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Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne

Australia! The smallest continent in the world enchants with its beautiful nature and breathtaking beaches. Diverse in nature and culture, it enchants millions of visitors every year.

In this post (see related articles), however, we will focus on exploring Australia, in a campervan. This is one of the most popular means of transport chosen, not only by visitors, but also by locals. For visitors, however, organizing such a trip can be a bit difficult. Where to go and what to see?

We will share everything we learned during our two months travelling with our campervan around Australia and help you plan an unforgettable adventure.

Since it is is such a huge country, we have divided our adventure into several posts, starting with Cairns to Brisbane. With that it will be much easier for you to organize your unforgettable campervan road trip. Read all our Australia travel guides:

Tip: We started our campervan road trip in Cairns and drove along the beautiful coast, with stops in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and ended our adventure in Adelaide. You can do the same tour in the other direction as well, but the way we did it usually leads to cheaper campervan rentals.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns

Personal thoughts

Ahhh Australia! What a wonderful country! Thinking back about our trip we have in mind so many beautiful memories, animals we saw for the first time in our lives, cities like no other, wonderful beaches, high cliffs and great viewpoints. And these are just some of the attractions. Australia can not be described in a few sentences, it must be experienced.

Our trip to the land of kangaroos lasted two months, which is still not enough, and we already know that someday we will return to get to know this country even better. But for now we look through the photos and think back about, one of the coolest adventures in our lifes.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns

Things to do from Sydney to Melbourne

#1 Sea Cliff Bridge

Browsing through photos of Australia you surely came across a photo of Sea Cliff Bridge. It is one of the most distinctive bridges in Australia, located on a magnificent cliff.

Driving on this bridge you can be sure of beautiful views, on one side of the ocean, on the other of the cliffs. And while most are content to just drive over the bridge once, feel free to turn around and admire the bridge from the opposite side.

Immediately behind the bridge is a small parking lot. Park your car and take a walk on the bridge to further admire the surroundings of this special place. The views from the bridge to the cliffs are beautiful and unforgettable.

Tip: There is an unofficial brief hike through the bush to observe the bridge from above. We strongly advise against doing this! The warning signs should be clear enough. It is forbidden and very dangerous as the path is unstable. Your life is worth more than a pretty picture.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
#2 Cathedral Rocks

This small rock formation resembles tall cathedral towers in its appearance, hence the name Cathedral Rocks. The rocks were formed millions of years ago from solidified lava, so their unusual black color also attracts attention.

You can admire Cathedral Rocks from afar, from the cliffs. But you can also go down to the nearby small Jones Beach and admire them up close. Some daredevils even climb the black lava rocks.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
#3 Kiama

This amazing place has so much to offer! Rockpool? Here you go! Amazing space for picnics and great views? No problem! A lighthouse? Of course!

And besides, a Blow Hole blowing water for a good few meters, a place for fishermen, and a cove full of boats.

All this in this relatively small, but beautiful place surrounded by greenery, definitely worth a visit if only for a short walk around the area.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
#4 Blenheim Beach

This beautiful beach is not to be missed! Although its size is not impressive, it is one of those beaches that delights. The small cove is not populated with tourists, so on the beach you’ll only meet a few locals lounging on the soft, white sand or taking a dip in the clear ocean.

The waves here are relatively small so it’s an ideal place for a swim. However, there is no lifeguard on site, so keep that in mind before you enter the water.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
#5 Hyamas Beach

Slightly more popular with tourists and locals, Hyamas Beach is a beautiful beach with soft, white sand and clear waters. Although there is no lifeguard on site, the waters here are quite calm, perfect for swimming.

There is also a large children’s playground and restrooms on site.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
#6 Canberra

The country’s capital Canberra is located a bit more in the middle of the country, equidistant from Sydney and Melbourne. Which makes it the largest inland city in Australia.

This is because the governments could not agree on where the capital of Australia would be located. So in the end it was decided that the site for the new capital would be designated exactly in the middle between Sydney and Melbourne.

On the designated site, the city of Canberra was built and officially named in 1913.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns

Canberra is the only city in Australia that was completely designed. The project was handled by two American architects, which is also reflected in the design because Canberra is very reminiscent of the US capital – Washington.

There are several interesting buildings in the city that you absolutely must visit.

The Old Parliament House and the New Parliament House which is open to visitors, and entry is free. It is a beautiful building, both from the outside and inside. Covered in marble and wood, it impresses visitors.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns

Australian War Memorial is an incredibly rich museum full of exhibits reminding us, unfortunately, of armed conflicts around the world.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns

National Gallery of Australia with magnificent paintings by world famous painters, as well as local artists. And a garden with interesting sculptures.

National Museum of Australia reserves and interprets Australia’s social history. The museum has a lot of interesting exhibits, several interactive boards, human stories and paintings by local artists.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
#7 Narooma Beach

Another beautiful and empty beach on the map of Australia Narooma Beach, is a beach with yellow sand and rough ocean. It is the perfect beach for a walk, admiring the surrounding Glasshouse Rocks and the lovely cove at the end of the beach surrounded by greenery. An incredibly beautiful spot on our planet.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
#8 Camel and Horse Head Rocks

Australia’s coastal landscape is full of breathtaking rocks. Yes, rocks! They add a certain touch to the stunning beaches, especially when they have a special shape.

The Camel and Horse Head Rocks are no exception. Even if you might still have trouble recognizing the camel at the first one and somehow recognize the stools that gave it its name. To see the Camel Rock, you can park nearby and walk up to the platform to see it, or even walk down to the beach to get a closer look.

Horse Head Rock is about a 10-15 minute walk through the bushes from the same spot and it looks so real! Be aware that there may be some snakes (we haven’t seen any ourselves) in the bushes and you are walking close to the cliffs. If you stick to the marked path, everything will be fine. Be careful though!

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
#9 Betka & Secret Beach

Australia has almost 12,000 beaches. It would be impossible to visit them all. But you should visit some of them. Including Betka and Secret Beach.

Betka Beach is a lovely spot with a beautiful dayuse area to camp and enjoy a delicious meal, after which you can take a walk and enjoy the beautiful beach.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns

Just ten minutes further south is the not-so-secret Secret Beach. One of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Due to its remote location, there are almost no people on the beach. Getting to it is also a bit of an adventure. However, once you have parked your campervan, take the path provided and walk along the cliffs to see Secret Beach from above or walk down to the beach and enjoy the beauty.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
#10 Raymond Island

This place is definitely not to be missed when planning your trip from Sydney to Melbourne if you just love to commune with wild life.

Raymond Island is otherwise known as Koala Island and these adorable creatures are said to live here as many as three hundred! Therefore, during your walk you can be sure to meet them, just look up at the trees where koalas spend their days, descending to the ground just to change trees.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns

In the treetops, the koalas sleep, eat and defecate, sometimes they are a bit higher up, while sometimes they are very low and close to the eyes of visitors.

Koala Island is the perfect place to take an hour walk along the designated path and observe these cute animals.

You can get to the island by a free ferry, the best way is to park your car on the mainland in Paynesville. As soon as you get down to the island your walk begins and everything is easy reachable by foot.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
#11 Philip Island

The amazing Philip Island, is another island on the way to Melbourne that you should not skip.

While you may wonder what such interesting things can be on this island, there is one thing that will surely surprise you!

Every evening, just after dusk there is an amazing parade here, the penguin parade!

As soon as dusk falls, groups of wet penguins emerge from the water and head for the shore to rest after a day of hunting for food in the cold ocean waters.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns
Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns

The penguins, after crossing the beach, go to rest in the grass, the paddles and bridges that have been built here will allow you to watch the penguins from really close up.

This unforgettable experience is one you won’t forget for the rest of your life.

And although unfortunately this is an organized and paid activity, it is definitely worth any money. However, remember to buy your tickets at least a few days in advance online, as this activity is in high demand.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns

Best time to visit

The climate in New South Wales and Victoria is temperate, which makes the weather a little more unpredictable. For the best possible weather conditions, it is recommended to travel between February and March. As a general rule, in addition to the recommended months, the two or three months before and after are also highly recommended in most cases. Keep in mind, however, that the weather in Australia is the reverse of the western hemisphere.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns

How long to stay

If you plan to visit all the places we recommended in this post without rushing, plan at least two weeks. Distances in Australia can be enormous, so check the map of places you want to visit before you start your trip and always reserve a few extra days just in case you want to stay a bit longer in the places you love.

Australia Campervan Road Trip: 11 Best Places and Beaches From Sydney to Melbourne cairns

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