Road trips in Australia are very popular, especially along the east coast from Sydney to Cairns, along the west coast from Perth and for the ambitious traveller there’s even the Big Lap around this vast and diverse continent.
Whilst there are so many amazing choices for a road trip in Australia, if you are drawn to cooler climates, food, wine, art and stunning coastal landscapes, then Victoria is the destination for your next road trip in Australia!
I live in Victoria, and have travelled to many areas on a day trip or longer road trip. Think along the lines of the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula. Victoria has a lot to offer for anyone travelling the southern state of the nation and in this blog post I’m going to share all of my top tips and ideas for road trips in Victoria.
From the popular to the inconspicuous and everything in between, you’ll want to get a notepad and pen at the ready. Here are 6 road trips in Victoria to inspire your next adventure down under…
1. South Gippsland
South Gippsland is one of the lesser known, yet stunningly beautiful and memorable road trips in Victoria. From op-shopping, food and wine, markets to the protected national park of Wilsons Promontory, there is something for everyone.
Here are the main stops on this beautiful road trip in Victoria:
The first town recommended to stop at once leaving Melbourne, Korrumburra is 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne. A cute historical town located beside the Strezlecki ranges, offering a bewery, pubs, bakery, and many op (thrift) shops. A recent addition to Korrumburra is the Tsuko Japanese restaurant, offering delicious and affordable meals for lunch, in a relaxed environment. Open 10-4pm.
Meeniyan has an arts and music atmoshere, with touring artists visiting to perform at the humble and iconic Meeniyan Town Hall (past musicians incoude Beth Orton and Paul Kelly). The Trulli Pizza retsuarant has also made a name for itself with their delicious woodfired pizzas.
A great small town with an iconic pub, the famous Alison Lester bookshop, and cute gift shops and cafes lining the main street.
A quiet holiday town with a stunning stretch of beach, with only one general store.
A beautiful small coastal town with little over 300 residents, and popular with quiet holidayers.
An established, older style town, some good cafes, fresh fruit and veg, small boutiques and a great bookshop where you can order a coffee and read the books instore.
- Wilsons Promontory (Tidal River)
Wilsons Prom is the beautiful national park located at the most southern tip of mainland Australia. The main campground is located at Tidal River, where the river meets the sea at Norman Bay.
‘The Prom’ is a loved, must-visit location for any road trippers this far south in Australia. Think stunning surf beaches, incredible hikes, and lots of wildlife including wombats, kangaroos, rosellas, and emus.
➡️ See a full guide to Wilsons Prom here
2.Yarra Valley Wineries
The wineries in the Yarra Valley, Victoria are a personal favourite when it comes to road trips in Victoria. I have visited them numerous times. These world class vineyards are easy to visit on a day trip, but if you are planning a longer road trip here are some of my suggestions:
- Domaine Chandon – My favourite. A beautiful winery with a gorgeous view of the vineyard, spectacular sparkling wines, high class restaurant, tours and more. See more here.
- Yering Station – Built in 1838, Yering Station was Victorias first vineyard.
- Rochford – Large winery with restaurant and Cellar Door, which hosts major music events.
- St Huberts – You’ll find delicious cool climate Cab Sauvignons and Pinot Noir.
- De Bortoli – A large winery with Italian food to match, delicious!
- Punt Road Winery – A small, specialised, family run winery.
Accommodation in Yarra Valley:
Healesville – Healesville is a fun town to stop on your way to or from the Yarra Valley. With accommodation options like the Healesville Hotel or or one of the many Airbnb options you could stay a night here, or simply stop at the famous Four Pillars gin distillery for a gin tasting and lunch.
Within the Yarra Valley – There are many affordable options to stay the night like the BIG 4 Holiday Park (they have glamping!) or a luxurious experience in one of the expensive estates.
We stayed at the Gatehouse Villa Raeward a few years ago. The large room is separate to the Villa, quiet modern and close to many of the top Yarra Valley Wineries. This is only one of the many lavish stays in the Yarra Valley.
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
3. Macedon Ranges
The Macedon Ranges and surrounding towns of Mount Macedon, Woodend, Daylesford, Hepburn are a popular road trip from Melbourne and are amazing stops to make up one of the best road trips in Victoria.
Each town in this region has its own charm, and simply driving through the area is an experience, past fields, farms and bushland.
- Mount Macedon – Drive up the small mountain, past heritage mansions and exquisite gardens. Recommended in Autum or Spring.
- Woodend – Anntiques, cafes, and a quality bakery worth stopping at for a takeaway coffee and pie, or sweet treat!
- Daylesford – A popular area for wellness, art and alternative living. A beautiful town to visit for lunch and a wander through the shops. See more here. The last time I was in Daylesford we had lunch at Daylesford Cider, a gorgeous outdoor/indoor cider brewery definitely worth checking out.
- Hepburn – Close to Daylesford and famous for the Hepburn natural springs, with bathing houses for swimming and natural springs to fill your water bottle with natural mineral water. Visit the website here.
4. Alpine National Park and Resorts
A road trip through the Alpine region is great for enthusiastic skiers, or could be taken in the off-season for the natural beauty, hiking and stunning views. If you’re a mountain lover this could be up there on your list of road trips in Victoria.
Popular Mountains for skiing and hiking include:
- Mount Hotham – Best snow quality in Winter and beautiful wildflowers in Spring.
- Falls Creek – Popular for cross country skiing and hiking.
- Mount Buller – Most popular mountain for downhill skiing, snowboarding and partying, 3.5 hours from Melbourne.
- Mount Baw Baw – Easy to get to, located in Gippsland, only 2.5 hours from Melbourne. Overnight accommodation available.
- Lake Mountain – No accommodation but perfect for a day trip with the kids.
- Mount Sterling – Only half hour from Mount Buller, ski and snowboarding lessons, or tracks for experienced skiers.
4. Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is close to Melbourne (only 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD), and a popular Victoria road trip for many travellers.
These are the main towns on the peninsula, although there are many beautiful spots to visit in between. Consider these when planning your road trip in Victoria:
- Mornington – The bayside suburb at the beginning of the peninsula, with some top restaurants and bars overlooking the water.
- Rye – Fun holiday town close to the bay, or the larger surf beaches.
- Arthurs Seat – Small mountain with extended views at the summit. Tourist attractions including The Enchanted Forest and the Arthurs Seat cable cars, providing the best views.
- Dromana – Bayside town, with general shopping located at the bottom of Arthurs Seat.
- Sorrento – Many clothing shops, eateries and accommodation in a family friendly and up-market beach town.
- Portsea – Also an up-market area, with the famous Portsea pub, hotel, wealthy accommodation and sunset views.
5. Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is of course one of the most famous road trips in Victoria. Beginning at Torquay (90 mins from Melbourne) and ending in Warrnambool, the road winds its way along the coast, through small surf and fishing towns.
There are many guides and things to do on the Great Ocean road. My favourite stops on this road trip are:
- Bells Beach – Epic and famous surf beach located just out of Torquay as you head down the Great Ocean Road.
- Fairhaven – Beautiful stretch of beach with lots of holiday houses with sweeping views.
- Lorne – Popular and busy town with modern dining options, a pub, clothing shops and good surf break.
- Port Campbell. Seaside town close to the 12 Apostles tourist attraction. Airbnbs or pub accommodation available. There’s also the Port Campbell Hotel.
Which one appeals to you most?
Road trips in Victoria, Australia are easy to plan and navigate.
The main thing to bear in mind when preparing for road trips in Victoria is that you’ll need to prepare for all types of weather conditions. Some days its freezing, other days its hot and windy!
There are plenty of accommodation options throughout the state from Airbnbs, hotels, hostels, and paid and free camping so it’s really easy to design the adventure of your choice!
Road tripping through Victoria offers a different experience for travellers in Australia, compared to the northern tropical beaches, and hot desert trips.
Victoria has wild and beautiful beaches, incredible restaurants, wine, art galleries, live music and wellness retreats, which are all bound to excite road trippers, and create memories of a lifetime down under.
Are there any other road trips in Victoria you’d add to the list?
Have any questions or tips of your own? Leave them in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.