Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Route.


This drive to Melbourne is one of Australia’s best; it captures the essence and personality of Australia’s beauty. It is famous for gorgeous fishing villages, wonderful pristine beaches, natural rainforests and National Parks all scattered down this astounding coastline. This drive is really a MUST do if visiting Australia, not just because of the beauty but also for the diversity of wonderful seafood, cheeses and wines on offer. So if you love fresh prawns, oysters, lobsters or even love catching them, well this coastline has it all.
 

Distances:


Sydney to Wollongong – 1hr 30mins
Wollongong to Bateman’s Bay – 2hrs 40mins
Bateman Bay to Eden – 2hrs 30 mins
Eden to Lakes Entrance – 2hrs 30mins
Lakes Entrance to Traralgon – 2hours
Traralgon to Melbourne – 2 hours.


Places of Interest.

  • Sydney National Park coast road to Wollongong : http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g25...    for details on this route.  

  • Wollongong : Historically the area was first settled by the wodi wodi aboriginal tribe, and the aboriginal name means " hard water near ground". It is said that Captain Cook attempted to land  here in April of 1770 but was unable to land due to tough and unstable conditions at sea. Wollongong has beautiful beaches and lagoons, and is nestled beside some very interesting areas. It used to be a very Industrial city but now has become a modern and vibrant city offering great restaurants, accommodation and attractions.  www.novotelnorthbeach.com.au  for accommodation.

  • Kiama: Is a little gem of a village, discovered by George Bass in 1797, the Aboriginal name means" place where sea makes noise".It is surrounded by beautiful beaches, harbour and two rivers. Kiama is famous for the “Blow Hole”, which spouts water high into the air. You could spend a whole day in this area exploring the Minnamurra rainforest, Seven Mile Beach, Jamberoo action Park, Bombo Headland and the Carrington Falls and Cathedral Rocks.  Kiama has plenty of accommodation available for all types of budgets and needs. The best kept secret is the East Beach Holiday Park which sits on 35 acres on absolute beachfront. Choose from waterfront units, villas and cabins. www.eastvanparks.com.au   or   www.kiama.com.au for info on other accommodation available. I highly recommend staying a day in this area if time permits. From Kiama take a detour via Gerringong and Gerroa to Nowra. Look for the sign post on your left saying "Gerringong Tourist Drive", which crosses a railway line. It hooks back onto the highway at the beginning of the bridge at Nowra. Alternatively, you can continue on the highway and visit the cute historical town of Berry. If time permits you can also turn off and see Kangaroo Valley. For more details also check out this fab thread. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g25...

  • Nowra: The highway by passes this town, if you are into Aviation or Naval history, then take a look at the Australian Naval Aviation Museum at HMAS Albatross. www.southcoast.com.au l . The Aboriginal name of Nowra has two meanings " camping place or black cockatoo".

  • Jervis Bay: Jervis Bay is famous for the whitest sand in the world, and its crystal clear waters. Discover the tranquil bush settings within the National Parks. The centre of the Jervis Bay tourist haven is Huskisson, and one must stop and have a beer at this icon, basic accommodation is also available. Jervis Bay is a naturalist delight, bounded with pristine beaches within the Booderee National Park, it is ideal for all activities, hiking, rock climbing, diving, snorkeling, fishing, swimming, kayaking and canoeing. The bay is 15km long and 10kim wide with little villages scattered around like Vincentia, Hyams Beach, Calla Bay, Myola, and Currarong. There are bay beaches such as Green Patch, Murray’s Beach, Hole in the Wall and surf beaches like Caves, Wreck Bay and Bherewerre. This area is a MUST to do and one really needs two to three days to explore this amazing destination. If time is limited at least do a bay cruise at Huskisson www.dolphincruises.com.au  to see the resident blue nose dolphins. Tourist Information at www.tourismjervisbay.com.au  - for accommodation www.dolphinsands.com , www.bluepointhouse.com.au ,  www.wvr.com.au , www.thehuskypub.com.au , www.hyamsbeachsesidecottages.com.au  ,  www.dolphinshores.com.au , www.paperbarkcamp.com.au , www.jervisbayguesthouse.com.au .     

  • Ull adulla:  Is a famous holiday destination for many Australians, it offers excellent accommodation and plenty of activities and attractions for families. Drenched with wonderful beaches, it oozes with personality and character and is a favourite place for many families.  www.mysterybaycottages.com.au  - for accommodation . The Aboriginal meaning of this town means " safe harbour ", which most sailors will agree, Ulladulla is one of the safest ports and one most welcomed in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race.

  • Murramarang National Park
    the main features of this park are the kangaroos at Pebbly Beach. With wonderful beaches, stunning headlands, is wonderful for swimming and fishing and more fishing.
    Located 10km north of Bateman’s Bay. Camping areas are available at Pebbly Beach, South Durras and Merry Beach. Bookings :-( 044) 239 800. Pebbly Beach is already known widely as the home of the "surfing kangaroos”. Although they will not be surfing, they will be happy enough to pose for a photo but please no not feed them.  www.bawleyhomestead.com.au  www.murramarang.com  - for accommodation

  • Bateman’s Bay: This area is blessed with the local lakes of Durras, Coila and Tuross which are popular for water sports and fishing. Lake Coila is also famous for its prawns. During your visit to Bateman’s Bay, take a drive out to the lovely village of Nelligen.This is another great place to stay overnight; there are plenty of restaurants serving fresh seafood and pubs for entertainment. Don’t forget to take a cruise up the Clyde River and drop into the historic village of Mogo.  www. bayinfo.com.au        www.beachresort.com.au
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    Narooma: Narooma's name comes from an aboriginal word meaning " clear, blue water". Whale watching, fishing, swimming, and boat cruises and charters can be readily obtained. Don’t forget to do a trip to     Montague Island     is a must do on your list. The island has a large colony of Little Penguins and many other seabirds use it as a breeding ground and migratory resting place. www.naroomaonline.com/-

  • Tilba Tilba: Originally inhabited by the Yuin Aboriginal tribe, their word Tilba means wind, so Tilba Tilba means windy, windy. This little gem of a village is really a must do and see. Situated below the foothills, the villages are steeped in history and has to be one of Australians most loveliest. Take a walk along the streets, and be surrounded by our history. Don’t forget to have lunch at the town pub, famed for its warmth and hospitality. The area was settled over 160 years ago, but the discovery of gold in 1850 saw people flock to the district. After the gold rush it became a diary area, it is now famous for its architecture and National Trust Heritage site. www.tilba.com.au/couriacreek.htm  - for accommodation.

  • Bermagui:   Bermagui is a gorgeous fishing village with an abundance of natural beauty, has its own commercial fishing fleet and is famous for its game fishing. The Co-op adjacent offers fresh fish and prawns daily, so if your a lover of fresh seafood then this little bit of paradise actually becomes heaven.Don't forget to go to the local pub to meet the locals, you will be greatly entertained. 
    There are plenty of good surfing beaches including Beares Beach, Moreheads Beach, Haywards Beach and Cuttagee Beach to catch a wave. The Blue Pool is a large saltwater pool which provides a wonderful swimming experience and is a natural attraction, a must do whilst in Bermagui.  The Aboriginal meaning is " canoe with paddles".

  • Bega It is prime dairy country, very famous for Bega Cheese and home to many wineries. It is also a large diary farming area surrounded by gorgeous green rolling hills. www.sapphirecoast.com.au/ bega.htm   www.begadowns.bestwestern.com.au for accommodation. The Aboriginal meaning which suits this village is " big camping ground".

  • Merimbula: Victorians migrate to Merimbula for their annual holidays. It is a boaties paradise with water sports for everyone. It is also famous for its oysters and prawns; this town is a great stopover and is well worth a visit. www.sapphirecoast.com.au/ merimbula.htm . The Aboriginal term for Merimbula is " big snake".

  • Eden : This wonderful village was founded as a whaling station in the early 1800s; it is now an important fishing area on the South Coast. Take a stroll through the Eden Killer Whale Museum and learn this history of this area. Naturally, Eden has become an important area for watching the migrating whales venture up the coast. www.sapphirecoast.com.au/ eden.htm   www.coachmaneden.bestwestern.com.au  - for accommodation.

  • Lakes Entrance: Is a large fishing town and is a paradise for keen boaties and fishermen. Many Victorians use this area for their annual holidays, so there is plenty of accommodation available here.

  • Traralgon: Traralgon is a lively and busy town with excellent accommodation, restaurants and bars. It also houses the Latrobe Performing Arts Centre which one can enjoy catching up on a bit of lively entertainment. The region is blessed with an abundance of National Parks and Rainforests. www.traralgon.com.au