Muslim-friendly itinerary from Melbourne to Sydney

On the southwestern tip of Phillip Island is Seal Rocks, a jagged portion of coastline that’s home to more than 25,000 fur seals. Hop on a boat tour with Wildlife Coast Cruises to take in the scenery and spot the colony of seals.

Some of Australia’s cuddliest animals can be found at Phillip Island’s Koala Conservation Centre. Wander along the tree-top boardwalks to spot koalas as they snooze among the branches. You might spot wallabies and echidnas, too.

When it’s time for lunch, head to Panny’s Café within the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, which serves Halal meats and a menu of Indian and Malaysian flavours. Enjoy a curry and satay wraps before rounding off your meal with a rich dessert.

Phillip Island’s famous attraction is the nightly Penguin Parade, where a colony of tiny penguins return from the ocean and waddle to their burrows in the sand. It’s an unforgettable experience.

Before you leave Phillip Island, take in the dramatic nature from the sky with a Phillip Island Helicopters flight. Glimpse attractions like Seal Rocks and the Grand Prix circuit, which are particularly pretty in the morning light.

Next, grab a bite at The Local. Inverloch as you arrive into Gippsland. Located near Inverloch’s Visitor Information Centre, this café serves vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, with chefs specialising in sweet and savoury baked goods.

Wilsons Promontory is famous for its stunning walks and hikes, so grab your boots and hit the trails. Stroll through eucalypt forests and along white sandy beaches, keeping your eyes open for kangaroos, emus and wombats.

If you’re craving more of the park’s natural beauty (trust us, you will be), take a wilderness cruise. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys offers expert guides to decode the stunning coastal surroundings.

During the whale watching season in winter (June – August), join Wildlife Coast Cruises to enjoy the sights of diverse marine wildlife. Common sightings include the shy albatrosses, Australian fur seals, dolphins and humpback whales.

Take a leisurely drive to Metung, a picturesque fishing township located at the end of the Great Alpine Road. Explore the array of boutique shops, stroll boardwalks that hug the lake and indulge in a sunset dinner to complete your day.

Get an early start for the short drive to Lakes Entrance, where you can take a morning walk along the beautiful Ninety Mile Beach – a 144km (90mi) long stretch of golden sand that separates the Gippsland Lakes from Bass Strait.

Indulge in light and crispy fish and chips at Wild Catch before continuing your road trip along the Princes Highway to the scenic Croajingolong National Park, home to ancient forests, pristine inlets, giant sand dunes and abundant wildlife. 

Continue your drive until you reach Eden, where you can explore the Killer Whale Museum. The museum was originally built to hold the skeleton of an orca known as Old Tom. Now, exhibitions teach visitors about the region’s whaling history.

Another short drive will bring you to Merimbula, on New South Wales’ South Coast. Grab a kebab at Halal eatery Aria Kebab. Or venture to the Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant, which has 180-degree ocean views and serves up local seafood.

Before departing Merimbula, stop by Potoroo Palace to see Australian animals in their native habitat. Kangaroos, koalas, reptiles and potoroos are free to roam about, so you get to see them up close.

The town of Narooma is known as the ‘Jewel of the South Coast’, and we have to say, it is pretty special. Take a tour with Underwater Safaris to dive into the ocean and swim with playful fur seals in the unspoilt waters off Montague Island.

This part of the New South Wales’ coast is a busy thoroughfare for migrating humpback whales. Take a whale-watching tour and scan the water for fins, tails and full-blown breaches. These curious creatures never disappoint.

Peer out from Bar Rock Lookout to see Australia Rock, a jagged formation featuring a crevice shaped like Australia. After, visit Quarterdeck, which offers locally-sourced oysters along with vegetarian meals and incredible views.

Bateman’s Bay, a one-hour drive north of Narooma, sits at the heart of Australia’s Oyster Coast. Taste succulent Clyde River oysters from the farm gates of Pearly Oyster Bar and Farm and the Oyster Shed on Wray Street.

After you’ve had a bite to eat, follow the Grand Pacific Drive along the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge, which extends over the ocean as it hugs the coast on the way to Wollongong. Take a moment to breathe in the salty sea air.

Adrenaline junkies, rejoice! Tick off another item on your bucket list with a beach skydive in Wollongong, known for its surf beaches and rock pools. Take in stunning views as you free-fall over the beach from 14,000 feet. 

Climb and weave through the gum trees at Australia’s premier treetop walk and zipline experience, Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can do a zipline tour after dark – look out for nocturnal animals in the canopy. 

Head to Mount Keira Lookout for sunset, then enjoy Halal-friendly Lebanese food at Samaras Restaurant. Nearby you can visit the Omar Mosque for worship and prayer in North Wollongong.

As you make your way from Wollongong to Sydney, drop by the Apple Shack at Glenbernie Orchard for seasonal fruit picking. Depending on the season, you can pluck your own peaches, nectarines, apples and persimmons.

Symbio Wildlife Park is a haven for native Australian flora and fauna, as well as beloved exotic wildlife. Take a tour to go behind the scenes and discover the role of zookeepers, take a selfie with koalas or help feed baby farm animals. 

After departing from Symbio, drive toward the coast to Illawarra’s Bald Hill Lookout, an acclaimed hang-gliding destination. It’s a great spot to take in panoramic views of the South Coast and the Pacific Ocean.

The oldest nature reserve in Australia, the Royal National Park is the only thing separating you from Sydney. And it sure is a beauty. There are dozens of hiking trails, beautiful lookouts and picnic areas when it’s time to relax.

There are endless things to do in Sydney, known as the Harbour City, and your adventure has only just begun. Go shopping, marvel at the iconic Sydney Opera House, head to the beach or fill your belly with multicultural Halal food.