Pick up your Avis intermediate automatic sedan rental car at the Melbourne City Depot or Airport and commence your drive to Phillip Island – Victoria’s nature haven and home to the famous resident fairy penguins which come ashore each night with the tide.

Spend the day exploring this picturesque paradise – visit the seal colony perched on Seal Rocks, the Koala Conservation Centre or the Phillip Island Grand Prix track.

Kaloha Resort Phillip Island

Today make your way from Wilsons Promontory to Foster, and then join the South Gippsland Highway to reach Sale. Continue on the Princes Highway via Bairnsdale to reach Lakes Entrance.

Lakes Entrance is a unique area with rivers, lakes and lagoons joining 90 Mile Beach. Take a day to explore the area. Join a cruise or a sail around Australia’s largest inland waterway and explore the nearby village of Metung also located on the beautiful lakes.

Waverley House Cottages

Depart Lakes Entrance and travel to Orbost, situated on the banks of the Snowy River. This is a Gippsland timber village which is surrounded by spectacular coastal and mountain territory. A further 75 kilometres is Cann River, excellent for its fishing and bush walking in the rugged hinterland. Continue driving along the Princes Highway crossing the Victorian and New South Wales border and onto the coastal town of Merimbula.

The close proximity to beach and lakes means that there are a host of things to do and see here include a range of water sports, whale watching, exploring an aquarium and wildlife sanctuary, and tasting the best local seafood. Alternatively head down to Merimbula’s Main Beach which is popular with local surfers.

Fairway Motor Inn

Depart Merimbula and travel north on the Monaro Highway and Snowy Mountains Highway before arriving in the national capital of Canberra. The city is filled with insightful attractions which provide a glimpse into the history, culture and daily life of Australia.

The national museums are certainly worth a visit, amongst them are the National War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia and the impressive Parliament House where you can see the daily political battles from the viewing gallery.

Rydges Canberra

Today you journey from one city to another as you drive from Canberra to Sydney through the Great Dividing Range.

En route, drop down to the coast at Wollongong if you would like to drive across Sea Cliff Bridge.

Park Royal Darling Harbour

Spend today and tomorrow exploring the sights and sounds of Sydney for yourself. Make the most of having your car to journey beyond the city for a day and relax on one of the nearby beaches – choose from iconic Bondi, Manly or quieter Coogee.

There are many attractions to consider to make the most of your time in Sydney. Ask your consultant to book any of our excellent Sydney day tours. From the lofty heights of a Harbour Bridge Climb to an evening performance at the Sydney Opera House, there is something for everyone.

Park Royal Darling Harbour

Depart Sydney and drive over the famous Harbour Bridge as you travel north through Newcastle and onto the famous wine producing region of the Hunter Valley. Discover small boutique wineries and restaurants nestled amongst the scenic lush green landscapes of the valley.

Hunter Valley Resort

Drive through the towering forests and fertile farming country of New South Wales to the beautiful bays and beaches of Port Stephens. The sheltered waters around this popular resort town are perfect for dolphin spotting and there are over 26 beaches in the region to explore.

Anchorage Port Stephens

Your self drive adventure continues as you travel north along the Lakes Way, a scenic route through rainforest and spectacular views of the inland lakes and ocean beaches of New South Wales. After a leisurely scenic drive, enjoy an overnight stay amongst the mountains, national parks, beaches and banana plantations that surround the year round holiday hot spot of Coffs Habour.

Best Western Parkside Motor Inn

From Coffs Harbour, the northern stretch of New South Wales contains some of the most beautiful landscape scenery in Australia.

Reach the laid back holiday resort town of Byron Bay for a two night stay. In the evening you could start exploring the coastal paths, lookout points and its famous sweeping surf beach.

Eco Beach

Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Bryon Bay. Perhaps walk to the iconic lighthouse or venture to Australia’s most easterly point. Sunsets from here are breathtaking.

Eco Beach

Cross the border into Queensland choosing to travel inland through the Lamington National Park on route to Brisbane or opt for the coastal route through the bright lights and lively atmosphere of the Gold Coast.

Return your car to the city depot if you plan to extend your stay in Brisbane or the Airport if your travels take you onwards.