Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive

Depart the UK to fly to Australia and begin your tailor-made journey. Arrive in Sydney on day three. 

Arrive in Sydney and make your way to your chosen hotel. Your second day is free to explore this wonderful city with its host of attractions. Explore the boutiques, cafes and restaurants of the Rocks, wander through the beautiful botanical gardens, join a harbour cruise or head to the beaches of Bondi and Manly, the options are endless.

Stay: The Cambridge (Standard) or Harbour Rocks (Superior)

Leave Sydney behind and travel south on the Princes Highway to the town of Kiama, famed for its coastal blowhole, which shoots water up to 60m into the air. Continuing south, worthwhile stops include the historic town of Berry and the inland waterfall, Minnamurra Falls. You can chose to stay at Dolphin Sands, a charming B&B in Huskinsson or Paperbark Camp, a luxury bush camp on the banks of Currambene Creek, close to Jervis Bay, where you'll sleep in deluxe tents and dine in a treetop restaurant. The Jervis Bay area is reputed to have the clearest water and whitest beaches in all Australia and is ripe for exploration – bikes and canoes are free to hire from Paperbark Camp. Dinner is included at Paperbark Camp only

Stay: Dolphin Sands B&B (Superior) or Paperbark Camp (Superior)

Depart Jervis Bay and continue south through Batemans Bay to Tilba Tilba, a beautifully restored period village at the base of imposing Mt Dromedary. Spend the night at The Bryn at Tilba, a charming B&B offering spacious rooms and delicious country breakfasts.

Today you'll cross into the state of Victoria on your way to Gipsy Point, where you can picnic with kangaroos and look out for sea eagles. There's plenty to do en route, like heading inland to taste the cheeses of Bega or oysters of Pambula, as well as whale-watching tours from the town of Eden. Accommodation tonight is in a spacious apartment at Gipsy Point Lakeside, with floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of the World Biosphere Reserve, Croajingolong National Park.

Follow the coast to Lakes Entrance, on the shores of Australia's largest inland water system, the Gippsland Lakes, close to Ninety Mile Beach and a spectacular hinterland full of mountain and forest walks. 

Stay: Comfort Inn & Suites (Standard) or Waverley House Cottages (Superior)

Wilson's Promontory National Park is a vast and spectacular wilderness area stretching down to Australia's southernmost point. It's home to a huge array of wildlife that can often be spotted from the walking trails that thread the reserve. Spend two nights at Wilson's Promontory Wilderness Retreats.

The wildlife wonders continue today as you cross to Phillip Island, home to koalas, kangaroos and varied marine life, including little penguins that emerge each evening at dusk from the surf, completely ignoring the tourists that gather to watch their parade. 

Stay: The Waves Apartments (Standard) or Oak Tree Lodge (Superior)

Finish this spectacular drive in the city of Melbourne, where you can explore the myriad attractions of Australia's sporting, fashion and dining capital.

Stay: Batman on Collins (Standard) or The Lindrum (Superior)

Return your hire car to the airport and board your onward, overnight flight, arriving home on day 15.