What would be a typical day-by-day itinerary between Sydney and Melbourne?

A common 5-day route begins with a drive from Sydney to the Southern Highlands and Berrima. The second day focuses on Canberra where travelers explore Parliament House and key museums. On day three the route winds through Victoria's High Country to Beechworth with accommodation at places like the Nicolas Hotel Beechworth. The fourth day takes travelers through Ned Kelly Country toward Melbourne. The final day centers on Melbourne's distinct neighborhoods and cultural venues. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The itinerary was perfectly balanced between driving time and sightseeing - especially loved the day in Canberra and exploring Melbourne's hidden laneways."

What are the most common destinations visited between Sydney to Melbourne?

The route connects major landmarks starting with the Blue Mountains National Park near Sydney where travelers can view the Three Sisters formation. Key stops include the coastal Great Ocean Road Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles rock formations. In Melbourne visits often include the Melbourne Cricket Ground St Patrick's Cathedral and the Royal Botanic Gardens. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The Blue Mountains and Great Ocean Road trips were absolutely spectacular with excellent guides who were knowledgeable and kept things moving well."

What is the average price range for Sydney to Melbourne tours?

Tours cost between USD 2200 and USD 3500 for 5-10 day journeys. This price covers stays at properties like the Mercure Sydney and DoubleTree Melbourne guided city tours coach transport and select meals. Basic 5-day tours begin at USD 2240 while extended 10-day programs with additional activities reach USD 3059. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The tour offered great value considering all the included sightseeing and quality hotels."

What key destinations do tours typically visit between Sydney and Melbourne?

The route includes stops at significant locations like Canberra's Parliament House the Victorian gold rush town of Beechworth and the Great Ocean Road's Twelve Apostles. Accommodations range from city hotels like the Courtyard Melbourne Flagstaff Gardens to local experiences such as dining at Bondi Beach surf clubs. As one TourRadar reviewer noted: "Loved exploring the small towns and scenic spots between the big cities - Beechworth was a real highlight with its gold rush history."

What is the total distance covered on a typical Sydney to Melbourne tour route?

The journey spans 800-1200km depending on the chosen path. The inland route through Canberra and Beechworth covers about 880km while the coastal Great Ocean Road option extends to 1200km. Daily driving segments average 200-300km with stops at places like the Beechworth Heritage Hotel. A TourRadar reviewer commented: "The driving distances were well planned with interesting stops that made the journey as enjoyable as the destinations."

What are the average tour lengths for trips from Sydney to Melbourne?

Programs range from 5-10 days between these cities. The Southern Capitals City Meets Bush tour completes the journey in 5 days with visits to towns like Berrima and Beechworth. Longer options such as the 10-day Independent Australian Explorer allow extended time in both major cities. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The 5-day pace was perfect - enough time to see everything without feeling rushed between stops."

Sydney to Melbourne Tours

Australia is an epic adventure regardless of where you go, and Sydney to Melbourne follows a beautiful coastline. Imagine exploring the Opera House and beaches, driving the Great Ocean Road, visiting the Twelve Apostles, discovering wineries, and arriving in Melbourne's laneways. These are Australia's two biggest cities with stunning coastline between, giving you endless photo opportunities and memories.

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10 best Sydney to Melbourne tour packages

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City & Culture
Iconic Australia: Famous Cities & Red Centre Explorer
4.5 (2 reviews)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Sydney, Manly, Yulara, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs,Melbourne,Phillip Island,Great Ocean Road,Port Campbell National Park,Great Otway National Park+5 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
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US$2,924per person
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City & Culture
Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush
5.0 (2 reviews)
"Amazing tour, easy travel in luxury, delicious food, insider knowledge from local experts."
Jess, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Sydney, Canberra, Mount Ainslie, Beechworth, Wangaratta,Glenrowan,Melbourne,St Kilda,Phillip Island+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
East Australia
Operated in
English
Operator
AAT Kings
8% Off
From $1,935
US$1,780per person
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City & Culture
Classic Australia
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Sydney, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, Melbourne,Great Ocean Road,Twelve Apostles Marine National Park,Phillip Island+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Great Barrier ReefEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Cosmos
8% Off
From
US$2,939per person
+$781 upfront costs
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$New Year\'s Eve Magic in Australia Tour$
$New Year\'s Eve Magic in Australia - 16 destinations$
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City & Culture
New Year's Eve Magic in Australia
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Sydney, Bondi Beach, Blue Mountains, Uluru, Cairns,Great Barrier Reef,Kuranda,Barron Gorge National Park,Melbourne,Great Ocean Road,Twelve Apostles Marine National Park+6 more
Country Region
Great Barrier ReefEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
Gebeco
8% Off
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US$9,680per person
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
- Flights included
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City & Culture
Independent Australian Explorer
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Sydney, Bondi Beach, Cairns, Hunter Valley, Phillip Island,Great Ocean Road,Melbourne+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
East Australia
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
8% Off
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US$3,039per person
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City & Culture
Australia rich in contrasts
Duration
27 days
Destinations
Sydney, Bondi Beach, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie,Byron Bay,Gold Coast,Hervey Bay,Fraser Island,Rockhampton,Daydream Island,Townsville,Millaa Millaa,Cairns,Kuranda,Darwin,Kakadu National Park,Katherine,Mataranka,Tennant Creek,Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve,Alice Springs,Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park,Uluru,Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park,Coober Pedy,Adelaide,Barossa Valley,Kangaroo Island,Hahndorf,Coonawarra,Mount Gambier,Port Fairy,Loch Ard Gorge,Twelve Apostles Marine National Park,Geelong,Melbourne,Phillip Island+33 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
8% Off
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US$9,812per person
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City & Culture
Get to know Australia (from Sydney/to Melbourne)
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Sydney, Bondi Beach, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda,Darwin,Kakadu National Park,Katherine,Mataranka,Tennant Creek,Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve,Alice Springs,Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park,Uluru,Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park,Coober Pedy,Port Augusta,Adelaide,Barossa Valley,Kangaroo Island,Hahndorf,Coonawarra,Mount Gambier,Port Fairy,Great Ocean Road,Twelve Apostles Marine National Park,Loch Ard Gorge,Geelong,Melbourne,Phillip Island+25 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
8% Off
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US$6,859per person
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Ancient Wonders
Highlights of Australia (from Sydney/to Melbourne)
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Sydney, Bondi Beach, Cairns, Kuranda, Darwin,Litchfield National Park,Pine Creek,Katherine,Nitmiluk National Park,Kakadu National Park,Alice Springs,Uluru,Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park,Watarrka National Park,Kings Canyon,Adelaide,Kangaroo Island,Seal Bay,Flinders Chase National Park,Coonawarra,Mount Gambier,Port Fairy,Twelve Apostles Marine National Park,Loch Ard Gorge,Geelong,Melbourne,Phillip Island+22 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
8% Off
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US$7,345per person
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City & Culture
Australia - Peaks, Coast and Cities: From Sydney to Tasmania 14 Days
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Sydney, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Launceston,Cataract Gorge Reserve,Sheffield,Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park,Dove Lake,Freycinet National Park,Hobart,Melbourne,Belgrave,Phillip Island,St Kilda,Loch Ard Gorge,Twelve Apostles Marine National Park+12 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
ASI Reisen
8% Off
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US$5,294per person
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Nature & Wildlife
Aussie Icons Fly Stay Tour
4.1 (11 reviews)
"Over all very nicely organized and selected tours."
Sinhareb, traveled in September
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Sydney, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Daintree National Park,Great Barrier Reef,Melbourne,Phillip Island,Great Ocean Road,Apollo Bay+5 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Great Barrier ReefEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd
8% Off
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US$3,126per person
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City & Culture
Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush
4.7 (3 reviews)
"Ideal for somebody from the UK wishing for a helpful introduction to a particular part of Australia."
Ann, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Sydney, Berrima, Canberra, Mount Ainslie, Beechworth,Wangaratta,Melbourne,Phillip Island+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
East Australia
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
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US$1,680per person
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River Cruise
Highlights of the Hunter Valley and Murray River Sydney → Melbourne (2027)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Sydney, Hunter Valley, Kiama, Canberra, Torrumbarry, Echuca,Melbourne+1 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
East AustraliaMurray River+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
APT
10% Off
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US$9,877per person
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