Melbourne to Sydney Itinerary

The first stop on this Australia road trip adventure is to head to the Melbourne maui branch to pick up your motorhome. Once you have your motorhome, the real magic begins. Spend a few hours exploring the local tourist attractions in Melbourne, including marvelling at the local street art and trying one of Melbourne’s famous coffees.

Then, begin the journey by driving two hours north until you reach Bendigo. This elegant and regional city in central Victoria, best known for its magnificent heritage-listed buildings, trams, vineyards and art, will captivate you within seconds of arriving. After finding a spot to park, take a walk around the city to explore Alexandra Fountain, the former post office and law courts. Then, continue down to Rosalind Park and take in the open-air fernery, cascade waterfall and conservatory – this is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch.

Then it's time to experience riding the historic Bendigo trams. You can choose to jump on board the Heritage Tram to take a step back in time and learn about the prosperous Gold Rush days, hop on a Blues Tram to enjoy a drink and some live blues, or get acquainted with the Aboriginal heritage of this region on a Dja Dja Wurrung Tram. If you have time, don’t miss the chance to visit The Great Stupa, where you can marvel at the world’s largest jade-carved Buddha. And finally, stop by the Discovery Centre for an afternoon of child-like fun – exploring over 100 hands-on science and technology exhibits.

Where to stay: Big4 Bendigo Park Lane.

After your morning coffee and breakfast, it’s time to drive 3 hours on, to drink in the history, beautiful views, and fine wine of Rutherglen. Fringed by the Victorian Alps and Murray River, this historic wine-growing region boasts the foundations of a gold mining past and a passion for some of the best wine and food in Australia. There are so many incredible wineries to visit in Victoria, but this region is overflowing with cellar doors to explore. With a range of boutique family-owned wineries, quality restaurants and local produce, it's impossible to go hungry when visiting Rutherglen.

First, stop by the Corowa Distillery. Set in a 1920s flour mill, this rustic and historic location is an idyllic setting to taste and learn about the art of whiskey distillation. Then, spend the afternoon wandering the sculpture trail and marvelling at the captivating indigenous art at the Aboriginal art gallery. Of course, no trip to Rutherglen would be complete without a picture in front of the giant wine bottle – so be sure to grab a snap before the day is done.

If you are looking for a way to get a little active, swap four wheels for two and hire a bike for the afternoon to explore one of the many bike trails, do some bird-spotting, or grab ingredients for dinner at the local market. If you have time to explore further afield, this entire region is awash with incredible places to explore. The wine regions of Alpine Valley and King Valley are home to many unique vineyards and scenic vistas. You can even enjoy spending a night amongst the vines at a number of our maui Winery Havens. Otherwise, head to your campsite in town for the night.

Where to stay: Rutherglen caravan and tourist park.

Begin day three with a 2 hour and 45-minute drive to Tumut, crossing into New South Wales. The beautiful Tumut is not only surrounded by state forest but is also nestled at the base of mountains, making it picturesque in every season. Whether you're after an adventure, want to connect with nature, or just wander and explore - there is something in Tumut for you. For the more adventurous, you can get your adrenaline pumping with some hang-gliding. If a relaxed pace is more your style, go for a bush walk through one of the many nearby national parks or explore the museums or arts and crafts shops.

On a warm day, there is no better activity than to stop for a swim and picnic at Lions Junction Park. Once you have had your fill, check out the ancient limestone formations at Jersey Cave. For those wanting to recharge their batteries and reconnect with nature – visiting the Blowering dam should be on your list. This huge dam is around three times the size of Sydney Harbour and is a popular spot for swimming, fishing and unwinding.

End the day by stocking up the camper with some fresh produce from Learmont’s to cook up a delicious dinner – sure to be the envy of the entire campground! Stew up some famous Tumut apples and make an apple crumble to share with your neighbours. Where to stay: Riverglade Caravan Park.

Where to stay: Riverglade Caravan Park.

Leaving behind the beautiful solitude of Tumut, it’s time to explore Australia's Capital City and the home of Australian politics. Canberra is overflowing with stunning recreation areas, food and many hidden treasures to explore both in the city and the surrounding region.

After a morning of driving, there is no better way to begin exploring this city than by stretching your legs at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. This reserve is the perfect location to spot a koala or kangaroo in the wild and meander through the local bushland. Next up, head to Namadgi National Park. This special location is home to over 100,000 hectares of alpine and subalpine bushland and makes up close to half of the ACT! If you want something a little more relaxed, join a Cruise on Lake Burley Griffin for the afternoon.

If you have the time, take an extra day or two to really take in the world-renowned architecture and urban landscape or find out more about the Australian Story from the local indigenous peoples. Some other great things to do in Canberra include visiting Parliament House, both old and new, as well as the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia or going on an interactive science and technology journey at Questacon.

Where to stay: Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park

Day five signals the end of this stunning Melbourne to Sydney road trip. But it’s not over yet - at least not without exploring the best things to do in Sydney. On the drive north to Sydney, you'll pass by Goulburn. This town is home to the Big Merino – a 15-metre high life-like model called Rambo – a monument to the districts surrounding the wool industry. You'll also pass through the Southern Highlands of NSW, home to antiques, national parks, wineries and Tulip Time, a festival that brings thousands of visitors each year in Spring.

From here, all signs point to the city of Sydney. When you arrive, it’s time to explore the best things to do in Sydney and stop by some of the top Sydney attractions.

First, check out the stunning harbour views and plant life at the Royal Botanic Sydney Gardens. Then, take in some local Sydney culture with the Rocks Dreaming Aboriginal Heritage Tour. This two-hour Aboriginal-owned and led tour allows you to discover how the ancient Aboriginal Dreamtime is still alive within the modern Sydney landscape and how the billion-year-old harbour, marine environment, sandstone strata, waterways, flora and fauna continue to influence how Aboriginal people live today.

If you have a little extra time, spend the afternoon meeting the local wildlife at Taronga Zoo and check out the best things to do in Sydney at night for a little extra dose of city glitz and glamour. Then it’s time to make the short drive to the maui branch in Sydney to return the camper to begin the journey home.

Ready for your Melbourne to Sydney adventure? 

Whether you are planning a Melbourne to Sydney adventure or doing it in reverse with a Sydney to Melbourne road trip – this travel itinerary route is hands down the best way to experience the best of Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, as well as the boundless ocean and hinterland beauty that these three east coast states have to offer.

Ready for your Melbourne to Sydney adventure? Book your maui campervan hire today online or at your local branch. Then all there is left to do is start packing for your Australia road trip!