Although this is a much less traveled and lesser known route then the Great Ocean Road drive between Melbourne and Adelaide it was no less scenic and offered wonderful coastal vistas, beautiful secluded beaches, great seaside towns with numerous cafes and shops, and all on a road "less traveled".
The drive starts just outside of Sydney where we opted to take the Grand Pacific Highway which winds its way thru the Royal National Park on down to Wollongong where you join the main drive on the Princes Highway. Our first stop was in the small coastal town of Mollymook where we spent two nights at Bannister's Point Lodge - a fantastic accommodation perched on a cliff edge where each room offered magnificent views of the ocean. The cozy open air bar/restaurant was the perfect place to relax after a day of driving. You are only about 30 minutes from Jervis Bay where you can enjoy whale watching cruises (in season) and dolphin cruising year round. This would make a great self drive two or three night stay from Sydney if your time does not allow you to do the full drive to Melbourne.
From Mollymook we headed further south to Lakes Entrance for our second two night stay at Waverley House Cottages. Six spectacular self contained cottages tucked into the hillside above the main town. The attention to detail and warm inviting decor at these wonderful cottages allows the visitor to truly make themselves at home!
Lakes Entrance is the gateway to the Gippsland Lake region - the largest inland waterway in the Southern Hemisphere. A virtual playground for boat enthusiasts, hikers/walkers, and wine lovers alike. The lovely seaside towns are filled with cafes and shops showcasing the many designs of the numerous local artists in the area. Again for those that do not have the time to do the full Sydney to Melbourne drive this region is only 3 hours south of Melbourne and would make a lovely addition to a stay in the city.
Following the South Gippsland Highway from Sale we spent our last night of the drive on Philip Island where we enjoyed the famous nightly Little Penguin Parade, followed by a wonderful dinner at Taylors Waterfront Restaurant on the island.
I would definitely consider the Sydney to Melbourne route if your plans "Down Under" include a self drive option.
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