14-Day Nature Itinerary: Melbourne to Sydney

  • Day 1: Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles
    2 hours 30 minutes (157.2 miles) from Melbourne

    Start the journey by driving along Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. The main attraction of the drive is the Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone cliffs, and rock formations that emerge from the Southern Ocean.

  • Day 2: Grampians National Park
    2 hours (129.7 miles) from Twelve Apostles

    Visit Grampians National Park, known for its trails and stunning natural scenery. Take a hike to The Pinnacle lookout, where you'll see panoramic views of the park's peaks, including the rugged Mount William Range.

  • Day 3-4: Lakes Entrance and Wilsons Promontory National Park
    5 hours 30 minutes (252.2 miles) from Grampians National Park

    Discover the Gippsland region by driving to Lakes Entrance, a waterfront town, and gateway to Ninety Mile Beach. Continue to Wilsons Promontory National Park, offering visitors with breathtaking views of Mount Oberon, Squeaky Beach, and several walking trails

  • Day 5-7: Jervis Bay and Kangaroo Valley
    6 hours 30 minutes (426.9 miles) from Wilsons Promontory National Park

    Head up to New South Wales and explore Jervis Bay's white sands beaches, and clear turquoise waters. Take a sidetrip to Kangaroo Valley to experience picturesque beauty, small towns, and many outdoor activities like kayaking and cycling.

  • Day 8-10: Blue Mountains National Park
    2 hours 30 minutes (123.4 miles) from Kangaroo Valley

    Explore Blue Mountains National Park. Take the optional Scenic World Cableway, situated in Katoomba, to see panoramic views of the national park from above. Don't miss the Three Sisters, a famous rock formation located in Echo Point Lookout.

  • Day 11-12: Hunter Valley Wine Region
    2 hours 30 minutes (103.1 miles) from Blue Mountains National Park

    Indulge in a quick stop at Hunter Valley Wine Region, renowned for its wineries and scenic beauty. Sip on premium wines, visit the Hunter Valley Gardens or take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.

  • Day 13: Royal National Park
    2 hours 30 minutes (97.9 miles) from Hunter Valley Wine Region

    Head to Royal National Park, the world's second-oldest national park. Take the Coastal Track to see intricate cliff lines, sandy beaches, and stunning ocean views. Don't miss the park's natural landmarks like Wattamolla Falls, Figure Eight Pools, and the Wedding Cake Rock.

  • Day 14: Sydney Harbour National Park
    1 hour 30 minutes (23.1 miles) from Royal National Park

    End the journey by exploring Sydney Harbour National Park. Do the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk, take the ferry from Circular Quay to the park, visit The Gap or Hornby Lighthouse, or relax at one of the beaches in the park.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles (1 day, free)
  • Grampians National Park (1 day, free)
  • Lakes Entrance & Wilsons Promontory National Park (2 days, Accommodation will cost around $90-$150/night)
  • Jervis Bay & Kangaroo Valley (3 days, Accommodation will cost around $100-$250/night)
  • Blue Mountains National Park (3 days, Accommodation will cost around $100-$300/night)
  • Hunter Valley Wine Region (2 days, Accommodation will cost around $100-$250/night)
  • Royal National Park (1 day, free)
  • Sydney Harbour National Park (1 day, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $1160-$3100

Transportation

Car rental costs are around $30-$150 per day, depending on the type of car. Note that fuel prices vary, but the current average price of petrol is around $1.40 AUD/L. Public transportation options and private tours are also available in some areas. Plan your trip accordingly to spend less time on the road.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a trip to Canberra, the capital city of Australia, and visit Parliament House and the Australian National Botanic Gardens. If you have less time, you can skip Hunter Valley Wine Region and spend more time in other locations. It is also advisable to check the weather forecast before the trip and pack accordingly.

Airports

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is located 14 miles from the city centre, while Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) is located 5 miles south of Sydney's city centre. Both airports are easily accessible through public transportation, car rentals, and taxis.

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