Hello Sunshine: Melbourne to Sydney Summer Escape

Morning: Kick off your summer road trip adventure by picking up your GoCheap Campervan from the Melbourne branch, your home for the next 13 days! Treat yourself to a lazy summer brunch at Brick Lane Melbourne, where a good meal sets the tone for the days to come.

Afternoon: Spend your afternoon at the Melbourne Zoo, wander leafy paths, meet Australia’s favourite locals, and soak up that warm summer air and sunshine.

Evening: Step into Melbourne’s vibrant nightlife with a stop at Goldilocks Bar, a whimsical rooftop hideaway where cocktails meet fairy-tale charm. Sip something refreshing, take in the city views and toast to the start of your summer escape.

Where to stay: Airport Tourist Village Melbourne, Melbourne Airport Caravan & Cabin Village, 37 Ardlie St, Attwood VIC 3049. Powered Site.

Image: Melbourne Zoo, Visit Victoria

Morning: Wake up and make the most of your GoCheap campervan kitchen by cooking up a fresh, summer-inspired breakfast, the perfect fuel for a day of exploring.

Afternoon: For a fun-filled summer outing, head to The District Docklands, Melbourne’s lively hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Spend the afternoon browsing boutiques, indulging in local bites, or cooling off with a scoop (or two!) of gelato.

Evening: Wrap up your Melbourne adventure with a sunset cruise on the Yarra River aboard an electric picnic boat. Drift along the city skyline and take in the views, a perfect farewell to the Melbourne leg of your road trip.

Where to stay: Airport Tourist Village Melbourne, Melbourne Airport Caravan & Cabin Village, 37 Ardlie St, Attwood VIC 3049. Powered Site.

Image: Kayaking on the Yarra River, Visit Victoria

Morning: Start your day bright and early and hit the road to Phillip Island. Take your time along the way to feel the summer breeze and enjoy the scenic drive.

Afternoon: Once you arrive, head to A Maze’N Things. From mini golf and the sky trail to optical illusions and puzzle rooms, it’s the perfect way to spend a carefree afternoon soaking up the sunshine.

Evening: As the evening sets, make your way to the Penguin Parade, home to the world’s largest little penguin colony. Watch in awe as these adorable seabirds waddle up the beach to their burrows — a heartwarming and unforgettable way to end your day.

Where to stay: Amaroo Park Phillip Island, 97 Church St, Cowes VIC 3922. Powered Site.

Image: Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, Visit Victoria

Morning: It’s not a real Aussie summer without some beach time! Head to Cape Woolamai, home to the iconic Pinnacles and one of Victoria’s best surf breaks. Enjoy the salty breeze, golden sands, and sweeping coastal views the perfect way to start the day.

Afternoon: Get up close with local wildlife at Maru Koala and Animal Park. Hand-feed kangaroos, meet adorable koalas, and snap a selfie with a quokka! With wombats, dingoes, reptiles, and even Tasmanian devils, it’s a summer experience you won’t forget.

Evening: As the day winds down, grab a fishing line and cast off from the local pier. Catch your own dinner and cook it up in your GoCheap campervan for a quiet night in. quite

Where to stay: Amaroo Park Phillip Island, 97 Church St, Cowes VIC 3922. Powered Site.

Image: Cape Woolamai, Visit Victoria

Morning: Rise early and hit the road to Wilsons Promontory National Park, one of Victoria’s most loved summer destinations. On arrival, stretch your legs with the Prom Wildlife Walk, a peaceful trail through native bushland where kangaroos, emus, and vibrant birdlife roam freely.

Afternoon: Make the most of the summer with a Wildlife Coast Cruise, gliding along the Prom coastline to catch a glimpse of humpback whales during their migration.

Evening: As daylight fades, wander down to Squeaky Beach, famous for its pure white sand and turquoise waves. Spread out a picnic, listen to the sound of the water, and watch the sunset.

Where to stay: BIG4 Wilsons Prom Holiday Park, 390 Foley Rd, Yanakie VIC 3960. Powered Site.

Image: Squeaky Beach, Visit Victoria

Morning: Hit the road to Lakes Entrance, taking in the views along the way. Once you arrive, grab brunch at Sodafish and sample the region’s fresh seafood — known as the seafood capital of Victoria for a reason!

Afternoon: Soak up the sunshine at Ninety Mile Beach, the ultimate summer spot for surfing, sand, and relaxation. Dive into the waves, explore the lakes by kayak or paddleboat, or join a cruise for a lazy afternoon on the water.

Evening: As the sun sets, wind down at Koho Sauna a floating sauna perched above the Gippsland Lakes. Alternate between steamy sessions and refreshing dips for some relaxation.

Where to stay: NRMA Eastern Beach Holiday Park, 42 Eastern Beach Rd, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909. Powered Site.

Image: Ninety Mile Beach, Visit Victoria

Morning: Start your day with a quick breakfast in your GoCheap campervan before cruising towards Merimbula, a seaside gem on the Sapphire Coast. Take your time along the drive stretch your legs, breathe in the coastal air, and enjoy the summer scenery.

Afternoon: Step into nature at the Goodenia Rainforest Walking Track, where lush greenery and the sounds of wildlife fill the air. Spot lyrebirds and whipbirds as you wander through this rare pocket of cool-temperate rainforest.

Evening: End the day with a splash of adventure on a sea kayaking trip across the calm waters of Pambula–Merimbula Bay. Paddle under the golden evening light, soaking in the coastal views the perfect way to wrap up another sun-soaked day on the road.

Where to stay: Tasman Holiday Parks – Merimbula, 29 Sapphire Coast Dr, Merimbula NSW 2548. Powered Site.

Image: Sapphire Coast– Merimbula, Destination NSW

Morning: Kick off the day with the Sapphire Nature Tour, a perfect mix of scenic beauty, wildlife, and local history. Learn the stories behind the charming coastal towns and meet some of Australia’s unique native wildlife.

Afternoon: For an unforgettable experience, head out on a whale-watching cruise. Summer along the Sapphire Coast is prime time for spotting these gentle giants as they glide past the water — a breathtaking moment you’ll remember forever.

Evening: End the day with a relaxing picnic at Turingal Head. Enjoy birdwatching, take a short stroll to Wine Glass Bay for incredible views, or simply unwind by the water.

Where to stay: Tasman Holiday Parks – Merimbula, 29 Sapphire Coast Dr, Merimbula NSW 2548. Powered Site.

Image: Whale watching cruise in Merimbula, Destination NSW

Morning: Next up on your summer road trip, Jervis Bay! Kick off your visit at the Booderee Botanic Gardens. Spend the morning wandering scenic trails, spotting native wildlife, or unwinding on the lawns with a laid-back picnic brunch under the summer sun.

Afternoon: Cool off at the iconic Hyams Beach, home to the whitest sand in the world. Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or simply soaking in the coastal views, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Later, use some of the region’s fresh local seafood to cook up something delicious in the comfort of your GoCheap campervan kitchen.

Evening: As night falls, look out for a little magic and check out Jervis Bay’s glowing bioluminescent waters. Caused by a natural chemical reaction in plankton, the shoreline often shimmers with swirls of electric blue light, creating a surreal and unforgettable sight.

Where to stay: Tasman Holiday Parks – Jervis Bay, 785 Woollamia Rd, Woollamia NSW 2540. Powered Site.

Image: Hyams Beach, Destination NSW

Morning: Kick off your day with a dose of adventure by heading out for whale and dolphin spotting! Sail across clear waters as pods of dolphins play alongside your boat and spot majestic whales cruising past.

Afternoon: Refuel with a seafood lunch at Fishwicks, where the catch is as fresh as the sea breeze. Afterward, wander through the Jervis Bay village centre, taking in the summer sunshine.

Evening: End the day at Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and Lookout, where you’ll catch one of the best sunsets on the coast. Perched 90 metres above the sea, this clifftop viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas and if you’re lucky, you might spot seals, sea eagles, or pelagic fish hunting in the waters below.

Where to stay: Tasman Holiday Parks – Jervis Bay, 785 Woollamia Rd, Woollamia NSW 2540. Powered Site.

Image: Whale breaching at Jervis Bay, Jervis Bay Wild

Morning: Hit the road to Wollongong and start your day at Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Wander the tranquil grounds and take a moment to unwind amid its stunning architecture and peaceful gardens.

Afternoon: Spend your afternoon exploring the Wollongong Art Gallery, home to a diverse collection of regional and contemporary art. Take your time browsing the exhibitions and soaking up a little creative inspiration.

Evening: Wrap up your day at the Wollongong Botanic Garden, where walking trails, native wildlife, and lush rainforest create the perfect spot to relax and soak in the summer evening.

Where to stay: Corrimal Beach Tourist Park, 2 Lake Parade, East Corrimal NSW 2518. Powered Site.

Image: Nan Tien Temple, Destination NSW

Morning: Start your day whipping up breakfast in your motorhome kitchen, equipped with everything you need. After refuelling visit Maddens Falls Lookout, where you can take in stunning views of the waterfall cascading from Maddens Creek into the pools below. It’s a peaceful spot perfect for birdwatching and spotting native wildlife.

Afternoon: Cool off at Jamberoo Action Park, the ultimate summer playground. With slides, wave pools, and rides for all ages, it’s the perfect way to add a splash of excitement to your road trip.

Evening: As the sun dips low, unwind at the Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens. Wander through vibrant blooms and rainforest trails, spot local wildlife, and soak up the tranquillity of this hidden gem.

Where to stay: Corrimal Beach Tourist Park, 2 Lake Parade, East Corrimal NSW 2518. Powered Site.

Image: Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens, Destination NSW

Morning: Wake up for the final stretch of your summer road trip and make your way to Sydney. Once you arrive, wander through the city centre, do a little sightseeing, and pick up a few last-minute souvenirs to remember your adventure.

Afternoon: Treat yourself to a farewell brunch at Pancakes On The Rocks, a local favourite known for its sweet and savoury stacks. Then, drop off your GoCheap campervan at the Sydney branch by 3:30 PM, marking the end of your unforgettable summer escape!

Image: Shopping in Sydney City Centre, Destination NSW