The Southeast - Audley Travel

VICTORIAMelbourneKayaking at Jervis BaySydney to Melbourne driveLinking Sydney and Melbourne by a road lesstravelled, this route takes in some of Australia’smost magnificent coastal scenery and stunningnational parks. Driving at a leisurely pace theroute would take four to five days but we suggestextending it into a week’s journey. With stays inapartments, guesthouses and bed and breakfastsin small, friendly towns in southern New SouthWales and eastern Victoria, this route is highlyrecommended for those who have visitedAustralia before.PhillipIslandR. MurrayYarra ValleyIndian PacificCANBERRALakesEntranceGippslandLakes ParkWilson’s PromontoryNational Park0 100 miles0 161 kilometresBlueMountainsNEW SOUTHWALESJervisBayACTTilba TilbaMerimbulaEdenGipsy PointSydneySouth PacificOceanPaper Bark Camp, Jervis BayJervis BayA couple of hours’ drive south of Sydney is thegem of Jervis Bay. Home to a colonial port whichonce rivalled Sydney’s harbour and the dramaticruins of a beautiful lighthouse, there is significantcultural heritage to discover here. It is the perfectplace to stop for a couple of nights on a coastaljourney between Sydney and Melbourne. Walkingtrails abound or you may wish to canoe thecreeks or rent a bike and explore further afield.The botanic gardens offer further stretches ofbushwalking and perfect picnic spots to relax, oryou can spend a sunny afternoon at Green PatchBeach, famed for its clear waters, white sands andpods of dolphins. Make sure you also keep an eyeout for clouds of spray as humpback and southernright whales pass close to the shore between Julyand October on their annual migration.Paper Bark Camp, Jervis BaySet on the outskirts of Jervis Bay amongst ruggedwilderness, Paper Bark Camp allows you to getclose to nature without sacrificing on comfort.A unique ‘camping’ experience which combinesstyle, character and eco-sensitivity with theoccasional inquisitive possum. The African-safariinspiredtents are raised on platforms and arespacious, light and approached through a leafytunnel of trees. Queen-sized beds, simple yetelegant furnishings and an open-air en suitebathroom ensure you have everything you need.In the early evening, stroll up to the ‘gunyah’ ormeeting place for a delicious dinner or simply tocatch the breeze.Green Gables, Tilba TilbaOnce a flourishing gold mining area, the twintowns of Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba areclassified by the National Trust as heritage sites.Set in a valley between the mountains and thecoast, Tilba Tilba is particularly pleasant. In thecentre of town Green Gables is a charming bedand breakfast in a building that was once thetown’s meeting hall. Three guest rooms are simplydecorated, whilst a lounge area, complete withmusic and books, invites guests to relax andunwind. Tilba Tilba offers a wonderful combinationof heritage trails, bush walks, galleries and craftcentres, and provides a perfect break on thejourney along the coast.18