Melbourne to Sydney Coastal 16-Day Road Trip

Morning: Pick up your motorhome from the Melbourne branch and get familiar with your new home on wheels. Stop at a local supermarket to stock up on groceries and essentials. Let the kids help organise the van and settle in for the journey ahead.

Afternoon: Drive to the Mornington Peninsula with a detour to Arthurs Seat for panoramic views. Stretch your legs at Safety Beach or Dromana Foreshore. Grab fish and chips or enjoy a packed lunch by the sea.

Evening: Set up camp, cook dinner in the van, and enjoy your first night on the road. Unwind with board games, beach walks, or a quiet family moment under the stars.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park, 2 Robinsons Rd, Frankston South VIC 3199. Powered site.

Image: Arthurs Seat Eagle, Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at camp or grab coffee in nearby Rosebud. Stop at Peninsula Hot Springs for a soak while the kids explore the family-friendly pools. Hit the road mid-morning toward Phillip Island via scenic inland routes.

Afternoon: Cross the bridge to Phillip Island and head to the Koala Conservation Reserve. Optional stop at Churchill Island Heritage Farm for hands-on fun. Check out Cowes for lunch and a stroll along the foreshore.

Evening: Arrive early at your caravan park and set up camp. Head out at dusk for the famous Penguin Parade — a family favourite! Back at the motorhome, warm up with dinner and talk about the penguins under the stars.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island, 24 Old Bridge Dr, Newhaven VIC 3925. Powered site.

Image: Koala Conservation Reserve, Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria

Morning: Start with breakfast at the van, then enjoy a final stroll along Cowes Beach. Stop by Cape Woolamai for a short scenic walk or to spot surfers. Begin the drive toward Wilsons Prom with a coffee stop in Wonthaggi.

Afternoon: Continue through the rolling hills of South Gippsland, passing through Foster or Fish Creek for lunch. Arrive at Wilsons Promontory and check in at Tidal River. Explore nearby walking trails or enjoy a dip at Norman Beach.

Evening: Settle into your campsite and prepare dinner with a view of the hills. Watch for wombats and wallabies around dusk. Enjoy a quiet evening under the stars — this is what motorhome freedom is all about.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Tidal River Campground, Main Rd, Tidal River VIC 3960. Powered site.

Image: Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island/David-Hannah

Morning: Wake up to the sounds of nature and have breakfast with a view. Head out early for the hike up Mount Oberon — a family-friendly trail with sweeping coastal views at the summit.

Afternoon: After lunch back at camp, spend the afternoon exploring Squeaky Beach or paddleboarding on the river. Look for emus, wombats, and kangaroos along the walking tracks.

Evening: Cook dinner at your site and enjoy a family game night in the van or stargazing outside. This is a perfect night for storytelling or roasting marshmallows if fires are allowed.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Tidal River Campground, Main Rd, Tidal River VIC 3960. Powered site.

Image: Mt Oberon, Destination Gippsland, everyday nicky

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and one last short walk near Tidal River. Pack up and begin the scenic drive north, passing through Foster and Yarram. Stop at a local bakery along the way for snacks or lunch.

Afternoon: Continue toward Lakes Entrance, with optional stops at Ninety Mile Beach or the Lakes National Park. Arrive in the late afternoon and stretch your legs along the footbridge and waterfront boardwalk.

Evening: Settle in at your campsite and cook dinner in the van or treat the family to fish and chips by the water. Watch the boats in the marina and enjoy the relaxed lakeside vibe.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: NRMA Eastern Beach Holiday Park, 42 Eastern Beach Rd, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909. Powered site.

Image: Lakes Entrance Lookout, Visit Victoria

Morning: Start the day with a walk across the footbridge to Ninety Mile Beach and let the kids run wild in the sand. Optional: hire bikes or go for a short family ride along the lakefront paths.

Afternoon: Visit the Griffiths Sea Shell Museum or take a guided boat cruise on the lakes. Enjoy an ice cream along the Esplanade and browse some local shops.

Evening: Return to your site for a relaxed home-cooked dinner. Watch the sunset over the water, then wind down with games or a movie in the motorhome.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: NRMA Eastern Beach Holiday Park, 42 Eastern Beach Rd, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909. Powered site.

Image: Main Beach at Lakes Entrance, Visit Victoria

Morning: Cook breakfast in your motorhome and enjoy one last lakeside stroll. Hit the road mid-morning, driving through lush Gippsland forest and small country towns like Orbost.

Afternoon: Arrive in Mallacoota and spend the afternoon kayaking, fishing, or exploring the beach and walking trails in Croajingolong National Park.

Evening: Cook a relaxed dinner at your site and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Look out for pelicans and the possibility of a stunning inlet sunset.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park, Allan Dr, Mallacoota VIC 3892. Powered site.

Image: Mallacoota, Destination Gippsland

Morning: Enjoy a peaceful breakfast by the water. Let the kids stretch their legs with a short walk along the Mallacoota Inlet boardwalk before hitting the road.

Afternoon: Cross into New South Wales and arrive in Eden. Visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum or take a short coastal walk in Ben Boyd National Park.

Evening: Settle in at your campsite and cook dinner in the van. Optional: grab fish and chips at the wharf and enjoy a quiet evening watching the fishing boats come in.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Eden Gateway Holiday Park, 99 Princes Hwy, Eden NSW 2551. Powered site.

Image: Eden Killer Whale Musuem, Destination NSW

Morning: After breakfast, take a quick stop at Aslings Beach or stroll along Eden’s coastal cliffs. Hit the road heading north, with a scenic drive through forests and along the Sapphire Coast.

Afternoon: Stop in Bermagui to visit the Blue Pool and grab lunch with a view. Continue to Narooma and explore the waterfront or take a walk along the Mill Bay Boardwalk to spot stingrays.

Evening: Check in at your campsite and relax with dinner in the comfort of your motorhome. Watch the sunset over the inlet or enjoy a family walk along the water.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park, 41 Princes Hwy, Narooma NSW 2546. Powered site.

Image: Sapphire Coast, Destination NSW

Morning: Start with a relaxed breakfast, then hire bikes and ride the Narooma–Dalmeny coastal path — safe, scenic, and great for kids.

Afternoon: Take a guided boat tour to Montague Island to see seals and possibly dolphins. Or spend time at Bar Beach for a swim and snorkel.

Evening: Cook dinner back at the motorhome or try local oysters from a nearby seafood shack. Watch the pelicans glide over the inlet as the sun goes down.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park, 41 Princes Hwy, Narooma NSW 2546. Powered site.

Image: Narooma Charters Montague Island Tours, Destination NSW

Morning: Pack up after breakfast and head north, stopping at the charming town of Mogo. Visit Mogo Wildlife Park for a close-up with exotic animals — a family hit.

Afternoon: Arrive in Batemans Bay. Walk along the waterfront, visit the playground at Corrigans Beach, or take a short cruise on the Clyde River.

Evening: Settle into your site, cook up a meal in your motorhome or enjoy dinner at one of the kid-friendly restaurants in town.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Batemans Bay at Easts Riverside Holiday Park, Wharf Rd, North Batemans Bay NSW 2536. Powered site.

Image: Mogo Wildlife Park, Destination NSW

Morning: Head off early and stop at Pebbly Beach to see wild kangaroos on the sand — a magical moment for kids (everyone!).

Afternoon: Arrive in Jervis Bay and head straight to Hyams Beach for the famously white sand. Explore the town of Huskisson or take a dip in the clear waters.

Evening: Enjoy a BBQ dinner at your site and a sunset walk along the bay.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach, 17A Beach St, Huskisson NSW 2540. Powered site.

Image: Kangaroos at Pebbly Beach, South Coast, Destination NSW

Morning: Take a dolphin or whale-watching cruise (seasonal: May to November). Great experience for the whole family, and very popular with kids. We recommend booking in advance!

Afternoon: Walk the White Sands Walk or relax at Greenfield or Murrays Beach. Perfect time for a family picnic and swim.

Evening: Unwind at your powered site with dinner and games. End the day with a quiet beach walk under the stars.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach, 17A Beach St, Huskisson NSW 2540. Powered site.

Image: Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay, Destination NSW

Morning: Enjoy a slow breakfast by the beach, then hit the road toward Kiama. Stop in the historic town of Berry along the way — the kids will love the treats at the famous Berry Donut Van, and parents can browse boutique shops or grab a coffee.

Afternoon: Arrive in Kiama and head to the iconic Kiama Blowhole. Walk along the scenic Kiama Coastal Trail or visit the lighthouse and harbour. Optionally, take a swim at Surf Beach or explore nearby rock pools.

Evening: Check in to your caravan park and unwind with a homemade dinner or head into town for fish and chips. Let the kids play or take an early evening stroll with ocean views.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park, 30 Ocean St, Kiama NSW 2533. Powered site.

Image: Kiama Blowhole, Destination NSW

Morning: Drive the stunning Grand Pacific Drive and stop at Sea Cliff Bridge for a short walk and photos.

Afternoon: Pass through the Royal National Park for a nature break or picnic before arriving in Sydney.

Evening: Check in at your final caravan park. Enjoy dinner in the van or dine out in the city for a celebratory end to your journey.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, 38 Lake Park Rd, North Narrabeen NSW 2101. Powered site.

Staying longer in Sydney? Check out our Top 5 Best Campsites Near Sydney!

Image: Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton, Destination NSW

Morning: If time allows, take a stroll along Bondi Beach or visit Taronga Zoo for one last family adventure.

Afternoon: Return your motorhome to the Sydney branch by 3 pm, unpack your memories, and head home with sandy shoes and full hearts.

Evening: Optional final dinner in the city at Darling Harbour or The Rocks to toast your epic journey.

Image: Family Road Trip, Cruisin’ 6-berth Deluxe