Sydney is an Australian national treasure and world-renowned city thanks to the famous Opera House and vibrant city life. The Land Down Under’s most popular city is also the capital of New South Wales and the perfect place to start a road trip of the country’s sunny East Coast.

While in Sydney, you should take time to admire the main attractions, like the harbour facing Opera House and amazing Skywalk with 360 degree views of the city. Meanwhile, have fun exploring Bondi, the beach district with the world-famous Bondi Beach and miraculous surf scene.

Your first stop during your journey will be Jervis Bay, a coastal paradise in New South Wales! If you’re a beach lover, you won’t want to miss out on the cleanest and most pristine beaches in the world. Combined with crystal clear, deep blue waters, this is the perfect place for a quick rest and swim. Jervis Bay is also a fantastic destination for you to take scenic photos ranging from the beaches themselves to you relaxing or participating in water sports!

Once you’re finished soaking in the sun and feeling the soft white sand beneath your feet, pop by the Jervis Bay Brewing Co. for a quick drink. Then, make your way and explore the history of the area at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum before you reembark on your travels.

Your next pit stop will be Narooma, a coastal town located in the Sapphire Coast. Narooma’s activities and attractions are found within the coastline. You can do just about anything such as fishing, snorkeling, swimming and gazing at the wildlife.

Fun fact: did you know that Narooma is the breeding grounds for Australian fur seals? It’s also home to other exotic animals such as pelicans and stingrays. You can admire these magnificent creatures and breathtaking scenery by strolling down the Mill Bay Boardwalk. 

Narooma has its own charm, but the real crown jewel for this specific stop is Montague Island! Montague Island is home to a ton of fun activities and unforgettable landmarks such as the Australian Rock and Gulaga National Park!

When you’re not snorkeling and gazing at the colourful underwater ecosystem, you’ll be watching out for the hordes of little penguins that gather at the beaches. If you’re lucky, you may very well see over 1,000 penguins down the shoreline!

After saying your farewells to Narooma and Montague Island, you’ll soon find yourself in the coastal retreat of Merimbula. This charming seaside town offers visitors a wide variety of activities and attractions that have something for everyone to enjoy. From touring the primeval Merimbula Lake to kayaking and taking in the glorious scenery, Merimbula Lake has no shortage of fun water-based activities.

Want to score a big prize? Then, you’re in luck! Merimbula is one of the best places to go fishing. Snappers, tailors and Australian flatheads are just daring you to catch them! When you’re finished getting your fill of fishing and snorkeling, have some fun on land by playing a round of golf at the Pambula Merimbula Golf Park or by participating in activities at Magic Mountain Merimbula!

If you’re someone who enjoys catching and riding the waves, then this next stop is just for you! Up next, we have Mallacoota; a small, yet extraordinary coastal town that’s tucked away within the Croajingolong National Park. Clean, beautiful beaches and exotic animals such as the kangaroos and Australian Water Dragons, there are plenty of sights to behold here!

When you’re done hanging ten with the surfboard you purchased at the Mallacoota Surf Shack, get your cultural fill by gazing at the exhibits at the Mallacoota Arts Space Art Gallery. Mallacoota and Croajingolong National Park provides visitors with a calm, relaxed atmosphere, which can help you destress after spending hours on the road.

After exploring the plethora of natural wonders of Australia’s southeastern coast, the final coastal town you’ll explore is Paynesville. Paynesville is located within the shores of Lake King, so you’re going to be surrounded with nothing but some of the best water views and soothing scenery.

Visitors are in for one of the most relaxing times of their life as there are plenty of fun activities to do. But we’d be remiss not to talk about the dining scene. Paynesville has tons of different types of cuisine such as seafood, Asian, Thai, Italian and Chinese. Whatever you’re in the mood to snack on, Paynesville has you covered! Get a sample of Italian food by dining at Three Double8zero or enjoy the Asian flavours at Tham Dynasty!

With your coastal journey coming to a close, the final part of your road trip is to explore the main destination: Melbourne! This almost 200-year old city is the capital of Victoria and offers visitors to explore the extraordinary street art, shop around the historic Queen Victoria Market and experience a one-of-a-kind dining scene.

Enjoy the bustling, yet serene atmosphere of Melbourne by participating in various activities! Soar the skies in a hot air balloon ride in Yarra Valley, learn the history of Australia by touring around Melbourne Museum and get a scenic view on top of the Melbourne Skydeck!