How to Maximise Your VIC and NSW Road Trip
If you're looking to cover two of Australia's most rewarding states in one journey, you can't go wrong with Victoria and New South Wales. From Melbourne to Sydney—or the other way around—the drive gives you coastline, high country, food towns, national parks, and the flexibility to choose your own adventure. With an Ace Rental Car and a loose plan, you’ve got all the ingredients for a road trip worth remembering.
Don’t Just Drive—Detour
The main highways connecting Melbourne and Sydney are efficient but not exactly exciting. One of the best ways to maximise your trip is to skip the direct route and take the long way. Consider heading east through Gippsland and along the Sapphire Coast, or detouring north from Melbourne through the High Country and onto the Southern Tablelands. These routes are packed with quiet lookouts, charming towns, and roads that feel like they were made just for you.
Plan Less, Explore More
There’s something satisfying about leaving gaps in your itinerary. In this part of the country, it pays to follow signs to a farm gate, take that gravel turnoff, or stop in towns you’ve never heard of. Victoria’s spa towns like Daylesford and Hepburn Springs reward a spontaneous stop, while NSW's inland gems like Gundagai or Mudgee often fly under the radar. With a rental car, you’ve got the freedom to linger wherever the vibe feels right.
Mix City Energy with Nature Escapes
Start in the bustling streets of Melbourne or Sydney—but make sure you leave room for places that feel totally different. Camp in the Snowy Mountains. Stretch your legs on the
Light to Light walk in Ben Boyd National Park. Book a cottage near Mount Buffalo. A good road trip in VIC and NSW balances energy with stillness—big city culture with dirt-under-the-fingernails nature.
Eat Like a Local (and Pack Snacks)
You’ll find great food in the cities, sure—but it’s the regional eats that tend to stick with you. A vanilla slice from a country bakery. A pie in a pub with history. A long lunch at a vineyard you didn’t know existed. Some of the best meals happen between the major stops, so keep an eye out for chalkboard signs and Saturday markets. Bonus tip: pack a cooler bag so you can grab produce, cheese, or drinks to enjoy later down the road.
Be Smart About Timing
If you’re heading through alpine areas, check snow forecasts and road conditions. If you're travelling in summer, plan around bushfire risk and have a few backup routes in mind. Autumn is ideal for colour, especially in Bright and the surrounding areas. Spring brings wildflowers and waterfall flow in national parks. Winter has its own kind of charm too: foggy mornings, fire-lit pubs, and snow-dusted ranges if you time it right.
Maximise Your Playlist, Too
A road trip is only as good as its soundtrack. Download some Aussie classics or find local radio stations as you drive. Some towns have community stations playing everything from blues to breakbeats, and they often add unexpected flavour to your drive. Podcasts and audiobooks help too, especially on the longer stretches.
Two States, Endless Roads
Victoria and New South Wales offer a level of road trip variety that’s hard to beat. In just a few hours you can go from beach towns to bushland, mountain trails to buzzing food scenes. With an Ace Rental Car, you’ve the fuss-free freedom to create your own journey that doesn’t feel rushed or rigid. Just jump behind the wheel, roll down the windows, and see where the next town takes you.
