10-Day Coastal and Inland Road Trip with Car-Free Melbourne CBD Exploring

Morning — drive south and Kiama

Leave North Parramatta around 7:00am via the M1 and Princes Highway, allowing roughly 3–3½ hours of driving with stops. Traffic around Wollongong can add time, so it is worth fuelling up before leaving and carrying water and snacks. Your first stop is Kiama Blowhole, where the main lookout and nearby rock platform take about 45 minutes. Parking is generally available around Blowhole Point, though late-morning spaces can turn over quickly; stay behind barriers, as swell and spray can be unpredictable.

Midday — Berry

Continue south to Berry, about 35–40 minutes from Kiama. Park on or just off Queen Street and spend roughly 1½ hours wandering the heritage village shops before lunch at a well-reviewed café such as Berry Sourdough Café or The Garden Berry. Allow around $20–35 per person, and note that popular cafés can have a queue around lunchtime. The village is compact and easy to explore on foot; this is also a good place to buy fruit, pastries or picnic supplies for the beach.

Afternoon and evening — Vincentia and Huskisson

From Berry, drive about 35 minutes to Greenfield Beach in Vincentia. The small car park can fill on warm days, so avoid lingering over lunch. Spend around 1½ hours swimming or walking a section of the White Sands Walk towards Chinamans Beach; bring water, sunscreen and shoes suitable for sandy or uneven paths. Then continue roughly 10 minutes to Huskisson Wharf and foreshore for an easy late-afternoon stroll, with views across Jervis Bay and plenty of places to pause. Check in at your accommodation before dinner, then walk or drive to The Quarters Huskisson, a relaxed modern Australian restaurant on Owen Street. Budget about $30–50 per person; booking ahead is sensible, particularly for a Wednesday evening in November.

Morning — Jervis Bay’s quieter beaches

Start at Jervis Bay National Park and Murrays Beach, allowing about two hours for the bush tracks, headlands and calm water. The beach is usually much quieter than the famous stretches around Huskisson, and early November mornings are ideal before the sun becomes strong. Bring water, sunscreen and sturdy shoes; mobile reception can be patchy, and park entry fees may apply depending on the access point.

Late morning, continue to Hyams Beach for about an hour. Have a swim only if conditions are calm and patrolled, and keep expectations realistic: the sand is very bright, but the beach can be busy and parking fills quickly. Avoid leaving valuables in the car, and check beach conditions before entering the water.

Early afternoon — Gardens, then the road south

Spend around 1½ hours at Booderee Botanic Gardens, where shaded walking tracks and native plant collections make a welcome break from the coastal heat. Check the seasonal opening hours before leaving, as gates and visitor facilities can vary; allow time for the drive from Hyams Beach and carry drinking water. After the gardens, have a quick picnic or takeaway lunch, then leave Jervis Bay around 2:00–3:00pm for Batemans Bay via the Princes Highway. The drive takes roughly 2¼–2¾ hours, so fuel up before departure and expect limited dining or service options on parts of the route.

Late afternoon and evening — A coastal viewpoint and dinner

On arrival near Batemans Bay, head south to the Murramarang Coastal Walk viewpoint for a short, easy scenic walk and ocean outlook. Give yourself about an hour, with enough daylight to return comfortably; wear enclosed shoes and watch for uneven ground near cliff edges. Afterwards, drive into town and settle in at Sam’s Pizzeria on the Waterfront for a relaxed dinner overlooking the Clyde River. Budget around A$20–35 per person, and check the evening trading hours or book ahead if it is a Thursday-to-weekend period.

Morning — Bega stop

Leave Batemans Bay around 7:00am with the tank full and breakfast packed; today’s route is long, and services become more limited once you are south of the main coastal towns. Allow roughly 4½–5½ hours of driving overall, including the planned stops. Your first break is the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre, about two hours away, where the small museum and dairy displays make a pleasant one-hour leg stretch. The attached shop is the useful part for a budget road trip: pick up cheese, yoghurt and an inexpensive lunch—roughly A$15–30 per person—rather than spending on a full café meal. Check the centre’s November opening hours before leaving, as regional attractions can vary seasonally.

Early afternoon — Eden’s maritime history

Continue south to Eden, allowing around 30–40 minutes from Bega. Spend about an hour at the Eden Killer Whale Museum, an especially good rainy-day or road-trip stop covering the town’s whaling history, maritime life and the famous orca relationship with local fishermen. Admission is generally in the A$10–20 adult range, but confirm current pricing and closing time; arriving in the early afternoon gives you a little buffer if the highway is slow. Afterward, refuel in Eden and buy drinks for the final leg into Victoria—there are fewer convenient food options between here and Lakes Entrance than you might expect.

Late afternoon and evening — Lakes Entrance

Aim to reach Lakes Entrance in the late afternoon, check in, and head straight for Ninety Mile Beach while there is still good light. Allow about an hour for a barefoot walk and sunset; the beach is exposed, so bring a light layer and keep well back from the water, particularly if the surf is running. From there, make the short drive to the Lakes Entrance Footbridge and cross toward the ocean beach for roughly 45 minutes as the light changes over the dunes and inlet. Finish at Albert & Co near the waterfront for seafood—allow A$30–50 per person—and book or arrive early if possible, as November evenings can be busy. Parking is usually easiest around the central waterfront before dinner; leave the car there and walk between the footbridge area and nearby restaurants where practical.

Morning — drive to Wilsons Promontory and the wildlife walk

Leave Lakes Entrance around 7:00am with a full tank, breakfast and plenty of water. The drive via Sale, Traralgon, Meeniyan and Fish Creek takes roughly 3½–4¼ hours without long stops; allow extra time for country-road conditions and a coffee break around Meeniyan. Aim to reach Tidal River by late morning, then stop at the Parks Victoria Prom Wildlife Walk for about an hour. It is an easy wander through open bushland where kangaroos and emus are commonly seen—keep your distance, never feed them, and check the Parks Victoria alerts before entering Wilsons Promontory National Park. There is no reliable fuel inside the park, so fill up beforehand.

Midday and afternoon — Squeaky Beach, lunch and Mount Oberon

From Tidal River, drive to the Squeaky Beach car park, usually around 10–15 minutes, and allow 1½ hours to cross the famous quartz sand and explore the granite headlands. The sand can genuinely squeak underfoot when dry, but the beach is exposed, so bring a hat and sun protection. Return to Tidal River for a picnic or simple takeaway lunch by the water; budget about A$15–25 per person, and carry food in case the small local outlets are busy or closed outside peak periods. In the afternoon, tackle the Mount Oberon Summit Walk from the Telegraph Saddle car park. Allow about three hours return, including the steep climb and time at the lookout; parking is limited and the road may close to private vehicles during busy periods, so follow park signage and allow for a shuttle or short wait if operating. Wear proper shoes and carry water—the summit is often cooler and windier than Tidal River.

Evening — check in at Foster and dinner

After returning to Tidal River, drive out of the park to Foster, allowing roughly 45–60 minutes depending on traffic and wildlife on the road. Check in before heading to The Stockyard, a relaxed local option for dinner with hearty pub-style meals; expect around A$25–40 per person. Book ahead if arriving on a Saturday, and avoid rushing the final drive—kangaroos are particularly active near dusk on the roads around Fish Creek and Foster.

Morning — drive in and Queen Victoria Market

Leave Foster around 7:30am via the South Gippsland Highway and M1, allowing roughly 2½ hours in normal traffic. Park once in a CBD garage—QV Melbourne Car Park on Queen Street is convenient for the market, though expect around $20–35 for several hours depending on the day. Head into Queen Victoria Market for about 90 minutes of produce, deli goods and inexpensive lunch; the food halls and general stalls are usually open from 6am, but trading days and hours vary, so check the official schedule before leaving. Grab something portable such as borek, gozleme or a filled roll rather than losing time at a sit-down restaurant.

Afternoon — Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building

From the market, drive or walk north-east to Melbourne Museum in Carlton Gardens—it is roughly 25 minutes on foot, or a short city drive if you prefer to leave the car in the garage and walk. Allow about 2½ hours for the galleries, including the excellent Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre and the permanent Triceratops display; adult entry is generally around $15–20, with concessions cheaper. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and the museum café is useful for a quick coffee. Afterwards, walk across Carlton Gardens to the Royal Exhibition Building, whose exterior and domed interior are best appreciated on a guided tour or during an event; allow around 45 minutes and check tour availability, as access inside can be limited when functions are running.

Late afternoon and evening — Fitzroy Gardens and Pellegrini’s Bar

A pleasant 15-minute walk east along Victoria Street brings you to Fitzroy Gardens, where an hour is enough for the tree-lined paths, ornamental lake and Cooks’ Cottage area. It is free and open during daylight, but avoid lingering after dusk. Walk back towards the CBD via Flinders Lane and Russell Street for dinner at Pellegrini’s Bar. This old-school Melbourne institution is cash-friendly, compact and deliberately unfussy: expect roughly $25–40 per person for pasta, minestrone or a classic steak, and be prepared to share a table or wait briefly during the dinner rush. Since the car is already parked, collect it before the garage closes or confirm its overnight access; otherwise, this central area is easy to explore on foot.

Morning — street art and screen culture

Start around 9:00am at Hosier Lane, when the light is good for photographs and the laneway is lively without being too crowded. Allow about 45 minutes to wander the main strip and nearby AC/DC Lane, but keep valuables secure and avoid blocking doorways while photographing the murals. Walk north through the CBD to ACMI at Federation Square; it is only about 10 minutes on foot. The museum generally opens from 10:00am, and its permanent film-and-digital-culture displays are free, while some temporary exhibitions charge admission—allow roughly 1½ hours and check the current session or exhibition details before setting out.

Lunch and afternoon wandering

For lunch, walk about 8 minutes to Degraves Street, where the cafés spill into the narrow laneway. Established options such as Il Nostro Posto or Degraves Espresso Bar are handy for a casual meal, with about $15–30 per person for a main and drink; tables turn quickly, so choose a quieter side table rather than waiting for the perfect street-side seat. After lunch, continue through the Block Arcade, entered from Collins Street, for around 45 minutes of mosaic floors, stained glass, tea rooms and small speciality shops. Most retailers open around 10:00am and close between 5:00pm and 6:00pm, so this is best enjoyed before the late-afternoon slowdown.

Late afternoon and evening

From the CBD, walk or take a short tram ride north to Carlton Gardens—tram routes along Swanston Street are convenient, and travel within Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone is free, though you still need a valid myki if you leave that zone. Spend about an hour under the elms and around the fountains, with the grand Royal Exhibition Building as the backdrop; the gardens are free and open during daylight hours. Finish on Lygon Street, where the atmosphere becomes more relaxed as the dinner crowd arrives. Tiamo, DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar or Tiamo 2 are reliable Italian choices, usually around $30–50 per person before drinks. Book ahead for a weekend-style table, or arrive around 5:30pm for an easier walk-in; tram routes back toward the CBD run along Swanston Street after dinner.

Morning

Begin around 9:00am at the Shrine of Remembrance, reached by walking from the CBD or taking a tram along St Kilda Road. The memorial opens from 10:00am, but its surrounding terraces and gardens are accessible earlier; allow about 1½ hours for the galleries, forecourt and superb city views from the balcony. Entry is free, with optional donations appreciated. From here, walk directly into Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria via Birdwood Avenue. Spend roughly two hours following the lakeside paths around Ornamental Lake and Fern Gully, rather than trying to cover the entire garden. Bring water and a snack—the gardens are spacious, and this is a much calmer part of Melbourne than the central city.

Afternoon

Walk or take a short tram ride up St Kilda Road to the National Gallery of Victoria at Arts Centre Melbourne. The permanent collection is free and the gallery generally opens at 10:00am; paid exhibitions vary, so check the current program before setting out. Allow about two hours, with the grand entrance hall and Australian collection making good anchors if you do not want to wander every room. For lunch, wait until South Melbourne Market, reached by tram or a 20-minute walk across Clarendon Street. The market is usually open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but check its November trading days; arrive before the late-afternoon close. Browse the deli counters and food stalls, then keep the meal around $15–30 per person with dumplings, gozleme or a filled roll.

Evening

Continue by tram or walk south-west toward St Kilda Pier for the evening. The pier is free and ideal around sunset, when the bay, city skyline and Luna Park lights come together; allow an hour and take a light jacket, as the waterfront gets breezy. Finish at Claypots Seafood Bar on Acland Street, a relaxed local favourite for shareable seafood and a more atmospheric dinner than the busiest beachfront venues. Expect roughly $35–60 per person, and book if possible—especially for a November evening. Check the restaurant’s current hours before leaving, as service times can change midweek.

Morning — Melbourne to the Surf Coast

Leave Melbourne around 7:00am with breakfast, water and a full tank; the direct drive to Bells Beach via the M1 and Geelong takes roughly 1½ hours, though allow closer to two with morning traffic. Park in the signed Bells Beach car park and spend about 45 minutes on the clifftop viewing platforms watching the breaks—swimming is generally not advisable here because of strong surf and currents. Continue west on the Great Ocean Road for about 20 minutes to the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch at Eastern View, where a short roadside stop is enough for photographs; take care crossing and use only the designated parking areas.

Lunch and the Great Ocean Road

From the arch, it is about 15 minutes to Lorne. Stretch your legs with a wander along Lorne Beach and the main shopping strip, then have lunch at The Bottle of Milk for burgers and fish and chips, or Lorne Central for a broader café menu—allow roughly A$20–35 per person. Leave enough time for the longer western leg: the drive from Lorne to the Twelve Apostles takes around 2½ hours without stopping, with winding sections and occasional slow traffic. The coastal scenery is the attraction, so resist trying to add every lookout; arrive in the late afternoon when the light is softer and spend about an hour on the boardwalks at Twelve Apostles, checking the official park signage and staying behind barriers. There is no entry fee, but parking can be busy and mobile reception is patchy, so download directions beforehand.

Evening — Apollo Bay

After the Apostles, drive back east along the inland route via Port Campbell and Colac rather than attempting the full coastal road in the dark; allow roughly 1¾–2 hours to Apollo Bay. Check in, then have dinner at Apollo Bay Hotel, where the bistro is an easy, relaxed choice after a long day, with mains generally around A$25–45. Book or call ahead if travelling on a busy weekend, and refuel in Apollo Bay tonight—the next morning’s inland departure has fewer convenient options.

Morning — inland drive and Ballarat

Leave Apollo Bay around 7:00am with a full tank, breakfast and water. The inland route via Colac, Ballarat, the Western Highway and Wangaratta is a long day—roughly 5½–6½ hours of driving before sightseeing—so keep the first leg efficient. Aim to reach Ballarat late morning, where street parking around the central grid is generally easier than in Melbourne. Spend about 1½ hours around Lydiard Street North and the historic centre, admiring the gold-rush-era buildings and stopping for lunch at The Forge Pizzeria or Pancho, allowing roughly A$15–30 per person.

Early afternoon — Lake Wendouree

After lunch, drive or walk to Lake Wendouree, about 5–10 minutes from central Ballarat. A relaxed 45-minute circuit along the foreshore is a useful break from the road, with broad lake views and plenty of benches. Keep an eye on the time: the onward drive to Beechworth takes around 2½ hours, and the historic precinct is much more enjoyable before dusk. Refuel in Ballarat before leaving, as rural stretches west of Wangaratta can have fewer convenient options.

Late afternoon and evening — Beechworth and Albury

Arrive at Beechworth Historic Park in the late afternoon and spend about 1½ hours walking the preserved gold-rush streets and courthouse precinct. The main heritage areas are free to explore, though some buildings and guided experiences charge admission; check seasonal closing times before setting out, as November hours can vary. From Beechworth, allow about 50 minutes to Albury, arriving around 6:30–7:00pm. If Murray Art Museum Albury is still open, give it an hour for its contemporary regional collections; otherwise, leave it for the following morning, since gallery closing times may make an evening visit unrealistic. Finish with dinner at The River Deck Café beside the Murray River, budgeting around A$25–45 per person; book ahead if visiting on a Friday or Saturday, and take a short riverside stroll afterward.

Morning — Albury to Bowral

Leave Albury around 7:00am with a full tank, breakfast and water. Follow the Hume Highway north toward the Southern Highlands, allowing roughly six to six and a half hours of driving in total once today’s breaks are included. Aim to reach Bowral late morning; traffic is usually straightforward until the approaches to Sydney, but keep a little flexibility for roadworks and holiday-period congestion.

Your first stop is the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame, beside Bowral’s oval. Allow about an hour for the displays on Don Bradman and Australian cricket; check the morning opening time before leaving, as it is commonly open from around 10:00am, with adult entry generally about A$25–30. Afterward, take a short drive or walk into Corbett Gardens for 45 minutes among the seasonal plantings. Entry is often modest, around A$10–15 depending on the event calendar, and the gardens can be especially pleasant in November.

Lunch — Historic Berrima

Drive north for roughly 25 minutes to Berrima, where the sandstone village is ideal for a relaxed midday break rather than a rushed roadside meal. Wander along Jellore Street and browse the small galleries and local shops before lunch at Eschalot, if you want a polished meal, or Berrima Vault House for a more casual café-style stop. Allow about 1½ hours here and budget A$20–35 per person. Berrima is compact, so park once near the village centre and explore on foot; some historic buildings have separate entry fees, but the village streets themselves are free.

Afternoon — Picton and the final leg home

From Berrima, rejoin the Hume Highway toward Picton, allowing about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Stop in Picton for coffee and a stretch around Menangle Street; The Argyle Street Hotel is a practical café and refreshment option, while the surrounding heritage streets make a pleasant final pause. Leave around 2:00–3:00pm for the last drive via the Hume Highway, M5 and M7, allowing roughly 1–1½ hours to North Parramatta. Expect traffic to build near the western suburbs, and make sure your Linkt toll arrangements are active before joining the M7.