Coastal living: Melbourne to Brisbane road trip

Itinerary in brief: 

• 3 nights Melbourne
• 2 nights Mornington Peninsula
• 1 night Phillip Island
• 1 night Lakes Entrance
• 1 night Merimbula
• 1 night Bateman's Bay
• 1 night Jervis Bay
• 2 nights Sydney
• 1 night Blue Mountains
• 2 nights Hunter Valley
• 2 nights Port Macquarie
• 2 nights Byron Bay 

Day 1: Depart UK 

Depart UK from your chosen airport. 

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Melbourne

On arrival in Melbourne, you'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, checking in for three nights. Head out into the city - why not grab a delicious dim sum dinner in Chinatown?

Included: Transfer, 4* hotel 

Day 2: Melbourne

Today is yours to explore Melbourne. Wander through the Laneways as you hop between coffee shops, tasting Melbourne's famous flat white. Take a ride up the Eureka Sky deck to experience uninterrupted 360-degree views of the skyline, where you can even enjoy a cocktail at the top. Head to Queen Victoria Market to taste the famous hot jam donuts, hop on the tram for a free ride round the city and stroll along the Yarra River in the Botanic Gardens. Sample local craft beers, drool over the array of boutique cake shops and head out to dinner to one of Melbourne incredible array of restaurants - whether you want Michelin Star dining or a classic Aussie parma at a local pub.

Included: 4* hotel 

Day 4: Great Ocean Road tour

Head out on a group tour down to the Great Ocean Road today, soaking up the spectacular views of one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. Stop to take a photo at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway, admire the vast golden beaches and feel the wind in your hair on the dramatic cliff tops. Visit the laid-back seaside towns of Apollo Bay, spot kangaroos and emus at the wildlife park and enjoy the rugged beauty of the Shipwreck Coast. Finally you'll arrive at the Twelve Apostles, the highlight of this glorious coastline, to gaze out at the famous rocks surrounded by the ocean shimmering in the sun. 

Included: Great Ocean Road group tour, 4* hotel 

Day 5: Drive to Mornington Peninsula

Leaving Melbourne behind today, you'll pick up your hire car and hit the road, heading down to the Mornington Peninsula. You'll be in the town of Sorrento before lunch, so the rest of your day is yours to explore the region. Take a walk along the coast or through the national parks, partake in some water sports from scuba diving to sea kayaking. Another popular activity to indulge in is visiting one of the many wineries located in the region to enjoy sampling some of the region’s best grapes, along with lunch on the terraces overlooking the vines.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 6: Mornington Peninsula

Spend the morning enjoying a delicious lunch with a wine tasting in the Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove. Start your day with a tour of the winery, learning about the winemaking philosophy and the cool climate of the Mornington Peninsula. You'll taste wine straight from the barrel as you hear about the differences between vineyards and the way the wines mature and age over time. After your time exploring the vines, sit down for a mouth-watering lunch with matched wines, feasting on estate-grown produce. 

Finish your day with a wander through the Montalto Sculpture Trail, where you can enjoy the wetlands and the artwork around the route. Pick up your bottle of wine before you leave - we obviously recommend a taxi to and from this wonderful experience to enjoy it to the full! The rest of the afternoon is yours to continue exploring the beaches and towns of the peninsula or simply relax at your hotel after an indulgent morning. 

Included: Car hire, Wine tasting tour with lunch, 4* hotel  

Day 7: Drive to Phillip Island

Spend the morning continuing to enjoy the Mornington Peninsula - hopping between beaches, vineyards and quaint seaside towns. When you're ready to move on, you'll now drive on Philip Island, round the headland and onto the island to explore this pretty region. Head to The Nobbies in the far point of the of the island to stroll along the boardwalks and enjoy fresh garlicky shellfish at the cafe before exploring the Phillip Island Winery where rolling views and afternoon grazing platters can be found. Just next door is where you'll finish the day - at the famous Penguin Parade, where the tiny penguins emerge from the sea and scurry over to their burrows as night falls.  

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 8: Drive to Lake's Entrance

Leaving Phillip Island behind, today you'll drive towards the Gippsland Lakes, taking in the beauty of Victoria's coastal region on the way. Enjoy views of the rugged cliffs from the Bunurong Coastal Drive before stopping it Inverloch for a coffee in one of their cute cafes. If you have time, head down to Tarra Bulga National Park, where you can enjoy one of many short hikes through the rainforest, admiring the green ferns and magical waterfalls as you walk through the gully. 

Venturing further east, you'll arrive at Paynesville, where you can hop on the 5 minute ferry to Raymond Island, to look for some of their resident wild koalas. Gaze up into the gum trees and look for these adorable marsupials - you might get lucky and see some kangaroos and echidnas as well.  Finally you'll arrive in Lake's Entrance, ready to check in for the night. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 9: Drive to Merimbula

This morning you'll head out for an epic adventure - a helicopter tour with stand up paddleboarding. First you'll be taken by heli out across Lake's Entrance, admiring the spectacular views of the landscape from above, before landing near Ninety Mile Beach. From here, you'll hop on your stand up paddleboard and slowly make your way back to where you started, soaking up the incredible scenery and relaxing on the calm water. No experience necessary, this will be an incredible experience you'll talk about for a long time!

After this unique expedition, you'll head back to your car to continue your journey on towards Merimbula. Discover the winding waterways and waterfront boardwalks of Metung and Lakes Entrance and stroll along the vast sands of the coast before heading east again, exploring the Snowy River Estuary or heading to Eden to explore the historical Eden Killer Whale Museum, before arriving in Merimbula for the night. 

Included: Car hire, SUP helicopter tour, 4* hotel 

Day 10: Drive to Bateman's Bay

Head off again today, exploring authentic coastal towns like Tathra or Bermagui - home to one of the best rock pools in the world - as you go. Look out for kangaroos in the peaceful fields, snorkel with seals from Narooma and hop between authentic coastal towns with ocean views. It's a day of scenic driving, with rugged beaches, fresh seafood and friendly locals to meet along the way. Finish your day as you arrive in Bateman's Bay, with a fish and chip supper as you watch the sunset. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 11: Drive to Jervis Bay

Spend the morning enjoying a kayaking with oysters tour in the Clyde River Estuary from Bateman's Bay - paddling through the calm water, learning about the local oyster farming and tasting some of the freshest shellfish around. After a refreshing time on the water, you'll continue your journey north, looking out for kangaroos at Pebbly Beach and enjoying more charming coastal towns and scenic lookouts. Soon you'll arrive in Jervis Bay, home to one of the best beaches in Australia, Hyams Beach and a unique glamping spot where you'll be spending the night. Paperbark Camp is a luxurious eco-retreat, with safari-style tents hidden amongst the eucalyptus trees, where you can enjoy a comfortable stay within nature, whilst still just minutes from the spectacular local beaches. 

After you've settled in and had dinner, you'll head out to the beach to enjoy a 90 minute stargazing tour, learning about the twinkling sky and soaking up the breath-taking views of the solar system above you. It's the perfect end to a beautiful day. 

Included: Car hire, oyster kayaking tour, stargazing tour, 4* hotel 

Day 12: Drive to Sydney

Take one final stroll along the squeaky clean sands of Hyam's Beach before heading north towards Sydney. Stop in Wollongong, where you can stop for a coffee in one of their beachfront cafes before starting the Grand Pacific Drive towards Sydney. Drive through the eucalyptus trees of Royal National Park before arriving into one of the most iconic cities in the world - Sydney. Check into your hotel for two nights and head straight to the harbour to soak up the incredible Opera House views. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 13: Sydney 

Spend the day exploring the iconic city of Sydney. Why not head down to the harbour and join one of the many boat cruises to see the Harbour Bridge at its best? Stroll through the Botanic Gardens to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for the best views of the Opera House and the bridge before heading to one of the city's interesting museums. Find the best street food in the markets of the Rocks, hop on a bus to Bondi Beach to walk the famous Bondi to Coogee Trail or take the ferry to explore the beach suburb of Manly.

We've included the Burrawa BridgeClimb, where you'll discover the aboriginal history of Sydney as you climb the iconic Harbour Bridge. Burrawa is a local Aboriginal word that means 'above' or 'upwards'. During this spectacular experience, you can admire unrivalled views of the Indigenous landmarks around Sydney Harbour including Bennelong and Barangaroo, while hearing the stories of Australia's First Nations people. Your guide will tell stories about local history from an Aboriginal perspective whilst looking down on the shores where Patyegarang taught William Dawes the language of Sydney.

Included: Bridgeclimb, 4* hotel 

Day 14: Drive to the Blue Mountains

You will pick up your rental car today and drive almost 3 hours to your next stop, Katoomba and Medlow Bath – the gateway to the Blue Mountains. Known for its dramatic scenery, this region encompasses eucalyptus forests, waterfalls and villages, a perfect place to enjoy some great walks and take in the views. Why not start with a visit to Echo Point to soak up the most famous view of the Three Sisters rocks, perfect in the afternoon light. After this you could enjoy the hike down the Giant Stairway to Honeymoon Point before stopping into quaint Leura for dinner. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel

Day 15: Drive to the Hunter Valley

Continue exploring the Blue Mountains this morning - why not visit Scenic World, where you can hop on the cable car for spectacular views over the Jamison Valley. After lunch, you'll drive towards the Hunter Valley, the heart of New South Wales most famous wine region and settle into your hotel for two nights. Head straight out to wander round the tiny town of Pokolbin or enjoy a delicious dinner out at one of the farm-to-table restaurants

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel

Day 16: Hunter Valley

Today you'll head out on a fantastic tour to experience the best of the Hunter Valley. You'll enjoy several stops at different wineries, tasting local wines and feasting on a mouth-watering grazing box amongst the vines. You'll also get to experience a cheese and wine pairing masterclass with 7 different cheeses together. Look out for local kangaroos as you enjoy artisan chooclate and try a range of craft beers at a nearby brewery. You'll be needing a small dinner after this brilliant day in the Hunter Valley.

Included: Car hire, Uncork the Hunter tour, 4* hotel 

Day 17: Drive to Port Macquarie

Finishing your time in the Hunter Valley, don't forget to pick up some tasty goodies for a picnic from some of Pokolbin's local coffee shops, delis and farm shops before heading back to the coast. If you're travelling between July and October, make sure you drop into Port Stephens to embark on a whale watching tour, looking out for dolphins as well in the cresting waves. Finish the day in Port Macquarie, where you can stroll along the white sand beaches and relax in this beachside town.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel

Day 18: Port Macquarie

Today is yours to explore the picturesque beaches and national parks around Port Macquarie. Why not head out for a hike along the scenic coastal walking trail, soaking up the endless beaches with their crashing surf and enjoying the fresh air in the sunshine. Head to the Koala hospital to meet the cute creature that are cared for here, or visit Billabong Zoo, where you'll find even more iconic Australian animals. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel

Day 19: Drive to Byron Bay 

Keep driving north - don't miss exploring the Trial Bay Gaol, walking the boardwalks through the Urunga Wetlands and snapping a photo with the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. Soon you'll arrive in Byron Bay, famous as one of the coolest, laid-back beach towns in Australia. Why not head straight out for dinner by the beach - enjoying a cold beer as the sun goes down is the perfect way to end the day!

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel

Day 20: Bryon Bay

Spend the day enjoy the coastal scenery of Byron Bay. Head up to Cape Byron Lighthouse - if you make it for sunrise you'll be amongst the first people in Australia to see it that morning. Look out for whales if you're visiting between May and November and just soak up the spectacular views out across the bay. Grab brunch in one of the cool cafes along the beach or head out on a dolphin watching tour - if you'd like to add this to your itinerary - just ask. 

As it's your last day in Australia we've included a two hour surfing lesson - there's nowhere better to try it for the first time than in Byron Bay, with gentle surf that's perfect for beginners. It's a great to really embrace the Aussie lifestyle and enjoy the waves on your final day.

Day 21: Depart Australia

Enjoy a last stroll along the beach before driving north to Brisbane Airport, where you'll drop off your hire car before flying home. 

Included: Car hire, international flights

Day 22: Arrive UK