Melbourne to Canberra 6-Day Road Trip

Where to stop between Melbourne and Lakes Entrance

Warragul or Traralgon are useful early stops if you want to break up the drive without losing much time. 

Sale is one of the best practical places to pause for lunch, stock the campervan and make sure you have everything you need for the next few days. 

If you have extra time and feel like easing into holiday mode, the short detour to Paynesville adds a more scenic note to the day. Raymond Island is a popular side trip for koala spotting and gives you a gentle wildlife experience before you continue to the coast.

Things to do in Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance is where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean, and that setting gives the town its easy holiday feel. 

Once you arrive, stretch your legs along the foreshore, wander over toward Ninety Mile Beach or find a vantage point over the water as the light starts to soften. There is plenty here for a relaxed first afternoon, from fish and chips by the water to a simple lakeside walk that helps you unwind after the drive. If you arrive early enough, a short cruise or a longer beach walk is a great way to start the trip properly.

Where to stay in Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance Tourist Park is a practical and comfortable choice for campervan travellers, with powered sites and a handy location close to town, the lakes and the beach. 

Another top spot, especially for families, is BIG4 Whiters Holiday Village. This well-equipped campsite is just minutes from the beach and town, with pools, play areas, and plenty of on-site facilities to make your Lakes Entrance stay easy and enjoyable.

Where to stop between Lakes Entrance and Mallacoota

Cape Conran Coastal Park is the highlight stop on this leg, especially if you want to swap driving time for fresh air and rugged scenery. Boardwalks and lookouts reveal a coastline shaped by wind, surf and heathland, and it is one of those places that quickly makes the trip feel far from city life. 

Orbost is handy for supplies, while Cann River is an important fuel and refreshment stop before the final stretch. Services become more spread out in this part of the state, so topping up when you can is a smart move in a campervan.

Things to do in Mallacoota

The coastal township of Mallacoota has a wonderfully tucked-away feel, framed by water and wilderness and known for its slower pace. Spend the afternoon around the inlet, wander along the foreshore or head to a nearby beach to take in the scenery. It is an easy place to do very little and still feel like you have had a rewarding day. The birdlife, the salt air and the sense of being right at the edge of the map are all part of Mallacoota’s appeal.

Where to stay in Mallacoota

There are plenty of great options to choose from when it comes to campsites in Mallacoota. The largest and most popular is Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park, set right on the inlet with waterfront sites, walking access to shops, and consistently well-maintained facilities. It’s known for its views, spacious layout, and easy access to fishing and boating, which makes it a go-to for longer stays or campervan travellers wanting that classic coastal camping feel.

Where to stop between Mallacoota and Bermagui

The township of Eden makes an ideal first stop, especially if you head to the lookout over Twofold Bay for sweeping coastal views. In whale season, this section of coast can be especially rewarding from shore. 

Merimbula is one of the best lunch stops on the route, with its attractive waterfront and easy boardwalk walk through natural surrounds. 

If you prefer somewhere a little quieter, Pambula has a gentler village feel and is a good place to slow down before continuing north. This is also a great section of the trip to lean into local seafood and regional flavours.

Things to do in Bermagui

Bermagui is one of those NSW South Coast towns that balances laid-back charm with eye-catching scenery. The Blue Pool is the signature attraction, set dramatically beside the sea and well worth a visit whether you plan to swim or simply enjoy the outlook. 

Camel Rock is another favourite nearby, with a distinctive formation and easy access to coastal views. Around town, the harbour, cafés and waterfront setting make it easy to settle into a slow afternoon and evening.

Where to stay in Bermagui

Reflections Bermagui Holiday Park is a great choice for campervan travellers, with powered sites and a coastal setting that suits an easy overnight stay. Its location means you can leave the camper parked, walk into town and enjoy Bermagui at a more relaxed pace before setting off again in the morning.

Where to stop between Bermagui and Jervis Bay

Narooma or Moruya both make pleasant breaks early in the day, especially if you want to keep things flexible rather than locking in a long stop too soon. 

Farther north, the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden is a lovely detour if you want a bushland walk and a break from the coast road. Batemans Bay is one of the best places to refuel, grab lunch and stock up before continuing. In busy holiday periods, traffic can build through some of these towns, so keeping your schedule loose makes the day much more enjoyable.

Things to do in Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay is known for calm turquoise water, dazzling beaches and a great mix of easy outdoor experiences. Once you arrive, spend time around Huskisson, relax on one of the bay beaches or head into the Booderee area if you want more of a nature-based afternoon. In warmer weather, this is also a wonderful place for a swim or paddle. The beauty of Jervis Bay is that it can be as active or as slow-paced as you want, which makes it ideal for a campervan itinerary.

Where to stay in Jervis Bay

Tasman Holiday Parks Jervis Bay at Woollamia is a convenient overnight stop for campervans, with powered sites and easy access to Huskisson, Hyams Beach and the wider bay area. It works well if you want holiday-park facilities, a comfortable base and a location that keeps the best of Jervis Bay within easy reach.

Where to stop between Jervis Bay and Canberra

Nowra is the practical stop today and a good place to make sure your fuel, groceries and road snacks are sorted before the inland run. For a more leisurely option, Bungendore has a country-town atmosphere that suits a coffee or relaxed lunch. Along the route, a few scenic pauses can help break up the transition from coast to capital. The roads are sealed and generally straightforward, making this a comfortable day behind the wheel.

Things to do in Canberra

Canberra offers a different kind of reward after the coast. Start with a lap of Lake Burley Griffin if you want fresh air and space, or head to Mount Ainslie Lookout for one of the best views over the city. If you still have energy for sightseeing, Canberra’s national attractions, galleries and food scene give you plenty of ways to shape the afternoon. It is a pleasant arrival city because you can do as much or as little as you like and still feel like you have made the most of your time.

Where to stay in Canberra

Canberra has several well-set-up campervan parks that make a great base for exploring the city. 

Discovery Parks – Canberra is a top option, offering spacious sites and a quiet location while still being close to major attractions . 

If you’re after something more low-key and budget-friendly, Canberra Holiday Village has powered and unpowered sites in a relaxed setting about 10 minutes from the CBD.

You might begin at the Australian War Memorial, continue to Parliament House and then spend the afternoon at the National Gallery of Australia or around Lake Burley Griffin. If you are more interested in city views, Mount Ainslie is a classic final stop. Because the distances around the main attractions are short, this day feels easy and flexible in a campervan. From Canberra you can continue on your journey north or head back south to Melbourne. 

FAQs and quick answers

What is the best time of year to do a Melbourne to Canberra road trip?

Autumn and spring are excellent times for mild weather and comfortable driving conditions. If you travel between May and November, you may also spot migrating humpback whales along parts of the NSW South Coast.

Is a Melbourne to Canberra road trip suitable for a campervan?

Yes, a road trip between Melbourne and Canberra suits campervan travel well. The highways are sealed, most driving days are straightforward, and there are holiday parks with powered sites at the main overnight stops.

Are there any seasonal things to expect along the way?

Summer brings beach weather and busier holiday towns. Winter can be crisp but rewarding for whale watching, while spring often brings mild days, wildflowers and active coastal wildlife.

Do I need to plan fuel stops between Melbourne and Canberra?

Yes, especially on the quieter stretches through East Gippsland and toward the far south coast. It is best to top up when you can rather than waiting until the tank is low.

Ready for a Melbourne to Canberra campervan holiday?

This Melbourne to Canberra 6-day road trip is a great reminder that you don’t need a huge timeframe to enjoy a varied and memorable campervan adventure. From Gippsland lakes and coastal parks to ocean pools, beach towns and Canberra’s major landmarks, the route packs in plenty without feeling rushed. When you’re ready, you can easily book your Apollo camper online and pick it up from your closest Apollo branch before hitting the road.