Melbourne to Sydney coastal self drive

Itinerary in brief: 

• 2 nights Melbourne
• 1 night Phillip Island
• 1 night Lakes Entrance
• 1 night Bateman's Bay
• 2 nights Sydney 

Day 1: Arrive Melbourne

On arrival in Melbourne, you'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, checking in for two 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 3: Drive to Phillip Island

This morning you'll collect your hire car and head off on your road trip! Head out to the Yarra Valley, where you can spend the day morning exploring the orchards, distilleries and vineyards of this pretty wine region. Meet some iconic Aussie animals at the Healesville Sanctuary before driving south to Phillip Island and checking into your hotel for one night. 

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 4: 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 5: Drive to Bateman's Bay

Spend your morning exploring the Gippsland Lakes, one of the largest lake systems in Australia. Head off to hire a kayak or a small boat and discover the winding waterways and waterfront boardwalks of Metung and Lakes Entrance. Stroll along the vast sands of Ninety Mile Beach before heading east again, exploring the Snowy River Estuary or even heading out for some whale watching from Eden. 

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 6: Drive to Sydney

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, stopping in at the pristine sands of Hyam's Beach and gazing up at the incredible Kiama Blowhole shooting water up into the air. 

Soon you'll arrive 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 7: 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. Sydney has so much to do - if you'd like to extend your time here or perhaps add in some day tours to the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley - just ask. 

Included: 4* hotel 

Day 8: Depart Sydney

Enjoy one last stroll around Circular Quay before being picked up and taken to the airport for your onwards flight. 

Included: Transfer