If a complete recharge is your goal, Australia serves as the perfect escape from the daily grind. Home to some of the world’s most majestic natural wonders, the cerulean waters, the powdery-white sand, the awe-striking mountain views and the lush greenery Down Under are the ultimate balms for a tired soul. Need some inspiration? Here’s our suggested road trip guide from Sydney to Melbourne, taking you through some of the most striking sights on offer.
To start, secure a car rental by redeeming your miles (or mix miles with cash) on KrisFlyer vRooms, or earn miles when you book with our ground transport partners like Avis, HERTZ or more.
The first stop? The quaint coastal town of Berry, a two-hour scenic drive from Sydney along the Grand Pacific Drive.
Apart from Berry’s charming historical buildings, wineries, farmer’s market and its famous Berry Donut Van, you can’t visit Berry without a hiking stop at the Drawing Room Rocks.
Located in the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, this natural rock feature earned its name due to its unique tables-and-chairs form because of weathering over time. The three-hour hike is relatively short but steep so do exercise some caution, especially near cliff edges. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with sprawling views over Kangaroo Valley and Berry.
Just an hour’s drive from Berry is Jervis Bay, a slice of paradise that offers something for everyone amidst incredible views. Are water sports right up your alley? Diving and snorkeling at Jervis Bay Marine Park are some of your options. Between June to October, humpback whales migrate and Australia fur seals can be seen so you might just find yourself diving alongside them. You can also book a dolphin or a whale cruise if you prefer to experience the local sealife in the comfort of a boat or ship, while soaking in the sprawling landscapes all around.
If you prefer to explore on foot at your own pace, take a leisurely stroll along White Sands Walk. Start at Vincentia, walking down a tranquil path that meanders through a coastal forest, past breath-taking ocean views. End off at Hyams Beach or trek the Scribbly Gum track where kangaroo-sighting is a possibility if you’re in luck.
After a night’s rest, start off the day with a post-breakfast drive to Batesman Bay. Learn about the local history at the Batesman Bay Heritage Museum, ride along the waterfront on cycleway, sample fresh local produce and don’t leave without savouring the delectable Clyde River oysters before you leave.
Just a short 20-min drive away is Guerilla Bay, a snorkelling stop and yet another one of the many magnificent bays that Australia has to offer for nature lovers.
Up next is Merimbula, a coastal stretch of emerald-green waters, tall cliffs, magical tea groves and more. Here, the promise of complete seclusion and disconnect awaits – establish your base on secluded campgrounds if you wish, challenge yourself with a trek to the secluded Moon Bay in Mimosa Rocks National Park or choose from the many secret beaches Merimbula has to offer.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. Bask in the view of Merimbula Lake as you dine at the award-winning restaurant Valentina, enjoy a post-hike tipple or two at Longstocking Brewery, go on an oyster trail or explore the freshest produce this seaside town has to offer.
From Merimbula, Lakes Entrance will be the first gateway towards the Melbourne leg of the road trip. Take a 3-hour drive through Tarra-Bulga National Park or Port Albert towards Wilsons Promontory, Victoria’s oldest national parks. Trek along the Prom Wildlife Walk and you might be greeted by passing kangaroos and emus. Treat yourself to coastal views when you walk from Tidal River to Squeaky Beach. For the best sunset views, trek up Mount Oberon for a bird’s eye view of Wilsons Promontory at dusk. End the night with an overnight stay at one of the cottages at Wilsons Promontory Lightstation, which is accessible only by sea or a day-long hike. Glamping in a safari-style tent is also an option if you’d like to rough it out in style.
No trip to Melbourne is complete without the iconic drive along the Great Ocean Road, a dreamy drive that lets you soak in the sights of key attractions like the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, Erskine Falls and more.
And finally, don’t forget to make a stop at Brighton Beach for a photograph – or TikTok video – among the famous colourful Victorian-era bathing boxes.
Can’t wait to jet off to Australia for this epic road trip? As a KrisFlyer member, you’ll earn KrisFlyer miles when you fly on Singapore Airlines to and from these destinations. Alternatively, you can also choose to redeem your KrisFlyer miles for this eye-opening trip.
Not a KrisFlyer member yet? Sign up with the promo code KF800 to enjoy 800 KrisFlyer miles as well as all that our rewards programme has to offer.
