Australia
From Koalas to Coastlines – An Epic Road Trip From Melbourne to Sydney
We always thought Australia was big. But living it in a camper for 24 days with a baby under two?
It’s not just big. It’s wild, hilarious, full of odd animals, and totally worth it.
From seeing whales in Eden (yes, Gisele cried and they showed up!) to sunrise kangaroo sightings, here’s our route, all our stops, awkward moments, perfect wines, and what to avoid.
24-Day Family Campervan Itinerary:
Melbourne to Sydney
Quick summary
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Start: Melbourne, VIC
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End: Sydney, NSW
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Trip Type: Circular with a drop-off camper
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Total Distance: ~2,500 km
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Duration: 24 days
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Transport: 6-berth Campervan (Apollo Rentals – we needed the space, trust us)
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Kid-Friendly: Yes (if you like chaos + giggles)
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Best Time to Go: October–April
Our Full Road Trip Route (With Tips, Food, and LOL Moments)
Day 0: Düsseldorf to Melbourne
Our journey started in Düsseldorf, fuelled by German bread and the slightly panicked realization that we were about to live in a rolling home for the better part of a month.
At the airport, Tobi insisted Jolien check her airline status. She rolled her eyes, but thank the travel gods—status match came through, and suddenly we were bypassing the economy line, boarding through the Business Class queue like accidental royalty.
The Doha layover came with a toddler play corner and a two-hour delay. Gisele, bless her, somehow fit into the bassinet with 100g to spare. After 23 hours in the sky, with baby naps, wine, a half-torn passport (long story), and a bit of lounge wifi hustling, we touched down in Melbourne. Tired, thrilled, and just slightly terrified.
Days 1–3: Exploring Melbourne
We landed groggy and late, but nothing a Lune croissant couldn’t fix. Based in the Docklands, we strolled the Yarra River, wandered past the Parliament, and dove into Hosier Lane’s graffiti jungle. Melbourne’s laneways are a maze of color and creativity, and with Gisèle peacefully snoozing in the stroller, we actually enjoyed them!
Must-stop reasons:
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Hosier Lane: Insta-famous for a reason. Think open-air gallery meets spray-paint rebellion.
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Fitzroy: Boho heart of the city. Grab a flat white, buy a vinyl, consider moving.
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Melbourne Museum: Surprisingly toddler-friendly (bonus: air-con and cool exhibits).
Lunch & dinner tips:
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Marion Wine Bar: Chic and snacky. Perfect for a midday wine without toddler chaos.
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Chin Chin: Loud enough to mask a tantrum, good enough you’ll ignore it anyway.
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Tonka: A fusion of spice and sophistication. Reserve ahead.
Where to stay:
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Quest Docklands: Practical, central, stroller-accessible.
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Days 4–6: Great Ocean Road – From Koalas to Camp Mishaps
We swapped city bustle for van life with our 6-person camper—huge win with a baby in tow. After a Hungry Jack’s refuel (aka Aussie Burger King), we coasted past Split Point Lighthouse and the Memorial Arch, chasing ocean views and toddler naps. The real jaw-dropper? The Twelve Apostles at sunset. Picture-perfect, even with windblown hair and sand in every crevice.
Why these stops matter:
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Lorne: Surfer town meets forest retreat. Ideal first camper stop.
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Kennett River: Koalas everywhere if you know where to look—tip: eucalyptus trees.
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Gibson Steps: Walk to the beach for a different angle of those iconic limestone stacks.
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Maits Rest Rainforest: Feels like Jurassic Park. Takes 45 minutes and one stroller nap.
Note: you can also do a day trip from Melbourne doing a boutique Great Ocean Road Tour
Eat here if you can:
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Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op: Fresh sashimi and the crispiest fish & chips.
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The Bottle of Milk (Lorne): Burgers that satisfy jet lag and child tantrums alike.
Stay:
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Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park: Call ahead if it’s past 5 PM (learned the hard way).
Days 7–9: Wine Country & Wildlife – Chardonnays & Koalas
After waking up to 30 kangaroos outside our camper (yes, really), we headed inland. Rain cancelled our waterfall hike, but hey—Plan B was Domaine Chandon with oysters, so no one’s mad. We paired walks in Warburton’s redwood forests with toddler park runs and vineyard detours.
Stops worth it:
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Rainforest Gallery: Short but mighty treetop walk.
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Oakridge Wines: Pinot that justified the €80 price tag (accidentally, oops)
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We also visited Chandon Sparkling House (brother of Moet-Chandon Champagne house in France)
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Be on time for this one, lots of fun! Puffing billy & Healesville sanctuary scenic tour!
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Moonlit Sanctuary: Feed kangaroos, cuddle a koala, meet a python—dream day for kids and adults.
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Peninsula Hot Springs: Outdoor thermal pools with hilltop views. Even Gisèle was a fan.
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Philip Islands, where we saw the little pinguins after sunset. So cute!
Foodie extras:
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Ezard at Levantine Hill: Upscale lunch for when you feel fancy mid-camper grime.
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Red Hill Epicurean: Pizza and wine done right. Toddler-friendly too.
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Days 10–13: Phillip Island, Wilson’s Prom & Koala Kingdom
We soaked in Peninsula Hot Springs, ran to see penguins waddle ashore at Phillip Island, and hiked wind-swept Wilson’s Prom trails. Squeaky Beach literally squeaks—surreal. But the real magic? Raymond Island. Wild koalas everywhere. Jolien won the spotting game (and yes, we kept score).
Why stop here:
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Squeaky Beach: Soft sand, stunning views, fewer tourists than you'd expect.
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Raymond Island: Koala paradise. You’ll leave with 300 photos and a sore neck.
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Mallacoota: Hidden gem with peaceful nature walks, unexpected kangaroo cameos, and free BBQs.
Day 14: Eden – Whales & Wows
We rose at 6 am and drove straight to Eden for a whale tour. Gisèle got cranky, and guess what? It attracted the whales. Seriously. They popped up right beside the boat. Whale whisperer in the making?
Eat:
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Sprout Eden Café: Great frittata. Coffee game strong.
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Whale watching tour: Book with Cat Balou Cruises. Bring sea-sickness meds.
Days 15–16: Narooma to Kiama – From Blowholes to BBQs
Narooma’s beach delivered bizarre jellyfish and peaceful evening strolls. In Kiama, we finally saw the blowhole (spoiler: it’s... a big water spout). It’s more fun than it sounds, especially for toddlers. Rain trapped us a bit, but that’s why you bring wine and snacks.
Eat:
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Quarterdeck Narooma: Tiki bar by the water. Good vibes, great fish tacos.
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The Hungry Monkey (Kiama): Burgers and brunch—hard to go wrong.
Days 17–20: Blue Mountains – Waterfalls, Espresso Explosions & Hotel Bliss
After a chaotic espresso pod explosion in the camper, we ditched van life for the Sofitel in Leura. Pool, spa, soft beds—bliss. The Blue Mountains served us the Three Sisters, misty hikes, and jaw-dropping views.
What to do:
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Scenic Railway: Steepest in the world—Gisèle squealed with joy.
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Echo Point: Easy access viewpoint (great if you’re carrying a baby).
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Wentworth Falls Hike: Challenging but worth it.
Food tip:
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Leura Garage: Cool space, great pasta.
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Bakehouse on Wentworth: Sourdough heaven. Grab a few loaves for the road.
Days 21–24: Sydney – Big City Finish
Rolling into Sydney with a camper = stress. But Bondi Beach made up for it—turquoise water, epic people-watching, and toddler-approved sandy snacks. After returning the camper, we switched to hotel mode, dealt with a mystery rash (pharmacy adventure included), and explored the Opera House, Chinatown, and the Royal Botanic Garden.
Musts:
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Bondi to Coogee walk: Do it early for golden light.
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Bennelong Restaurant: Dine inside the Opera House. Splurge-worthy.
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Manly Ferry: Great views, low-stress family outing.
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The zoo of Sydney, we couldn't get enough of these super animals
Gisele’s pick:
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Sofitel Darling Harbour pool: She owned that pool.
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Australia, You Were Magical
From koalas in the wild to whales next to our boat, toddler meltdowns to Michelin-worthy meals, this road trip had it all. We laughed, sweated, drank, explored, and cuddled under eucalyptus trees. Would we do it again? Absolutely—just maybe with more wipes.
Ready for your own Australian loop?
Let’s design your custom journey—click here to start
FAQ
Yes! It’s totally doable—and often easier than hotels. You always have your stuff nearby, a consistent sleep space, and a built-in changing station. Just be prepared for the occasional sleepless, sandy, snack-covered moment.
2. Do you need a special car seat?
Absolutely. Aussie law requires a certified car seat (rear-facing for under 6 months, forward-facing after). Most camper rental companies offer them, but check the quality—some are rough. We brought our own.
3. What type of camper is best with a baby?
Bigger is better. A 6-berth gives you space to stretch, store all the gear, and nap while the other drives. Look for one with a proper kitchenette and blackout curtains.
Generally, yes. The highways are good, and there are frequent rest stops. Just avoid driving at dusk—kangaroos are very active then.
5. Can you camp anywhere?
1. Is it realistic to travel Australia by campervan with a baby?
4. Are the roads baby-friendly?
Nope. Australia has amazing campgrounds (powered/unpowered), but wild camping isn’t always allowed. Use apps like WikiCamps to find the best baby-friendly spots (think playgrounds + showers).