Sydney To Melbourne Foodie Road Trip Itinerary

Love food and road trips? So do we! At JUCY, we're all about delicious food and epic adventures – that's why you'll find the best custom kitchens across our campervan fleet! 

While our JUCY campervan rentals have everything you need to cook up a storm, you don’t have to chef it up at every stop. We love food as much as our boss loves wearing green and purple (obsessed is an understatement), which is why we feel well equipped to guide you from Sydney to Melbourne on a foodie extravaganza.  

Begin your road trip by picking up yourSydney campervan rental, and getting onto the Grand Pacific Drive. This iconic route that winds you along the far south coast, to the stunning beach mecca of Jervis Bay. Any coastal journey south of Sydney should absolutely include a night or two at the pristine, squeaky-white sand and aquamarine waters of Jervis Bay. 

Aside from the landscape that seems dreamt up by a marketing exec, you'll also be able to spy dolphins off the coast year-round and native animals on land. From June to November, you'll also want to watch for migrating whales too. 

Must-do stops 

When leaving Sydney, make your first stop at Royal National Park to take in the vast cliff-top views over the Pacific Ocean and explore its lush rainforests and stunning beaches. A little further along this coastal route, if it's warm enough, the rock pools of Coalcliff provide a magnificent ocean dip. And don’t miss the chance to stop at the Sea Cliff Bridge, just a few minutes down the road, for more breathtaking views! 

Just over the midway point, stop in a coastal town called Berry. Pop intoThe Berry Tea Shop, for some yummy purchases (don't miss the scones with jam and cream). If you'renot quite hungry enough, wait until you pass through Nowra and grab some goodies fromThe Cake Store. 

What to do in Jervis Bay 

Once in Jervis Bay, support local businesses likeWoebegone Freediving andthe Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. Once you've parked up, sample a beer paddle at theJervis Bay Brewing Co—a refreshing drink is well-deserved after a busy first day on the road! 

After enjoying a morning stroll on the white sand beaches of Jervis Bay, it's time to get on the road and head towards Narooma, a picturesque coastal town known for its turquoise waters and abundant marine life. 

Must-do stops 

If you're an adventurous road-tripper, a stop at downtown Lake Conjolawon't go a miss. Just over an hour from Jervis Bay, you can swim, fish, watch the local wildlife or cross the dunes to surf. It's an awesome spot! 

If you like to start your day more slowly, head another 20 minutes south to Mollymook to surf or meditate on the beach. For those who prefer to meditate on some roasted beans, then caffeinate at the nearbyNative Café. Their healthy menu gives you all the permission you need to indulge in deliciousness—because you can eat more when it’s healthy, right? 

For those wanting to make a day of it in Ulladulla, Cupitt’s Estate is the place to be. This boutique winery, brewery, fromagerie, and restaurant also offers rooms, so you don’t have to move after sampling one of everything! If you need to walk off the fromage temptations, the Gondwana Coast Fossil Walk is in the area. 

An hour south of Ulladulla,the Mossy Café is the perfect fuel-up for the Eurobodalla National Park, the go-to spot for keen adventurers. Mossy serves coffee and delicious treats until 3pm daily- perfect to combat that mid-arvo slump. 

What to do in Narooma, Eurobodalla National Park 

Eurobodalla National Park is a 2,220-hectare park covering the area from Moruya Heads to TilbaTilba Lake. Within Eurobodalla, Narooma is an ideal base for exploring this sacred land on foot or venture by boat to see the wildlife on Montague Island. 

But don't forget, no stopover is complete without sampling the local goodies. Quarterdeck offers tasty morsels, live music, and the friendliest of vibes in its fab over-water location. It's the tiki bar you didn't know you needed in your life! 

After all the tiki-style cocktails in Narooma, kick off the day with sunrise shots of the iconic geological wonders of Glasshouse Rocks and Pillow Lava. Pro tip: ignore the Google Maps directions; instead, park at the cemetery, walk to and around the white fence, and then follow the path. You're welcome. 

Must-do stops 

Today's itinerary takes in the Sapphire Coast, a spectacular stretch of shoreline from Bermagui in the north to Eden in the south. Coastal activities abound here, like fishing, surfing, and lounging on the gorgeous powder-soft beaches. 

An hour and ten minutes from Glassrocksis the kind of coffee you'd drive an hour ten for. It doesn't hurt that you can also rent a wetsuit and board at the Gap and hit Tathra's surf break. 

For a local experience stop by the Tathra Beach Bowling Club, where they have activities scheduled on most days. If you're passing September to November, take on the challenging Kangarutha Walking Track for a chance to spot passing whales. Alternatively, there are plenty of less arduous ways to spy passing southern rights and humpbacks, too. 

After a day filled with so much excitement already, recharge with another caffeine buzz atThe Waterfront Café when you pass through Merimbula. 

If you're an oyster fan, then luckily for you the Sapphire Coast route has a couple of incredible oyster stops to fill your esky with. Hmm, Tathra Oysters or the award-winning Broadwater Oysters in Pambula Lake? Both, we say! Pambula Lake also offersMagical Oyster Tours that are as educational about the local flora and fauna as they are about oysters.  

Things to do in Pambula 

Woohoo, you've made it to your final stop of the day, Pambula. This gold mining town has a rich heritage with colonial buildings that house an eclectic mix of eats and treats. The community has proudly rallied together, and you can contribute, too, by grabbing the best chips in town at the Broken Oar or a brew and baked goods at Wild Rye's. Stay overnight here in your Australian campervan hire, or in Eden just 20 km further south. 

At the southern end of the Sapphire Coast sits Eden, appropriately named for its natural beauty. Eden is also considered the best regional whale-watching destination. A visit to the quirkyKiller Whale Museum is recommended, as is a trip on the water to find the rest of the ‘not killer' kind of whales - if it's the right season of course. 

Must-do stops 

If you have time on your itinerary, add a day to explore the Ben Boyd National Park. The Aboriginal middens and secluded beaches are best accessed from the Pambula end of the park. 

From Eden, head down the Princess Highway to enter into Victoria and the state's remote and impressive (and pretty unspellable) Croajingolong National Park. This UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve is home to over 300 bird species. If you'd like to stay a night or two in the reserve, Mallacotta or Wingan River make good bases. 

Things to do in Marlo 

Alternatively head a little further south and stop in the seaside town of Marlo, located at the mouth of the Snowy River. Here you can set up camp for the night at Marlo Ocean Views Caravan and Camping Park, whilst enjoying a tasty nom-nom burger fromBeachside Takeaway. A perfect way to end another day on your Sydney to Melbourne road trip! 

Must-do stops 

Lakes Entrance is a popular Gippsland holiday spot, thanks to the extensive network of waterways and iconic Ninety Mile Beach. Aside from surfing on Ninety Mile Beach, you can also kayak the Gippsland Lakes, fish, or explore by paddleboat. Before diving into any activity, make sure to fuel up at Blood Good Coffee at Lakes Entrance.  

It's never a hardship to support the community by way of caffeine and delicious cake, right? You should also check out the local Gippsland Lakes Farmers' Markets to see what's on. We have some great Cooking in Campers videos if you need inspiration. 

Stock up on baked goods for your JUCY fridge at the Seasalt Sourdough Artisan Bakery in Swan Reach. You will not regret it. This bakery has long been a favourite with international tourists, so they're feeling the pinch with the closure of our international borders. 

Nearby Bruthen is another great #shoplocal destination, with a general store for supplies, as well as the Bullant Brewery for a spot of locally-sourced lunch or some takeaway beers for your JUCY campervan fridge. 

If you prefer a more sophisticated tipple, travel 25 minutes more to the Nicholson River Winery, a cellar door in the heart of Gippsland's beauty. 

Things to in Paynesville 

Close by is Paynesville, a charming village for the water lovers out there, with some fabulous lakeside dining. It's also the entry point to Raymond Island for koala spotting. How fun! 

As the Gippsland towns are in proximity to each other, pick the community or attraction that resonates the most - they all give you the happy Gippsland vibes during your stay! 

We're on the home stretch of our Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive! If you'renot quite ready to say goodbye to the adventure, why not take the scenic route to Melbourne and make a stop at Wilsons Promontory National Park? This stunning peninsula offers everything from hiking and wildlife spotting to pristine beaches, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors. 

For those who prefer lush scenery and beautiful trails, consider a detour to the picnic areas in Mt Worth State Park—a serene stop to savour the last of your #shoplocal supplies. 

Things to do in Melbourne 

After any lingering and delaying the inevitable, the last hour and half drive brings you to your final destination—Melbourne, Australia's vibrant cultural melting pot and the country's culinary capital! While you may need to return your campervan hire in Melbourne, if you have a couple of days to spare, it's not bad news at all! There are plenty of foodie spots left to explore, ensuring the eating extravaganza continues... 

A visit to the iconic Queen Victoria Market is a must - here you can indulge in fresh produce, gourmet treats, and multicultural cuisine. Why not also pay a visit to Melbourne's laneways, which are full of gems offering such as Roule Galette and their mouthwatering crepes, or Pho Thin for a soul-warming bowl of Pho! Nothing beats feel-good food, huh? 

Wondering how else you can support local businesses? Starting with dining local and stocking up on delicious local produce is a fantastic start! Whether it's a weekend getaway or an extended foodie road trip, hitting the road to explore and support these communities is key. 

Make time on your travels to buy local and share on social media when you do (tag your#jucymoments, so we can share, too) so everyone hears this call. The action of one (you) becomes the action of many (ya mates). Good on ya, mate.