Discover the Best Towns Along Your Sydney to Lakes Entrance Road Trip (2024)

When I shared the details of our ambitious journey from Sydney to Lakes Entrance over the weekend, people were quick to question my sanity, asking about the practicality of the plan and the duration of the drive. With just a weekend at our disposal, my two friends and I aimed to cover approximately 1500 kilometers. The idea sprouted during our road trip to the Southern Highlands, where we had ample time to craft this exciting itinerary in the confines of our car.

Having always relished the experience of driving in Australia, the prospect of covering 1500 kilometers over a weekend didn’t daunt me personally. Additionally, the fact that all my friends and I possessed full, unrestricted Australian driving licenses made the journey seem more manageable.

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Road Trip from Sydney to Lakes Entrance

When discussing the journey from Sydney to Lakes Entrance, we are delving into a road trip connecting the states of New South Wales and Victoria in Australia. There are two distinct routes for this expedition. The first is the inland route through Canberra, which is the shorter option, while the second is the coastal and scenic route passing through Wollongong and Eden.

For a road trip guide on the east coast of Australia, read my post, Ultimate East Coast Road Trip of Australia.

Renowned for its picturesque landscapes, the coastal route offers a more enjoyable and visually appealing driving experience. The coastal drive, covering the distance from Sydney to Lakes Entrance, takes approximately 9 hours for a one-way trip, spanning about 715 kilometers.

Our Weekend Itinerary for the Road Trip from Sydney to Lakes Entrance

The plan was to commence the journey on a Friday evening post-work and return by Sunday.

• Friday Night – Our departure point was Strathfield in Sydney, and we hit the road around 5 PM. Our chosen overnight stop was Eden, with the goal of covering a total distance of approximately 550 kilometers.
• Saturday – In the morning, we explored Eden before going to Lakes Entrance. By afternoon, we had successfully reached Lakes Entrance, covering a distance of approximately 250 kilometers.
• Sunday – Our focus for the day was dedicated to the drive from Lakes Entrance back to Strathfield (Sydney). In the morning, we took the time to explore Lakes Entrance, discovering some of its interesting attractions.

While our road trip from Sydney to Lakes Entrance was completed over a weekend, I strongly recommend extending the journey to a week if possible. There are numerous towns and cities along the route that are truly worth exploring and spending more time at.

Towns/Cities to See Along the Way from Sydney to Lakes Entrance

Numerous small coastal towns and villages dotted our route between Sydney and Lakes Entrance. However, the key ones I recommend for a brief stopover are as follows:

For fun big things to see on the way, read 11 big things to see in NSW.

Sydney

Our journey naturally began in Sydney, a city I proudly call home in Australia. Popular for its iconic landmarks, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney is a vibrant capital of New South Wales (NSW). There are plenty of things to see and do in this amazing city of Sydney, including seeing the distinctive sail-like landmark Sydney Opera House. When you are in Sydney, you cannot miss the famous Bondi Beach, one of the best beaches in Sydney.

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities I have ever encountered, Sydney merits some time for exploration. It is truly worth immersing yourself in the charm of this remarkably picturesque city.

Kiama

Kiama is an exceptionally laid-back coastal town situated approximately 95 kilometers from Sydney. Nestled along the picturesque New South Wales coastline, Kiama is a charming seaside town renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and coastal allure. The highlight of Kiama is the iconic Kiama Blowhole, a natural rock formation that shoots seawater into the air, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

You can also enjoy the stunning views of the Tasman Sea and the surrounding cliffs from the Kiama Lighthouse. While we didn’t have the chance to stop there this time, I wholeheartedly recommend dedicating time to exploring the charm of this delightful town.

Just before reaching Kiama, there’s Wollongong, a mere 28 kilometers away, which also proves to be a fantastic place for a pit stop. Wollongong is a vibrant city renowned for its beautiful beaches, diverse cultural offerings, and outdoor adventures. The city is framed by the Pacific Ocean and the Illawarra Escarpment, offering a stunning natural backdrop.

Huskisson and Jervis Bay

I have a deep affection for Huskisson and Jervis Bay. Huskisson, nestled on the shores of Jervis Bay, is a charming coastal town situated approximately 65 kilometers from Kiama.

Known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere, Huskisson is coupled with an array of outdoor activities and natural wonders, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful coastal retreat.

Narooma and Bermagui

Two more coastal towns that hold a special place in my heart are Narooma and Bermagui. Both are incredibly beautiful coastal destinations.

Narooma, located about 180 kilometers from Huskisson, derives its name from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘clear blue waters.’ Rest assured, the place lives up to its name, and you won’t be disappointed. Bermagui is a picturesque seaside town known for its pristine beaches, fishing opportunities, and laid-back coastal atmosphere.

For those who share my passion for the ocean, I highly recommend embarking on the Swimming with Seals tour when you find yourself in Narooma.

Eden

Do you believe in fairytales? Do you believe in the existence of such enchanting places? If so, Eden is the destination for you. Located approximately 135 kilometers from Narooma, Eden offers breathtaking sunrises that are an absolute must-see. It is a coastal town renowned for its stunning natural beauty, maritime history, and vibrant marine life.

During our road trip, we made a stop in Eden and took the time to explore the town a bit.

Eden Killer Whale Museum

Visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum, which showcases the town’s whaling history and the remarkable story of the killer whale “Old Tom,” who assisted whalers in the 19th century. The Eden Killer Whale Museum is a captivating destination where you can explore and gain insights into the killer whales native to the area.

• Address: 184, Imlay Street, Eden 2551.

The museum welcomes visitors every day, opening at 9 AM and closing at 4 PM on weekdays, with weekend hours from 11 AM to 4 PM. Admission to the museum is priced at AUD 12, and tickets can be purchased at the entrance.

Twofold Bay

Explore the picturesque Twofold Bay, known for its deep waters and historic significance as a whaling port. Today, it’s a popular spot for whale watching. During the whale migratory season (May to October), take a whale-watching tour to witness the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat.

Boyd’s Tower

Explore Boyd’s Tower, a historic lighthouse-like structure built by entrepreneur Benjamin Boyd in the mid-19th century, providing panoramic views of the coast. If you have a few days, you can also do the coastal walk Light to Light, which is stunning and worthwhile.

Lakes Entrance

Our ultimate destination was Lakes Entrance, situated on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach and the Gippsland region in the state of Victoria. Renowned for its pristine beaches and rich wildlife, Lakes Entrance captivates visitors with its natural beauty. The journey from Eden to Lakes Entrance covers a distance of 242 kilometers.

Griffiths Shell Museum

A petite museum showcasing an extensive collection of seashells and preserved specimens. Entrance to the museum is priced at AUD 9, and it opens its doors every day from 10 AM to 5 PM.

• Address: 125 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909.

Cunninghame Arm Foot Bridge

The Cunninghame Arm Foot Bridge serves as the link between the town center and the sand dunes. Taking a stroll around the jetty and across the footbridge is unquestionably a must-do when visiting Lakes Entrance.

• Address: 591 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909.

Reeve Landing Jetty

The Reeve Landing Jetty undeniably offers stunning views of the sunset in Lakes Entrance.

• Address: 31 Bullock Island Rd, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909.

Visitor Centre

Make sure to stop by the visitor center to explore unique products and souvenirs crafted by a local artist. I was captivated by her creations and ended up purchasing several beautiful items.

Other Towns

Other enchanting coastal towns worth noting along the route include Ulladulla, Batemans Bay, Tilba Tilba, and Merimbula. Although there are numerous activities to enjoy along the way, we couldn’t make stops due to time constraints.

Where to Stay along the way – Sydney to Lakes Entrance?

Stay at Eden

Eden has numerous accommodation options. You can consider staying at Eden House Retreat or Eden by the Sea. For our Friday night stopover, we opted for a comfortable stay at the Eden Motel. The accommodation, priced at AUD 100 for three people, offered a neat and cozy environment, ensuring a pleasant night’s rest.

Stay at Lakes Entrance

The weather fluctuated between 18 degrees Celsius and 22 degrees Celsius, providing an ideal and comfortable climate for camping. We brought along our camping gear from Sydney to make the most of the conditions. Lakes Entrance Recreation and Camping Reserve is the campsite where we stayed at Lakes Entrance.

• Address: 1 Rowe Street, Lakes Entrance, Vic 3909.
• Cost: AUD 33 for three people.

If you are looking at some of the good accommodation options in Lakes Entrance, then consider staying at Ocean Bridge Lakes Entrance, Comfort Inn & Suites Lakes Entrance, and Seashells Lakes Entrance.

Expenses for the Road trip

The listed cost is per person and turned out to be more economical for each of us since we were a group of three and evenly split all the expenses.

Were you aware that the online tool Shortreckonings is an excellent resource for dividing and keeping track of expenses? The tool doesn’t necessitate any login or registration.

• Fuel expenses = AUD 50.
• Snacks = AUD 9.
• Stay at Eden = AUD 34.
• Stay at Lakes Entrance = AUD 11.
• Food = AUD 100.
• Entrance for Eden Killer Whale = AUD 10.
• Entrance for Griffiths Shell museum = AUD 9.

Total cost – AUD 223 per person.

Are the places safe for solo female travelers?

All the locations mentioned in this post are entirely safe for solo female travelers. The locals are very friendly, and I haven’t encountered any issues while traveling in these areas. Nevertheless, as with any destination, exercise caution, particularly at night, and trust your instincts.

Closing Notes

This road trip from Sydney to Lakes Entrance is undoubtedly one of the best I’ve experienced in Australia. I’m thrilled that we chose to embark on this journey, and it’s truly worth the adventure. The route offers picturesque and delightful scenery.

If you’ve taken this road trip from Sydney to Lakes Entrance, I’d love to hear about your experience. Feel free to reach out to me at Solopassport@gmail.com.

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