Melbourne to Sydney: Which route is the best for a road-trip?

Australia’s biggest cities are linked by two remarkable but totally different road-trip options, packed with bites, delights, and beauties.

Visit Victoria and the travel experts at RAA are sharing the best road trip stops in Victoria.

Inland or coast? Coast or inland? I can see your mind seesawing from here. When you’re planning a road-trip, it’s the all-important question, because it will shape your entire experience.

On one hand, our continent has a whole lot of land to explore, full of history, incredible experiences, boutique producers, and gorgeous scenery. On the other hand, there’s some 25,760km of pretty coastline, equally packed with the stuff of road trip dreams.

It’s a tough choice. If you’re planning to drive from Melbourne to Sydney anytime soon (and you should, because it’s much more interesting than flying), there are two main routes you can take.

Bendigo, Australia

OPTION 1: INLAND ROUTE

Travelling inland is the best. If you travel this way, you’ll experience the best that Victoria has to offer. Head north from Melbourne to Bendigo and go straight to the Bendigo Art Gallery. A hidden gem, you’ll find thought-provoking contemporary exhibitions as well as Australian classics, like the original The Drover by Walter Withers.

While you’re in Bendigo, nip out to Heathcote and visit its wineries. If you enjoy sophisticated experiences with award-winning shiraz, you can’t go past Sanguine Estate. If it's a cosy afternoon drinking reds at a rustic cellar door with the world’s friendliest dog (she’s a gentle black lab called Panther) sounds more like your thing, we recommend calling into Munari Wines.

From here, continue up towards Echuca. It’s a historic town on the Murray River, where paddle steamers still glide back and forth. First stop is the port, naturally. If you’re looking for a twist, sign up for the Port After Dark ghost tour, creepy in all the best ways. Call in for dinner at one of the nearby pubs (I recommend the Star Hotel) and stop at local producers, such as Echuca Distillery and Echuca Chocolate Company.

Yarrawonga, a little further up the river, has a lot to offer. It’s the kind of place where you can play on an inflatable water park in the morning and book in for a spa treatment in the afternoon; there really is something for everyone. Make sure you book a place to stay right on the shore of Lake Mulwala to take in the amazing sunrises and sunsets.

The final stop is Albury/Wodonga. Call in for brunch at Bean Station Cafe in Wodonga and then see where the road takes you. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) is a must and it would be a crime to visit without stretching your legs in the nearby Albury Botanic Gardens.

Eastern Freeway, Melbourne

OPTION 2: COASTAL ROUTE

But wait! Travelling along the coast is also the best. Head southeast from Melbourne and make Phillip Island your first stop. Visit the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory (busted, I’m a sucker for chocolatey goodness), call in for a meal at Rusty Water Brewery Restaurant and Bar, and book tickets to the island’s most famous attraction — everyone should see the Penguin Parade at least once.

The next stop is Wilsons Promontory. Suffice it to say it’s a veritable Eden, with beaches and hikes galore. The 19km return Sealers Cove walk can be done in one (very big) day and you can rest up by staying at one of the safari-style glamping tents at Tidal River. You’ll need a big feed after a few days in nature, so plan to stop by the Metung Hotel for a spectacular long lunch.

Lakes Entrance is a fun tourist town with a lot to offer — nothing beats a fiercely competitive game of mini-golf followed by fresh fish and chips on the beach. You’re spoilt for choice with three mini-golf options, each with something different to offer. It depends how you like your mini-golf: traditional, paired with lollies, or with a side of dodgem cars. Or stage a best of three?

Lakes Entrance, Gippsland Lakes Victoria

Only 45 minutes further is Orbost, historic early settlers’ town. There are cafes. There are bakeries. There are galleries. And best of all, there is craft beer. Visit Sailors Grave, at the old butter factory, to taste the likes of the Dark Emu Dark Lager or catch the Deep Winter Festival on July 3.

Finally, before you cross the border into NSW, be sure to venture into Mallacoota. It’s slightly off the main road, tucked away in the 87,500ha Croajingolong National Park, which makes it one of Victoria’s best-kept secrets. Walk along the beach, hire a mountain bike and get some blood flowing on the 14km Captains Creek Trail, and sample the homemade Cantonese dumplings and noodles at Lucy’s.

OPTION 3: OR JUST DO BOTH

Of course, road trips are rarely one-way. I mean, it would be more than a little awkward if you just abandoned your house, your job, your mates, and disappeared into the horizon?

So why not do both? If you’re planning a road trip from Melbourne to Sydney, travel inland on the way up and down the coast on the way back. It’s the ultimate win-win situation.

A tale of two cities linked by two remarkable but quite different driving routes that totally capture the heart and spirit of Australia. Choose the dramatic beauty of the coast peppered with quiet seaside towns, surf beaches and lush national parks. Or take the road less travelled and head inland on a drive through Australia’s pioneering history. Immerse yourself in a landscape shaped by the country’s early settlers, the river traders and those on the gold rush trail seeking fortune and fame. Plan your self drive holiday with the travel experts at RAA travel.