Sydney is an Australian national treasure and a world-renowned city thanks to the famous Opera House and its 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 along the country’s sunny east coast.

While you’re in Sydney, take time to admire the main attractions, like the harbour-facing Opera House and the amazing Skywalk with 360-degree views of the city. Meanwhile, have fun exploring Bondi, the beachside district with the world-famous Bondi Beach and an incredible 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 some of the cleanest, most pristine beaches in the world. Combined with crystal-clear, deep blue waters, this is the perfect place for a quick rest and a swim. Jervis Bay is also a fantastic spot for snapping scenic photos — from the beaches themselves to shots of you relaxing or taking part in watersports!

Once you’re finished soaking up the sun and feeling the soft white sand beneath your feet, pop into Jervis Bay Brewing Co. for a quick drink. Then head to the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum to explore the area’s history before you set off again.

Your next pit stop will be Narooma, a coastal town located on the Sapphire Coast. Narooma’s activities and attractions are found along the coastline. You can do almost anything, like fishing, snorkelling, swimming and watching wildlife.

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

Narooma has its own charm, but the real crowning jewel for this stop is Montague Island! Montague Island is home to loads of fun activities and unforgettable landmarks such as Australia Rock and Gulaga National Park!

When you’re not snorkelling and admiring the colourful underwater world, you’ll be watching out for the hordes of little penguins that gather on the beaches. If you’re lucky, you might well see over 1,000 penguins along 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 ancient Merimbula Lake to kayaking and taking in the glorious scenery, Merimbula Lake has no shortage of fun water-based activities.

Want to land a big one? 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 snorkelling, have some fun on land by playing a round of golf at the Pambula Merimbula Golf Park or by enjoying the rides and attractions at Magic Mountain Merimbula!

If you’re someone who loves catching and riding the waves, this next stop is for you! Up next, we have Mallacoota — a small but extraordinary coastal town tucked away in Croajingolong National Park. With clean, beautiful beaches and wildlife like kangaroos and Australian Water Dragons, there’s plenty to see here!

When you’re done hanging ten on the surfboard you bought at the Mallacoota Surf Shack, soak up some culture by checking out the exhibits at the Mallacoota Arts Space Art Gallery. Mallacoota and Croajingolong National Park offer a calm, relaxed atmosphere that’ll help you unwind after hours on the road.

After exploring the plethora of natural wonders along Australia's south-eastern coast, the last coastal town you’ll visit is Paynesville. Paynesville sits on the shores of Lake King, so you’ll be surrounded by some of the best water views and tranquil scenery.

Visitors can expect one of the most relaxing times of their lives — there are loads of fun activities to enjoy. But we’d be remiss not to mention the dining scene. Paynesville offers a wide range of cuisines, from seafood and Asian to Thai, Italian and Chinese. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Paynesville has you covered — sample Italian dishes at Three Double8zero or enjoy 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 invites you to explore the extraordinary street art, shop at the historic Queen Victoria Market and experience a unique dining scene.

Enjoy Melbourne's bustling yet relaxed atmosphere by trying out a few activities! Take a hot-air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley, learn about Australia's history at the Melbourne Museum and take in panoramic views from the Melbourne Skydeck!