3-Day Coastal Road Trip Itinerary: Sydney to Melbourne via the Princes Highway (Mar 15–17, 2026)

Jervis Bay / Huskisson · Sunday, March 15, 2026

Depart Sydney — Scenic coastal drive to Jervis Bay

7:30 AM:

Pick up supplies and coffee at Bourke Street Bakery (Surry Hills), then begin the coastal drive south with a quick stretch at Royal National Park lookout.

9:00 AM:

Stop for brunch and fresh local seafood at The Husky Deli & Café (Huskisson) and walk the nearby Huskisson Wharf to spot dolphins.

10:15 AM:

Explore white-sand beaches with a seaside stroll along Hyams Beach (short detour from Jervis Bay) and take photos of the famously pale sand.

11:15 AM:

Visit the Booderee National Park (Botanic Gardens and beaches) for a short nature walk and optional swim at Greenfield Beach before checking into your accommodation.

12:00 PM:

Check into a suggested stay - either a cozy room at The Huskisson Hotel or a countryside option at Greenpatch Retreat (farmstay-style cottages); drop bags and freshen up.

1:00 PM:

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at The Gunyah Restaurant (Huskisson) featuring local seafood dishes, then stroll the nearby Huskisson Beach to digest and watch boats in the harbour.

2:00 PM:

Join a wildlife cruise with Jervis Bay Maritime Adventures to look for dolphins and, season permitting, whales; the short tour is a great way to learn about local marine life.

3:30 PM:

Drive to White Sands Walk (Booderee National Park) for a gentle 45-60 minute coastal walk through woodland to sweeping beach lookouts and photo spots.

4:30 PM:

Return to your accommodation to relax - enjoy a coffee or cold drink on the verandah at Greenpatch Retreat or the bar at The Huskisson Hotel while watching the late-afternoon light.

5:30 PM:

If you're up for a short outing, head to Point Perpendicular Lookout for golden-hour views over the bay and a peaceful cliffside walk before dinner.

7:00 PM:

Dine at The Huskisson Hotel bistro or choose a waterfront meal at Carta Bella for Mediterranean-influenced dishes and local wine to finish the day.

6:30 PM:

Take a short sunset kayak from Huskisson Beach Kayaks to paddle quietly along the shoreline and watch the sky change color over the bay; guides can point out quiet coves and marine life.

8:00 PM:

Enjoy a casual dinner with local produce at Carta Bella (waterfront) or try the seasonal menu at The Gunyah Restaurant for a relaxed but refined meal.

9:30 PM:

Head back to your accommodation for a nightcap-sip local wine on the deck at Greenpatch Retreat or grab a beer at the bar of The Huskisson Hotel while listening to the evening surf.

10:30 PM:

If you're still up for a short walk, take a moonlight stroll along Huskisson Beach or around the quiet harbour to end the day peacefully before turning in.

Find Hotels in Jervis Bay / Huskisson
Jervis Bay / Huskisson → Batemans Bay → Narooma → Eden
Batemans Bay → Narooma → Eden · Monday, March 16, 2026

Continue down the South Coast — Batemans Bay to Eden highlights

7:00 AM:

Grab a hearty breakfast and takeaway coffee at The River Café (Batemans Bay), then take a short stroll along the Batemans Bay Foreshore to stretch before setting off south.

8:00 AM:

Drive the scenic coastal route toward Narooma with a quick stop at Mogo Village for a browse of artisan shops and to pick up local treats or souvenirs.

9:00 AM:

Arrive in Narooma and walk the Narooma Boardwalk to the lookout above Wagonga Inlet for panoramic views; enjoy a morning tea at The Wharf Kiosk overlooking the water.

10:00 AM:

Take the short drive to Montague Island (boat departs Narooma) - if timing permits join a wildlife cruise or guided tour to see seals and seabirds; otherwise explore the Glasshouse Rocks viewpoints from shore.

11:30 AM:

Pause for an early lunch or a long snack at Glasshouse Café (Narooma) with views over the inlet, sampling fresh local seafood before continuing the coastal drive toward Tilba and Eden.

12:30 PM:

Drive toward Tilba Tilba and wander the charming village streets; stop at Tilba Real Dairy for award-winning cheese and a quick tasting to pair with a takeaway picnic.

1:30 PM:

Continue south to Central Tilba and enjoy a relaxed lunch at The Tilba Hotel, sampling local pub fare and regional wine on the outdoor terrace.

2:30 PM:

Short scenic drive to Nadgee Nature Reserve lookouts (or nearby coastal viewpoints) for a peaceful coastal walk and birdwatching; bring binoculars to spot shorebirds and raptors.

3:30 PM:

Arrive in Eden and explore the historic Wharf and Killer Whale Museum area; visit the museum or stroll the harbour to learn about the town's whaling and maritime history.

4:30 PM:

Take a late-afternoon walk along Aslings Beach or the Eden boardwalk to watch fishing boats come in and enjoy golden light over Twofold Bay.

5:30 PM:

Check into your suggested stay-consider the waterfront rooms at Seaside Towers Motel or a cozy farmstay near Eden such as Dunns Creek Farmstay-then freshen up before dinner.

6:00 PM:

Enjoy a relaxed pre-dinner drink and sunset views at Twofold Bay Lookout Cafe (or the waterfront terrace at Seaside Towers Motel) while watching fishing boats return to the harbour.

7:00 PM:

Dine on fresh local seafood at The Wharf Restaurant (Eden), choosing from daily catches and regional wines while seated with harbour views.

8:30 PM:

Take a gentle post-dinner stroll along Aslings Beach Boardwalk, listening to surf and scanning the water for nocturnal wildlife or distant lights on the bay.

9:15 PM:

If you prefer a cosy night in, return to Dunns Creek Farmstay or your waterfront accommodation for a nightcap and local cheese picked up earlier from Tilba Real Dairy.

10:00 PM:

For a quiet late-evening experience, join a guided star-gazing session or wander a short way from lights to admire the southern sky-ask your hosts at Seaside Towers Motel or Dunns Creek Farmstay for a recommended nearby dark spot.

Find Hotels in Batemans Bay → Narooma → Eden
Batemans Bay → Narooma → Eden → Eden → Mallacoota → Lakes Entrance (Victoria)
Eden → Mallacoota → Lakes Entrance (Victoria) · Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Finish coastal leg toward Lakes Entrance (option to shorten at Mallacoota)

6:30 AM:

Watch sunrise over Twofold Bay from Aslings Beach and enjoy a takeaway coffee and pastry from Eden Bakery while listening to the morning surf.

7:15 AM:

Pack up and depart Eden, stopping briefly at Killer Whale Museum for a quick look at the exhibits and a photo of the historic wharf before heading toward Mallacoota.

9:30 AM:

Stretch your legs with a scenic pull-over at Laurel Hill Lookout (on the Princes Highway) for sweeping coastal views and a short walk to break up the drive.

10:30 AM:

Refuel and have a mid-morning snack at Genoa Store & Café-pick up homemade sandwiches or pies and local treats for the road while enjoying riverside views.

11:30 AM:

Arrive in Mallacoota, take a short walk around Mallacoota Inlet to see fishing boats and coastal birdlife, then visit Mallacoota Wharf Café for a light seafood lunch or fish and chips before continuing toward Lakes Entrance.

12:30 PM:

Take a relaxed post-lunch stroll to the Mallacoota Visitor Information Centre to pick up regional maps and ask about tide times and local walk recommendations before hitting the road south.

1:15 PM:

Drive the scenic Cabbage Tree Road toward the state border and stop at Wingan Inlet lookout for a short boardwalk walk and to scan for wading birds and estuary life.

2:00 PM:

Pause at Mallacoota Country Club café or The Lazy Lobster (if open) for a cold drink and a snack while enjoying inlet views and stretching your legs before the longer drive to Lakes Entrance.

3:00 PM:

Cross into Victoria and take a detour to the quiet coastal hamlet of Gipsy Point to walk a short riverside trail and watch for pelicans and black swans in the estuary.

4:00 PM:

Stop at Nungurner Jetty for a scenic break - walk the jetty, photograph the Gippsland Lakes reflections and, time permitting, enjoy an ice cream from a nearby kiosk or café.

5:00 PM:

Arrive toward Lakes Entrance and take a late-afternoon cruise option from Lakes Entrance Boat Hire & Tours (short sightseeing or a quick inlet cruise) to get your first view of the lakes and the famous entrance to the ocean.

6:15 PM:

Check into your suggested accommodation - consider waterfront rooms at Esplanade Resort & Spa (Lakes Entrance) or a quieter farmstay a short drive inland - then freshen up before dinner.

7:30 PM:

Dine on local seafood at The Fishers of Lakes Entrance or enjoy modern Australian dishes at Front Beach Pizza & Pasta while watching the sunset over the channel mouth.

8:30 PM:

Enjoy a relaxed aperitif on the deck at Esplanade Resort & Spa (Lakes Entrance) or sip a local Gippsland wine in the lounge while watching boats bob in the channel.

9:00 PM:

Dine at The Fishers of Lakes Entrance for a late seafood meal-order the house speciality of locally caught fish and chips or the mixed seafood platter to share.

10:15 PM:

Take a gentle post-dinner stroll along The Esplanade (Lakes Entrance) to see the channel mouth lights and listen to the surf; stop for a nightcap at a waterfront bench or café that remains open late.

10:45 PM:

If you prefer a cozier end to the day, return to your room at Esplanade Resort & Spa or your chosen farmstay and enjoy a glass of local cheese and wine picked up earlier, then relax on your balcony.

11:30 PM:

For a quiet nightcap under the stars, walk a short distance from lights to a nearby dark spot suggested by reception and do some simple stargazing-Gippsland skies can be very clear away from the main strip.

Find Hotels in Eden → Mallacoota → Lakes Entrance (Victoria)

Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Bourke Street Bakery (Surry Hills) - coffee & pastries$12
Royal National Park lookoutFree
The Husky Deli & Café (Huskisson) - brunch$25
Huskisson Wharf - dolphin spotting (shore)Free
Hyams Beach (visit & parking)Free
Booderee National Park (Botanic Gardens & beaches) - entry/park pass per vehicle (per person estimate)$6
The Huskisson Hotel - casual room (per person share) - suggestion only$60
Greenpatch Retreat (farmstay-style cottages) - per person share estimate$55
The Gunyah Restaurant (Huskisson) - lunch (main + drink)$35
Huskisson Beach - strollFree
Jervis Bay Maritime Adventures - wildlife cruise (dolphins/whales) per person$75
White Sands Walk (Booderee National Park)Free
Point Perpendicular LookoutFree
The Huskisson Hotel bistro - dinner (main + drink)$40
Carta Bella (waterfront) - dinner (main + drink)$45
Huskisson Beach Kayaks - sunset short guided kayak per person$45
Batemans Bay - The River Café - breakfast & coffee$18
Batemans Bay Foreshore - strollFree
Mogo Village - shopping/browse (souvenirs estimate)$15
Narooma Boardwalk & Wagonga Inlet lookoutFree
The Wharf Kiosk (Narooma) - morning tea$10
Montague Island boat tour (from Narooma) per person$90
Glasshouse Rocks viewpoints (shore)Free
Glasshouse Café (Narooma) - lunch$25
Tilba Tilba village - wanderFree
Tilba Real Dairy - cheese tasting / small purchase$8
The Tilba Hotel - lunch (pub meal + drink)$30
Nadgee Nature Reserve lookouts (access) - walkFree
Killer Whale Museum (Eden) - entry per person$12
Aslings Beach / Eden boardwalk - strollFree
Seaside Towers Motel - waterfront room (per person share estimate)$50
Dunns Creek Farmstay - per person share estimate$45
Twofold Bay Lookout Cafe - pre-dinner drink/snack$12
The Wharf Restaurant (Eden) - dinner (main + drink)$40
Star-gazing (host-led / tip) estimate$5
Eden Bakery - coffee & pastry$10
Laurel Hill Lookout - pull-over & walkFree
Genoa Store & Café - mid-morning snack$12
Mallacoota Inlet walkFree
Mallacoota Wharf Café - light seafood lunch$20
Mallacoota Visitor Information Centre - free mapsFree
Wingan Inlet lookout - boardwalkFree
Mallacoota Country Club café / The Lazy Lobster - drink/snack$10
Gipsy Point - riverside trailFree
Nungurner Jetty - visit & ice cream$6
Lakes Entrance Boat Hire & Tours - short sightseeing/inlet cruise per person$30
Esplanade Resort & Spa (Lakes Entrance) - waterfront room per person share estimate$65
The Fishers of Lakes Entrance - dinner (seafood main + drink)$40
Front Beach Pizza & Pasta - dinner$25
The Esplanade (Lakes Entrance) - evening strollFree
Estimated Total (per person)$1606
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