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."

10 Best Tours & Trips from Sydney to Melbourne 2026/2027

10 best Sydney to Melbourne tour packages

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In-depth Cultural
Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush
4.7 (3 traveler 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
From $2,004
US$1,804per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Classic Australia
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Sydney, Cairns, Kuranda, Melbourne,Twelve Apostles Marine National Park,Phillip Island+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Great Barrier ReefEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Cosmos
5% Off
From $2,979
US$2,829per person
+$696 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush (including Mount Ainslie)
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
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 $1,840
US$1,693per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$New Year\'s Eve Magic in Australia Tour$
$New Year\'s Eve Magic in Australia - 14 destinations$
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Explorer
New Year's Eve Magic in Australia
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Sydney, Bondi Beach, Blue Mountains, Uluru, Cairns,Great Barrier Reef,Kuranda,Melbourne,Great Ocean Road+4 more
Country Region
Great Barrier ReefEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
Gebeco
8% Off
From
US$9,891per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
- Flights included
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In-depth Cultural
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
From
US$3,039per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Get to know Australia (from Sydney/to Melbourne)
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Sydney, Bondi Beach, Barossa Valley, Adelaide,Kangaroo Island,Hahndorf,Coonawarra,Mount Gambier,Port Fairy,Loch Ard Gorge,Geelong,Great Ocean Road,Melbourne+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Great Ocean Road
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
8% Off
From
US$6,831per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Highlights of Australia (from Sydney/to Melbourne)
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Sydney, Bondi, Bondi Beach, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island,Seal Bay,Flinders Chase National Park,Mount Gambier,Great Ocean Road,Melbourne+5 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
8% Off
From
US$7,328per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Australia - Peaks, Coast and Cities: From Sydney to Tasmania 14 Days
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Sydney, Blue Mountains, Launceston,Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park,Hobart,Melbourne,Phillip Island,Great Ocean Road+5 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
ASI Reisen
8% Off
From
US$5,409per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
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
From
US$9,772per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Aussie Icons Fly Stay Tour
4.1 (10 traveler reviews)
"Blue Mountains, Cairns Great Barrier Reef and Daintree RainForest trips were the highlights."
Rajah, traveled in October
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
From
US$3,175per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Iconic Australia: Famous Cities & Red Centre Explorer
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Sydney, Manly, Yulara, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park,Kings Canyon,Alice Springs,Melbourne+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Australia Northern TerritoryCentral AustraliaAustralian OutbackRed Centre+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $3,899
US$2,924per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Sydney to Melbourne Tours

10 best Sydney to Melbourne tour packages