadows provide a vibrant underwater landscape, making it ideal for beginners and experienced divers looking to explore the beauty beneath the surface.
15. Canberra
Australian War Memorial : Combining a shrine, museum, and archive, this memorial honors Australian military personnel. It features exhibits, galleries, and the moving Last Post ceremony.
Parliament House : The political hub of Australia, offering guided tours that explain the legislative process. Visitors can explore the impressive architecture and see the chambers where debates occur.
National Gallery of Australia : Houses an extensive collection of art, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works. The gallery hosts major exhibitions and provides cultural insights through its diverse collections.
** Tips and Recommendations during Road Trips Australia :
1. Parking Information :
JERVIS BAY :
Hyams Beach: Free parking is available at Hyams Beach in designated car parks. However, it can get crowded during peak times, so arriving early is recommended. Additional parking is available in nearby streets, but be mindful of local regulations.
Murrays Beach: Murrays Beach, located within Booderee National Park, offers a large car park from which it is a short 10-minute walk to the beach. Entry fees apply to all areas of Booderee National Park, including Murrays Beach. As of 2024, the entrance fee is AUD 13 per vehicle for a 48-hour pass.
Canberra :
Canberra Centre: Parking at the Canberra Centre is convenient with rates starting at $3 for up to 1 hour. For longer stays, the rates increase progressively, with a daily maximum of $35 for over 7 hours. There are special rates for evenings and weekends at a flat rate of $3. Additionally, all-day rooftop parking is available for $15. Electric vehicle parking is provided with a 2-hour limit.
Visitor Information Centre: Located at Regatta Point, the Canberra and Region Visitor Information Centre provides free one-hour parking, making it convenient for short visits. There are also designated free all-day parking spots for larger vehicles like caravans and RVs, ensuring easy access for all visitors.
Melbourne :
Federation Square: The Federation Square Car Park offers a convenient and secure parking option in Melbourne with 500 undercover spaces. The rates for 2024 are structured to accommodate various needs. For casual parking, the first 30 minutes cost $8, extending to $16 for up to one hour.
Royal Botanic Gardens: On-street parking is available around the Royal Botanic Gardens. Rates vary depending on the street, with some areas offering limited free parking. Visitors should check local signage for specific parking restrictions and rates. This parking option provides flexibility for those wanting to explore the gardens. More information can be found on the Royal Botanic Gardens website.
Melbourne Zoo: The Melbourne Zoo Car Park provides ample spaces with affordable rates. Visitors can park for $2 per hour up to five hours, with a flat rate of $12 for stays over five hours. The car park is open daily from 9am to 5pm and is located off Elliott Avenue. For further details, visit the Melbourne Zoo website.
** Tip: There are time restrictions depending on the parking lot, and if you break them, you may be fined. Be sure to check before you visit, and using parking apps like Parkopedia and Wilson Parking can help you find available spaces and secure better rates.
2. Campsites Information :
JERVIS BAY :
Green Patch Campground:
Location: Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay.
Details: This campground offers extensive amenities such as hot showers, toilets, barbecue facilities, and picnic areas. It is family-friendly and provides easy access to the beach and walking trails, making it ideal for a comfortable camping experience on road trips across Australia. The cost is approximately AUD 13 per adult per night and AUD 6.50 per child per night.
Cave Beach Campground:
Location: Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay.
Details: Known for its basic amenities, including toilets and cold showers, Cave Beach is popular with surfers and offers a more rustic camping experience near a scenic beach. Prices are approximately AUD 13 per adult per night and AUD 6.50 per child per night.
Murrays Beach:
Location: Booderee National Park, near the southern end of Jervis Bay.
Details: Murrays Beach is ideal for scuba diving due to its excellent underwater visibility and diverse marine life. The beach has free parking, toilets, and picnic areas. Entry to Booderee National Park costs AUD 13 per vehicle for a 48-hour pass, making it a convenient and affordable destination for divers.
Canberra :
Cotter Campground:
Location: Cotter Avenue, near the junction of the Cotter and Murrumbidgee Rivers, approximately 20 km west of Canberra’s city center.
Details: Cotter Campground is a popular campsite equipped with hot showers, toilets, barbecue facilities, and picnic areas. It’s located along the Cotter River, offering scenic views and opportunities for swimming and fishing. The site is family-friendly, providing several large, shaded areas. The cost is approximately AUD 15 per adult per night, with discounts for children and group bookings. While it’s about a 30-minute drive from Canberra’s city center, it is relatively convenient for accessing urban amenities and exploring the town.
Melbourne :
Melbourne BIG4 Holiday Park:
Location: 265 Elizabeth Street, Coburg, Melbourne.
Details: Melbourne BIG4 Holiday Park is a well-equipped campsite approximately 9 kilometers north of Melbourne’s CBD. It offers a range of accommodation options including powered and unpowered sites for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, as well as cabins and villas. The park features modern amenities such as clean bathrooms, a camp kitchen, a swimming pool, a playground, and barbecue facilities. It’s an ideal spot for families and those looking to stay close to the city’s attractions while enjoying a comfortable camping experience.
Discovery Parks – Melbourne:
Location: 129 Ashley Street, Braybrook, Melbourne.
Details: Discovery Parks – Melbourne is located about 10 kilometers west of Melbourne’s CBD. This campsite offers various accommodation options including powered and unpowered sites for tents and caravans, as well as cabins and villas. The park’s amenities include modern bathrooms, a fully equipped camp kitchen, a swimming pool, a playground, and barbecue facilities. It’s a convenient base for exploring Melbourne and its surroundings, providing easy access to public transport and major roads.
**Find campsites Tip**
WikiCamps Australia is a leading camping app known for its extensive database of campsites, including caravan parks, free camps, and tourist parks, making it an essential tool for road trips Australia. It allows users to filter searches by location, facilities, and reviews, and offers offline maps, GPS coordinates, and detailed site information. The app is accessible on iOS, Android, and web browsers, making it a versatile tool for campers and travelers.