Melbourne to Sydney

Jump on the Share Bus from Melbourne to Sydney to travel with a bunch of other backpackers between Australia’s two most iconic cities. See incredible beaches, animals, and scenery on the way.

How it works

We’re not a tour – we’re a shared rental! That means it works a little differently. The people joining the trip share the driving, camping, trip planning and experience. This way of travelling offers a more flexible and self-guided trip. It’s also more affordable than a tour. However, you get everything you could need for a camping road trip plus an awesome group of travel mates! Additionally, you get to share the long drive .

About the route

See some of the whitest beaches in the world at Jervis Bay and enjoy the beauty and wilderness of Wilson’s Promontory. After leaving Melbourne venture to Wilsons Promontory to see some incredible beaches and hike up a mountain to get an incredible view of forest and ocean. Make sure you head over to Paynesville near Lakes Entrance, which is an island full of animals. As well as explore those inland waterways. You’ll have the opportunity to venture inland to reach the top of Australia’s highest mountain. Then swim, surf, kayak and hike throughout nature as you travel along the coastline, stopping at beaches and amazing locations. Before heading into Sydney make sure you stop at Kangaroo Valley to hang with some wombats!

Expect to get fit with lots of hiking, snorkelling and exercise as you appreciate the natural sights. This is a no-frills adventure – you’ll be setting up your own tents, sharing the driving, cooking your own dinner and sharing your tent with other 1 or 2 travellers. The target age group is 18-35.

Things to note

Please note this is a minibus rental, not a guided tour. You rent a seat on the bus. We provide a recommended itinerary to help guide you. You are all sharing the driving, cooking and trip planning (but you have a comprehensive guidebook to help) You will rent your seat as either a ‘driver’ or ‘non-driver’. Non-drivers must never drive. Drivers can share driving and must be aged 21+ Once you book you will be given a full guide with free activities, paid activities, recommended campsites to visit, as well as recommended sights to see. Please bring your own water bottle, sunscreen and torch. Be prepared for the tough weather! Please limit luggage to 20kg and two bags.

Trip Highlights

  • See wombats, penguins, koalas, kangaroos
  • Explore national parks, climb mountains, see some of the whitest beaches in the world
  • Travel through small beachy seaside towns, and have the whole beach to yourselves
  • Start and finish in Australia’s most famous cities

Inclusions

General inclusions

  • Your Toyota Hiace Minibus, to drive to the places you choose (but not on 4WD roads!)
  • Fully equipped trailer with everything you need for camping, cooking, and fun
  • Consumables such as: toilet paper, oil, salt and pepper, gas, bin bags
  • Recommended itinerary (but you have freedom!)
  • Guide (for activities and camping locations – both free and pay sites)
  • Fuel consumption for unlimited km
  • Comprehensive insurance with roadside assistance
  • Special discounts on activities and accomodation

Trip-specific inclusions

  • National Park Entries
  • Snorkelling gear

Exclusions

  • Accommodation: although you can choose to stay at plenty of free camps, or budget pay camps
  • Food: we will give you all the equipment you need to cook what you like!
  • Sleeping bag: bring your own for hygiene reasons
  • Guide: it’s just you and fellow “rentees” driving this minibus. Enjoy!

Recommended itinerary

Day 01/02: Wilsons Promotory

After meeting your road trip buddies, doing a food shop and getting ready for the road trip; head to Wilsons Promontory. Known for it’s rugged scenery and abundant wildlife, Wilson’s Promotory is on a Peninsula close to Melbourne and you can truly incredible and wild nature here. You can visit ‘Squeaky Beach’ (which squeaks!), hike a mountain, and maybe even see wombats here! At the end of the day you could also relax at the outdoor cinema inside the national park The next day you can use the morning to do any longer hikes like hiking to the summit of Mount Oberon. Then start driving to the next destination
.

Day 03 : Gippsland Lakes (Lakes Entrance)

Before seeing the Gippsland Lakes, catch a little ferry across to Paynesville Island. It’s full of wildlife! Then explore! The Gippsland Lakes are the largest network of inland waterways in Australia. Pick a water sport: swimming, snorkelling, surfing, kayaking as you explore this area.

Day 04: Beaches up the coast

This day is made for beach hopping up the coast. Make sure to stop at all the little beaches, towns and lookouts as you explore Cape Conran, Mallacoota, Eden and Merimbula. Why not hire a board and try to surf at some point?

Day 05 Mount Kosciuszko

A change of scenery! If you want to learn a bit about Australia’s history, stop by Canberra. Otherwise head straight to Thredbo to climb Australia’s tallest mountain. Don’t worry – you can catch a chairlift most of the way up 😉 . After hiking for a couple of hours take a photo on the top of the Australia! Finish your day hanging out in Thredbo, or maybe camping in a free camp by the river, at the bottom of the mountains.

Day 06 Jervis Bay

One of the contenders for the whitest sand in Australia. Chill out at Jervis Bay for some great beach time, or maybe a snorkel. Theres also a nearby national park you can spend some time in. For the evening – think about heading to Kangaroo Valley. While camping in the evening, you’ll find you will be surrounded by wombats!

Day 07 Sydney

Either spend the morning at Jervis Bay, or if you went to Kangaroo Valley; chill out with some wombats and hang out by the river. In the afternoon drive into Sydney via Wollongong, making a stop to see the beach and the Sea Cliff Bridge. Tidy and clean the minibus/trailer and enjoy your night in Sydney!

Trip details

Melbourne to Sydney

Trip length: 7 days

Prices:
Early bird: $510 (6+ weeks before Start Date)
Full fee: $543

Start Dates:

Discounts

Discounts are available:

  • if you book more than 6 weeks in advance
  • for groups of friends travelling together
  • if you want to stay on the Share Bus for more than one trip

Please send us an email for details and to ask for your discount eligibility.

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