Leave on the M1/Princes Highway heading east; expect steady coastal driving with scenic pull-offs. Plan fuel and coffee stops — total driving today (without stops) is roughly 4–4.5 hours.
Fresh seafood and hearty breakfast options right by the bridge; a classic coastal start and a good chance to stretch legs beside the water. Café typically opens from about 7:30am but check seasonal hours.
Short stroll along the pier and harbour – great for photos and watching local pelicans and fishing boats; open to the public sunrise–sunset. A light, quick stop to enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Walk the beach and visit lookouts across the entrance to the Gippsland Lakes — wide, iconic surf beach with long golden sand and good photography opportunities; public access sunrise–sunset.
Check in to your chosen accommodation and relax before evening activities; most hotels/check‑ins are mid‑afternoon. Use this time to book tomorrow's must‑see stops and any tours.
Pick a waterfront restaurant along The Esplanade for seafood and local produce; dinner service commonly from 5pm–9pm but check individual venue hours. A relaxed evening on the lakes is ideal preparation for tomorrow's longer coastal day.
Early breakfast at a popular local café (many open from around 7:00–8:00am) to fuel a day of coastal scenery; try local smoked fish or a hearty Aussie breakfast.
Short morning walk on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach for sand, surf and quiet coastal views; park access is generally sunrise–sunset. Great first light and birdlife — bring a jacket.
Coastal headlands, short walking tracks and secluded bays make Cape Conran a lovely natural stop; the park is open sunrise–sunset and favourite for coastal panoramas. Allow time for a short walk and photos.
Lunch in Eden with sea views of Twofold Bay — fresh seafood or classic café fare; most cafes open from 8:00am through the afternoon. Eden is a good staging point for afternoon exploration.
Drive to scenic headlands and historic lighthouse viewpoints — the park is open sunrise–sunset; walk short tracks for wild coastal scenery and whale‑watching vantage points in season (May–October).
Settle into accommodation in Merimbula, a charming seaside town with boardwalks and good dining options; check‑in times typically mid‑afternoon but confirm with your hotel.
Choose a waterfront restaurant for fresh local fish and modern Australian cuisine; many eateries serve evening meals from about 5pm and feature harbour views. A shoreline dinner is a relaxed way to end Day 2.
Optional after‑dinner walk along the boardwalk to watch the tide and local night sky; boardwalks and public areas are typically open after dusk. A calm way to unwind before the final day northwards.
Breakfast on the wharf for coffee and pastries while looking over the water; many wharf cafés open from about 7:00am. Early start recommended — today is the longest driving day with scenic stops.
Drive north with a first stop at Narooma — take in lookouts over Australia Rock and Wagonga Inlet for coastal rock formations and estuary views. These outdoor stops are accessible sunrise–sunset.
Short walk and lookout to view the distinctive Australia Rock and the inlet; great photo stop and an easy walk suitable for stretching legs. Public access, free.
Enjoy fresh local seafood or a relaxed café lunch on the water; many Narooma venues open late‑morning and through the afternoon. It’s a pleasant midway coastal lunch stop.
Visit the heritage village for local cheese, galleries and craft shops — shops and the Tilba Real Dairy generally open 9:00am–5:00pm. A short detour for local produce and souvenirs.
Drive through Batemans Bay with options to visit Mogo Heritage Village or beaches; opening hours vary (shops typically 9:00am–5:00pm), so pick one short stop en route. Mogo Zoo is open most days 9:00am–5:00pm if you prefer wildlife (allow extra time).
Hyams Beach is famed for very white sand and clear water — beach access is open sunrise–sunset; if weather allows, a quick swim or shoreline walk refreshes you before the final leg.
Drive the remaining stretch north; depending on traffic you should arrive in Sydney in the evening. Plan for 2–3 hours from Jervis Bay to central Sydney (allow more in peak traffic).
If you arrive in time, enjoy a rooftop pub meal in The Rocks with harbour views — many city restaurants are open late (The Glenmore rooftop open into the evening). Alternatively head to a pre‑booked city restaurant.