Why a Melbourne Road Trip to Mt Kosciuszko
If you’re in Australia, it is a right of passage to do a road trip and a VIC to NSW road trip is one of the most popular paths that is taken. If you haven’t read my posts before, then here is a little about me: I moved to Australia in 2021 and I’ve been exploring it ever since. I didn’t do the VIC road trip the easy way though, because now why would I go and make things easy on myself? Melbourne to Mt Kosciuszko is a great opportunity to experience the amazing beaches of VIC and the gorgeous mountains and parks of Mt Kosciusko Park and Snowy River National Park. I saw some of the most beautiful spots in Australia on this trip – Wilsons Promontory, Ninety Mile Beach, and Kosciuszko National Park.
What you will find here
Here you will find my personal travel journal of my VIC road trip – I made this trip with my partner during December and it was an amazing experience that I hope will inspire you to try for yourself. This was a 6 day road trip VIC to NSW. We drove a rented campervan and stayed mostly at government camping spots located in some of the best parks and beaches. These campgrounds are linked below and you must book a spot via the government websites to ensure they have a spot for you when you arrive. Now onto the trip!Â
Day 1: Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory
Driving time: 4 hours approx.
Melbourne Road Trip to Mt Kosciuszko is a long trip to do in 6 days so on our first day, we headed out early from Melbourne towards George Bass Coast, just outside of Phillip Island. You could easily head into Phillip Island for the day if you wanted to from here, but we did the George Bass Coast Walk.
We also stopped on the way to Wilsons Promontory at Eagle’s Nest on the Southeastern coast. There is a viewing platform and a staircase down to the beach, but when we were at Eagle’s Nest it was quite windy so we only took a quick look. Our plan was to get to Wilsons Promontory by the afternoon as we wanted to spend as much time there as possible.
Where to stay: Tidal River Campground
Day 2: Wilsons Promontory
Driving time: 1 hour approx.
Today we would be spending the whole day at Wilsons Promontory (known as Wilsons Prom). If you’re doing the Melbourne Road Trip to Mt Kosciuszko, Wilsons Promontory is a must. Make sure you book in advance as spots here fill up fast as its a popular VIC road trip destination! The highlights are the Prom Wildlife Walk, which is a short drive from the campsite, Norman Bay, and Squeaky Beach.
Where to stay: Tidal River Campground
Day 3: Ninety Mile Beach
Driving time: 2.5 hours approx.
Once we said a teary goodbye to possibly the most beautiful place in Victoria, we left Wilsons Prom and headed towards Ninety Mile Beach. There are so many similarly-named beaches so I didn’t have my hopes up that this would be anything special but I was so wrong. Ninety Mile beach in Victoria is just so beautiful – it is an untouched gem. We spent the night at Paradise Beach Campground where it was just us and the ocean waves.
Where to stay: Paradise Beach Campground
Day 4: Lakes Entrance
Driving time: 2 hours approx.
Next up is Lakes Entrance. Now, Lakes Entrance is quite a popular tourist spot for families wanting to escape Melbourne. There are no government camping spots here and the price for family-centric holiday parks is insane to me. I recommend staying out of the town somewhere like Eight Acres Glamping Site, which is more of an unique experience.
Where to stay: Eight Acres Lakes Entrance Glamping Site
Day 5: Thredbo
Driving time: 4 hours approx.
This is the last day of driving, and it is a bit of a long drive to get over the rest of VIC to NSW. The drive is also perilous at times, so be warned. This is one of the scariest drives I’ve actually ever done, and there were points where I wondered if we were going to make it. Driving a campervan on a dusty, gravel road on a cliff face with no barrier with a lane width that was made for mini coopers, is an experience I wish only on the adrenaline lovers. What makes it especially fun is when a truck is coming from the other way. Good times.
You will take this road via Snowy River National Park and Jindabyne. Don’t miss out on Tom Groggin Campground, which is an amazing experience where you get to sleep in a field surrounded by kangaroos. Very Australia.
Where to stay: Tom Groggin Campground
Day 6: Climb Mt Kosciuszko
Driving time: 30 mins approx.
You will need to drive into Thredbo and park your car in the main car park before the walking path entrance/chairlift. Make sure you get there early as this is a very busy hiking trail. The hike in general is an easy one, that is well maintained. There may be some snow on parts of the trail depending on the time of year so make sure you come prepared. Once you get to the top and see the view, you’ll understand why the Melbourne road trip to Mt Kosciuszko was worth it!
VERDICT
Is a vIC to NSW road tripWorth It?
100% yes. The Melbourne road trip to Mt Kosciuszko is one of the best road trips I’ve done in Australia and it is sorely underrated. If you love hiking, this is about as high as you’re going to get in Australia! Thredbo is a great little alpine town to explore and the Eastern coast of Victoria is mostly an untouched gem. This is my personal favourite way to get from VIC to NSW, too.
did this article speak to you?
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