Drive South Country - from Melbourne to Sydney

Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city after Sydney – of which is the long-standing rival. Unlike its old nemesis, Melbourne cannot boast a stunning location; however its subtle charm and vibrant cultural scene makes it a pleasant place to be. The city is also a foodie heaven, thanks to its multi-ethnic population. Modern high-rises and historic Victorian buildings, gardens, parks and garden and tree-lined avenues add to the elegance and charm of the city.

Phillip Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge and is one of Australia's most famous tourist destinations, thanks mainly to the hundreds of little penguins that return to their burrows at Summerland Beach every evening - the so-called Penguin Parade, with a large audience of visitors every night. Don't miss the excellent Penguin Parade Visitor Centre. However, the island is also worth visiting for its beautiful coastline, surf waves, beautiful beaches, and natural parks. The main town is Cowes, on the inner bay, a lively and pleasant town. Other smaller towns worth seeing are San Remo, on the mainland just before the bridge, Newhaven, Rhyll, and Ventnor. In addition to the famous penguins, you can also observe a large colony of seals and numerous koalas on the island. Every year at the end of October, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix takes place on Phillip Island. The best riders in the world compete in the Phillip Island MotoGP, on motorcycles up to 1000cc in displacement and with top speeds of 320 km/h. You can take boat trips to observe seals and dolphins. Don't miss the visit to the Otama submarine and the visit to French Island, the largest island in the state of Victoria.

Lakes Entrance is the starting point for visiting the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, a natural area of extraordinary beauty and natural diversity. Don't miss a walk along Ninety Mile Beach, one of the longest beaches in the world.

(425km / about 5.5 hours). Departure in the morning driving through the forests of Croajinglong National Park and the countryside of New South Wales until reaching Canberra, the modern Australian capital nestled among the hills.

(290km / about 3.5 hours). Departure along the Federal Highway towards Sydney. The quintessential Aussie city, Sydney with its surroundings is truly a world in itself and the only city in Australia to show its two hundred years of European history in the old stone walls of The Rocks. A unique city that lives beyond its sparkling harbour and beaches, and shows its true soul in the diverse neighbourhoods, with a sophisticated cosmopolitan population, but also the largest Aboriginal community of any Australian city.