11 Day Sydney to Melbourne Explorer

YOUR DAY

Welcome to Sydney, Australia’s vibrant harbour city!

Upon arrival, you have the option to collect a rental car at the airport and drive into the city, though we recommend a private transfer for a seamless experience. We can arrange for your rental car pick-up when you depart Sydney, or your guide will collect you for the journey ahead.

Once checked in at your inner-city hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure. You might take a relaxing walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens, wander along Darling Harbour, or simply soak in the city’s lively atmosphere. We will provide personalised recommendations on the best places to eat, drink, and explore.

For the evening, consider an unforgettable dinner cruise around the iconic Sydney Opera House, or explore other fantastic dining options the city has to offer.

YOUR DAY

Discover the essence of Sydney by starting your day at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Engage in a guided tour to uncover the fascinating history and architecture of this world-renowned landmark. After soaking in the cultural splendor, wander down to The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest district. Here, you can meander through narrow lanes lined with colonial buildings, boutiques, and art galleries. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a waterfront restaurant, savoring local flavors with views of the Harbour Bridge. The afternoon is perfect for exploring the area’s eclectic market stalls or indulging in a historical walking tour, diving deeper into the stories that shaped Sydney.

YOUR DAY

A day of wildlife and culture awaits as you take a scenic ferry ride to Taronga Zoo, set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Here, you’ll encounter a diverse range of Australian wildlife and exotic species, with the option to join exclusive behind-the-scenes tours for a closer look.

After your visit, return to the city and immerse yourself in contemporary creativity at the Museum of Contemporary Art, where thought-provoking exhibitions showcase cutting-edge works from local and international artists. Then, take a leisurely stroll through Barangaroo Reserve, a waterfront park that beautifully blends natural landscapes with Indigenous heritage. Explore its walking trails, admire public artworks, and soak in the breathtaking harbour views.

If you’re looking for more adventure, consider additional experiences such as whale watching, a Bondi Beach tour, a guided cycle tour, or a day trip to the Blue Mountains, offering incredible scenery and outdoor exploration opportunities.

YOUR DAY

Time to hit the road on your incredible journey south.

We will arrange for you to collect your car in Sydney and from there make the journey Southward along the pacific coast. Another option is meeting your private guide today

Along the way make a stop if you wish at the fantastic beaches of Woolongong.

Following this perhaps visit Nan Tien Temple- largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere. This unique experience has grandeur architecture, art and culture, unique exhibitions and vegetarian culinary delights. Here you can wander through the temples and gardens, or dine at the lovely tea house.

The name Kiama is from its Wodi Wodi Indigenous name Kiaram-a, to which some sources give the meaning “where the sea makes a noise”— a reference to the famous Kiama blowhole.

Spend a relaxing afternoon checking out the Kiama Blowhole and Lighthouse among other scenic spots and incredible walking opportunities.

YOUR DAY

211km- 2 hours 50 minutes driving

This morning your spectacular drive continues southward.

First up,make your way south to the the historic Village of Milton where you may wish to spend time checking out its heritage listed buildings. From here we suggest heading through to Mollymook and enjoying a walk on its beach and enjoy dining at one of the town’s incredible restaurants. From here you may wish to make a detour to Murramarang. Murramarang very much deserves a detour from the highway. Apart from a string of sandy beaches and stunning walking trails in Murramarang, there is a great opportunity to see kangaroos on Pebbly Beach – the best place in NSW, if not Australia to see kangaroos hopping in the sand with the ocean in the background. From here head through Batemans Bay to the historic gold rush town of Mogo where you may wish too stop and have a ‘cuppa’ and browse at the the quirky shops. From here we recommend heading to Bodalla to try some incredible cheeses of the region.

TIP: Aim to visit the Dairy shed around 10 am or 4 pm, and you will get a chance to bottle-feed the calves at the farm.

From here it is a short drive through to Narooma, your destination for the next 2 x nights. If time permits this evening we suggest taking a walk along the Mill Bay Board walk and also absorbing the ocean views from the Narooma surf Beach.

YOUR DAY

Today you will take a trip out on our comfortable boats. Around 8km offshore, Montague Island is one of the most popular attractions on the South Coast. This island is pristine, unspoilt and surrounded by the bluest waters you’ve seen. Montague Island Nature reserve is also home to penguins, a resident seal colony and has rich historic links to indigenous culture, Narooma and the South Coast boating industry.

Montague Island is approximately 80 hectares in size and its lighthouse has been in operation since 1881. On your excursion you’ll discover the secrets of the island – we know a few, we’ve been taking visitors on Montague Island tours since 1983! All tours involve a 25 minute boat trip, and the same trip back again. On the way back we may stop for dolphins or whales which can extend the time.

We’ll take you to see Montague’s resident seal colony, and along the way you may encounter pods of migrating whales (Sept to Nov), vast schools of friendly dolphins, basking sunfish, manta rays, or acres of pelagic fish.

Montague Island is well known for its colony of Little Penguins. It’s home to around 10,000 pairs of them! These birds return to their burrows each evening after a busy time fishing in the waters in and around the island. This nightly migration can be viewed on the evening tour to the Island between September and late January. This tour includes whales and seals as well as a walk on the Island. Return to Narooma in the afternoon where you may wish to go for a stroll and check out one of the town’s spectacular coffee shops or ice cream parlours.

YOUR DAY

375km- 4 hours 30 minutes driving

This morning head further south along the Coast where you may wish to make a stop in the charming town of Tilba and discover a world of colourful old shops a cheese factory and wineries among other attractions. You may also wish to take a bush walk through the magnificent Guluga. From here head through the towns of Merimbula and Eden before Crossing the Caan River where you may your way toward the town of Lakes Entrance where you will spend the evening.

YOUR DAY

322km- 4 hours drive time

Westwards we go towards our final destination of Melbourne and the country’s cultural hotspot with incredible cuisine, galleries, architecture and a stunning skyline all make this a place to really immerse yourself in.

On route you may wish to pause in the villages of Bairnsdale and Rosedale among others and of course take a birds eye view from spectacular Mount Dandenong look out. On your interactive travel app we will also recommend one of our favourite walks through eucalyptus forest in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges,

Arriving in Melbourne in the afternoon you can drop off your rental car in the city and enjoy the rest of the day enjoying some of the top attractions that the city has to offer. On your interactive travel app we will have suggestions for restaurants, cafes, nightlife and shopping among others.

YOUR DAY

Today is a full day to explore Melbourne and experience the ins and outs of this vibrant metropolis. You will be taken on a fantastic walking tour of the inner city and discover the area by foot. Sites include Federation Square, Melbourne’s Street Art, Chinatown and Princess Theatre as well as discovering some of the city’s best cafes and hidden bars. You will also visit to Eureka Tower for fantastic panoramic views of the city centre and its surrounds.

This afternoon Get a different perspective at Melbourne’s iconic sights on a kayak tour along the Yarra River. Leave from Federation Square and paddle past popular sights such as Princes Bridge, Flinders Street Station, Crown Casino, and the Docklands district. Take in the beautiful city skyline and enjoy a relaxing day on the river on this 2-hour tour, perfect for all ages and skill levels.

YOUR DAY

Today upon check out from your airport hotel you will be transferred to Melbourne Airport by shuttle for your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you enjoyed this incredible journey.