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7 Day Melbourne to Brisbane East Coast Road Trip January 24 to January 30 2026

Day 1 · Sat, Jan 24
Lakes Entrance

Gippsland Coast and Lakes Entrance

Morning:

Begin your East Coast adventure by winding through the picturesque pastures of the Gippsland region along the Princes Highway. Make a stop at the town of Sale to stretch your legs at the [Sale Common Nature Trail](https://www.google.com/search?q=Sale+Common+Nature+Trail+7+day+roadtrip+staring+in+melbourne+ending+in+brisbane+official+site), a beautiful wetland sanctuary that provides a tranquil environment for a late-morning walk as you transition toward the coast.

Afternoon:

Continue your journey to the coastal hub of Lakes Entrance, where you can stroll across the iconic footbridge to the pristine sands of Ninety Mile Beach for a refreshing ocean breeze. Spend the rest of your day exploring the calm waters of Cunninghame Arm or take a short drive up to Jemmys Point Lookout to witness the spectacular panoramic views where the lake system meets the sea.

Evening:

As the sun sets, head to Bullock Island to watch the local seals playing near the shore before settling in for a fresh seafood feast at [The Floating Dragon](https://www.google.com/search?q=The+Floating+Dragon+7+day+roadtrip+staring+in+melbourne+ending+in+brisbane+official+site). Afterward, enjoy a peaceful evening stroll along the Lakes Entrance Esplanade as the town lights reflect beautifully over the water.

Day 2 · Sun, Jan 25
Batemans Bay

Sapphire Coast and Sea Explorations

Morning:

Bid farewell to Victoria and head north into New South Wales to explore the stunning Sapphire Coast, making your first stop in the historic whaling town of Eden. Here, you can immerse yourself in local maritime legend at the [Eden Killer Whale Museum](https://killerwhalemuseum.com.au/) before taking in the breathtaking coastal vistas over Twofold Bay from the Rotary Park Lookout.

Afternoon:

Travel north to the charming town of Narooma for a stroll along the scenic Mill Bay Boardwalk, keeping a watchful eye for stingrays and seals in the crystal-clear water. Continue your journey toward Batemans Bay, stopping at the [Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens](https://www.erbg.org.au/) to discover lush native flora or enjoy a refreshing dip at the popular Surf Beach.

Evening:

After a day of coastal exploration, unwind along the banks of the Clyde River and indulge in world-famous local oysters at [The Pearly Oyster Bar](https://www.google.com/search?q=The+Pearly+Oyster+Bar+7+day+roadtrip+staring+in+melbourne+ending+in+brisbane+official+site). Cap off the night with a leisurely walk across the Batemans Bay Bridge to admire the shimmering reflections on the water before retiring to your accommodation.

Day 3 · Mon, Jan 26
Sydney

White Sands of Jervis Bay to Sydney

Morning:

Start your morning with a scenic drive north from Batemans Bay to the world-renowned Jervis Bay, where the sand is famously white and the waters are turquoise. Spend time walking along the stunning Hyams Beach Trail or take a refreshing dip in the calm waters of Greenpatch Beach within the [Booderee National Park](https://booderee.gov.au/), keeping an eye out for local kangaroos lounging near the shoreline.

Afternoon:

After leaving the white sands, head north to the coastal town of Kiama to witness the powerful spray of the Kiama Blowhole before continuing your scenic drive. Follow the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive across the engineering marvel of the Sea Cliff Bridge, which curves out over the crashing ocean waves while offering unparalleled vistas of the Illawarra coastline.

Evening:

As you arrive in the vibrant capital, head to Circular Quay to watch the sunset silhouette the [Sydney Opera House](https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/) against the harbor sky. Enjoy a celebratory dinner at one of the historic pubs in The Rocks district before finding a prime spot at Darling Harbour to witness a spectacular fireworks display over the water.

Day 4 · Tue, Jan 27
Sydney

Harbor City Landmarks and Coastal Walks

Morning:

Begin your morning with a refreshing walk through the lush [Royal Botanic Garden Sydney](https://www.google.com/search?q=Royal+Botanic+Garden+Sydney+7+day+roadtrip+staring+in+melbourne+ending+in+brisbane+official+site), following the winding harbor-side paths all the way to the historic Mrs Macquarie's Chair for iconic panoramic views. Afterward, head toward the coast to feel the soft sand of Bondi Beach and enjoy a coffee before embarking on the first leg of the breathtaking Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.

Afternoon:

After your coastal trek, return toward the city center to explore the innovative waterfront precinct of Barangaroo Reserve, where terraced gardens provide a tranquil escape with stunning harbor views. Spend the rest of your afternoon scaling the heights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with [BridgeClimb Sydney](https://www.google.com/search?q=BridgeClimb+Sydney+7+day+roadtrip+staring+in+melbourne+ending+in+brisbane+official+site) for an exhilarating perspective of the skyline, or visit the historic Watsons Bay to witness the dramatic sandstone cliffs of The Gap.

Evening:

Wind down your Sydney stay by exploring the trendy dining scene of Surry Hills, where you can enjoy a contemporary fusion dinner at Chin Chin or explore the many wine bars along Crown Street. Finish the night with breathtaking 360-degree views of the illuminated skyline from the observation deck of the [Sydney Tower Eye](https://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/) for a sparkling conclusion to your city visit.

Day 5 · Wed, Jan 28
Port Macquarie

Central Coast to Port Macquarie

Morning:

Depart Sydney and head north into the lush landscapes of [Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park](https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/kuringgai-chase-national-park), stopping at West Head Lookout for breathtaking views of Broken Bay and the Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Continue your journey to the Central Coast to enjoy a mid-morning coffee by the surf at Terrigal Beach or witness the famous daily wild pelican feeding at The Entrance Waterfront.

Afternoon:

After arriving in the coastal paradise of Port Macquarie, visit the world-famous Koala Hospital to witness the dedicated care and rehabilitation of these iconic Australian animals. Afterward, capture the perfect photo at the historic Tacking Point Lighthouse before wandering along the Town Beach Breakwall, where colorful painted rocks create a unique outdoor art gallery against the crashing Pacific waves.

Evening:

As the sun sets over the Mid North Coast, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Hastings River boardwalk to watch the local fishing boats return to the harbor. Indulge in a premium dining experience at the award-winning [The Stunned Mullet](https://thestunnedmullet.com.au/) or head to [Zebu Bar & Eatery](https://www.zebu.com.au/) for a relaxed atmosphere and stunning waterfront views to end your evening.

Day 6 · Thu, Jan 29
Byron Bay

Coffs Coast and Byron Bay Vibes

Morning:

Depart Port Macquarie and travel north along the scenic highway to Coffs Harbour to capture a classic photo at the iconic [Big Banana Fun Park](https://bigbanana.com/). Afterward, ascend to the Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout for breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the sprawling Solitary Islands Marine Park before continuing your journey toward the northern rivers region.

Afternoon:

Continue your journey north to the laid-back town of Yamba for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Angourie Blue Pool. Upon arriving in Byron Bay, make the essential pilgrimage to the [Cape Byron Lighthouse](https://www.google.com/search?q=Cape+Byron+Lighthouse+7+day+roadtrip+staring+in+melbourne+ending+in+brisbane+official+site) to stand at Australia's most easterly point and scan the turquoise waters of Wategos Beach for resident dolphins and sea turtles.

Evening:

As twilight settles over the town, wander through the vibrant shops and galleries of Jonson Street before finding a spot for dinner at the stylish [Light Years Asian Diner](https://www.lightyearsasiandiner.com.au/byron-bay). Conclude your night with a sunset drink at [The Beach Hotel](https://beachhotel.com.au/), where you can listen to live local music while watching the moonlight dance over the surf at Main Beach.

Day 7 · Fri, Jan 30
Brisbane

Gold Coast Skyline and Brisbane Arrival

Morning:

Begin your final morning by crossing the state border into Queensland and stopping at Burleigh Heads, where you can take a scenic walk through Burleigh Heads National Park for stunning views of the coastline. Afterward, continue north to the heart of the Gold Coast to feel the soft sand of Surfers Paradise Beach beneath your feet before enjoying a mid-morning coffee along the vibrant pedestrian mall of Cavill Avenue.

Afternoon:

Leaving the glitz of the Gold Coast behind, arrive in the city and head to the lush South Bank Parklands to enjoy a refreshing swim at the iconic man-made Streets Beach. Afterward, gain a new perspective of the metropolitan landscape from [The Wheel of Brisbane](https://thewheelofbrisbane.com.au/) before ending your afternoon strolling atop the Kangaroo Point Cliffs for sweeping views of the winding Brisbane River.

Evening:

Celebrate the conclusion of your seven-day adventure with a sunset dinner at the vibrant [Howard Smith Wharves](https://howardsmithwharves.com/), perfectly situated directly under the illuminated architecture of the Story Bridge. Afterward, soak in the sparkling metropolitan lights from a trendy rooftop bar in the eclectic district of Fortitude Valley or drive to the summit of [Mount Coot-tha](https://www.google.com/search?q=Mount+Coot-tha+7+day+roadtrip+staring+in+melbourne+ending+in+brisbane+official+site) for a breathtaking final panorama of the sprawling city skyline.

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