Sydney to Melbourne Roadtrip Camping Guide
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Time to read 7 min
One of the most classic road trip routes in Australia is from Sydney to Melbourne, and it’s not merely because these two cities are Australia’s most populous cities.
The distance between these two metropolises makes the drive pleasantly manageable. Plus, there’s no shortage of beautiful sights and cosy pitstops between these two cities that highlight the diversity of Australia’s beauty.
With how popular this road trip is, you’ll find plenty of campsites scattered along the route that are perfect for the average traveller looking to pause and soak in the scenery. From holiday parks to no-frills bush camps, there’s a decent variety of camping spots that can suit any type of camper along this route.
Without further ado, here are some tips to help you score a good place to camp between Sydney and Melbourne in your upcoming road trip. Let’s get right into it!
1) Book in Advance
Popular campsites along the Sydney-Melbourne coastal route can fill up quickly, especially during the summer holidays.
With this being the case, it’s crucial to make your bookings in advance to secure your spot and have a place to stay once you’re driving across the route.
Making a same-day booking is an absolute no-no, as you could be left without a place to stay by the time you approach the campsite. This is especially true in smaller towns with only one campsite for miles on end.
The same philosophy applies to individuals planning to get a Sydney to Melbourne car rental, as car rentals become extremely volatile in these periods and may not have an available car for same-day bookings.
Therefore, it’s essential to plan and make necessary bookings in advance, ideally months leading up to the intended travel date. Research specific campgrounds and send emails or make bookings through their website or a third-party booking website for your expected travel date.
This allows you to have a guaranteed place to sleep once the time comes. It also assures you a spot at a campsite that has decent facilities, views, and amenities more often than not, instead of settling for “second best”.
With how popular this road trip is, you’ll find plenty of campsites scattered along the route that are perfect for the average traveller looking to pause and soak in the scenery. From holiday parks to no-frills bush camps, there’s a decent variety of camping spots that can suit any type of camper along this route.
Without further ado, here are some tips to help you score a good place to camp between Sydney and Melbourne in your upcoming road trip. Let’s get right into it!
2) Plot Your Route
Another thing you should do before heading out on a cross-country road trip is to plot your route. The drive down to Melbourne can be done in two ways: coastal or inland. The experience and duration for each can be a bit different, so it’s important to set what route you’re taking and what places are worth stopping by in advance.
Of course, you don’t have to plan your itinerary with extreme precision. A little bit of leeway is great as it allows you to be a bit spontaneous and flexible rather than feeling rushed. That being said, having a general idea of where you’re going isn’t only going to help you keep up a solid pace, but it also assures your safety as you navigate unfamiliar roads and terrain.
As you exit Sydney and enter more rural road networks, you may encounter more wildlife and rugged terrain. Driving in the dark can be quite an unpleasant experience with animals, bugs and other drivers being hazards that can cause you stress. If you have minimal direction, these hazards can become dangerous fast.
As this is the case, it’s better to be safe than sorry by plotting your route in advance so you won’t end up rushing things during the actual drive.
With how popular this road trip is, you’ll find plenty of campsites scattered along the route that are perfect for the average traveller looking to pause and soak in the scenery. From holiday parks to no-frills bush camps, there’s a decent variety of camping spots that can suit any type of camper along this route.
Without further ado, here are some tips to help you score a good place to camp between Sydney and Melbourne in your upcoming road trip. Let’s get right into it!
3) Research and Know Your Chosen Campgrounds
Another thing you must settle before heading out on your road trip is your campground bookings.
Not all campsites have the amenities you expect them to have. Some campsites may be no-frills and have nothing more than a patch of land for you to set up a tent. Others may offer their own tent with luxurious amenities such as a stove and private bathrooms.
On top of that, some campsites also have better accessibility than others. Some may be just within the route, such as those near popular coastal towns, while others require a short detour down roads or deeper into national parks.
It’s a good idea to know what to expect in terms of location and amenities, as you can prepare what to pack accordingly. You can also make the most of the amenities by the time you roll in on site.
That being said, it’s crucial to confirm with the facilities days leading up to your arrival. Some things they may advertise may not be available or may not be working by the time you show up, so it’s good to be aware of it so you can avoid unwanted surprises.
You can generally determine which campsite is good by checking online reviews made by other guests. You can also use this time before the visit to read up on the rules and other things to know to ensure that the campsite you’re planning to stay at is the right fit for you and your fellow road trip companions.
With how popular this road trip is, you’ll find plenty of campsites scattered along the route that are perfect for the average traveller looking to pause and soak in the scenery. From holiday parks to no-frills bush camps, there’s a decent variety of camping spots that can suit any type of camper along this route.
Without further ado, here are some tips to help you score a good place to camp between Sydney and Melbourne in your upcoming road trip. Let’s get right into it!
4) Pack Smart
Another essential step you must take before setting out on your Sydney-Melbourne road trip is preparing the right things to pack. You’ll have to carry the right gear with you during your road trip if you want it to be a success, and this is especially true if you’re planning to set up camp.
Besides the standard road trip gear like snacks and power banks, you should also bring things that’ll help you settle in easily at night in your tent. Think along the lines of sleeping bags, tents, and potable water.
Additionally, you should also mind the weather and bring clothes fit for the occasion. If you’re going to pass through more tropical and bushy areas, then insect repellent and sunscreen are vital to keep your body and skin safe.
If you have specific goals or activities you plan to do while on your road trip, like diving or hiking, then ensure that you have the gear for them as well. Preparing a printable road trip checklist can be very useful to help ensure that nothing important slips through the cracks as you prepare for your upcoming road trip.
5) Know the Route Hits
While many folks embark on a road trip for the journey and not the destination, it doesn’t hurt to include a couple of notable spots in your itinerary.
With hundreds of kilometres spanning between Sydney and Melbourne, there are plenty of highlights worth visiting while undertaking a three or four-day adventure along this route.
For starters, the coastal route has a few gems worth checking out. The Kiama Blowhole has an all-natural water spout that’s jaw-dropping to see in real life. Jervis and Batemans Bay are also great stopovers to enjoy sunbathing and ocean views.
For the inland route, the Yarra Valley is a great stopover for wine lovers. The scenic High Country around Albury-Wodonga is also a nice place to just soak it all in.
By planning a few stops per day, you can turn your long drive into a series of fun memories instead of a continuous drive from one place to the next. This, in turn, can make your road trip much more fun and enjoyable.
6) Respect Nature and Campsite Etiquette
Lastly, but arguably most importantly, is to respect the rules of nature and the establishment where you’re setting up camp. Leave the place in the same pristine state that you found it in. This is especially true if you’re setting up camp in a natural reserve.
One fundamental principle you should always stick by is the “leave no trace” principle. Remove all the rubbish you’ve made once you’re done staying in that specific campsite. You should also avoid interacting with wildlife and touching plants as much as possible.
Moreover, you should also respect specific rules imposed by the campground staff. Follow quiet hours, don’t use fire during non-peak hours, and ensure that you’re not being a nuisance to other guests. By following these guidelines, you’ll promote a more peaceful and enjoyable trip for everyone staying within the vicinity.
We hope that you can follow these tips as you explore the wonderful inland or coastal trail between Sydney and Melbourne. Happy driving!
