We are going to Aus in Feb for 3 weeks with our three boys aged 6,8,and 10. I would love to drive along the ocean, one-way, either from Melbourne to Sydney, or from Sydney to Brisbane. Our trip will be a little disjointed, as we have friends to visit in both Melbourne and north of Brisbane, but would like a little family time to ourselves driving along the coast and staying at little spots. We could only plan in one drive and am not sure which to pick.<BR><BR>Shelly

Shelly -- another message about your drive -- we had planned to drive from Sydney to Melbourne along the coast, but then found that for much of way, the road didn't really go right along the coast -- you needed to drive over to beaches from the main road and then return to the main road until you wanted to see the next beach.

Shelly,<BR>I'd pick Sydney-Brisbane, but there is lots to see on either drive. You could stop at Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour etc. www.travelmate.com.au is a good site for checking mileages etc.<BR>It will likely be very hot in Feb so if you are hiring a car, make sure you have air-conditioning.<BR>Another good site for accommodation is www.jasons.com.au<BR>Have fun planning<BR>Kay

Shelly, either way you are going to have to keep diverting from the main road to see the sea.... since the three cities between them hold something like 80% of the population of Australia, the road between them now is a freeway for much of the time, and scenery is NOT a priority when you're building a freeway!<BR>I think I'd pick the Melbourne-Sydney leg, but I wouldn't try to do the coast all the way. You could see some pleasant inland areas by driving north to Canberra, where the boys would enjoy the Science Museum and you'd like some of the museums and galleries. Then you could head east through Braidwood till you reach the coast at Moruya, then head north through Bateman's Bay, Ulladulla, and Kiama. From Wollongong on it's all freeway again. This plan gives you a bit of variety, and you could even detour to the Snowy Mountains or the Wombeyan Caves or the pleasant little town of Berrima if you decide that you've seen enough of coastal towns.Have a good trip!

I agree with Alan. I was also going to suggest the same route. Driving Melb-Syd you are likely to get better beach weather than Syd-Bris which 'could' be quite wet & humid.<BR><BR>If you start in Melbourne be sure to get the RACV or NRMA guides to Victoria & NSW. The NRMA Experience NSW & ACT costs $16.50 for non members and $5.50 for members. Maybe your friends could buy them for you. In these are maps of regions and large towns, suggestions of things to see and do and a variety of accomodation listed so you can ring ahead.<BR><BR>A lot of Australia's pioneering wealth was earned off the sheep's back and the drive from Melbourne to Canberra will take you through some typical farming countryside. Canberra has a lot for families to see & do (it will be hot though) before you head to the coast.<BR><BR>Or start the coastal drive earlier by driving through the Snowy Mts and across to Eden where you could visit the Killer Whale Museum and learn about Old Tom the Killer Whale which actually helped the whalers in their task. Our children found this place really interesting.<BR><BR>Just north of Bateman's Bay is a place called Pebbly Beach in the Murramarang National Park where the kangaroos like to be fed by the tourists. Nearby is Murramarang Resort (bungalow accomodation on the beach)at South Durras also with kangaroos. My sister and her young children loved it here.<BR><BR>Another great spot is Hyams Beach. As the Exp NSW & ACT guide states: "Hyams Beach is one of a cluster of villages on the shores of Jervis Bay, surrounded by some of the most pristine coastal landscapes on the south-eastern seaboard. Dolphins are often seen frolicking in the bay around dawn and dusk, revelling in the clear and clean water."<BR><BR>If, on the other hand you decide to drive Syd-Bris, you may like to look at Port Macquarie (originally a penal colony), Timbertown is a recontructed pioneer village, Trial Bay Jail at South West Rocks, and Byron Bay or many of the great little seaside towns along the way. It may be worth taking a handline for a little spot of fishing in that picturesque perfect spot.<BR><BR>By the way, the best place to buy seafood along the way is at the local fishermans co-op.