This road trip is a beautiful 7-day coastal trip that covers the highlights. Next time I would probably spend more time in a few places. It is also possible to do this road trip from Melbourne to Sydney.
Ulladullah
From Sydney drive towards Wollongong and towards Kiama. Visit the Kiama blowhole and the lighthouse. For lunch you could have some fish and chips. The Fish market is next to the lighthouse.
Next stop is Huskinsson. There are some beautiful beaches such as Jervis bay marine park and Shark net beach. The beaches are also close to the Huskinsson hotel. If you don’t want to stop in Huskinsson you could also keep driving towards Hyams Beach.
Slowly make your way to Ulladullah.
Feel like a snack? Get some warm fresh donuts from Berry donut van in Berry
Batemans bay
One hour drive from Ulladullah is Batemans Bay. Book the 2-hour guided kayaking tour with oyster tasting. We booked the tour through XGuide. The tour runs two times a day. A guide will give you instructions before you get into the kayak. Once in the kayak you will make your way to the Oyster Shed. A local farmer talks about the Sydney rock oyster and the Pacific oyster. There is also tastings of the different oysters. After the tasting make your way to the racks on the leases and the shed where the farmers sort the oysters. Learn about the mangroves and the enemies of the oysters (the oyster catchers and the stingrays).
Stay the night in Batemans bay.
Breakfast tip: try Crump cafe.
Merimbula
Leave Batemans bay and make your way to Merimbula. Stop over at Bodallay Dairy Shed and try their myrtle lemon flavor ice cream. Continue your way to Tilba Tilba, where you can buy some local gifts for family and friends at home. Stop at the bakery for a pie.
Park the car at Camel Rock Beach carpark and go for a walk over the beach. Enjoy the beautiful rock formations. Get back in the car and make your way to Bermagui. Have a swim in the blue pool. If you are lucky you might see some seals on the rocks. From September till November you can also spot Humpback whales.
Make a stop at Bega cheese heritage. Sample some Australian cheeses and walk upstairs to the ‘History of Dairy’ museum. Once you are finished make your way to Merimbula.
If you still feel like stretching your legs after a long day of driving, make your way to the Merimbula boardwalk.
Tip: Try some of the unique flavours of ice cream at the Bodalla Dairy Shed.
Lakes Entrance
Make your way to Eden (30 min drive) and visit the Eden Killer Whale museum. The museum offers a glimpse into the region’s maritime history and the relationship between the killer whales and whalers. Some of the main attractions are the killer whale skeleton, maritime and whaling history, local indigenous culture and maritime artifacts.
After the museum make your way to Gipps point and hike up to Genoa Peak lookout. Access to the trail is a 7 km dirt road from the main highway. The road is well maintained. Park the car and start the 4.2 km hike. The first stop is lower peak. Enjoy the 360 degree views and make your way up to main peak. Be prepared that the hiking trail is uneven with rocky sections and have to climb up a ladder to get to the lookout.
Drive to Lakes Entrance and stay there for the night.
Wilsons Promontory
Leave early in the morning and make your way to Wilsons promontory. It is a 300 km drive from Lakes Entrance. You can choose to stay at the Tidal campground or can book a night in the cabins. Make the booking in advance as it is a popular camping place. If you stay at the campground, keep your food in the car. Wombats will try to break in your tent if they smell the food.
Barbecues are available on the campground. There is also a small shop (General Store) and a café. The closest restaurant is the Wilsons Prom Pizza restaurant (40km from Tidal campground).
If you are into hiking and beautiful beaches this is definitely a place to stay a little longer. It is also possible to do multi-day trekking.
Click here for the best places to visit at Wilsons Prom.
Melbourne
While traveling from Wilsons Prom to Melbourne (225 km), consider stopping for lunch in Fish Creek at the charming Little Oberon café. Continue to Melbourne. Click here for the best places to eat in Melbourne.
