14 day Gold Coast to Melbourne coastal road trip

It’s an epic adventure through several states/territories of Australia. This 14 day Gold Coast to Melbourne coastal road trip will be an experience you’ll never forget. Begin your journey from the Gold Coast or start in Melbourne and work your way back to the Gold Coast. We also offer one-way hires along the East Coast of Australia.

**Above:**Stunning views along the East Coast of Australia

The perfect adventure to experience the diversity of Australian culture and places

The eastern side of Australia offers an abundance of variety in landscapes, cities and country towns. From sub-tropical rainforests to alpine ways, fresh seafood to hearty pub meals, and glimpses of ancient indigenous landscapes to colonial heritage sites – there’s so much to see, do, eat, and photograph.

Deciding how long you’ll take to drive from the Gold Coast to Melbourne

The distance between the Gold Coast and Melbourne is just under 1,900km via the coastal road and just over 1,700km if you take the inland route. You can do the trip in a few days but there’s so much to see and do, we recommend taking up to 14 days to soak up the scenery, history and the vibes of each place you stop at along the way.

This road trip takes is some great locations along the east coast including, Byron Bay, Yamba, Lennox Head, Nambucca Heads, Hawks Nest, Narrabeen, Burrill Lake, Merimbula, Lakes Entrance, Wilsons Promontory into Melbourne.

This trip is approximately 2,150km.Taking your time will ensure you’ll arrive in Melbourne feeling relaxed and ready to tackle all that this vibrant city has to offer.

Our campervans are well-equipped with everything you’ll need, comfort- and van- wise. All you’ll need to pack are your clothes, toiletries, and a couple of good books for those times when you need to just stop everything and relax.

Check out the weather for each planned stop before you go. This will give you an idea of what type of clothes you’ll need to take with you.

Pack enough food for a couple of days. You can stock up at local supermarkets and grocery stores along the way.

Read our 10 Essential Items for a campervan holiday for some great tips on what to pack.

Sights to see on a coastal Brisbane to Melbourne road trip

Day 1: Gold Coast / Brisbane to Yamba – about 180km (2 hours)

Start your journey from the Gold Coast (or Brisbane) and head south, stopping for breakfast at Top Shop, Byron Bay, a hop, skip and a jump from Clarkes Beach. Head to the parking area at The Pass (end of Brooke Drive) and take the Walgun Cape Byron Walking Track, soaking up sensational coastal views all the way up to the lighthouse and back. Look out for turtles, dolphins and even whales if you’re there between May and October. Feel like a swim after your walk? Head down to Byron Beach and take a dip in the surf.

Next up, follow the beach road and make a pit stop for lunch at beautiful Lennox Head. The Lennox Hotel offers a great view along with your meal; there are several other choices in town if you prefer something simple. From Lennox Head, drive for about 1.25 hours to your final destination for the day – Calypso holiday park, Yamba.

Day 2: Yamba to Jimmy’s Beach Holiday Park, Hawks Nest, Port Stephens. About 460km.

After breakfast, head a couple of hours down the road to Nambucca Heads. Check out the beautiful riverside scenery and painted rocks as you take a stroll along the V Wall Outdoor Gallery, a break wall with a twist, at the end of Wellington Drive. Have lunch by the river, or head back onto the Pacific Motorway and have a pit stop at Nabiac, a charming township that houses the National Motorcycle Museum of Australia, boutique shops, delicious cafes and a great country pub.

Your destination for the next 2 nights, Jimmy’s Beach Holiday Park, Hawks Nest, is just an hour away. Nestled in the Great Lakes district of NSW, enjoy swimming, fishing and water activities at Jimmy Beach on Port Stephens Bay. Surf beaches are just a short walk away. Take a hike along the adjacent Mount Yacaaba Walking Track and enjoy spectacular views over Port Stephens. There’s a communal fire pit to gather around at night-time, or plenty of bars and restaurants in Hawks Nest if you prefer a night out.

Day 4: Hawks Nest to Narrabeen. About 220km.

What’s a trip down the east coast of New South Wales without a decent stopover in Sydney? And what better place to stay than on Sydney’s northern beaches? Narrabeen is in the heart of the northern beaches and Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park sits right on the creek. There’s a short walk to the beach and rockpool, where you can cut some salty laps while taking in the coastal view down to Collaroy.

Take a drive to the southern end of the peninsula and check out the iconic Manly Beach. Wander up Manly Corso and catch a ferry over to Circular Quay, soaking up the views of harbour suburbs, Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge on your way to the city.

Explore the northern end of the beaches and head to Palm Beach – the location for the popular soapie, ‘Home and Away’. Soak up spectacular views of Pittwater with breakfast or lunch at The Joey then take a walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for even more sensational scenery. Follow the road from south Palm Beach over to Whale Beach and stop in at the Bible Garden for stunning views to the lighthouse with a fix of serenity.

Day 7: Narrabeen to Burrill Lake. About 270km

Today, take the scenic route south of Sydney through the Royal National Park via Stanwell Park and make The Scarborough Hotel a pit stop for lunch or a refreshing beverage.

Make your way to Dolphins Point Tourist Park. Sitting on an inlet between Burrill Lake and the ocean, just a few kilometres from the picturesque harbour of Ulladulla, it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing couple of days/nights by the water.

Day 11: Merimbula to Lakes Entrance. About 270km

Head south to your next destination, with a side trip to the small seaside village of Mallacoota. Nestled between Croajingolong National Park and the sea, the town is surrounded by pristine waters and a stunning inlet.

Settle into your campsite at Woodbine Tourist Park, a small holiday park in the heart of Lakes Entrance. Overlooking Gippsland Lakes, the park is within walking distance of shops, cafes, the footbridge to the beach and the waterways that surround Lakes Entrance. If you’re up for a trip inland, take a 45-minute drive and book a guided tour of the spectacular limestone Buchan Caves.

Day 13: Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory. About 260km

It’s about a 3-hour drive to your next destination, so take breather at Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale. Overlooking parkland and Flooding Creek, The Dock Espresso is adjacent to the gallery and offers brunch or lunch with a view.

Wilsons Prom Holiday Park is a great place to finish off your epic journey from Queensland to Victoria. Located on the water overlooking Corner Inlet and Marine Coastal Park, you’re just 6km from several stunning day walks in Wilsons Promontory National Park. Relax by your campfire and soak up the views after a day exploring the ‘Prom’.

Day 15: Wilsons Promontory to Melbourne.

If you’re in need of a good coffee along the 200km drive to Melbourne, the country town of Leongatha, early 20th century buildings lining the streets, is a good place to stop.

Time to head to Melbourne to drop the campervan off (insert sad face). Fear not, Melbourne has so much to offer, you’ll need to stay a few nights to make the most of this amazing city (insert excited face). Enjoy!

Learn more about hiring a campervan for your Gold Coast to Melbourne road trip

Does this sound like the adventure of a lifetime? Explore our available campervans that have been fully kitted out to make your road trip both unforgettable and comfortable.

Bringing your home with you wherever you decide to travel gives you that peace of mind and ultimate freedom to go wherever you want without worrying about accommodation. We can’t wait to hear from you!