Coastal Road Trip from Briagolong (VIC) to Brunswick Heads (NSW) – 9 Days

Day 1 – Tuesday, 23 Sep: Briagolong → Lakes Entrance

Morning: Depart Briagolong early and enjoy a scenic drive through Gippsland’s rolling hills, stopping for a coffee in Sale. The road to Lakes Entrance is under 3 hours, giving plenty of time for a relaxed start.

Afternoon: Arrive in Lakes Entrance and explore the Gippsland Lakes promenade with your dog on a leash. Grab a bite at a pet‑friendly café overlooking the water.

Evening: Check‑in to a pet‑friendly cabin (≈ $150/night). Unwind with a sunset walk on Lake Tyers Beach before a restful night.

Day 2 – Wednesday, 24 Sep: Lakes Entrance → Merimbula

Morning: After breakfast, head north on the Princes Highway. The drive to Merimbula is about 4 hours, with a quick stop at the historic town of Eden for photos.

Afternoon: In Merimbula, stroll the Merimbula Boardwalk and let your dog splash at the dog‑friendly beach area. Enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant with outdoor seating.

Evening: Settle into a pet‑friendly motel (≈ $170/night). Take a calm evening walk along the Merimbula Lake and watch the lanterns light the shoreline.

Day 3 – Thursday, 25 Sep: Merimbula → Eden

Morning: Depart Merimbula and enjoy the coastal views of the Sapphire Coast. The drive to Eden takes about 2 hours, leaving plenty of time for stops.

Afternoon: Explore Eden Wharf and the historic Eden Killer Whale Museum. Your dog will love the spacious, leash‑allowed grassy park near the harbor.

Evening: Check‑in to a pet‑friendly B&B (≈ $140/night). Dine at a local pub with a dog‑friendly patio, then relax by the water’s edge.

Day 4 – Friday, 26 Sep: Eden → Brunswick Heads

Morning: Leave Eden and head north, crossing into NSW. The 3‑hour drive brings you through the lush hinterland of the South Coast.

Afternoon: Arrive in Brunswick Heads and wander the Main Beach, a popular spot for leashed dogs. Grab lunch at a beachfront café with dog‑friendly tables.

Evening: Stay at a pet‑friendly holiday park (≈ $180/night). Enjoy a sunset walk along the Richmond River** and a quiet night under the stars.

Day 5 – Saturday, 27 Sep: Brunswick Heads & Byron Bay

Morning: Take a short 30‑minute drive to iconic Byron Bay. Walk the Byron Bay Lighthouse trail, where leashed dogs are welcome on the lower paths.

Afternoon: Relax on Clarkes Beach (dog‑friendly at low tide) and explore the vibrant town centre’s markets. Lunch at a pet‑friendly restaurant with ocean views.

Evening: Return to Brunswick Heads for the night. Dine at a local eatery with a dog‑friendly outdoor area and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Day 6 – Sunday, 28 Sep: Brunswick Heads → Coffs Harbour

Morning: Begin the return leg with a leisurely drive north‑west, stopping at the historic town of Lismore for coffee.

Afternoon: Arrive in Coffs Harbour and visit the famous Big Banana complex, which offers dog‑friendly outdoor spaces. Take a stroll along the Jetty Beach promenade.

Evening: Check‑in to a pet‑friendly motel (≈ $160/night). Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a beachfront bar that welcomes dogs.

Day 7 – Monday, 29 Sep: Coffs Harbour → Port Macquarie

Morning: Depart Coffs Harbour and drive along the Pacific Highway, admiring the coastal scenery.

Afternoon: In Port Macquarie, visit the Koala Hospital (outside areas are dog‑friendly) and walk the Town Beach promenade with your pet.

Evening: Settle into a pet‑friendly cabin (≈ $150/night). Have dinner at a dog‑friendly pub and unwind with a night walk along the riverfront.

Day 8 – Tuesday, 30 Sep: Port Macquarie → Albury

Morning: Start early and head inland, crossing the New South Wales‑Victoria border. The drive to Albury is about 4 hours.

Afternoon: Explore the Albury Botanic Gardens, where leashed dogs are welcome on the walking paths. Grab a light lunch at a café with a pet‑friendly patio.

Evening: Stay at a pet‑friendly motel (≈ $130/night). Enjoy a quiet evening by the Murray River, perfect for a final night of the road trip.

Day 9 – Wednesday, 1 Oct: Albury → Briagolong (Home)

Morning: Depart Albury and drive back to Briagolong, a journey of roughly 3 hours.

Afternoon: Arrive home, unload the car and give your dog a well‑deserved rest after an adventurous trip.

Evening: Celebrate the successful road trip with a relaxed evening at home, reflecting on the coastal highlights.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Lakes Entrance – 2 hrs sightseeing – $0 entry
• Merimbula Boardwalk – 2 hrs walk – $0 entry
• Eden Wharf & Museum – 2 hrs – $5 admission
• Brunswick Heads Main Beach – 3 hrs – $0 entry
• Byron Bay Lighthouse – 2 hrs hike – $0 entry
• Big Banana (Coffs Harbour) – 1.5 hrs – $12 activity fee
• Port Macquarie Koala Hospital (outside) – 1.5 hrs – $0 entry
• Albury Botanic Gardens – 1 hr – $0 entry
• Accommodation Total (8 nights) – $1,280
• Estimated Fuel & Meals – $250
• Grand Total Estimated Cost – $1,542

Tips

If you’d like to shorten the trip, combine Day 4 and Day 5 by staying only one night in Brunswick Heads and using Byron Bay as a day‑trip base. To extend the adventure, add an extra night in Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie to explore nearby national parks such as Dorrigo or the Great Ocean Walk’s northern sections. All suggested accommodations are pet‑friendly and under $200 per night, keeping your total lodging expense well within the $1,500 budget.