east victoria road trip

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Home » Oceania » Best Road Trips in Victoria (Insider Guide for 2024)

Best Road Trips in Victoria (Insider Guide for 2024)

Victoria may be one of Australia’s smallest states – but it’s brimming with all kinds of breathtaking sights to satisfy your wanderlust. Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, alone easily trumps  all  lists on the most liveable (not to mention the coolest) cities down under.

But, only a short drive outside Melbourne, and you’ve got a myriad of national parks, dope surfing, and quirky Gold Rush cities.

We say  drive  because road trips in Victoria are the best way to make the most of what this beautiful state has to offer. It gives you the freedom to really take your time and find those hidden sweet-spots where the public buses don’t go.

But when it comes to planning a road trip in Victoria – where should you  start?

Well, here! We’ve mapped out three adventurous itineraries for you to choose  from – all  you have to worry about  is what day you hit the road.

Let’s dive in and get those bags packed.

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Why Roadtrip in Victoria?

The great ocean road – plus, alpine discovery, the melbourne inland loop , driving in victoria, insurance in victoria, what to pack for a road trip in victoria, final thoughts on the best road trips in victoria .

Not sure a road trip is the best way to get around? Well, here are five reasons why we think it’s a win-win. 

• Year-round appeal: It’s true you’ll want your layers during the winter months. But even with a frosty nip in the air, road trips in Victoria are always a recipe for adventure. What’s not to love about snow capped mountains and diminished crowds?
• The Great Ocean Road: Victoria is home to one of the world’s most talked-about road trips. This is a chance to see those famous limestone towers for yourself and experience some of the best surf in the world. 
• Awesome national parks: While the Australian coast gets (and deserves) a lot of the glory, there is plenty of scope for avid hikers and rainforest lovers in Victoria. 
• Remarkable wildlife: From koalas to penguins, Victoria is home to some of Australia’s most exotic and endangered wildlife.
• Tasty tucker: While on the road, you can enjoy simple fish ‘n’ chips on the beach or treat yourself to some of the world’s best oysters.  Victoria is also home to some world-class wine cellars for you to pop your head into.

The Great Ocean Road – Plus (8 days)

Alpine discovery (5 days), the melbourne inland loop (4 days).

Without further ado, here are our Victoria road trip ideas in detail. Starting with:

• From:  Melbourne
• To:  Melbourne
• Total Distance:  1,060 km
• Days:  8
• Top road trip stops:  Grampian National Park, Mount Gambier, 12 Apostles, Great Otway National Park, Apollo Bay, Torquay

The Great Ocean Road is arguably one of the best road trips in Australia . But why stop there? Our ultimate itinerary takes you beyond the magnificent Limestone Coast. This epic 8-day road trip also includes lush national parks, a deluxe spa town, and cities built upon ancient volcanoes.

Road trip highlights:

• Cruise the legendary 243 kilometres that comprise the Great Ocean Road
• Catch a wave in Torquay – Australia’s Surf Capital
• Marvel at the volcanic landscape of Mount Gambier
• Explore the fern gullies and waterfalls of the Grampian National Park
• Sight whales off Logan’s Beach (May – October) and look for wild koalas in the gum trees at Kennett River

Day 1: Melbourne to Daylesford (2 hours)

Skip the freeway and take the backroads that skirt the eastern rim of the Lerderderg State Park. Stop off at Mount Macedon – a town overflowing with gardens built beneath a dormant volcano. Once in Daylesford, soak up the natural mineral waters – it’s a spa town after all.

The Hepburn Springs Bathhouse is the place to go if you’re feeling flush. The Hepburn Springs Bathhouse is the place to go if you’re feeling flush. On the other hand, the Peninsula Hot Springs cater to budget backpackers looking to get hot and muddy. Accommodation in town isn’t cheap, but you can head up the road to Hepburn Springs and score yourself a free camping spot.

• Best stops: Mount Macedon, Trentham Falls, Wombat Hills Botanical Gardens, Lake Daylesford, Hepburn Springs
• Where to eat: The Nook Cafe (Sunbury), Top of the Range Tea Rooms (Mount Macedon), Cliffy’s (Daylesford)
• Where to stay: Mount Franklin Reserve (free), Dulwich Studio -a cosy 1br cottage ($$$), Albert Guesthouse and Mills Spa Suites ($$$)

Day 2-3: Daylesford to Halls Gap (2 hours)

Now that you’re feeling zen, you can tackle the sights of one of Victoria’s treasures – the Grampians. On the way, why not take a detour via 1852. The town of Sovereign Hill is basically a living museum – it’s not changed a bit since the Gold Rush.

Once at Halls Gap you’ll find hiking trails, Aboriginal rock art, the MacKenzie Falls, and natural waterslides to explore. Spend a couple of nights in Halls Gap to make the most of the park.

• Best stops: Ballarat, Sovereign Hill, Ararat
• Where to eat: Yellow Espresso (Ballarat), Waack’s Bakery (Ararat), Bushfoods Cafe & Restaurant (Halls Gap)
• Where to stay: Grampians Eco YHA ($), Modern Caravan ($$), The Grampians Mote ($$)

Day 4: Halls Gap to Mount Gambier (2 hours 30 minutes)

We’ll leave the highlands behind and travel to one of South Australia’s best-kept secrets today: the Blue Lake of Mount Gambier. There are several places to stop for a short hike along the way, including the Mount Abrupt trail. Mount Gambier is a small town just over the state border that is built on the slopes of a volcano.

Once you’ve arrived, stroll around the cobalt blue crater lake, dive into a cenote, and wander the sunken garden of the Umpherston Sinkhole. Divers can book a magical underwater tour of the Engelbrecht Caves, while hikers can trek around the Blue Lake.

• Best stops: Mount Abrupt, The Piccaninny, Hamilton
• Where to eat:  Izzy’s Cafe (Dunkeld), The Roxburgh (Hamilton), Limestone Coast Pantry (Mount Gambier).
• Where to stay: Tarpeena Recreation Ground (free) The Old Mount Gambier Gaol ($$), Annie’s Apartment ($$$)

Day 5: Mount Gambier to Princetown (3 hours)

And back into Victoria! Stop at Discovery Bay to kayak, or Cape Bridgewater to spot the furry colony  on the ‘Seal Walk’. You can even do a cage dive if you want to get even closer.

Once you leave the cute seaside town of Port Fairy, you’ll officially enter the Great Ocean Road leg of the journey, and those legendary limestone shapes will start to rise from the roaring surf.

There’ll be plenty of time to stop at the various lookouts for photos before catching the sunset over the 12 Apostles.

• Best stops: Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cape Bridgewater, Port Fairy, Warrnambool, London Bridge, The Arch, The Grotto,12 Apostles
• Where to eat:  The Brass Compass (Bridgewater), Charlie’s On East (Port Fairy), 12 Apostles Inn (Princetown)
• Where to stay: The 13th Apostle Backpackers ($), Princetown Recreation Reserve ($), Twelve Apostles Motel Comfort Queen Bedroom ($$)

Day 6: Princetown to Apollo Bay (1 hour)

No Victorian road trip is complete without catching the sunrise. So, get up early and catch first light over the 12 Apostles.

You only have one hour behind the wheel today, which is for the best as you have your second national park on the agenda. The rugged hinterland of Great Otway is one of Australia’s best national parks , and is excellent for hiking and chasing waterfalls. Ride the local zipline for a quick adrenaline rush and view of the canopy.

The  welcoming Apollo Bay will be home for tonight. Nestled in the foothills of the park you can swim, surf, and kayak alongside the fur seals.

• Best stops: 12 Apostles, Great Otway National Park, Marriner’s Lookout
• Where to eat:  Tiny Village Cafe (Lavers Hill), Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Co-op
• Where to stay: Apollo Bay Eco YHA ($), Surfside Backpacker ($$) Spa Woodfire Studio Apartment ($$$)

Day 7: Apollo Bay to Torquay (1 hour 30 minutes)

Take a break at Kennett River for a chance to spot wild koalas in the gum trees, and stop off at the lively beach resort of Lorne for lunch. We hope you like waterfalls – there are ten around the town to explore.

Park overnight up at Aireys Beach for a spot of surfing at Fairhaven Beach, or snorkelling at Step Beach. Tonight, let your salty hair down in Australia’s Surf Capital – one of the coolest places to stay on the Great Ocean Road.

• Best stops: Carisbrook Waterfall, Kennett River, Aireys Inlet, Lorne
• Where to eat:  Kafe Koala (Kennett River), The Salty Dog Fish & Chippery (Lorne), Fishos (Torquay)
• Where to stay: Bells Beach Backpackers ($), The View on Grossmans ($$), Bells Beach Shack ($$$)

Day 8: Torquay to Melbourne (1 hour 30 minutes)

The final stretch of the road trip is short, so take the morning to soak up the atmosphere of Torquay. The best waves are at Bells Beach, while Front Beach is less daunting for surf newbies.

On the approach to Melbourne, stretch your legs along the Geelong waterfront or explore the botanical gardens.

Further up the coastal road we’ll come to Melbourne’s first port settlement – Williamstown. Stop to ogle the tall ships, dip into the maritime heritage, and wander the gardens before heading back to one of Melbourne’s best hostels for the night.

• Best stops: Bells Beach, Geelong, Williamstown
• Where to eat:  King of the Castle Cafe (Geelong), Hug a Mug Cafe (Williamstown)
• Where to stay: United Backpackers ($), The Village Melbourne ($$), Bellbird – Free wi-fi plus breakfast first morning ($$)

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• From: Wangaratta
• To: Melbourne
• Total Distance: 960 km
• Top road trip stops: Mount Buffalo National Park, Ninety Mile Beach, Wilsons Promontory, Phillip Island

The Great Alpine Road is another of Victoria’s ultimate road trip destinations. Our route takes you beyond the magnificent mountains, down along Victoria’s sand-swept eastern coast.

If you travel the Great Alpine Road during the winter (June-October), don’t forget snow chains for your vehicle and keep an eye on the forecast! The weather in Victoria can be quite unpredictable.

• Drive the 308 km that form the Great Alpine Road
• Surf giant dunes and listen to sand that squeaks in Wilsons Promontory
• Explore the best of the Australian Alps on foot, bike or horseback
• Hit the slopes at the Hotham Alpine – snow permitting!
• See the penguins on Phillip Island

*If you start this trip in Melbourne, factor in 2.5-3 hours driving time to our official starting place of Wangaratta. 

Day 1: Wangaratta to Bright (2-3 hours)

We’ll follow the Great Alpine Road south out of Wangaratta. A worthy detour is the town of Beechworth, rich in Gold Rush history and wine culture. Beechworth Honey is a must-go for honey lovers – so feel free to pick up a jar or two.

After passing through a cluster of wineries, your next calling point is the Mount Buffalo National Park. Home to waterfalls, fascinating rock formations and unforgettable views across the Australian Alps, this is perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. 

Choose to camp here overnight or head to the leafy alpine town of Bright and check into a guest house. 

• Best stops: Beechworth, a Great Alpine Road winery of your choice, Mount Buffalo National Park
• Where to eat:  The Beechworth Pantry, Alpine Gate Cafe (Myrtleford), Bright Brewery
• Where to stay: Lake Catani Campground ($) Alpine Sports Lodge ($), The Boathouse Bright ($$)

Day 2: Bright to Omeo (2-3 hours)

After yesterday’s flat drive through farmland, things take a total u-turn as you tackle the stretch that gives the Great Alpine Road its reputation. The road snakes steeply up the mountains, offering beauty in every direction. Stop off at Hotham Alpine resort for skiing in winter or hiking/biking in summer.

Just before you approach Omeo, stop at the Kosciuszko Lookout. On a clear day, you can spot Mount Kosciuszko and Mount Townsend in the distance – the two highest peaks in Oz. 

• Best stops: Hotham Ski Resort, Danny’s Lookout, Kosciuszko Lookout
• Where to eat:  Bella’s Cafe (Harrietville), Mountain Kitchen (Dinner Plain), Omeo’s High Plain Bakery
• Where to stay: Colonial Motel ($$), Omeo Motel ($$)

Day 3: Omeo to Ninety Mile Beach (3 hours)

Spend the morning pottering around the historic town before heading south, completing the Great Alpine Road in Bairnsdale. This is a great place to stop off to learn about the indigenous heritage of the Gunaikurnai people of Gippsland. But the road trip doesn’t end here.

Continue southwest and join the coast at Ninety Mile Beach. As one of the most unspoilt beaches in the country, the beach offers 90 golden miles  of glorious swimming and cycling opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled for a dolphin or breaching whale.

• Best stops: Bairnsdale, Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place
• Where to eat:  The Pressing Shed Cafe (Tongio), The Wooden Squirrel (Bairnsdale), Redd Cat (Sale)
• Where to stay: Paradise Beach Campground ($), Cape Cod Apartment ($$) 90 Mile Beach House & Villas ($$$)

Day 4: Ninety Mile Beach to Wilsons Promontory (2 hours 30 minutes)

Follow the coast,stopping along the way to look out at the islands sitting offshore. Today’s destination is mainland Australia’s southernmost tip: Wilson’s Promontory. 

Wilsons Prom is loaded with fun things to do, including snorkelling and surfing. If you don’t fancy getting wet, skip the waves and surf the giant sand dunes instead.

Head down to Squeaky Beach to experience sand that squeaks as you sink your toes into it. Alternatively, there’s a short but tasking hike to reach the summit of Mount Oberon.

• Best stops: Port Albert, Port Welshpool
• Where to eat:  Port Albert Cafe & Wine Bar, Latte Dah Cafe (Toora), Wilsons Prom Cafe & Pizza
• Where to stay: Tidal River Campground ($), Sandy Point Beach Escape ($$), Olivi ($$$)

Day 5: Wilsons Promontory to Melbourne (3 hours 30 minutes)

All good things must come to an end. Hug the coast all the way back to Melbourne, and stop off at coastal towns and bays along the way. The Bunurong Marine National Park is accessible from Cape Paterson and offers snorkelling with huge fish. Note that the water here is only suitable for strong swimmers.

Phillip Island is one of Melbourne’s ultimate must-sees ; take a detour on the way back and watch the penguins on their sunset waddle! You can opt to stay on the island for a night, or drive the two hours back to Melbourne to complete the trip.

• Best stops: Sandy Point, Venus Bay, Cape Paterson
• Where to eat:  Cape Tavern (Cape Paterson), Cheeky Goose Cafe (Phillip Island), Supernormal (Melbourne)
• Where to stay: United Backpackers ($), Leafy Room with Private Entrance & Bathroom ($$), The Victoria Hotel ($$)

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• From: Melbourne
• Total Distance: 655 km
• Top road trip stops: Daylesford, Bendigo, Mount Buller, Yarra Ranges, Dandenong Ranges

If you’re looking for a short road trip to fill a long weekend in Melbourne , our short ‘n’ sweet inland loop is perfect. This one explores historic towns, fern glades, and fairytale forests sprinkled around Melbourne. This Victoria road trip itinerary also features mineral springs and wineries – feel free to treat yo’ selves people.

• Pamper yourself in the spa town of Daylesford
• Explore the Gold Rush era with Goldfields towns
• Breathe in the Alpine National Park from the slopes of Mount Buller – plan your road trip in Victoria during winter so you can ski
• Sip Chardonnay and sparkling wine in the Yarra Valley Wine Region
• Take to the sky with a hot air balloon ride over the Yarra and Dandenong Ranges

Day 1: Melbourne to Daylesford (3 hours)

Head out of Melbourne to Ballarat and wander around the botanical gardens and the lake of this historic town. There’s also the Ballarat Wildlife Park – home to Tasmanian Devils and other Aussie wildlife. Down the road is Sovereign Hill, where you’ll often see people kitted out in 19th-century costumes and horse drawn carriages.

Once at your final destination, Daylesford, you can detox in the mineral waters of the spa town. The Peninsula Hot Springs isn’t exactly cheap, but it is one of the more wallet-friendly options in town.

• Best stops: Geelong, Ballarat, Sovereign Hill, Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, Hepburn Springs
• Where to eat:  Oh My Greens (Bacchus Marsh), Tic Tok Cafe (Ballarat), Sophie & Bill’s (Daylesford)

Day 2: Daylesford to Mansfield (3 hours)

Today, you’ll cruise through Victoria’s Goldfields region. Pretty Castlemaine and colourful Bendigo have plenty of galleries, gardens, and eateries to explore. Take a subterranean voyage 225 metres below ground at Bendigo to experience a glimpse into an ancient gold mine. If that’s not for you, check out the retro tramway instead.

Get a burst of adrenaline at Bonnie Doon with some horse trekking or dirt biking. Mansfield is the gateway to exploring the Alpine National Park. In winter, Mount Buller is a powdery wonderland for skiers. Come summer, it transforms into a playground for hikers and mountain bikers.

• Best stops: Castlemaine, Bendigo, Bonnie Doon, Mount Buller
• Where to eat:  Fig Cafe (Castlemaine), Ex Lion Tamer (Bendigo), Mansfield Pizza
• Where to stay: Delatite Hotel ($$), Studiolux ($$$)

Day 3: Mansfield to Yarra Glen (1 hour 30 minutes)

Today, you’ll loop down towards the Yarra Ranges. If you like wine and/or bushwalks, then this is pretty much one of the best things you’ll do while visiting Melbourne. There’s a huge variety of bushwalks to choose from to experience the natural beauty of the wine region.

Meanwhile, the Healesville Animal Sanctuary is home to some of Australia’s most endangered animals. You’ll stay in Yarra Glen, which is handily located close to a scattering of the vineyards. 

• Best stops: Healesville Animal Sanctuary, Yarra Yarra Valley
• Where to eat:  Giddy Goat Cafe (Yarck), Marmalades (Yea), Innocent Bystander (Healesville)
• Where to stay: Yarra Glen Bed & Breakfast ($$), Yarra Glen Peaceful Retreat ($$)

Day 4: Yarra Glen to Melbourne (2 hours)

Head back towards Melbourne via the Dandenong Ranges, an extension of the Yarra Valley. There’s so much to do here, it’s become one of our best places to stay in Melbourne .

Why not start the day with a hot air balloon ride over the verdant plains? The Currawong Bush Park is a great place to stop and look for native wildlife, or try out the zipline at the Glen Harrow.

• Best stops: Dandenong Ranges, Currawong Bush Park
• Where to eat:  The Trail Cafe (Mount Evelyn), Miss Marple’s Tea Room (Sassafras), MoVida (Melbourne)
• Where to stay: Melbourne Hostel ($), Studio Apartment fully furnished ($$), The Victoria Hotel ($$)

Roads in Victoria are a siren’s call for road trippers – they’re sealed and flanked with splendid panoramas. If you plan on driving during winter, take extra precautions as the highlands are subject to snow and ice. Yup, even the land down under experiences the odd snowfall.

Renting a Vehicle in Victoria 

Renting a car or camper in Victoria is a doddle, and a popular choice with backpackers and holidaymakers. You’ll find it easier to rent a vehicle in Melbourne, but it’s possible in smaller cities too. 

You’ll need a valid driver’s licence from your original country to rent a vehicle in Victoria (You’ll also need photo ID if your licence doesn’t have a photocard). If your license isn’t written in English you’ll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

When you pick up your wheels, the agency may add a few fees to your agreement. Make sure you factor these costs in when planning a road trip in Victoria:

• Age surcharge. You need to be at least 21 to rent a vehicle in Australia, but most companies charge a surcharge for renters under 25.
• Additional driver(s). If you intend to share the driving, your rental company will add additional drivers to your paperwork. Don’t lie to save the cash – it’s all for insurance purposes!
• Deposit. You will need to pay a deposit (bond) that covers the vehicle against any unexpected damage. In Victoria, a typical deposit ranges from $200 – $1000. Usually, you must pay by credit card rather than a debit card.

Don’t have a car? Well, we’re going to have to sort that out! Use rentalcars.com to find the best deals on the web and save heaps of cash!

Road rules in Victoria

One thing to bear in mind as you plan your road trip in Victoria is the local road rules. Every state/territory in Australia has its own laws in place, and the police don’t take kindly to reckless driving. 

Incidentally, Victoria was the very first place in the world to legislate seatbelts. Now, buckle up and familiarise yourself with a few other handy rules. 

• Always park in the direction of traffic. That means the nose of your car should face the direction of travel. There’s a penalty of up to AU$165 if you park the other way. 
• Think before you honk. Australia has a nationwide ban on needless honking, so only do it when it’s deemed necessary.
• Don’t pick up any hitchhikers in Victoria. It’s illegal (weird, we know) and warrants a $30 fine. 
• Don’t forget to lock up and roll up the windows when you’re away from your rental. It’s a road rule, but it also keeps out any curious wildlife.
• Don’t drive too slow! Aussies are extremely laid back, but they don’t mess around. If you want to take in a view, just pull up and have a few minutes break!

Okay, that’s enough of the rules – it’s time to start your adventure. We’ve compiled the three best road trips in Victoria for you to choose from. Ready?

Drivers in Australia must have Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance. This is a personal injury insurance policy usually included in the rental agreement by default. You might hear it referred to as ‘Green Slip insurance’. 

Your rental rep will give you a quote, but there’s no harm in researching your options.  Consult a third party, such as RentalCover.com who offer transparent, backpacker-friendly policies. Their no-frills, flat fee insurance policies usually include things like Personal Accident Insurance and Roadside Assistance. 

In addition, your rental desk will probably try to flog you the likes of an ‘Excess Waiver’, ‘Damage Liability Waiver’ or ‘Reduction Liability Waiver’. This is a fee that brings the remaining excess on your rental to zero. Prices vary but it usually comes in around $20 – $60 per day on top of your rental fee.

We’re sure you’d rather spend your dollars on something much more interesting. That’s why we suggest you do your research before travelling Australia , and use an independent insurance company when you plan your road trip in Victoria.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Active Roots Money Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

GRAYL Geopress Filtered Bottle

Having a filtered water bottle means you can drink from just about any source. The GRAYL Geopress is hands-down the most effective one we’ve ever used as well!

Active Roots Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Active Roots Camping Hammock

Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks), and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super-efficient way to organize your bathroom stuff. Well worth having as it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

And that’s it – three Victoria road trip ideas for you to take your pick from. 

All three routes offer a variety of landscapes, activities, wildlife, and gastronomy to give you a well-rounded Victorian experience. Many places we’ve covered in our itineraries aren’t accessible via public transport, so if you’re looking to strike out from the crowds, here’s your chance. 

So, what are you waiting for? Score yourself a rental deal, grab your road trip gear and hit the road. Just don’t forget the golden rule in Victoria – no hitchhikers!

Alexandria Zboyovski

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10 hidden-gem road trips in Victoria

30 October 2023

Prepare yourself to take the road less travelled as we introduce you to some of Victoria’s hidden-gem road trips.

The Great Ocean Road , Mornington Peninsula , Grampians National Park – Victoria is full of hot-shot road trips that get plenty of love.

But what about the lesser-known spots that are as equally enticing? Turns out, you can embark on a number of road trips that even plenty of Victorians have never heard of.

So, here are 10 hidden-gem road trips to discover on your next driving holiday.

1. See the Silo Art of Western Victoria

Silo art trails have been popping up around Australia as the hot new way to see the countryside and get a culture fix at the same time. This particular one, located in Victoria’s west , is considered the largest outdoor gallery in Australia – stretching over 200 kilometres and linking six small country towns.

In 2016, Canberra artist Guido van Helten painted an anonymous, multi-generational quartet of female and male farmers across four 1939-built GrainCorp silos. With that action, he transformed the spirit of the Wimmera Mallee region, linking Brim with the neighbouring towns of Lascelles, Patchewollock, Rosebery, Rupanyup and Sheep Hill to create the Silo Art Trail.

Julia Volchkova depicted Rupanyup locals Ebony Baker and Jordan Weidemann on the silos. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

These days, visitors can tackle the self-guided journey by car. Stop to enjoy the allures of each region, as well as marvelling at the area’s ancient Indigenous roots and its history as one of Australia’s most important grain-growing regions.

Don’t miss: See the silos from above on a scenic flight with Grampians Helicopters . Learn about the faces and places painted by the locally born and raised pilot.

Guido van Helten’s Brim mural was the first silo artwork to appear in Victoria. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

2. A detour to Otway

The Great Ocean Road is firmly at the top of most of the best Victorian road trip lists. However, one of the lesser-known towns among the many that populate this route is Otway. Hidden among its delicious produce, waterfalls and hinterland is Cape Otway National Park – a place that’s worth getting in the car for.

Inside you’ll find a rugged coastline, rock formations, beaches, ferny forests and hopefully, Australia’s largest remaining marsupial carnivore, the tiger quoll. The forests, woodlands and coastline of the Otway Ranges are one of the last remaining habitats for this special creature that is on the brink of extinction. Keep your eyes peeled.

Don’t miss: Hopetoun Falls. There’s a platform 20 metres from the car park where you can view the waterfall from the top.

Otway Rainforest has some of the tallest eucalyptus trees in the world

3. Phillip Island to French Island

Find passionate producers, nature-based experiences and those famous surf breaks – could Phillip Island be the ultimate seaside getaway? Yes. Particularly because it comes with access to Victoria’s largest coastal island: French Island.

Approximately 70 per cent of French Island is national park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

One-hundred-odd people live on this slice of island paradise. Approximately 70 per cent of its 170 square kilometres has been declared a national park and the remainder is privately-owned freehold land, including some of the most exclusive real estate in Victoria. It sits just north of Phillip Island in Western Port and is connected by daily ferries from Stony Point.

Don’t miss: Thanks to its seclusion, French Island has remained relatively untouched over the years. And the flora and fauna have thrived as a result: find almost 300 species of birds, over 100 types of bush orchids, the endangered long-nosed potoroo, and koalas are free from the chlamydia disease that’s ravaged the population on the mainland.

French Island has remained relatively untouched over the years. (Image: Tourism Australia)

4. The other Goldfields town

Bendigo ’s reputation isn’t as notorious as Ballarat ‘s, but the other Goldfields town at the heart of Central Victoria (and one-time richest city in the world) has been drawing people from across the globe ever since the 1850s gold rush.

The city now pays homage to a wealth of a different kind as a cultural and foodie hotspot. Wineries, craft brewers and boutique food producers abound (in 2019 Bendigo was designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy) all set among the legacy of grand buildings, historic gardens, avenues and charming homes.

Bendigo pays homage to a wealth of a different kind as a cultural and foodie hotspot. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Don’t miss: The Bendigo Art Gallery . It’s considered one of the country’s best regional galleries and has carved a niche for itself with blockbuster fashion and design exhibitions including  Marilyn Monroe  and  Marimekko: Design Icon 1951-2018.

Bendigo Art Gallery is considered one of the country’s best regional galleries. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. The Bellarine Taste Trail

The wide, sun-drenched landscape that stretches along the Bellarine Peninsula is one of the country’s most fertile food bowls, with local producers offering up everything from olives to cool-climate wines .

If you’re feeling peckish, chart a course along the Bellarine Taste Trail to discover a secret gem of a road trip ready to be savoured. There are some seriously decadent foodie institutions that embrace the farm-to-fork philosophy within easy reach from the town’s centre.

Campbell Point House is breathtaking.

White Fisheries sells Port Phillip Bay fish sold on the same day it’s caught. Find Lonsdale Tomato Farm and their authentic farmgate store down an unassuming country road.  Igni was named the 2017 Regional Restaurant of the Year in the Gourmet Traveller’s national restaurant awards and the fire-driven degustation menu is truly jaw-dropping. Wattle Grove Honey produces pure Australian honey and beeswax products from their own beehives.

Don’t miss: A stay at Campbell Point House . For those who have long dreamt of staying in an elegant, 20-million dollar luxury accommodation, this is the only way to do it.

Words don’t do this view justice.

6. Lake Mountain

Lake Mountain  is Melbourne’s closest and most affordable Alpine Resort. It has 30 kilometres of trails and is the third most visited cross-country site in the world. It’s around two hours’ scenic drive from Melbourne.

The spot caters to ‘snow play’ – cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, etc. There is no downhill skiing or snowboarding. When the snow melts and the crowds swap snow boots for board shorts and bikinis, you’ll find rolling green mountains, itching to be hiked and biked.

Don’t miss: The nearby town of Marysville has been experiencing a marvellous rebirth after the tragic Black Saturday bushfires of 2009. The 20-kilometre drive down from Lake Mountain is one of the most picturesque alpine drives in Australia and full of adventure: the town’s surrounds are a paradise for hikers, foodies and market shoppers.

Lake Mountain is Melbourne’s closest and most affordable Alpine Resort

7. Budj Bim National Park

Budj Bim National Park isn’t a place known to most Victorians, but it very well should be. A Gunditjmara name for Mount Eccles, Budj Bim is the long-dormant volcano that once spewed lava up to 50 kilometres toward the sea. It dramatically altered the waterways and wetlands which have remained untouched some 30,000 to 39,000 years later.

Lake Surprise – which has formed in the crater of Mount Eccles – offers a scenic location and playground for an ample dose of recreation. There are spots for camping, walking, mountain biking and 4WDing, plus opportunities for fishing and birdwatching.

Budj Bim dramatically altered the waterways and wetlands which have remained untouched some 30,000 to 39,000 years later.

The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape has been formally recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is the only Australian World Heritage property listed exclusively for its Aboriginal cultural values. It also features the earliest living example of aquaculture in the world, with a history of eel farming dating back over 6,000 years.

Don’t miss: Budj Bim Tours has been showcasing the important history of the Gunditjmara people since 1999. Take a tour and see remnants of a settled lifestyle that features circular stone dwellings and the remains of Australia’s first and largest freshwater stone aquaculture system.

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape’s cultural tours offer visitors an opportunity to form deeper connections to Country and the history and culture of Budj Bim, no matter what time frame they are working with. Whether you’ve only got a couple of hours or a whole weekend, there’s a tour to suit everybody .  

The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape has been formally recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

8. Pink Lakes of Murray Sunset National Park

Pink Lakes live on the edge of Murray Sunset National Park – a location that is often referred to as Victoria’s own outback. It is pristine, untouched and in a fast-paced world, it offers a chance to get back to nature.

Thanks to the Pink Lakes’ combination of salt-loving algae and high salinity levels the pink hue of the water changes by the hour, depending on the cloud conditions above. Generally, you’ll find that on cloudy days the pinks are at their most striking, and at other times they are more of a fairy-floss hue.

The flora and fauna are varied and abundant at the Pink Lakes. Look out for the red kangaroos, the Murray Lily flower, and if you’re a bird watcher make sure to pack your guidebook as there are loads of colourful and elusive species to discover. For bushwalkers, the area offers some beautiful walks, particularly in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. There are easy walks around Lake Hardy and Lake Becking as well as the longer Kline nature trail.

Don’t miss: Murray Sunset National Park is considered a stargazing haven. Make a night of it and book a campsite to enjoy the evening spectacle.

On cloudy days the pinks are at their most striking, and at other times they are more of a fairy-floss hue.

9. The Macedon Ranges

While not as unknown as some of the others on this list, the Macedon Ranges do provide one point of bizarre difference not found anywhere else.

Macedon Ranges is home to Hanging Rock.

Straws Lane – or Anti-Gravity Hill – is the optical illusion landmark found in few places around the world. The phenomenon is the southernmost Gravity Hill in the world. A place where cars appear to roll upwards, contradicting the laws of gravity. Where the horizon is either obstructed or curved, and the false horizon makes judging the gradient of a slope difficult. As your eyes adjust your perception of the landscape is altered.

Videos online showcase the anti-gravity magic of Straws Lane. To see it for yourself, visit Straws Lane just south of the intersection at Romsey Road.

Don’t miss: Time your journey with a visit to Woodend, famous for its unusual volcanic rock formation (better known as the perpetually spooky Hanging Rock). Pack a picnic to recreate the setting of Joan Lindsay’s novel and Peter Weir’s iconic film.

Woodend is a quirky little town.

10. Black Spur Drive

The ghostly, peaceful driving experience through the tall, slender galleries of Mountain Ash along the Black Spur Drive is unforgettable.

Beginning at Healesville in the south and ending at Narbethong in the north, the snaking and steep Black Spur drive cuts through the lush rainforest landscapes of the Yarra Ranges. It links the Yarra Valley with the mountain areas around Marysville and is famous for its 27-kilometre twists of towering trees and spectacular valley views.

At the base of the Black Spur you’ll find Fernshaw picnic area with rest facilities. Dom Dom in Marysville State Forest has a few basic amenities, too.

Don’t miss: Before you begin, make a beeline for the local wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary . Forget everything you know about zoos – this bushland oasis specialises in native Australian animals, with a longstanding history of breeding programs and preservation.

Black Spur Drive is unforgettable.

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Comments (3)

Excellent report. Some locations have never been to

I would love to receive all the info a out the unique Aussie travels. There are so many roads not travelled.

Absolutely amazing.I have seen most of the places but still get a buzz looking at them again.Thank you.

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All Destinations , Australasia , Australia , Overland Itineraries

East coast australia road trip itinerary and ultimate guide.

Show-stopping beaches, charismatic little towns, eden-like national parks and unforgettable adrenalin filled activities mean it’s no wonder why the east coast of Australia is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations.

And it’s all relatively easy to explore; you just need a vehicle or a coach pass, a chunk of time (I’d recommend 6-8 weeks if you really want to see everything, or 4 weeks if you’re just after the highlights), sufficient funds and a sense of adventure!

This east coast Australia road trip itinerary will take you from just above the tropical city of Cairns, to hidden gems such as Mission Beach and Innisfail, through world famous sites like Magnetic Island and the Whitsundays, down through little surf towns and some of the best diving sites on the east coast to the bucket-list destination of Fraser Island, through south Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and its capital, Brisbane.

It will then traverse the Brisbane to Sydney drive, through the backpacker haven of the Gold Coast, then to northern New South Wales, an area that includes Byron Bay (one of my favorite places in the world) and its surrounding quirky towns and beautiful hinterland.

The route then follows the Pacific Coast Highway and travels through various beautiful New South Wales coastal towns before arriving at Sydney.

From Sydney, the east coast Australia road trip is directed to Melbourne via the coastal route, where the road calls at various other New South Wales and Victorian towns, national parks, and even an island before finishing in the state capital of Victoria; the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne.

It’s a long way, it will take you through a range of different climates and cultures, through tiny in-the-middle-of-nowhere towns to backpacker hubs and bustling cities, and will span some of the most gorgeous beaches on the planet as well as breathtaking inland natural scenery nearly every step of the way.

Are you ready for the ultimate east coast Australia road trip itinerary? This route is completely customisable to your wishes and needs. It could be done in reverse, or in chunks – if you’re flying into a different city, you might want to start elsewhere.

There are international airports in Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne and the Gold Coast on this route – check out this Gold Coast airport review to learn about this point of entry to the east coast of Australia.

If you’re not doing the whole Cairns to Melbourne drive, use this nifty table of contents to take you to just the part of the road trip that you want to go on.

Organise your vehicle for your East Coast Australia Road Trip

I traveled all over Australia in my trusty Subaru Forester, and I’d highly recommend to anyone to make this odyssey in your own (or rented) vehicle.

Not only does your own car or van give you the freedom to travel at your own pace, editing your itinerary if you want to stay longer or shorter somewhere, it often works out cheaper, because you can split fuel costs with friends and stay at free campsites.

I had my own car for this trip and all of my Aussie road trips, and if you are planning on traveling more than just the east coast (which you should, as the rest of the country is spectacular) then I’d recommend you buy a car of your own.

But if this road trip is a one-off or you don’t want the hassle and commitment of buying a car, renting is also an option.

I haven’t used any of these myself, but some popular companies are:

• Jucy campers
• Wicked Campers

If you’re planning on drinking 24/7 or just don’t fancy driving all of that way then taking the coach is probably the best bet for you.

Greyhound and Premier both plough the east coast daily – Greyhound is known for having better facilities, offering free (temperamental) wifi, power sockets, and comfier seats – but Premier is slightly cheaper.

Greyhound’s southern service from Sydney goes inland and pretty much straight to Melbourne via Canberra, but Premier follows closely to the Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive I have suggested.

Once you get to Eden, which is right near the New South Wales/ Victoria border, V Line will get you through eastern Victoria and into Melbourne.

Once you’ve sorted your car, van or coach pass out, you’re ready to hit the road!

Do you want some more information about transport in Australia, where to stay, and what to eat in the land down under? Check out this Australia travel guide for some really helpful information.

When to Go On the East Coast Australia Road Trip

This East Coast Australia road trip itinerary begins in Cairns and travels south to Melbourne.

This is a great way to do your trip if you’re traveling in Australia’s autumn, as Victoria takes a while to heat up!

The reverse is true if you’re journeying in the spring.

If you’re road tripping in winter, brace yourself for cold temperatures in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Queensland but look forward to near-perfect weather in Central and North Queensland.

In the summer, you’ll be sweltering everywhere – but watch out for tropical storms and seriously hot temperatures in the North, and make sure you wear stinger suits everywhere that they’re recommended.

Where to stay on the East Coast of Australia – hostels or camping?

Nowhere quite does hostels like the East Coast of Australia – and I’m pretty sure that no hostels are quite as expensive as the East Coast of Australia.

You’ll make some great friends in the East Coast’s hostels and it would be a shame to miss them out completely, as they are a part of the coast’s backpacking experience.

But you may have to declare bankruptcy if you stay at all of them.

That’s why I’ve recommended selected hostels in some of the tourist hotspots, that I’ve either stayed at personally or that have come highly recommended by fellow travelers.

In all the gaps where hostels haven’t been mentioned, there are plenty of free camping options – which are perfect if you have your own vehicle.

If you’re intrigued about free camping in Australia and want to find out more, click on the below link.

If not, there are plenty of hostels, Airbnbs, and hotels in most of the tourist spots on your East Coast Australia road trip.

Cairns to Brisbane Drive Itinerary

Perhaps the most iconic road trip in all of Australia, the Cairns to Brisbane drive odyssey spans over 1700 kilometres, through countless national parks, beside hundreds of postcard-perfect beaches and a huge reef and takes you from the tropics to the subtropics.

There are so many reasons why the Cairns to Brisbane road trip is a world-famous travel journey; and this itinerary takes you through all of the best!

Suggested time frame – 3-4 days

Cairns is a backpacker hotspot, with many travellers to Australia beginning their trips here – which makes it the perfect place to start your Cairns to Brisbane drive.

The tropical city is a great place to accustom to Australian lifestyle and a few days can easily be passed chilling by the lagoon, dining at the many cafes and restaurants of the city and enjoying its nightlife scene.

However, amidst all of this hardcore relaxing, do save some time to venture to the outstandingly beautiful areas around the city.

Things to do in Cairns

• Cool down with a dip in the lagoon
• Dine and drink at the many establishments in the city
• Do a free fitness class on the esplanade
• Go on a tour of the Atherton Tablelands This area is a fantastic day trip from Cairns (although longer can be easily spent in the region) and includes gorgeous waterfalls , scenic lakes, outstanding lookouts and quirky towns. Take a self-drive trip or book a day tour.
• Do a Great Barrier Reef tour I went with Ocean Freedom, who are fantastic for first time divers. People who are not certified (I was one of the only two on my boat who were!) have the chance to dive with an instructor after a safety briefing. It’s a great chance for anyone who’s thinking about learning to dive but is unsure if it’s for them. If you are certified, you’ll likely get the chance to go an a semi-private dive – I got whisked away on a speedboat for my second dive which was just me and the instructor.

Great Barrier Reef Tours

Where to stay in cairns.

Which hostel to pick in Cairns largely depends on how much you want to party. Cairns City Backpackers is pretty chilled out, with a BYO alcohol policy and quiet time late at night. It’s set in tranquil, rainforest-like setting and is a bargain price for a smaller dorm room. Click here for more information and to book .

If you do want to party, then there’s only one real option; the infamous Gilligans. Some people love it, some people hate it, but it’s without a doubt one of the busiest, loudest and most raucous hostel in Cairns.

It’s spread out over four levels, with amazing facilities such as free airport pick up, free WiFi and a lagoon swimming pool, and has an entertainment venue with bars and clubs within the hostel. They also offer cheap dorm rates and $5 dinners with free drinks. Click here for more information and to book .

There aren’t any free camping options within the city itself, but some in the local area. There are also a few paid campsites in and around the city. Drive north to Daintree National Park – 1 hour OR take a tour from Cairns

The Daintree Rainforest

Suggested time – 1-2 days

The Daintree can be done in a day trip from Cairns, but I think it’s worthy of a section all of its own. It’s a huge national park north of the city, with a tarmac road driving straight through the thick of the rainforest; and every so often, you’ll get a glimpse of the sea, which the road runs directly parallel to.

This is exactly why the ‘rainforest meets reef’ slogan of Far North Queensland was invented. There are short walks, cultural experiences, croc spotting cruises and four wheel drive tracks to be enjoyed within the breathtaking national park.

Things to do in the Daintree National Park

• Hike through the rainforest and around the beautiful Mossman Gorge
• Explore the Daintree tea plantation
• Have a picnic overlooking the beautiful Cow Bay
• Walk through the jungle at the Jindalba Boardwalk, Dubuji Boardwalk and Kulki Boardwalk
• Take on the challenging Mount Sorrow hike
• Enjoy the ‘reef meets rainforest’ vistas of Cape Tribulation beach
• Go croc spotting at Daintree River
• Check out the gorgeous Emmagen Creek at the start of the Bloomfield Track
• If you have a 4WD vehicle, drive the Bloomfield Track; an unsealed road heading north to Cooktown

Daintree National Park Tours

Don’t have your own vehicle? There’s plenty of tours from Cairns to the Daintree National Park.

From Daintree National Park, drive 23 minutes/ 23.5 km south to Port Douglas. If you are on a tour, some also stop in Port Douglas.

Port Douglas

Between Cairns and Daintree National Park is Port Douglas, a hip town which has luxury restaurants, quirky cafes and a busy backpacker scene.

It’s a fun place to pop in for an afternoon or spend a couple of days in; depending on how much time you have! I know a few people who have lived and worked in the town as well.

Things to do in Port Douglas

• Browse the beachside Sunday markets for tasty food and arty souvenirs
• Drive or hike up to the top of Flagstaff Hill for a spectacular lookout over the town and four mile beach
• Sample coffee at the various cafes of the town
• Laze back on the gorgeous four mile beach

Where to stay in Port Douglas

If you’re after a bustling backpacker scene, Dougies is located just 300 metres from the beach and is fully equipped with everything you could want in a hostel in the tropics; an outdoor pool and barbecue, a bar and free parking. Choose from a 4 or 7 bed dorm or a private room and bathroom.

For rates and to book, click here . From Port Douglas, drive south back through Cairns, which takes 1 hour 5 minutes. Or return to Cairns on your tour!

The Port Douglas to Cairns drive is known as ‘Far North Queensland’s Great Ocean Road’ and the views of vibrant green rainforest bordering onto turquoise blue ocean are nothing short of spectacular. It’s one of my favourite drives in Australia (and I’ve drove around nearly all of it!) so take your time and stop off at as many viewpoints as possible. Either stay another night in Cairns, or begin your journey south to Innisfail and Mission Beach

Drive or catch a coach from Cairns to Innisfail, which is a distance of 88 kilometres and takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. 

Suggested time – 1 day

Known by many to be ‘the place where everyone does farm work’, many road trippers whizz past Innisfail. But there’s lots to do in and around the town to pass a day or more; so if you have time on your East Coast Australia itinerary, be sure to check this beautiful town out!

Things to do in Innisfail

• Check out Josephine Falls, located between Cairns and Innisfail
• Stroll around the town and enjoy the art deco architecture, which has bene in place since 1918
• Sunbathe on the gorgeous sands of Etty Bay – and watch out for cassowaries!
• Explore the rainforest from the Mamu Tropical Skywalk

Drive or take the coach from Innisfail to Mission Beach, which takes 40 minutes and is 52 kilometres in distance.

Mission Beach

Suggested time – 2-3 days

Mission Beach isn’t on every Tropical North Queensland itinerary, but it damn well should be – it’s one of my favourite parts of the east coast. The beaches here are absolutely mesmerising – when I walked down to my first I actually let out a little yelp of joy.

There’s a variety of walking trails through the rainforest region, opportunities to spot cassowaries (we didn’t see any, boo), some absolutely delightful cafes and restaurants, and, as the name suggests, kilometre after kilometre of gorgeous beachfront.

If I could get an ‘I HEART MISSION BEACH’ t-shirt, I would.

Things to do in Mission Beach

• Hike up to Bicton Hill for a stunning view
• Laze on 14 kilometres of beaches – but remember to use the stinger nets from October to May!
• Eat at the quirky Bingil Bay Café
• Take a water taxi to Dunk Island and do some of the walk tracks and marvel at the beaches there
• Go scuba diving – the Great Barrier Reef stretches along most of Tropical North Queensland including all of Mission Beach

Accommodation in Mission Beach

If you’re looking for accomodation to relax and unwind in for a few days, Jackaroo Hostel is just the place. The treehouse-style hostel is set in beautiful grounds with a spectacular view, and just being there basically screams zen. Choose from a 6 bed dorm room or a private double room, all which come with included breakfast. For rates and to book, click here . Drive south 2 hours 48 minutes, which is 235 kilometres, or take the coach to Townsville.

On the Bruce Highway, I’d recommend taking a pit stop at the Frosty Mango restaurant, an eatery that serves all things mango, including delicious dairy-free ice cream. There’s also a huge mango outside (if you don’t know already, Australia loves its huge things) to snap a picture with!

Suggested time – 2 days

Townsville, ‘the capital of Northern Queensland’ is the gateway to Magnetic Island.

But there’s plenty within Townsville to occupy a day or two too, so before you hop over to the paradise that is Maggie Island, take some time to explore what Tropical North Queensland’s largest city has to offer.

Things to do in Townsville

• Learn about wildlife in Tropical North Queensland, the history of scuba diving, ancient shipwrecks and more at the Museum of North Queensland
• Learn about the region’s history at the Herbert River Museum
• Visit the historic Old Brandon Church
• Enjoy the bars and restaurants of the city
• Walk around the picturesque marina

Accommodation in Townsville

Rambutan YHA is a popular backpacker hangout, located in the centre of the city. It doesn’t cut any corners, with facilties such as a rooftop pool, outdoor bar and restaurant and $10 dinner specials. Choose from a 5, 6 or 8 bed dorm or private rooms in different sizes.

Click here for rates and to book .

Take the ferry over to Magnetic Island, which is a 20 minute journey, costing around $19 per person.

Magnetic Island

A pure slice of paradise, Magnetic Island is worlds away from the city of Townsville.

The entire island seems to run at its own time, with a chilled-out pace that it seems you could only find within a certain number of degrees to the equator.

On Magnetic Island, there are historical walks, climbs to hidden beaches, snorkelling, safe swimming spots, and amazing sunset viewing areas… or there’s the chance to get very merry on cocktails and general island life and spend the day lazing in a hammock. The choice is yours.

Things to do on Magnetic Island

• Take the forts walk to learn about the wartime history of the island and spot koalas
• Go snorkelling at Geoffery Bay – you can pick up a self guided snorkelling tour from the visitors centre for $5
• Hike to Balding Bay (which is Maggie’s unofficial nudist beach, FYI) or Radical Bay, both beautiful spots that are much quieter than the main beach!
• Go for a dip in Nelly Bay’s stinger net
• Discover more of the island’s history at the Magnetic Island History and Crafts Centre
• Catch an amazing sunset at one of the many spots around the island

Where to stay on Magnetic Island

The home of Australia’s only full moon party, Base Backpackers is set in stunning surroundings and enjoys a bar, BBQ facilities and a swimming pool. The bar hosts themed nights and activities.

For rates and to book, click here .

From Magnetic Island, take the ferry back over to Townsville and start heading south. Drive from Townsville to Bowen, which is around 2 hour 20 minutes and 202 kilometres, or take a southbound bus.

Suggested time – stopover/ half a day

Although some people stop to do their farm work in Bowen, for many it’s not really much more than a quick pit stop. But the laid back town vibes, beautiful beaches and hikes to impressive lookouts do make it a worthwhile stopover on a southern drive!

Things to do in Bowen

• Check out some of the eight amazing beaches that make up the area around Bowen
• Learn about the tropical town at the Bowen Historical Musuem
• Take a ferry over to Stone Island
• Check out Horseshoe Bay from the Rotary Lookout
• Snap a photo with yet another big mango!

Drive from Bowen to Airlie Beach, which is about 77 kilometres and takes around 58 minutes, or hop on a coach. 

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is somewhere you’ll constantly hear about as you’re travelling down the East Coast of Australia – and it is definitely a backpacker hub.

The town is catered for tourists, but if you’re looking for somewhere for a cheap dinner, a couple (dozen, maybe) beers and to meet some new travel mates, Airlie is your go to. Most people who are at Airlie Beach are coming off a Whitsundays tour, or about to get onto a boat. But there are a few things to do in the town itself.

Things to do in Airlie Beach

• Take a dip in the refreshing Airlie Beach Lagoon
• Browse the markets, which are held every Saturday
• Check out the gorgeous Cedar Creek Falls, located en route to Proserpine
• Visit the rainforest Conway National Park and go hiking

Where to stay in Airlie Beach

Nomads pretty much dominates the backpacker accommodation in Airlie Beach, and it’s easy to see why. The establishment is half hostel half campsite, with options for any type of backpacker.

The entire hostel is al-fresco based and as well as the standard amenities (kitchen, laundry, chill out area etc), it enjoys two bars, a swimming pool and free wifi. For rates and to book, click here .

The Whitsunday Islands

Suggested time – 3 days

The Whitsunday Islands are one of the ‘must see’ Australian odysseys that make the east coast famous. It’s vital to include visiting the islands in your east coast Australia road trip itinerary, and I’d advise doing the full 3 day 2 night tour to get the full experience.

I went with Wings , who offer a chilled out, sociable atmosphere with stop offs to all of the most beautiful spots of the islands. Also included was:

• SO MUCH FOOD including buffet-style meals, snacks every time any of us got a twinge of hunger, and tea and coffee. They catered for dietary preferences really well and even let the special diets have first choice, which gave me yet another reason to love vegetarianism!
• A shared cabin-style dorm – I slept in a little cubby hole, but it was pretty cosy!
• All the snorkelling gear and four stops to see some of the best marine life in the area
• A guided walk to Whitehaven Beach and to a look out
• Slideshows of photos in the evening
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff

Alcohol was brought on a BYO term. The boat isn’t an in-your-face party kind of boat, but a few of us got very merry on beer/ goon in the evenings.

If you want an in-your-face party style boat, I’d go with Clipper .

This isn’t the boat to choose if you want a good night’s sleep – but it’s hugely popular with travellers on the east coast! (it does also have a huge inflatable slide which looks awesome).

And if you’re looking for a bit more luxury, Ride to Paradise offers the same style tour, but instead of the boat, stays in luxury accommodation. There are dozens more Whitsundays tours, so if none of those take your fancy don’t fret – you’ll almost certainly find a great tour for you.

Whitsundays Tours

Your Whitsundays boat tour will take you back to Airlie Beach. Spend another night there, if you wish (there will most likely be an after party!), or head straight back to the road. Coaches leave Airlie Beach to Mackay, or drive the distance – just under 2 hours and 150 kilometres. 

I had a fantastic time in Mackay, although I didn’t do much other than get a subway (a sandwich, not an underground train). I’ve never felt so immediately welcomed into a city – at first, I thought everyone knew each other, but when they all greeted me with equal cordiality, I realised that people in Mackay are actually just that friendly.

Mackay is a launching point for the southern Great Barrier Reef and is home to some fantastic parks to the north and the west.

Within the town, there are lookouts, great food, lagoons and cycling trails. It’s a tropical city that’s worth a spot on your East Coast Australia itinerary.

Things to do in Mackay

• Cycle on the Bluewater Trail
• Take a dip in the Bluewater Lagoon
• Visit Lambert’s Lookout for a Pacific view
• Explore a sugar cane mill
• Camp with kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough
• Go hiking and platypus spotting at rainforest-based Eungella National Park

Take a coach or drive the distance to Rockhampton, which is 3 hours 40 minutes and 336 kilometres. 

Rockhampton

Suggested time – 1 day When I told a few people I was adding Rockhampton to my east coast Australia road trip itinerary, they laughed and said there was nothing there. I then looked up the best things to do in Rockhampton – and discovered that 5/9 revolved around the beef industry – not exactly a vegetarian’s dream. But, dig a little deeper and there’s some great things to do in Rocky that don’t involve meat of any kind.

Things to do in Rockhampton

• Visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre which tells significant stories of the state and country’s Aboriginal population and their Dreamtime stories which is the basis for their culture
• Catch the sunset over Mount Archer
• Cross over the tropics at the Tropic of Capricorn Spire
• Explore Quay Street and marvel at the historic, opulent buildings
• Admire the works at the Rockhampton Art Gallery

Take a coach to Agnes Water, or drive the 2 hour 30 minutes, 225 kilometre journey.

Agnes Water/ 1770

A lot of people just stop in Agnes Water for a break up between the long bus between Airlie Beach and Rainbow Beach (although hopefully I’ve convinced you to make a few extra stops along the way too!).

But the surf town is a cool place to hang out for a few days. If you aren’t pushed for time on your Cairns to Melbourne road trip itinerary, take the chance to kick back on the beach for a few.

Things to do in Agnes Water/ 1770

• Take a surf lesson for either $17.70 or $25 (I chose the $25 option, which is allegedly better – saying that, I chose it because it was the only one running in the afternoon. But I definitely felt like I got more than my money’s worth).
• Do the Scooteroo tour – the tour takes you around the twin towns on scooters that are made out to look like huge badass motorbikes. I didn’t do it, but it looks like a lot of fun!
• Check out some of the local national parks, such as Eurimbula, which has breathtaking coastline, 4WD tracks and scenic sunset spots.

Tours Around Agnes Water

Where to stay in agnes water/ 1770.

Southern Cross Backpackers is a super chilled out hostel with a variety of accommodation options – there’s a campsite that you can drive onto, or dorms.

Set in beautiful subtropical grounds, the hostel has a pool and a great chill out/ bar area. But the best thing about this hostel is that it has a really nice community feel, with staff who take the time to get to know and help you out and encourage guests to socialise. It’s not a mad party hostel, but rather one where you can enjoy a few beers of an evening with like minded travellers.

For rates and to book, click here . Journey to Rainbow Beach by driving 3 hours 40 minutes and 322 kilometres, or taking a coach.

Rainbow Beach

Suggested time – 1 day Rainbow Beach is a tiny little town (if you can call it a town!) nestled between Agnes Water and the Sunshine Coast. It’s an ever popular backpacker destination because… here is where you go on your Fraser Island tour. But Rainbow Beach is lots of fun too – kick back here for a couple of days if you have the chance.

Things to do in Rainbow Beach

• Sandboarding at Carlo Sand Blow
• Surfing and sunbathing at Double Island Point
• Driving around the gorgeous Great Sandy National Park

If you’re booking on a Fraser Island tour, you’ll need to be at the safety briefing for 6pm the day before. This means staying at least one night in Rainbow Beach – and it’s a good idea to book for the day after too, so you’re not rushing after your tour and have some time for drinks with your group!

Where to stay in Rainbow Beach

Dingos is one of the only hostels in Rainbow Beach, but it’s ran so well that there’s really no need for any competition. It’s outside-based, with two fun bars often featuring live music, $7 dinners every night and free vegan pancakes for breakfast each morning.

Choose from a hostel dorm room or sleep in your car or campervan for just $10.

Fraser Island

For Fraser Island you have two options. If you have a four wheel drive vehicle with a large clearance, 4WD knowledge, are sure that your car won’t break down on the island, good car knowledge in general and a sense of adventure then go ahead, do a self-guided tour of the island.

If you don’t (the only criteria of these I really met was a sense of adventure – unless I can count hair-raisingly navigating down the Gibb River Road in Western Australia as 4WD knowledge?) then the best thing is to book a tour.

I went with Dingos – who are ran by the same people as Dingos hostel – and highly recommend them. The tour involves four 4WD vehicles drove on a ‘tag along’ basis – so everyone who has a licence and is 21+ gets a chance to drive the cars.

The tour definitely burns the candle at both ends – so if you want to drive first thing in the morning you really have to limit the drinking the night before. There’s video footage of me on night two, dancing around a gazebo with a bag of goon. Needless to say I was not on the list of designated drivers the following morning.

Dingos Tours: What Do They Include?

• Knowledgeable and friendly guides
• Three meals a day – if you have any dietary requirements just state at the time of booking and they will provide an altered meal plan
• Use of the 4WD vehicle for three days
• Ferry crossing to Fraser Island
• Campsite accommodation

Now, I’m never really a huge fan of tours – I much prefer hitting the open road with my own car and stopping wherever I want to, for however long I desire. But for Fraser it is kind of a necessity, and it’s a great place to meet new people.

Highlights of Fraser Island

• The brilliantly blue Lake Mackenzie
• 4WD – ing through the subtropical rainforest
• Being drifted away in Eli Creek, a natural lazy river
• The spectacular Champagne Pools
• Gazing over the island from Indian Head lookout
• Drinking (and dancing with) goon back at the campsite. Backpackers eh…

Other Fraser Island Tours

Return back to Rainbow Beach with the tour – you’ll probably want to stay another night at Dingos.  The next day, drive 1 hour 40 minutes, 134 kilometres to Noosa Heads or jump on a coach.

Noosa and the Sunshine Coast

Noosa is a charming town nestled in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. It’s loved by backpackers and locals alike, because of its beautiful surroundings and bustling atmosphere.

Things to do in Noosa

• Exploring the coastal and inland tracks of Noosa National Park – which is very easily accessible from the town, even if you don’t have a car
• Lazing, BBQing or swimming on one of the town’s many beaches
• Café hopping and seeing who really does the best soy cappuccino in Noosa
• Similarly, check out every breakfast spot in town (warning: you’ll need a huge appetite or a few days)
• Climb up Mount Tinbeerwah for amazing panoramic views of the whole coastline
• Go on a kayak tour of Noosa Everglades
• Go stand up paddleboarding in Little Cove

Where to stay in Noosa

Nomads Noosa is located right in the heart of town, making all of Noosa’s main attractions easily accessible. There’s options to play beach volleyball or pool and drink at the on site bar. Choose from 8, 10 and 16 bed dorms and click here for rates and to book today . Trav el 141 kilometres, 1 hour 45 minutes, to Brisbane.

You’ve reached the big city!! I was most excited to get to Brisbane because it meant I could go to LUSH and stock up on shampoo bars, but there are lots of other things to do in Brissy too.

The city has a certain air of glitz and glamour about it, and within Brisbane, there are some great museums, fantastic restaurants and bars, a bridge climb and city beaches.

Things to do in Brisbane

• Visit the museum of Queensland and learn all about the state you’ve just been exploring
• Explore the world of contemporary art at Queensland Gallery of Modern Art
• Rent a bike and ride around the city and its ‘burbs
• Take a Kookaburra River Queens cruise – which use old style paddlewheel vessels – around Brisbane’s river, taking in the city’s attractions.
• Go shipwreck diving at Moreton Island
• Climb the city’s Story Bridge and get impressive views of the entire cityscape
• Enjoy all sorts of artwork at Queensland Art Gallery
• Visit South Bank Parklands and laze away a hot Brissy day at one of the city beaches
• Go on a whale watching tour (seasonal) to see humpback whales travel from the Antarctic to Queensland’s more mild waters

Note – one of the most popular Brisbane attractions is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

I’ve omitted it off this list because I don’t think that any institution, sanctuary or not, is ethical if it allows you to hold a wild animal who normally likes its space. If you can hold it, it has likely been unnaturally domesticized. If you want to see koalas, head to Magnetic Island or the Great Ocean Road where there are plenty in their natural habitat.

Where to stay in Brisbane

Brisbane City Backpackers is a friendly, well-equipped hostel with a bar and a roof terrace that boasts a fantastic view of the city’s skyline. Many people choose to stay in the hostel while working, but it’s equally welcoming to short-term visitors.

The on-site bar stands out for its $10 dinner options every night and fantastic drink deals. The atmosphere here encourages a party mood, but if you’re seeking a more relaxed experience or recovering from dancing with a bag of goon on Fraser Island (like me), getting a good night’s sleep is easy. The staff are always ready to offer helpful daytime activity recommendations.

One notable perk is the availability of free parking, a rare find in the heart of Brisbane.

Brisbane to Sydney Drive Itinerary

  You still with me? The Cairns to Brisbane drive itinerary was the longest chunk of your trip – but that’s not to say that the next two segments aren’t just as epic. If you’re venturing south of Brisbane, let me show you the very best spots to visit on this Brisbane to Sydney drive! Drive 1 hour, 78 kilometres, to reach Surfers Paradise. You can also jump on a Greyhound to do the distance, or take local buses and trains.

  If Australia was a cupboard of condiments, Gold Coast would definitely be marmite – you either love it or you hate it. (it wouldn’t be Vegemite, Australia’s answer to Marmite, because every Aussie young or old loves it).

Gold Coast is home to lots of beaches, plenty of good surf, parties until 6am and high rise buildings. The centre of the Gold Coast is Surfers Paradise, which is where most of the backpacker hangouts are.

Things to do in Surfers Paradise

• Go out – it’s what the city built its popularity on. Surfers Paradise has all night parties, day sessions, boozy BBQs – you name it
• Believe it or not, it’s a popular destination for surfing – although the waves definitely seem for the more advanced, there’s some spots that are great for beginners too
• Go to the all-vegan Lord of the Fries. These burger stalls are all over Melbourne and Sydney, but I think the Surfers Paradise joint was the first to be completely vegan. It mainly serves mock meat, which was a bit strange to eat – but it’s tasty comfort food and it saves animals and the world
• Check out views of the city from the Sky Point Observation Deck
• Head to Infinity, which is a house of optical illusions and a fantastic place to spend a rainy day!
• Browse the beachfront markets on a Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night
• Check out some more free things to do on the Gold Coast here .

Pssst… I’ll let you in on a little secret. If you’re after a lively backpacker scene and crazy parties, stick to Surfers. BUT there’s lots of quieter beaches in the Gold Coast that are amazing for a more chilled out holiday; make sure you visit some of these hidden gems on your Brisbane to Sydney drive!

Other beaches on the Gold Coast

• Burleigh Heads
• Coolangatta
• Kirra Point
• Mermaid Beach

Check out this Gold Coast Beaches Guide for some more information about alternative beaches.

Where to stay in Surfers Paradise

A well-facilitated hostel that’s perfect for both chill and party, BUNK is centrally located, with an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. The hostel offers free breakfast, and each dorm has ‘privacy pods’ with individual lights and power sockets. However, if you want to socialise, there’s plenty of areas perfect for meeting new travel mates.

Drive 1 hour 2 minutes and 78 kilometres from Surfers Paradise to Mullumbimby. If you are taking the coaches down the east coast, you’ll need to fast track straight to Byron Bay.

Queensland/ New South Wales Border

Crossing over into New South Wales from Queensland is pretty uneventful – if you’ve ever crossed into Western Australia, you’ll know how painful border crossings can be!

You’re not too far from Byron Bay, one of the best places on the planet in my humble opinion , but there are a few gorgeous spots that are worth visiting before you reach the hippy town.

Mullimbimby

Suggested time – stopover Slightly inland is the charming town of Mullimbimby – which many regard to be ‘Byron Bay 20 years ago’. It’s one of those towns where great pleasure can be had just by strolling around.

Things to do in Mullimbimby

• Stroll around the Mullimbimby Community Garden
• Check out the local Rainforest Walk
• Enjoy the markets – Mullum Community Market runs on the 3 rd Saturday of every month and the Mullum Farmers Market is every Friday 7-11am
• Check out some of the charismatic cafes
• Stroll around the murals painted by local artists
• Attend a yoga or pilates class or unwind at the day spa

Drive 10 minutes or 7.7 kilometres (yes, that’s it!) to Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads

Suggested time – stopover

Photo via Flickr by Richard Rydge Heading out to the coast from Mullimbimby is the tranquil Brunswick Heads, home to bushland opening out onto serene beaches.

Things to do in Brunswick Heads

• Canoe, birdwatch or hike in the Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve
• Catch a surf on the local beach
• Jump from the old wooden bridge into the clear river (at high tide!)
• Enjoy the vistas of the bush opening out to beach
• Go stand up paddleboarding at Torakina Beach

Drive 18 minutes or 18 kilometres to Byron Bay

Suggested time – 3-4 days

Ahhh… Byron Bay. My second home and the only place in 18 months of travelling that could persuade me to stay longer than a month. I actually lived in Byron Bay, in a tent, for five beautiful months and I would go back in a heartbeat. There’s lots of reasons why so many people fall in love with beautiful Byron Bay, and it will no doubt be a highlight on your Brisbane to Sydney drive.

Here’s why it changed my life . I’d recommend staying in Byron Bay for as long as possible – but if you only have a few days, here’s the highlights.

Things to do in Byron Bay

• Walk up to the lighthouse
• Catch a wave at The Pass
• Go scuba diving at Julian Rocks
• Catch some live music at The Rails or the Northern
• Watch the sunset while dancing away at the drum circle
• Watch some of the amazing entertainers (often fire spinners or buskers) at Main Beach
• Catch the Arts Factory’s talent show

I genuinely feel a pang in my heart while writing about Byron Bay – I miss it every day.

Byron Bay Tours

Where to stay in byron bay.

There’s no better place to stay at in Byron Bay than The Arts Factory.

Spreading out over 5 acres of gorgeous grounds, The Arts Factory is less of a hostel and more of an experience.

It’s got a name as a bit of a hippie hangout, and it definitely attracts the free-spirited and artistic – but really, there’s something for everyone at the Arts Factory.

Enjoy didgeridoo lessons, yoga classes, bush walks, the weekly talent show, and more at the Arts Factory, while staying in one of their dorms, private rooms, or even on the attached campsite, which is affectionately known as ‘The Jungle’.

I lived here for five months and couldn’t get enough of it.

The Hinterland of Byron Bay

Byron Bay’s famous for its beaches, but don’t forget to check out its amazing hinterland too. Home to waterfalls, national parks, forests and quirky towns, there’s something kind of magical about the Byron Bay hinterland.

Things to do in Byron Bay’s Hinterland

• Eat locally sourced food in Newrybar’s Harvest restaurant
• Head to Nimbin, which is possibly the hippiest town in Australia. Enjoy the laidback, organic lifestyle of the town and stock up on some erm… treats… if you’re into that kind of thing!
• Hike to the top of Mount Warning to be the first in mainland Australia to see the sun rise
• Walk to the base of the spectacular Minyon Falls
• Stroll through rainforest of the Nightcap National Park to the gorgeous Protestor Falls
• Have a swim in the plunge pool of Killen Falls

Drive 1 hour 40 minutes, 126 kilometres from Byron Bay to Yamba, or catch a coach heading south

Yamba is a sleepy little coastal town with lots of natural beauty and attractions. While it’s not the most visited town on the east coast by any means, it’s gaining popularity with backpackers and travellers doing the Brisbane to Sydney drive.

Things to do in Yamba

• Go surfing at the many beaches
• Bask in the stunning natural beauty of the Angourie Blue and Green Pools
• Take the Angourie Walking Track along the stunning coastline
• Enjoy the vista with a picnic at the Yamba Lighthouse
• Do ‘Shane’s 10 buck tour’ which takes you around the town, telling you its stories in the tour operator’s own wicked humour

Where to stay in Yamba

Yamba YHA Backpacker Beach Resort is located right in the centre of town, and has the option of dorms or private rooms with en suite bathrooms. There’s an on site café and bar, BBQ facilities and free parking, and the hostel is where the famous ‘Shane’s Tour’ begins. For rates and to book, click here .

Catch a coach heading toward Coffs Harbour, or drive the 1 hour 38 minutes, 138 kilometre distance

Coffs Harbour

Photo by Andrea Schaffer via Flickr   Famed mainly for ‘The Big Banana’, there are some other attractions in Coffs Harbour that aren’t big fruit. Some of the best attractions are coastal, but my favourite bit of Coffs is its hinterland.

Things to do in Coffs Harbour and the surroundings

• The gorgeous waterfalls of Dorrigo National Park
• The Big Banana’s waterslides and activities
• Koala spotting in Bongil Bongil National Park
• Visit the rugged Muttonbird Island
• Admire the boats at the marina and jetty

Drive 27 minutes, 34 kilometres, sout-eastwards from Coffs Harbour to Bellingen. If you are taking the coaches down the east coast, you’ll need to skip this part and head straight to Port Macquarie. 

Bellingen is a wonderful little country town; I was there just after same-sex marriage was passed in Australia, and was uplifted by all the banners and signs throughout the town expressing their joy at equality.

Pair this with stunning buildings and fantastic cafes set in the most picturesque setting, and you’ve got yourself a perfect little town.

Drive westwards from Bellingen toward Armidale. It’s 155 kilometres, and would take around 2 hours with no stops – but let’s face it, you’ll be stopping a lot. 

The Waterfall Way

The Waterfall Way has some of the most scenic falls in the country. It’s a 185 kilometre road traversing no less than five national parks.

Waterfalls along the way

• Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk Lookout
• Crystal Shower Falls
• Tristina Falls
• Dangar Falls
• Wollombi Falls
• Chandler Falls
• Red Cedar Falls (which a difficult 8km hike is necessary to reach – but definitely head there if you have the time!)  

From Armidale, travel down the Oxley Highway to reach Port Macquarie. At a distance of 250 kilometres, it’s just over 3 hours of driving.

Port Macquarie

Whether you head back out to the coast via the Waterfall Way return route or head south in the hinterland, you’ll eventually find your way to the Central NSW town of Port Macquarie. Famed for its stunning beaches, this town has a lovely laid back atmosphere and plenty to pass a few days.

Things to do in Port Macquarie

• Check out the artistically painted rocks along the breakwall
• Check out a sunrise or sunset on the many beaches
• Grab a beer and watch the waves at the Beach House
• Walk the 9km coastal walk which traverses most of the town’s beaches
• Visit the ‘brothers’ and drive to the summit of the North Brother mountain, which offers spectacular views of the local area

Head 244 kilometres south to Newcastle, which should take you about 2 hours 10 minutes. Or hop on a coach heading in the same direction.

Suggested time – 1 day Just two hours north of Sydney, Newcastle is a buzzing town basking in scenic surroundings. Head to Newcastle to check out the coastal national parks and the charming atmosphere of the city itself.

Things to do in Newcastle

• Glenrock State Conservation Area
• Minmi Cemetary Walk, which tells some of the tales of the coal mining boom
• Enjoy the vistas of Nobbys Beach and the city’s lighthouse
• Visit the Newcastle Museum to learn more about the surrounding area’s history
• See some local art at the Newcastle Art Gallery  
• Go to the nearby Port Stephens and do the Tomaree Head Summit Walk .

From Newcastle, head to Palm Beach, which is a 173 kilometre or 2 hour 16 minute drive. If you are taking the coaches, you’ll need to head straight to Sydney.

Photo by Suzanne via Flickr You’re technically in Sydney’s northern beaches now! Palm Beach was made famous for being the setting of Home and Away, but there’s plenty to enjoy within the vicinity for not-so-big fans of the Aussie soap.

Things to do in Palm Beach

• Take in a great view from Barrenjoey Lighthouse
• Go paddleboarding from the beach
• Walk around the Home and Away set
• Dine at some of New South Wales’ classiest eateries  

Drive 43 minutes, 30 kilometres, along the side of the Pacific Ocean towards Manly, one of Sydney’s northern suburbs.

Manly  

I’m really dragging out this entrance to Sydney, aren’t I? You’re almost there – well, you’re technically there – Manly is and isn’t part of Sydney. It’s only a ferry ride to Darling Harbour, but the beaches and community atmosphere of the suburb make it an entity of its own. Many backpackers choose to stay, work and live in Manly over Sydney ‘proper’, and there’s plenty of draws to this part of the city.

Things to do in Manly

• Visit the resident penguins at Collins Beach
• Have a BBQ and catch the sunset at Shelley Beach
• Do the 9km North Head Sanctuary loop walk from Shelley Beach, which will give you fantastic views of Sydney Harbour and wildlife spotting opportunities
• Walk along the northern beaches via the Manly to Split walk
• Check out the bustling markets of the town

Where to stay in Manly

If you don’t fancy staying in Sydney proper, check out Manly Bunkhouse, which boasts en suite dorms and rooms, communal areas, central location and outdoor spaces. Click here to find out more . Take the ferry over to Sydney Central, which costs $15 – or $2.60 if you are going on a Sunday! Or drive the 18 kilometre distance, which should take about 30 minutes (traffic dependent). 

Suggested time – 4 days You made it! Congratulations on reaching Australia’s largest city. Sydney’s definitely a bucket list city that every keen traveller should visit at least once in their lifetime. Although it’s not my favourite place in Australia, it was the first part of Australia I ever went to and that makes it very special for me.

Things to do in Sydney

• Walk around the iconic Opera House
• Stroll through the beautiful botanic gardens, right by the harbour
• Walk to Mrs Macquarie’s Seat and snap a great picture of the Opera House
• Head to the Australian Museum to learn all about this weird and wonderful country
• Explore the funky suburbs such as Newtown
• Brunch in the upmarket Surry Hills
• Head to the Eastern Beaches; admire the outdoor pool at Bondi and complete the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
• Go to the NSW Royal National Park to check out sights like the Figure 8 Pools and Wedding Cake Rock
• Check out this local’s guide to Sydney for more ideas

Sydney Tours

Where to stay in sydney.

Where you decide to stay in Sydney largely depends on what kind of scene you’re after; whether you want to enjoy the fast-paced life of the CBD, one of its quirky suburbs or chill out on Bondi Beach.

If you’re after a stay in Central Sydney, Railway Square YHA is a hostel with a difference – half of it is located in disused railway cabins! It also offers cheap breakfasts, excellent facilities and great events. For more information and to book, click here .

Sydney to Melbourne Drive Itinerary

So many people fast track from Sydney straight to Melbourne, and I think it’s such a shame. This area of the country is spectacular, with amazing coastline, unique national parks and quirky townships. Take some time for your Sydney to Melbourne drive; to explore a little of southern New South Wales and eastern Victoria, and I promise you won’t regret it!

The Blue Mountains

Suggested time – 2-3 days To reach the Blue Mountains, drive 55 minutes or 62 kilometres from Sydney to reach the edge of the National Park. It’s an extra 30 minutes/ 40 kilometres to reach the three sisters, the most prominent landmark in the park. Alternatively, you can take the train to the national park from Sydney Central.

I’m sending you on a little detour here, but it’s well worth it. The Blue Mountains are located 62 kilometres west of Sydney, and they are nothing short of spectacular. If you’re taking the Greyhound down the coast, I’d really recommend renting a car, taking the train or taking a tour to this national park – it’s definitely an Australia must-see. Covered in eucalypt forests, the Blue Mountains are named so because of how the oil from the trees mixes with water vapour. They span over  11,400 km2 and encompasses hills, waterfalls, lookouts and spectacular panoramic vistas.

Things to do in the Blue Mountains

• Three Sisters Lookout, the most popular and iconic spot in the Blue Mountains
• Evans Lookout, my personal favourite
• Traverse some of the many tracks of the mountains
• Visit the Waradah Aboriginal Centre

Psstt.. If you’re visiting the Blue Mountains on a day trip from Sydney, head there on a Sunday, when the train fare is just $2.60

Blue Mountain Tours

From Bathurst, which is located at the other end of the Blue Mountains National Park, drive 253 kilometres to Canberra, which should take you around 3 hours 13 minutes.  Alternatively you can reach Canberra by bus or train from Sydney Central.

Tell anyone you’re planning on a trip to Canberra on your east coast Australia road trip and their response will be ‘why’? Famed for its dullness, the capital of Australia isn’t the top spot on anyone’s itinerary. Why am I recommending you go there then? Well, for all my history and politics fans, there’s lots to do in Canberra if you’re interested in getting to know how Australia works and has worked in the past. And I think if you’re travelling in a country, these are things you have a duty to know. Canberra can be done in a day trip from Sydney – it’s a three hour drive to the city (just down the road, you know), or you can take a coach or train between cities. There is enough to keep you occupied for longer though – check out this post for some ideas of what to do in 2-3 days in Canberra . If you’re self driving down the east coast, you can head south-east from Canberra and then continue your Sydney to Melbourne drive via the coast.

Things to do in Canberra

• Visit the Parliament House and sit in on a question time (which is 2pm when the parliament is running)
• Walk around the Old Parliament House, home of the Museum of Australian Democracy
• See the Australian War Memorial
• Enjoy a sunset over Lake Burley Griffin
• See artwork at the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery
• Look out over the city from the top of Mount Ainslie

Check out this guide to Canberra for more ideas.

Where to stay in Canberra

A spacious hostel in the city centre, Canberra City YHA offers a swimming pool, sauna, rooftop terrace and an onsite bar and café. Choose from double, twin or dorm rooms and check here for rates and to book . From Canberra, drive 2 hours 55 minutes/ 222 kilometres eastwards to Jervis Bay. If you are taking public transport, taking a bus to Wollongong and then local transport south to Jervis Bay is an option.

Bladdy magical. That’s what Jervis Bay is. Three hours south of Sydney, it’s a spectacular beach with white-as-it-gets sand and the bluest of blue waters. If it’s hot on your visit, it’s a great place to have a beach day – or there are hiking trails and swimming spots to enjoy. Whatever the weather, it will no doubt be a highlight on your Sydney to Melbourne drive!

Things to do in Jervis Bay

• Have picnic at Greenfield Beach and enjoy the beautiful rockpools
• Take the White Sands Walk from Greenfield Beach along the bay
• Go on one of the walking tracks of Booderee National Park
• Walk the Abrahams Bosom Reserve which leads to some of the most secluded beaches in the area

From Jervis Bay, travel 1 hour 12 minutes or 87 kilometres to Ulladulla. If you are taking the coaches down the east coast of Australia, Premier serve this area of the country.

  Ulladulla

Suggested time – half a day

On your drive south, Ulladulla is worth a stop over on your Melbourne to Sydney coastal drive, mainly for the ‘one track for all’ walk which describes Aboriginal culture of the area, describing what happened when Europeans invaded and settled.   From Ulladulla, drive 50 minutes or 63 kilometres south to Mogo, or hop back on the Premier coach service.

Mogo is a quirky village that is really no more than a cluster of buildings on the side of the road, but it’s worth checking out to see some of the eccentric and arty shops, and admiring the treasures within each! From Mogo, drive 2 hours 20 minutes, 189 kilometres, to Eden, stopping in at some of the New South Wales state forests (many of which are also free campsites!) along the way.

New South Wales State Forests  

Suggested time – stopover or overnight stop

Away from the beach, New South Wales is home to some spectacular state forests. There are lots of free camping spots within these forests, each which contains walking trails and makes for a great leg stretch en route south. Look for signs to rest areas between Mogo and Eden; you’ll find information about local walking trails along this route.

Eden  

It’s scenic beaches all the way down now, and Eden is no exception. If you fancy lazing back on a beach, there’s plenty of those; or seek some adventure at one of the surrounding national parks.

Things to do in Eden

• Visit Woboyn Beaches – located on the shores of Disaster Bay! – to enjoy the spectacular oceanic vistas
• See the Ben Boyd National Park for 4WD tracks and short walks
• Enjoy the heritage of the town through the Heritage Walk or Heritage Drive

From Eden, head toward the New South Wales/ Victoria border and then drive to Lakes Entrance. Total driving time 2 hours 46 minutes distance 242 kilometres. If you’re taking public transport, transfer to a V Line coach to reach Lakes Entrance.

New South Wales/ Victoria Border

Just south of Eden is the New South Wales/ Victoria border, another unassuming crossing that only involves passing a sign.

Lakes Entrance  

A somewhat sizable town under 200kms from the NSW/ Victorian border, Lakes Entrance is a perfect mix of idyllic water, beautiful beaches and fascinating history. It’s a laid back kind of town which is perfect for holidaying, camping and unwinding. It’s also one of the most beautiful spots of the south coast, in my humble opinion!

Things to do in Lakes Entrance

• The Entrance to the Lakes walk which showcases some of the best natural scenery of the area
• Hire bikes and explore the town with two wheels
• Take an eco cruise to see some local marine life
• Explore the limestone formations of Buchan Caves Reserve  

From Lakes Entrance, drive 3 hours 34 minutes or 273 kilometres westwards towards Wilson’s Promontory. If you are taking public transport, it is easiest to travel from Lakes Entrance straight to Melbourne and organise day trips to Wilson’s Promontory and Phillip Island from there.

Wilson’s Promontory  

A national park bordering the beach, and the southernmost point of Australia, Wilson’s Promontory is a fantastic place to stop on a Victoria road trip.

The park is free to enter and explore, and includes hikes and beaches. Its   natural beauty makes it an essential stop on your Sydney to Melbourne drive.

Things to do in Wilson’s Promontory

• Walk to Sealers Cove, which is a 19 kilometre day walk
• Stay at Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
• See the world’s most southern mangroves
• Hike to the top of Mount Oberon
• Squeak around on the sands of Squeaky Beach  

Day Tour to Wilson’s Promontory

Drive just under 2 hours, 134 kilometres, to reach Phillip Island. The island is connected to Australian mainland by a 26 kilometre long bridge, so you don’t need to worry about ferry crossings!

Phillip Island

Located off the coast just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a great pit stop.

Famed for its wildlife, water sports and motor sports, there’s plenty of great reasons to visit Phillip Island if you’re not quite ready for big city life and the end of your east coast road trip.

Things to do on Phillip Island

• Surf from one of the many beaches
• See some of the spectacular wildlife, including penguins, seals and koalas
• Go go-karting and learn about the history of motor spots at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre
• Check out the crashing waves of Cape Woolami along the rugged coastline of the island

Phillip Island Tours

Drive 1 hour 50 minutes, which is 141 kilometres, from Phillip Island to Melbourne

Melbourne  

Suggested time – 4 days or more!

Bet you thought you’d never get there, right?

Nearly 3000 kms from Cairns – although if you’ve taken all of my suggested detours, you’ll have racked up a good few more kilometres – your arrival in Melbourne is a long time coming.

Melbourne is a vivacious, ever-changing city with a great community feel and upbeat spirit. It reminds me a lot of Bristol, my adopted hometown, and it has tons of amazing things to see and do.

Things to do in Melbourne

• Visit some of the amazing museums or galleries throughout the city
• Café hopping in funky Fitzroy or other suburbs
• Discover some literature gems at the State Library of Victoria (and of course snapping a photo of )
• Support  Melbourne’s most sustainable restaurant, Lentil as Anything
• Enjoy seaside vibes at St Kilda
• Watch the penguins at St Kilda
• Get lost in the other endless suburbs
• Catch a live music event at one of the many venues around the city
• Eat at some of the best restaurants in Melbourne
• Get out and exploring some of the surrounding towns and natural wonders. These include: the Grampians National Park, the Great Ocean Road, the city of Ballarat, the quirky town of Daylesford.
• If you’re not quite road tripped out yet, check out this Victoria road trip itinerary to see the best of the west of the state.

Where to stay in Melbourne  

For well-equipped accommodation at budget rates, there’s nowhere better than Urban Central. This busy hostel has lots going on, with cheap dinners, an on site bar and complimentary bike hire, rice, pasta, tea and coffee. The dorms are great for a good night’s shut eye; each bunk has its own light, a comfy mattress and a large locker with a power point inside each. For rates and to book, click here.

There are so many more things to do in Melbourne, and it’s a great place to set some roots down and live for some time. If you’re looking to find a job after your Cairns to Melbourne road trip, working a while in Victoria’s capital could be the answer!

East Coast Australia Tour

If you don’t fancy doing the whole trip by car or coach, guided tours from G Adventures travel the popular East Coast route. They’re a great company who have a sustainable influence with their tours. Click here to find out more.

Your ultimate Cairns to Melbourne road trip guide

If you’ve managed to read this Cairns to Melbourne road trip itinerary from beginning to end, I salute you – it’s one long post! But please do save it for later and check back – this is just the beginning of a series of posts on the East Coast of Australia. Expect destination specific hostel guides, packing lists, driving tips and example budgets online over the course of the next few weeks! Subscribe to never miss a post, or come and say hello over on Facebook !

Hey! I’m on YouTube too!

I’m currently travelling from Bali to London without taking a single flight! I’m documenting my journey on YouTube and would love it if you could follow me there! Here is a video detailing the journey a bit more:

Click here to go to my channel – I’d love it if you subscribed and joined the community! Thinking of exploring the rest of Australia? Please do, it’s awesome! I’ve written a few more handy guides like this one, which are perfect to put your wanderlust into action!

Related Posts

• Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary
• Melbourne to Perth Drive Itinerary
• Perth to Broome Drive Itinerary
• Broome to Darwin Drive Itinerary (via the Gibb River Road)
• Darwin to Adelaide Drive Itinerary
• Adelaide to Cairns Drive Itinerary (via the Inland Way)

If you’re yet to head to Australia, check out my packing list to make sure you’ve got everything and send your friends and relatives this Australia gift guide so they can get you a little something before you head off!

Finally, if you have a lot of questions, I now offer travel coaching! Here’s some more information about this service .

Disclosure: some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This is just one of the ways I keep this blog running!

Pin me baby, one more time

5 thoughts on “ East Coast Australia Road Trip Itinerary and Ultimate Guide ”

Nice blog and great places to visit

Brilliant guide Claire, love the format and all the information you provide. Can I ask if you remember where the spot was from the photo you have of Eden in NSW? Looks amazing! (Not planning on visiting just yet thought due to the bushfires)

Hi Jake, thanks so much for your comment. the photo would have been from the Main Beach in the centre of town. Hopefully the bushfires get better soon there!

Hey, brilliant road trip Itinerary! We are halfway between our Cairns to Brisbane road trip and your post has been really helpful so thank you!

We will be going to Agnes water in a couple of days, can you tell me the company you did your afternoon surf lesson with please?

Thanks! Amber

Thanks for sharing the itinerary. Definitely gonna use this itinerary for my upcoming trip to East Coast Australia.

Comments are closed.

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Beech Forest, Otway National Park, Victoria © Great Ocean Road Tourism

10-day road trip through regional Victoria

Wind along the famous Great Ocean Road, get up high in the Grampians and discover Victoria’s gold-rush towns on this extraordinary 10-day loop.  

By Sue Gough Henly

Despite its small size, the state of  Victoria  delivers a spectacular diversity of landscapes from the Southern Ocean to the sandstone escarpments of the  Grampians National Park . Along the way, you'll learn about Aboriginal culture, pan for gold, see wildlife and wilderness, enjoy local food and wine, and soak in some of Australia’s finest thermal mineral springs.

What to expect

• Enjoy one of the world's greatest coastal drives along the Great Ocean Road
• Discover Aboriginal culture amid the sandstone ridges of the Grampians National Park
• Immerse yourself in the 1850s gold rush era at Sovereign Hill living museum
• Time: 10 days
• Distance: 1,200 kilometres (746 miles)
• Transport: car
• Nearest major city: Melbourne

Day 1: Melbourne to the Bellarine Peninsula

Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria © Roberto Seba

Just a 30-minute drive south of Melbourne , start your adventure with a safari at the  Werribee Open Range zoo  to see rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras and antelopes grazing on the grassy plains. You'll come face-to-face with gorillas, a pride of lions, monkeys and cheetahs on the Pula Reserve Walking Trail.

Continue for 50 minutes to the bayside city of Geelong. Stop for lunch in the funky surrounds of the  Little Creatures Brewery  or enjoy the innovative tasting menu at  Igni . Explore the nearby Bellarine Peninsula and enjoy a glass of wine at  Jack Rabbit Vineyard , with its splendid views of Port Phillip Bay, and wander around the Victorian-era seaside town of Queenscliff.

Dine this evening onboard The Q Train , a travelling restaurant that departs from the historic Drysdale Train Station. Move through a degustation of exquisite local produce and picturesque Bellarine Peninsula views.

Tonight, spend the night about 15 minutes away in Point Lonsdale at luxurious Lon Retreat & Spa . For a budget-friendly option, book in at Big4 Beacon Resort .

Day 2: Bellarine Peninsula to Lorne

Torquay Beach, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Make an early start to Torquay, where you can choose between a relaxed breakfast At The Heads and a thrilling surfing class .

Torquay is the official start of the Great Ocean Road; drive beneath the iconic memorial archway at Eastern View and continue driving about 15 minutes to the pretty coastal town of Lorne. Serious foodies will want to book lunch at  Movida Lorne , an outpost of the iconic Melbourne tapas restaurant. For a more casual affair, take a seat at  Swing Bridge Café . Ocean lovers should take a quick dip at nearby Lorne Beach. 

Families will love a daredevil zip-line through the tree canopy at Lorne Livewire Park . Alternatively, visit the 30-metre (98-foot) tall Erskine Falls in the surrounding rainforest. Enjoy superb contemporary fare at  Brae , a 30-minute drive into the hinterland (book well in advance to avoid disappointment). Stay overnight in one of Brae's luxury suites or at the oceanfront  Cumberland Lorne Resort .

Day 3: Lorne to Cape Otway

Great Ocean Eco Lodge, Cape Otway, Victoria © Mark Watson

Drive the curviest and most spectacular stretch of the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Apollo Bay, roughly a one-hour drive. Along the way, stop at Kennett River to see the koalas and parrots along a quiet side road.

When you start to feel hungry, have a Mediterranean-inspired lunch with a stunning bird's-eye view of the ocean at  Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant  (hint: for more casual fare, wait a bit longer to stop for lunch and a tasting paddle at the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse ). Full up on delicious cuisine, head inland to taste craft beers at the  Forrest Brewing Company  and enjoy a dusk  platypus paddle  at Lake Elizabeth.

Drive an hour through the Otway National Park rainforest and visit the  Cape Otway Lightstation , the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia. After a busy day, stay at the  Great Ocean Eco Lodge  to see Australian animals in the wild and help with rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife. If time permits, see glow worms on an evening walk at nearby  Maits Rest .

Day 4: Cape Otway to Port Fairy

Helicopter over the 12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Visit Victoria

If you're lucky, you might spot blue whales or orcas from Logans Beach's viewing platform.

Do a treetop walk or zip-line adventure in the heart of the rainforest at  Otway Fly Treetop Adventures . Enjoy a steak sandwich with a local Crowes Nest Steam Train brew at the Otway Central Tavern and discover other local gourmet products on the  Otway Harvest Trail  before hopping in the car for an hour drive to the 12 Apostles . Here, you can soak up a spectacular panoramic view of Victoria's famous limestone stacks on a  helicopter flight  and explore Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto, the Arch and London Bridge from the ground. If you're feeling energetic, walk the later part of the  Great Ocean Walk , which ends at the 12 Apostles.

Drive west for an hour to Warrnambool to visit  Flagstaff Hill , a fascinating historical village showcasing life in a 19th century seaport. Between May and October, you can see southern right whales here from the viewing platform at Logans Beach. Finish your day in the nearby historic fishing township of Port Fairy, a 40-minute drive away. Enjoy dinner at one of the village's stand-out restaurants – Conlan’s Wine Store and Coffin Sally both fit the bill.

Wind down for a deluxe stay at  Drift House .

Day 5: Port Fairy to Halls Gap

Tower Hill Nature Reserve, Victoria © Rob Blackburn 2015

Visit the  Tower Hill Nature Reserve , an enormous volcanic crater to the east of Port Fairy where it's easy to see koalas, kangaroos, emus and native birds. The beautiful visitor centre is managed by the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative, which offers guided walks explaining the local Aboriginal culture and bush tucker.

Drive an hour north through the rolling farmland of the Western Districts to enjoy an informal meal at the  Parker Street Project  or an inspired tasting menu in the dining room of  The Royal Mail Hotel  in Dunkeld. Drive 45 minutes north to the  Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre  in the Grampians National Park . Watch a video of the Gariwerd creation story and enjoy didgeridoo workshops, bush food tasting, boomerang painting and throwing lessons.

Next, gain a new perspective from the park’s well-known lookouts – Boroka , Reed and the Balconies – all set with stunning views over the Mount William and Wonderland Ranges.

Stay in the stylish DULC cabins near Halls Gap.

Day 6: Halls Gap to Ballarat

Seppelt, Great Western, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Your final morning in the Grampians should include exploring the area's Aboriginal rock art sites and hiking trails . Enjoy an Italian-inspired lunch at The Views . Drive 30 minutes east to explore some of the region's historic wineries, such as  Seppelt Great Western,  famous for its sparkling wines and labyrinthine cellars dug by gold miners, and  Best's Great Western , one of Australia’s oldest family-owned wineries, which specialises in old vine shiraz. Pause for lunch at  Salingers Café ; be sure to check out the beehive contained within the walls.

Learn about the gold rush from a different perspective in Ararat, the only town in Australia founded by Chinese miners. At the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, learn how Chinese miners travelling overland from Robe in South Australia discovered the Canton Lead, one of the world's richest shallow alluvial goldfields.

Drive an hour east to Ballarat and stop for a sip of artisan gin at Kilderkin Distillery  or craft beer at Hop Temple . Stay in Victorian splendour at the Provincial Hotel  and have dinner at Lola .

3 days in the Grampians

Day 7: Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Grab a locally roasted coffee at family-run Kittelty’s  before spending the day at  Sovereign Hill , a living museum goldfields town that re-creates Ballarat's first 10 years after the 1851 discovery of gold, when thousands of international adventurers came in search of fortune. It's set on 10 hectares (25 acres) of an original mining site, and costumed characters bring the shops, hotels, theatre, school, factories, gold diggings and underground mines to life. Take an underground mine tour, pan for real gold, watch a $150,000 gold pour, visit the gold museum, ride in a horse-drawn carriage and use pen and ink in the one-room schoolhouse.

In the evening, watch Sovereign Hill's multimillion-dollar sound-and-light show, Blood on the Southern Cross, which tells the dramatic story of the 1854 Eureka Rebellion, in which miners rebelled against unfair government gold taxes and swore allegiance to the Southern Cross flag.

Day 8: Ballarat to Hepburn Springs

Koalas, Ballarat Wildlife Park, Victoria © Ballarat Wildlife Park

Explore the gracious city of Ballarat, built on the riches of the world's largest alluvial gold deposit. Visit the  Art Gallery of Ballarat  with one of the most comprehensive collections of Australian paintings in the nation. 

In the afternoon, pay a visit to the  Ballarat Wildlife Park  to see native Australian animals and reptiles in the natural bush or wander amid the mature trees of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens beside Lake Wendouree. Visit  Creswick Woollen Mills , the last coloured woollen spinning mill in Australia, where you can feed alpacas, see the interactive exhibit and shop for fine natural materials. If you have kids, visit  Kryal Castle , Australia's only medieval adventure park. Drive 30 minutes to Hepburn Springs to soak in mineral springs at the historic  Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa  before staying at the  Peppers Springs Mineral Springs Hotel .

Day 9: Hepburn Springs to Daylesford

Lake House, Daylesford, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Just 10 minutes down the road, enjoy a class with some of the finest chefs in Australia at the Lake House  cooking school , complete with baguette or sit-down lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the region following the  Daylesford Macedon Produce Trail  to find gourmet products and meet producers. Go shopping in Daylesford , wander through the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens (home to delicious restaurant Wombat Hill House ) and visit the  Convent Gallery , which showcases the work of local artists and artisans. Enjoy a massage at the  Salus Spa , perched in a treetop stilt house above Lake Daylesford, before a sublime meal at the trailblazing  Lake House restaurant  before you tuck in for the night at the  Lake House hotel , one of the  Luxury Lodges of Australia.

Day 10: Daylesford to Melbourne

Red Beard Bakery, Trentham, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Drive 20 minutes east to the pretty township of Trentham to visit Trentham Falls, the longest single drop waterfall in Victoria, plunging 32 metres (105 feet) over basalt columns. Explore the boutiques and enjoy a coffee and pastry at the  Red Beard Bakery , or take a sourdough bread making class before having lunch at the nearby café, La Trattoria, in the historic Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm . Explore the farm's historic stone buildings, which overlook the lavender fields that supply the raw materials for the farm-made lotions and creams.

Drive an hour to Mount Macedon to visit exquisite private gardens at  Forest Glade  and Tieve Tara, or climb nearby  Hanging Rock , a 105-metre (344-foot) tall, steep-sided ancient volcano, which has eroded to create bizarre rock formations. You'll see lots of Australian birds, and maybe an echidna or wallaby, and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding farmland from the top. Stop in at Curly Flat Winery to taste some of the region's best pinot noir before you drive an hour back to Melbourne.

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The best road trips from Melbourne

Ready to travel? Here's where to go on a four-wheeled adventure around Victoria

Victoria is a fantastic state to explore by car. From idyllic coastal towns to breathtaking alpine regions, our state has got a bit of everything. Buckle up and get ready to explore Victoria on one of the best road trips from Melbourne. We've done all the research so all you need to do is hop in the car and choose where to go. 

For more holiday inspo, check out these national parks within driving distance  or one of Victoria's best scenic drives . Or take a look at these  quirky Victoria Airbnbs .  Ready to get off-grid? Check out these   eco-friendly Airbnbs in Victoria .

Driving north of melbourne.

The High Country

The Victorian High Country is home to award-winning craft beer, wine and food, plus bushranger history and glorious walks.

There’s a reason that Daylesford is known as a haven of relaxation: 80 per cent of the country's mineral springs are in this region.   

When it comes to creativity, Ballarat is bursting with artists and makers doing things differently and reaping the rewards. 

Castlemaine

Here is this buzzing creative centre of Victoria, music festivals and world-class restaurants are just the beginning.

Yackandandah

Visit a town filled with quirky shops, delicious bakeries and some of the friendliest people south of the Murray. 

Venture just a few hours from Melbourne and you'll find a town packed with culture, history and top-notch dining and drinking. 

Driving south of Melbourne

The Bellarine Peninsula

Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula is a smorgasbord for visitors, with food and wine galore.

The Mornington Peninsula

Take a break here for fine hot springs, wineries and a whole lot of golf.

Phillip Island

Known for its healthy colonies of little penguins, seals and Hemsworths, Phillip Island has long been one of Melbourne's favourite destinations. 

Great Ocean Road

Justifiably one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations, the Great Ocean Road is one of the finest places to explore by car.

Driving east and west of Melbourne

The Yarra Valley

Only an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is the perfect road trip for those who love fine food and wine

The Grampians

This dazzling region is populated by high sandstone peaks, gorgeous wildflowers and the epic Pinnacle walk.

Macedon Ranges

This cool climate wine region has a growing reputation for its sparkling wines, plus gorgeous natural scenery.

Mallacoota is a small fishing town in East Gippsland that offers beaches, rivers, the bush and serenity.

East Gippsland

If Melbourne’s fresh produce and overcrowded wine cellars aren’t authentic enough, a trip to East Gippsland should satisfy your cravings. 

Central Gippsland

You'll find everything from wineries to dairies, freshwater lakes to coastal beaches, hikes through rainforests to boat trips down rivers.  

More road trip destinations

The best waterfalls in Victoria

Where to find Victoria’s pink lakes

The best swimming holes in Victoria

The best day hikes in Victoria

Incredible national parks to visit in Victoria

The best scenic drives in Victoria

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7 best road trips victoria has to offer.

Being a classic intrepid kiwi, Arden loves to show people the beauty of nature, culture and adventure that the world has to offer. While finishing off her Masters in Environment and International Development, she likes to explore unique or unspoiled destinations like Central Asia, East Timor or local NZ & Aussie tracks.

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Learn about We Are Explorers' Editorial Standards

Amy Fairall

As the Editor, if you read WAE, you've more than likely read something Amy's written. Amy lives on Larrakia land in the NT and is frequently on the hunt for new bodies of freshwater to dunk herself into. She has a preference for adventures slightly off the beaten track, with a penchant for multi-day hikes and a new found love of paddling.

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For a small state, Victoria is crammed with some mighty fine road trips. From lunar landscapes to endless coastal cruises, forest bathing, and the alpine, we’ve handpicked the seven best road trips around Victoria for your cruising pleasure! Time to hit the road!

Jump to Section

Whether you’re after unspoilt beaches, historic towns, native wildlife, or to indulge in some scrumptious local food and wine, there’s a road trip in Victoria for you! Call your mates, pack the car, and start your engine – we’re going on a road trip!

Also Read:  10 Super Handy Car Accessories for Your Summer Road Trip

• Top 10 Road Trips in Queensland
• New England High Country Best Road Trips

Coastal Road Trips Victoria

1. great ocean road extended to south australia.

Distance:  Around 600km Start point:  Melbourne End point:  Mount Gambier Highlights:  12 Apostles, Great Otway National Park, Loch Arch Gorge, Lower Glenelg National Park, Mount Gambier

Probably one of Australia’s most iconic road trips, the Great Ocean Road never gets old. This is definitely the Victorian road trip for you if you can’t get enough of the rugged coast.

@elishadonkin

Starting from Melbourne, the route has endless stop-off points and views. But instead of doing the classic trip to the Twelve Apostles and then returning to Melbourne, you take your time and go a little further.

Start off at a cute coastal town to stay the night – I suggest Lorne or Apollo Bay. If you’ve got a surfboard then it’s time to hit the waves! This is the best way to avoid the crowds and get the real Great Ocean Road experience.

Before hitting the (in)famous Twelve Apostles, take a break at the often by-passed, Great Otways National Park and check out the beautiful waterfalls and forests. For some free camping , pitch your tent at the Beauchamp Falls campground.

Post-Apostles, don’t miss all the other incredible rock formations the Great Ocean Road has to offer, including The Razorback, Loch Ard Gorge, The Arch, and London Bridge.

Loch Ard Gorge | @lauraalycebell

But why stop there? All the way to South Australia there are some incredible coastlines and beaches to hit up. Just make sure to stop in Warrnambool, as it’s the last major city you’ll see for a while. Don’t forget a stop in Port Fairy for quaint and cosy coastal vibes.

Along the route, feel like a kid again and visit the Giant Yumbuk Slide – is there a better way to enter a beach?! Don’t reckon.

Check out some less travelled areas such as Cape Bridgewater’s petrified forest , Discovery Bay Coastal Park, and Lower Glenelg National Park, which is cosied right up next to the South Australian border.

Read more:  Remember to leave no trace

For a change of scenery, the Princess Margaret Rose Cave is a stunning example of a limestone cave, and it’s definitely worth popping over the border to Mount Gambier to dive into the sinkholes. Check out the Little Blue Sinkhole, Ewens Ponds , and Kilsby’s sinkhole to give your trip an immersive finale.

@jackjbrookes

Great Ocean Road Key Stops

Melbourne – Ocean Grove – Torquay – Lorne – Apollo Bay – Great Otway National Park – Wreck Beach – Gibson Steps – Twelve Apostles – The Razorback – Loch Arch Gorge – The Arch – London Bridge – Bay of Martyrs – Mepunga – Warrnambool – Port Fairy – The Giant Yambuk Slide – Portland – Cape Bridgewater Petrified Forest – Discovery Bay Coastal Park – Lower Glenelg National Park – Princess Margaret Rose Cave – Mount Gambier

How To Get There

2. The Gippsland Coast

Distance:  Over 1000km Start point: Melbourne End point: Mallacoota Highlights:  Wilsons Prom, Tarra Bulga National Park, Briagolong Blue Pools, Golden Beach, Lakes National Park

If you’ve done the Great Ocean Road to death, but aren’t over coastal road trips, try the eastern side of Victoria and head towards Gippsland .

Luminaire Pictures Stills

If you have the time, start by making the long dip into Wilsons Promontory National Park , it’s definitely worth the drive and it’s an incredible gateway into Gippsland.

Before the Prom, check out Eagles Nest near Inverloch, this beach is perfect for surfing and snorkelling , with jungle-island vibes and rock pools. Once in the Prom, some highlights include Whisky Beach, the Mt Oberon hike, or even the three day Southern Circuit to reach the southernmost point of mainland Australia.

Leaving Wilsons Prom, head to Tarra Bulga National Park for some serious Jurassic Park vibes. Although this road trip offers a lot of stunning coastal views, stay inland for a little and head up to Avon-Mt Hedrick Scenic Reserve to check out the Channels walk for a sweet as dip in the river-churned red rock. This spot is pretty off-the-beaten-track, so I wouldn’t miss it if you like to avoid the crowds.

For another freshwater dip, head to the Blue Pools in Briagolong , which offers some great rock jumps, free camping, and a rope swing!

Laxin’ at the Blue Pools | @patcorden

After all that, make your way down to Golden Beach (stopping via Sale if you need supplies), for some serious sand time and the beginning of your time at Ninety Mile Beach.

From here, if you’ve got the time, take a side trip to Gippsland Lake Coastal Park and camp overnight, otherwise, start heading towards the Greater Lakes Entrance area. If you can, get a boat to take you out to the Lakes National Park for some stellar secluded beaches, or take the ferry to Raymond Island for endless koala time – it’s not a road trip without some native Australian animals!

The Snowy River is another key destination on the Gippsland road trip. Leave the coast (just for a second!) and head inland from the north via Deddick Valley. Check out Little River Junction campground for a serene spot to stay!

Croajingalong National Park | @etchd

Make your way back to the coast, to Gipsy Point and Mallacoota, via Croajingolong National Park. This area really makes you feel like you’re the only person on the planet. Some key walks in this greater area include the Thurra River Dunes Walk and the Genoa Peak hike – give your legs a stretch and check them out!

Exploring The Channels in Gippsland | @_ardenhaar

Gippsland Coast Key Stops

Melbourne – Eagle’s Nest – Wilson’s Promontory National Park- Tarra Bulga National Park – Avon Mt Hedrick Scenic Reserve – Blue Pool Briagolong – Sale – Giffard – (Drive via Shoreline Drive) – Golden Beach – (side trip up to Gippsland Lake Coastal Park) then back around – Hollands Landing – Paynesville (side trip to Raymond Island) to Metung – Lake Tyers Beach – Nowa Nowa – Snowy River National Park from Deddick Valley – Goongerah – Cann River – Thurra River Dunes Walk – Genoa Peak Hike – Gipsy Point – Mallacoota

Mountain Road Trips Victoria

3. the grampians.

Distance: 200km Start point:  Horsham End point: Dunkeld Highlights: Wudjub-Guyan / Hollow Mountain, Halls Gap, Venus Baths, The Pinnacle

Starting from Horsham, take a roadie through the Grampians . Since this is a designated Grampians road trip, do it right and start it from the top. Most people coming from Melbourne will just head straight to Halls Gap, visit a couple of sights in the area and then head back to the city.

While Halls Gap is an incredible little town and definitely worth the visit, driving from the top of the Grampians, from Hollow Mountain, and heading down towards Dunkeld, really shows what the area has to offer.

This Victoria road trip is ideal for (but not exclusively so) hiking or climbing enthusiasts and is more of a hike-and-drive guide. If you can, take your time, drive slowly, camp, and visit all the lookouts and hikes the road offers you.

Gariwerd / Grampians National Park is home to unique rock formations and cultural history | @_ardenhaar

Start with the Wudjub-Guyan/Hollow Mountain hike, which is probably the closest you’ll come to Utah while in Australia. From here, take the beautiful Roses Gap Road, slowly heading to Halls Gap while stopping at the different waterfalls (especially Fish Falls) and lookouts on the way. If you can, check out Boroka Lookout at sunrise!

From Halls Gap, there are many different hikes and destinations to choose from that are close by, but some of our favourites include Mt Rosea ,  The Pinnacle , and the Venus Baths.

There’s also the classic Balconies Lookout which is a great spot to watch the sunset. If you don’t want to sleep in Halls Gap, opt for the free and epic Plantation Campground a little further up.

Once you’re done with Halls Gap, head down to Duwil /Mt William and climb the highest peak in Gariwerd /Grampians National Park – you can actually drive most of the way up, and then the summit is only 3.5km return. Hit Mad-Dadjug/Mt Abrupt, and then Wurgarri/Mt Sturgeon for some iconic peak walks.

Dunkeld is the perfect, relaxed town to end your Grampians road trip. Stay the night, check out the arboretum in the evening for a sunset view of Mad-Dadjug, and then have breakfast at the local Koopmans Cafe , which showcases artists in an industrial setting.

Grampians Key Stops

Horsham – Hollow Mountain – Beehive Falls – Wartook – MacKenzie Falls – Boroka Lookout – Halls Gap – Fish Falls – Halls Gap (side trips depending on hike choice) – Duwil/Mt William- Mad-Dadjug/Mt Abrupt – Wurgarri/Mt Sturgeon – Dunkeld

Nearby Accommodation

4. lake eildon and mount buller.

Distance:  700km Start point: Melbourne End point: Melbourne Highlights: Cathedral Range State Park, Lake Eildon, Howqua, Mount Buller

This route is like a ‘getting out to nature’ starter pack – forests, mountains, a lake, and camping. Start the scenic way and drive via Warburton , heading towards Taggerty.

If you’re driving slowly, Taggerty is a wicked place to stop for a hike in the Cathedral Range State Park  and the Farmyard is a free hike-in campground.

Sugarloaf Peak | @_ardenhaar

From there head to Lake Eildon for camping, cycling , and hiking galore! Although there are a range of places to base yourself (take your pick!), if you’re crunched for time, opt to stay in the beautiful Jerusalem Creek Campground and then head towards Jamieson.

If you’re not on a time limit, then stay at multiple campsites in the Lake Eildon area, take in the scenery and do some hikes, like the Blowhard Summit, which overlooks the lake.

To get to Mount Buller, make sure you go via Howqua ( Sheepyard Flat is a free campground), Mansfield, and Merrijig for some legendary mountain views while on the road. Either stop by one of these towns for a break, or head straight to Mount Buller and soak in as much mountain scenery as possible.

Take on the Mt Stirling summit hike, or hike up to one of the alpine cabins such as Craig’s Hut. After Mount Buller, take a drive to the lesser-known Mount Samaria State Park (or extend the trip and follow the High Country road trip, heading up to Woolshed Falls), and hike the Mount Samaria summit loop.

From Mount Samaria, head back via Barjarg and Maindample for some more country views, and take the iconic Maroondah Highway back.

Lake Eildon & Mount Buller Key Stops

Warburton – Taggerty – Eildon – Jamieson- Howqua – Mansfield/Merrijig – Mount Buller – Mount Samaria State Park – Barjarg – Maindample – Maroondah Highway

5. High Country

Distance: 550km Start point:  Healsville End point:  Mt Hotham Highlights:  Mt Buffalo, Bright, Alpine National Park, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham

Getting out to Victoria’s High Country can be a bit of a mission since there isn’t a direct route from the city, but the journey is totally worth your while. The High Country road trip is epic in both summer and winter, but it depends what you’re after!

Start from Healesville and head past Toolangi for a good combination of country and forest scenery. One of the advantages of this route is that there are a lot of enchanting lookouts that you can easily drive to – the perfect place for a bit of stop, revive, survive on a Victoria road trip.

Check out the Mount Wombat Lookout and then, after a decent drive, go for a dip at Woolshed Falls . After Woolshed, drive on the beautiful alpine road towards Mount Buffalo National Park, making the most of all the drivable lookouts on the way, particularly, Murmungee Lookout and Mount Stanley Lookout.

Once in Mount Buffalo greater area or Bright , you have an endless supply of outdoor adventures awaiting. Summit Victoria’s highest peak, Mount Bogong or take a dip at Ladies’ Bath Falls . You can even get off the beaten track at Mt McLeod . If you have a 4WD , there are plenty of epic 4WD routes you can take in Mount Buffalo and Alpine National Park.

High Country offers epic 4WD routes | @explore_with_ab

Continue taking in the alpine views, and head to Falls Creek and Mt Hotham . On the way, you could even mission it up to Johnston’s Hut or do the Hotham Huts Walk . It’s the High Country, you can go anywhere as long as it’s up!

You can combine this Victoria road trip with number two on the list if you’re heading back to Melbourne. Go via Falls Creek and then head straight to Mallacoota to take the Gippsland route in reverse.

High Country Key Stops

Healesville – Toolangi and/or Kinglake – Mount Wombat Garden Range – Mount Wombat Lookout – Woolshed Falls – Murmungee Lookout – Mount Stanley lookout – Mount Buffalo National Park – Alpine National Park – Falls Creek – Hotham Heights

Country Road Trips Victoria

6. victoria’s outback.

Distance:  Over 1000km Start point:  Melbourne End point:  Mildura Highlights:  Little Desert National Park, the pink lakes, Big Desert Wilderness Park, Murray River, Mungo National Park

If you’re looking for an out-there experience for Victoria, then the road trip from Melbourne to Mildura is the trip for you. Launching from Natimuk, head to Little Desert National Park , and stop off at the Pink Lake in Dimboola.

Next, make your way up to its big brother, via Lake Hindmarsh (another, even bigger pink lake?!) to Big Desert Wilderness Park . This part of northeast Victoria is wild, cruise through and enjoy feeling like you’re on another planet.

Time your visit with spring to see the desert wildflowers | @isobelccampbell

From here, drive to Lake Tyrrell , which is a popular spot for stargazing, photography and camping – and another pink lake! If you have a 4WD, you can drive to Lake Tyrrell via the Milmed Rock Track , which lets you drive through Big Desert Wilderness Park.

When driving in Big Desert, remember that this area is very remote, so be prepared, and check with the ranger about road accessibility and conditions.

Read more:  Outback Driving Survival Guide

From Lake Tyrrell, head up to Murray-Sunset National Park to see some of the finest sunsets Victoria has to offer. Stay here for as long as you like, and pretend you never have to return to a city again!

From here, stay within the same colour-hue theme, hit Red Cliffs (the town with the 70m high red cliffs), before driving into Mildura.

Mildura is where SA, VIC, and NSW borders meet , and it’s blessed with intact Aboriginal cultural landscapes and emus! It’s also located right on the Murray River, and offers an array of activities such as the paddle steamer , houseboat trips, waterskiing, or kayaking .

If you just want to chill, find a spot on the river banks where you can sit and enjoy the unique views. Mildura has a lot more to offer than you’d expect. It’s one of Australia’s regional art hubs, with some wineries nearby to help you along. Check out Trentham Estate Winery .

The Walls of China – Mungo National Park | @conormoorephotography

If you can stretch your road trip further, make your way over to NSW and check out the Perry Sandhills and then to Mungo National Park . This park has some pretty interesting sand features, and Aboriginal sites that are over 50,000 years old. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and it features the oldest Aboriginal remains ever found.

Outback Victoria Key Stops

Natimuk – Little Desert National Park – Dimboola (Pink Lake) to Lake Hindmarsh – Big Desert Wilderness Park – GrainCorps Lascelles Silo Art – Sea Lake Silo Art – Lake Tyrrell – Murray-Sunset National Park – Red Cliffs – Mildura – Perry Sandhills – Mungo National Park

7. Historic Goldfields Track

Distance:  400km Start point:  Melbourne End point:  Echuca Highlights:  Daylesford, Heathcote, Bendigo, Echuca

Echuca’s at the NSW border, but it isn’t actually too far of a drive from Melbourne. Along the route you’ll pass through some of Victoria’s iconic towns and relaxed country scenes while driving along the general direction of the historic mining route, the Goldfields Track .

From wineries to lookouts to silo art, there’s a lot to see, especially if you’re willing to take a bit of a zig-zag route to see what the Victorian country really has to offer.

Start from Woodend and explore the greater Mt Macedon area, which has some nice and easy hikes overlooking country plains.

Then head to the beautiful Daylesford, which is a popular place for Melbourians to stay. Hepburn Springs is a highlight of the area, where you can soak and feel luxurious in mineral springs.

Following the Goldfields Track, driving via Maryborough, head to Castlemaine, where you can stop off at some lookouts as part of the Goldfields Track, including Lang’s Lookout and Shepherd’s Flat Lookout.

Country scenes on the Goldfields Track | @r.yanfisher

Heathcote is a beautiful town to stay the night with an endless array of wineries. There are some worthwhile landscapes nearby, including the Pink Cliff Reserve, Viewing Rock Lookout and Mt Ida Lookout.

After checking out the greater Heathcote area, stop in Bendigo. Contrary to popular opinion, it’s a picturesque town, and the museum is definitely worth checking out.

From Bendigo, head up to Echuca, stopping in Rochester for a wander and to see the silo art. Once in Echuca, rest up along the river or hire yourself a houseboat. If you’ve got the time, Barmah National Park isn’t far and is definitely worth visiting.

Barmah National Park | @lexcello

Historic Goldfields Key Stops

Melbourne – Woodend – (via Black Forest Drive) Daylesford – Maryborough – Castlemaine – Langs Lookout -Shepard’s Flat Lookout – Heathcote – Bendigo – Rochester – Echuca – Barmah National Park

Victoria Roadtrip FAQs

How long does it take to drive the whole great ocean road.

It takes around 9.5 hours to travel the 664km length of the Great Ocean Road.

How do you go roadtripping?

The first step take is to pick a destination. Choose the route you want to take and make sure you have a reliable vehicle before you leave. It’s a good idea to have your car checked by a mechanic. Once you set off, remember to keep your car adequately fuelled for the distance ahead, and stock up on essentials like food, medicines, and water.

What tourist attraction is located in Victoria that is considered to be one of the most beautiful drives in Australia?

The Great Ocean Road is considered to be one of the most beautiful drives in Australia. The iconic road hugs the coastline offering incredible rock formations and stunning views.

Where can I go for a long drive in Melbourne?

One of the best long drives that begins in Melbourne is the Gippsland coast. It’s over 1000km and takes in the gorgeous scenery of Wilsons Promontory and the Great Lakes national park.

Where to go in Victoria in the summer?

Summer in Victoria is hot! It’s best to stay near the coast or at least riverside where you can cool off. The Great Ocean Road and Gippsland Coast are great options.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get out of Melbourne, hit the road, and discover some of the best national parks and road trips in regional Victoria!

Feature photo by @ben.savage

We’ve shared these recommendations because we genuinely rate them and want you to enjoy them too. Our writers use a mix of personal experience and research to compile these lists, and they’re also encouraged to be honest when things aren’t up to scratch. For more information on our approach, check out our  Editorial Standards .

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

7 Day Victoria Road Trip Itinerary | Australia Travel Planner

Although it’s one of the smallest states in Australia, Victoria is chock full of attractions to keep the most intrepid traveller busy, and this 7 Day Victoria Road Trip Itinerary , covers the the best things to do in Victoria, over a period of one week.

You could easily spend a week exploring Melbourne, the state’s capital, if you have the time.

Venture further afield and you’ll find stunning coastlines, lush rainforests, quaint villages, and beautiful mountain ranges.

With this 7 day Victoria road trip itinerary you’ll get to experience the state’s most impressive natural attractions and history.

You’ll wind your way along the world famous Great Ocean Road, which has been rated as one of the Best Road Trips in the World ; before heading to the Grampians National Park and the gold rush town of Ballarat.   

If you love road trips filled with nature and cultural heritage, then this 7 day itinerary is for you!

– Written By Audrey Chalmers from Victoria Uncovered  

Day 1 – Melbourne

Torquay: the gateway to the great ocean road, great ocean road chocolaterie and ice creamery, split point lighthouse, lunch at lorne, teddys lookout and erskine falls, koala spotting at kennett river, melba gully, gibson steps, 12 apostles, lunch in port campbell, london arch, bay of martyrs and bay of islands, day 4 – port campbell to halls gap, day 5 – halls gap, day 6 – halls gap to ballarat, day 7 – ballarat to melbourne, summary – 7 day victoria travel itinerary, share this:.

PS – Useful Travel Resources to use while heading to Australia, to tick off this 7 Day Victoria Travel Itinerary –

• Book your Rental Car in Victoria on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
• Book the best Victoria Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator or Klook
• Book your Budget Accommodation in Victoria on Agoda or Booking.com
• Get the best flight deals on Kiwi.com
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to Victoria, and get access to premium Airport Lounges.
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in Victoria.

7 Day Road Trip Itinerary – Victoria, Australia

Pin this Australia Travel Guide featuring the Best 7 Day Victoria Road Trip Itinerary

No Victorian road trip guide is complete without including at least one day in the magnificent city of Melbourne. Of course, one day in Melbourne isn’t enough and I highly recommend spending more time if you can.

There are countless attractions to see and the city is often referred to as the cultural capital of Australia. At any given moment there are art exhibitions, live music performances, theatre productions, and an array of coffee shops to discover.

The city of Melbourne | Photo by Denise Jans on Unsplash

Start your day by ticking off some of the Best Things to do in Melbourne , such as exploring Melbourne’s graffiti covered laneways, then head to Federation Square a favourite meeting place for locals. Here you’ll find a range of restaurants, bars, and specialty stores. Follow this up with a visit to nearby St. Paul’s Cathedral and for sporting fans a tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a must.

When you are in Melbourne, we highly recommend you to sign up for the Klook Pass Melbourne , which will give you access to 20 of the Best Sights in Melbourne, and you’ll be able to save 45% of the costs as well.

Day 2 – Melbourne to Apollo Bay

Victoria boasts a multitude of picturesque landscapes, and one of the most iconic routes to experience its beauty is the Great Ocean Road. The road trip from Melbourne to Apollo Bay, offers travellers a blend of coastal charm, natural wonders, and cool surfing vibes.

Starting your journey in Torquay, the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road , visitors are greeted with a laid-back coastal atmosphere. Torquay is renowned for its surf culture, and a visit to Bells Beach , home of the Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition, provides a glimpse into the world of professional surfing. The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay is a treasure trove of surf history, showcasing the evolution of this water sport in Australia.

A few kilometres down the road, chocolate enthusiasts will find solace at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery . This sweet haven has a mind-blowing amount of chocolates and ice cream on offer from its enormous showroom. If you’re travelling with kids, there’s a window with views into the factory where they can watch the chocolates being made.

As the journey continues, the Split Point Lighthouse stands tall, offering panoramic views of the rugged coastline. Known as the White Lady , the lighthouse is till in operation today, guiding ships through the treacherous waters of Bass Strait . Tours of the lighthouse take about 45 minutes.

Lorne, one of the biggest towns on the Great Ocean Road, beckons travellers with its inviting cafes and restaurants. For a satisfying lunch, Pit Stop is a local favourite serving milkshakes, hamburgers, and chips with an Aussie twist from a food truck in a 60s American Airstream.

The scenic route unfolds with Teddys Lookout, a vantage point that showcases the beach, lush greenery, and the winding Great Ocean Road below. Nature enthusiasts will find Erskine Falls, surrounded by dense forest, a refreshing stop. The 30 metre tall waterfall is easily accessed from the car park down several flights of stairs.

Erskine Falls | Photo by Andrew St Lawrence on Unsplash

A visit to Australia wouldn’t be the same without seeing a koala in the wild and Kennett River on the Great Ocean Road is just the place to see them. Home to a large population of wild koalas it’s relatively easy to spot them sleeping in the trees.

Apollo Bay marks the halfway point of the Great Ocean Road and is the perfect place to stop for a night or two. The town offers a range of accommodations and places to eat. For fine dining Chris’s Restaurant at Beacon Point, offers dinner with a view, or if you prefer a more relaxed setting, the Apollo Bay Hotel is a top choice.

Apollo Bay | Victoria, Australia

Day 3 – Apollo Bay To Port Campbell

Heading out from Apollo Bay, spend the day exploring the Otways and Port Campbell National Park .

Melba Gully is a beautiful patch of rainforest where you can walk between giant tree ferns under the shade of the rainforest canopy. The Madsens Track is a short 1.5 kilometre circuit walk through rainforest, past Anne’s Cascades. If you prefer, you can visit at night, when glow worms can be found along the trail.

Head back to the coast and you’ll reach Gibson Steps , where the enormity of the cliffs and the force of the Southern Ocean become apparent. Make your way down to the beach via the 86 steps that were carved into the face of the cliff by local settler Hugh Gibson. Here you can marvel at Gog and Magog , two limestone stacks rising up out of the sea.

View of Gog and Magog from Gibson Steps | Photo by Daniel Seßler on Unsplash

A short drive will take you to the world-famous 12 Apostles, which happens to be one of the most iconic landmarks in Australia. Shaped by the relentless crashing waves, these limestone stacks rise majestically from the Southern Ocean. For a truly memorable experience treat yourself to a helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles and other famous sites along the coast.

Stop in Port Campbell for lunch at 12 Rocks Beach Bar & Café , the only restaurant in town that overlooks the beach. There’s plenty of seating both inside and out, the service is fast, and the menu features seafood and other creative options.

Resume your driving along Great Ocean Road, stopping at the London Arch . Formerly known as London Bridge, this natural arch formation was once connected to the mainland until it collapsed in 1990 leaving two people stranded on the arch. No one was injured but it was three hours before they could be rescued by police helicopter!

The Arch | Photo by Stephen Mabbs on Unsplash

Further along, you’ll encounter The Grotto , part blowhole, part archway, part cave it is a geological wonder that mesmerises all who visits. A series of wooden boardwalks and lookouts allows you to see the cave formation from above before descending to the rock pool at its base.

With a 7 day Victoria itinerary, you’ll have time to see the less visited Bay of Martyrs and Bay Of Islands . This area of coastline is known for its towering limestone cliffs, flat island rock stacks, and views of the Southern Ocean. It offers a more peaceful experience away from the crowds and there are two walking tracks where you can take a stroll.

Now that you’ve finished your exploration of the Great Ocean Road head back to Port Campbell for the night stopping at the Sow and Pigletts Brewery for a beer and REAL Pizza for a bight to eat.

Now it’s time for a change scenery and to head inland to Halls Gap at the foot of the beautiful Grampians Mountain Range . Although bushwalking is the main activity here, there are plenty of other Halls Gap attractions to keep you busy.  From fascinating Aboriginal history, to wineries, galleries, a zoo and even Adventure Golf, this is a great place to spend a couple of nights.

There are a variety of places to stay in Halls Gap most are within the budget to mid-range price points. Self-contained cabins are a popular choice but there are a couple of motels to choose from as well. It’s best to book ahead especially at weekends.

Grampians Mountain Range

It’s about a 2 ½ drive from Port Campbell to Halls Gap. Once you arrive, you’ll have time for a short walk to the Venus Baths . An easy 2 ½ kilometres from the town centre, the walk crosses Stony Creek and leads to rocky platforms filled with water. You can enjoy the scenery while resting on large cool rocks or whether permitting splash around in the rock pools.

Alternatively, or if you still have time, make your way to MacKenzie Falls . There are a lot of steps to get to the base of the falls, but it’s definitely worth it and a must visit in Halls Gap.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Livefast Café before hitting the trails. The 2 hour walk to the Pinnacle, is a highlight of any visit to the Grampians, and takes in stunning views of the Wonderland range and Wimmera Plains . The walk is well designed but take care to stay on the track and carry plenty of water.

Halls Gap | Photo by Huzaifa Tariq on Unsplash

With hundreds of kilometres of trails throughout the park there are plenty of other walking tracks to choose from. Other must-see sights include Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout, and The Balconies.  

Finish the day, with an ice cream from Coolas Ice Creamery , a beer at Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co , and dinner at Flame Brothers Restaurant and Bar.

Now it’s time to start heading back towards Melbourne, but not before learning a little about the history of Victoria. The regional city of Ballarat is the perfect place to do just that. This gold rush era town is filled with wrought-iron-trimmed streets, grand architecture, and immersive experiences that take you back in time.

On arrival, get to know the city’s history by taking a heritage walking tour. Maps are available from the Visitor Centre and guide you through streets passing by landmark buildings like, Her Majesty’s Theatre and a Turkish Bath House . You can stop in along the way.

Afterwards head to the Eureka Centre , site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade Rebellion (a pivotal moment in Australian history) and home to the Eureka Flag. Through art installations and modern digital technology you’ll hear the stories of the men and women who fought for miners’ rights and learn of the gold rush’s cultural impact.

A stroll around Lake Wendouree is a lovely way to end the day. Buy an ice cream from an old tramcar and take a 45 minute cruise, onboard the replica Golden City Paddle Steamer. Finish off with a bite to eat at the Yacht Club or head back into town for dinner at the Golden City Hotel .

For your last day of this 7 Day Victoria Road Trip Itinerary, step back in time at Sovereign Hill – a huge outdoor museum that transports you back to the 1850s. Costumed characters and horse drawn carts add to the realism of this recreated goldfields town filled with shops, hotels, a theatre, schools, gold diggings, and underground mines. It’s possible to spend a whole day here panning for gold, shopping for old-fashioned sweets and candles, or riding a horse and cart. You can even get beneath the earth’s surface on a gold mine tour.   

Alternatively, you can get up close to native animals at the Ballarat Wildlife Park . There are more than 100 free range kangaroos onsite, as well as koalas, emus, wombats, reptiles, and penguins. The park is also home to animals from around the world including two Sumatran-Siberian tigers, called Kai and Akasha.

Meet Koalas at Ballarat Wildlife Park

The park is just a 4 minute drive from Sovereign Hill, so it’s possible to visit both attractions before driving back to Melbourne.  

Day 1 – Arrival in Melbourne | Explore Melbourne

Day 2 – Road Trip from Melbourne to Apollo Bay

Day 3 – Road Trip from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell

Day 4 – Port Campbell to Halls Gap

Day 5 – Explore Halls Gap

Day 6 – Road Trip from Halls Gap to Ballart

Day 7 – Road Trip Ballart to Melbourne | Departure from Melbourne

Victoria, despite being one of the smallest states in Australia, offers a rich tapestry of experiences for the avid traveller. This 7-day Victoria road trip itinerary show cases the diversity of attractions, seamlessly blending natural wonders with cultural heritage.

Starting in the cultural capital of Melbourne this Victoria itinerary takes you along the incredible Great Ocean Road, then inland to the beautiful landscapes of Halls Gap, culminating in the historical city of Ballarat. Ensuring a well-rounded exploration for those with an appreciation for both nature and cultural heritage.

If you have time, you can extend your trip to Australia, and experience this 7 Day Cairns Itinerary as well. Since you are in the region, you can even fly from Melbourne to Auckland, and experience the best of New Zealand with this 14 Day New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary .

Pin this Australia Trip Planner featuring the Best 7 Day Victoria Travel Itinerary

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20 incredible Victorian road trips

There’s never been a better time to holiday in your own backyard. So why not set aside a weekend, and venture off on one of these spectacular road trips through The Garden State.

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Explore spa country

Victoria’s “spa country” got its name from the 141 mineral springs in the area. It’s now a place for glorious rest and relaxation, with more indulgent spa treatments, decadent meals and beautiful bush walks than you can poke a stick at. There are loads of great overnight accommodation options too – our top spots to stay are Daylesford (about an hour and a half from Melbourne) and Hepburn Springs. Pictured here is the Lake House in Daylesford, which is a top spot for a long lunch and an overnight stay.

Discover beautiful Bright

Bright is a picturesque little town at the base of the Victorian Alps, and it’s a great base if you want to explore this leafy, peaceful area. Spend your time bike riding, sampling local wines and craft beers, kayaking in the river or hiking in the nearby hills. It’s a scenic drive, about 3 hours 40 minutes from Melbourne. If you want to stay over, check out the cute apartments at Centenary Peaks.

Port Fairy and the Twelve Apostles

Four hours out of Melbourne you’ll find the iconic Twelve Apostles (sorry, but there are actually only eight now… you can thank erosion for that). Keep driving another 1 hour and 20 minutes and you’ll hit Port Fairy, the last stop on the Great Ocean Road . This lovely seaside village is a great spot for an over-nighter. There’s lots of great food – including cracking fish and chips – and you can often spot seals, whales and dolphins from the shore. The Laneway Apartments in Port Fairy make an ideal base.

Meander along the Murray River

Following the river’s path from the mountains of the Great Dividing Range in northeast Victoria to the desert country and wide open plains of South Australia is a really lovely drive. You can stop in and explore gorgeous river towns along the way (be sure to sample some of Rutherglen’s famous wines). There are even secret beaches and we recommend bedding down in the historic town of Mildura . The Quest hotel is a good budget option.

Wilson’s Promontory National Park

Rainforests, spectacular beaches and granite mountains… the southernmost tip of Australia has it all. Affectionately known as “The Prom” this area 2 hours and 30 minutes from Melbourne offers fabulous bushwalks, food and plenty of native wildlife. Pictured here is Refuge Cove – definitely worth a dip if you find yourself there in the warmer months. If you're after a romantic bolthole, we've discovered a spa cabin with gobsmacking views.

Phillip Island

A mere two hours from Melbourne, Phillip Island is where you can see super cute fairy penguins in the wild as they make their daily walk from the sea up the beach. You can also see seals if you’re lucky. The township of Cowes is a very chilled beach town, and is a great spot to crash for the night before you hit the road again. For old-school hotel elegance check out the The Castle Villa By The Sea.

The Great Alpine Road

Wind your way along Victoria’s Great Alpine Road , from Wangaratta in the northeast across to Metung on the jaw-droppingly beautiful Gippsland Lakes. It will take you through diverse landscapes, from lofty mountain ranges, down plunging valleys, into lush forests, and past rolling vineyards to sparkling coastal waterways. Soak up the views at 5 Knots Metung serviced apartments.

The Great Ocean Road

This is considered to one of the world’s most scenic drives, with windy roads offering spectacular views of the expansive ocean below. Childers Cove, pictured here, is one of the hidden gems. The Great Ocean Road kicks off near Anglesea and continues to Port Fairy. There are plenty of great little towns to visit along the way. Wye Rive r is one of the lesser known towns on the coast, but is a lovely peaceful spot for an over-nighter. Ready to go? Here's how best to drive the Great Ocean Road . For a wide range of accomm options, check out the BIG4 Wye River Holiday Park.

Step back in time and visit Bendigo and the goldfields

The heart of Central Victoria and one-time richest city in the world, Bendigo has been attracting people from across the globe since the 1850s gold rush. The dynamic regional centre continues to celebrate its contrasts, setting vibrant arts hubs and buzzing bars and restaurants against grand architecture and a storied history. The Mercure Bendigo Schaller is the ideal place to spend the night.

The Dandenongs

If you don’t want to spend heaps of time in the car, a trip to the Dandenongs is a great option as it’s only around one hour and 15 minutes from Melbourne. But it feels as if you’re worlds away. There are plenty of great walks and accommodation options and if you have kids on board they’ll love the Puffing Billy Railway. Pictured here are the very tranquil Alfred Nicholas Gardens, a lovely wooded garden park with a boathouse, waterfalls and islands.

Book Puffing Billy tickets here

The Grampians

Start your Grampians road trip in Halls Gap and wind your way through the majestic mountains and indigenous Australian rock art sites, stopping along the way to enjoy deliciously fresh local produce, award-winning wines and a variety of dining experiences. It’s three hours northwest of Melbourne. Pictured here is the very excellent Royal Mail Hotel at Dunkeld.

Get acquainted with Gippsland

Be inspired by the space and solitude in Gippsland , the vast eastern corner of Victoria. You’ll be rewarded with unspoilt beaches, pristine lakes and rolling hills of farmland. Along the way visit bustling gourmet waterfront villages, quaint seaside towns and alpine villages and uncover a fascinating rich history and old-fashioned country hospitality. Pick of the local accomm is Ross Farm with its trio of reimagined farm sheds.

The Mornington Peninsula

Wandering through idyllic coastal and hinterland villages, tasting fine cool-climate wines , eating fantastic food, diving into a thrilling aquatic adventure, discovering galleries, lazing in parks, playing some of Australia’s best golf courses and slipping into natural hot springs – this gorgeous peninsula is just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Melbourne and has so much to offer. If you want to lash out on some special digs, the Jackalope in Merricks North still sets the standard.

The area inland from The Great Ocean Road has areas of lush rainforest and picturesque bushland that make for a wonderful drive (some people like to come back to Melbourne via this route when they have finished exploring the coastal road). Be sure to check out the glorious Erskine Falls and if you’re feeling fancy, treat yourself to a degustation at Brae (pictured here), considered to be one of Australia’s best restaurants. For a truly unique stay, check out the Cape Otway Lightstation.

Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula

Geelong (an hour out of Melbourne) has been reinvented as a cultural precinct with excellent places to eat and drink, galleries and boutiques. Just 30 minutes down the road, you’ll find the Bellarine and its lush vineyards, captivating bay views and charming coastal villages. Here you’ll discover delectable providores, world-class golf courses and enchanting beaches. In this picture is the tiny town of Barwon Heads – made famous by the original Seachange TV series. Stay at the schmick R Hotel Geelong which is right on the waterfront.

Hit the Yarra Valley winery trail

Travel through rolling hills strung with vines, secluded natural valleys set against blue mountain backdrops and lush greenery and pastures, past towering trees and pristine rivers to verdant villages like Marysville and Warburton. Dine in style and marvel at the profundity of fresh local produce at tables in Healesville and Yarra Glen. The Yarra Valley is also a great spot for an early morning hot air balloon ride. If golf is your thing, the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort offers 18 holes in a pristine bush setting.

Visit Victoria’s wild west

The Mallee area of Victoria is the road less travelled, but that means you’ll be more likely to enjoy some peace and quiet. This region is widely regarded as the agricultural heart of Victoria and it’s a stone’s throw from some of the best rural natural attractions in Australia. You’ll find rustic boutiques, great pubs and the spectacular murals of the Silo Art Trail along the way. There are vast wilderness parks out in the Mallee, so it’s alluring if you’re into native plants, spring flowers and birds. Explore The Mallee can sort you out with a cute cottage called The Roost.

Hit the surf coast

Only 75km southwest of Melbourne is where you’ll find the Surf Coast, incorporating iconic surf towns like Torquay, Anglesea, Airey’s Inlet and Lorne. Lorne in particular has some great restaurants, so this could be a good spot for an over-nighter. Don’t forget to get a selfie under the iconic sign that marks the start of The Great Ocean Road. The Mantra Lorne can sort you out with rooms starting at well under $200.

Explore Man from Snowy River country

Victoria’s High Country is a fabulous spot for a road trip – the 4-hour drive from Melbourne goes through some gorgeous little towns and once you get there, it’s a pristine wonderland. Explore nature trails on foot or horseback, and frolic in the snow in winter. Pepper's Marysville is a sleek and chic place to spend a night or two.

Head to Healesville, a foodie’s paradise

This regional food and wine hub is surrounded by stunning scenery and it’s just an hour and a half from Melbourne. You can also have iconic encounters of the wildlife kind at the Healesville Sanctuary (which makes it a great spot to come if you have international visitors keen to see a kanga or koala). If you’re into wine be sure to hit up Domaine Chandon, Innocent Bystander, Rochford Wines and Coldstream Hills and if gin is more your speed, stop in at Four Pillars distillery (pictured here). Spend the night at the uber cute Old Mechanics, a repurposed workshop now comprising four luxe apartments.

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11 best things to do in North East Victoria

The North East is a popular holiday destination in Victoria. Tourism North East features mountains and rivers, wineries and breweries and unforgettable Alpine scenery in the high country region.

You will find everything from Silo Art in small towns to attractions along the Murray River and outdoor activities in the Alpine Valleys. The North East is best accessed via the Hume Freeway from Melbourne or the Great Alpine Road in the East of the state. North East Victoria attractions and spectacular landscapes are around every corner.

Map of North East Victoria

So where is North East Victoria? Our state covers such a large area and defining areas can be difficult. We have included this map below to help you easily plan your visit to North East Victoria.

Things to do in North East Victoria

When you explore Victoria you want a great mixture of activities to keep all travellers in your group entertained. With a plethora of things to do in North East Victoria, you will easily find something for everyone.

Chiltern Lockup in North East Vic

In the historical town of Chiltern just off the Hume Highway, you can visit the old Chiltern Police lockup.

This small 2-cell lockup was built around the time of the gold rush in 1875 and was once earmarked as a place to hold Ned Kelly if he was caught in the area.

You can borrow the key from the Chiltern Visitor Information Centre and let yourself in for a look It is a stark reminder of what it would have been like to be locked up back in the day.

You will find some information boards inside that tell you a little about the history of the lockup. Chiltern is one of the most popular small towns in North East Victoria.

The Ned Kelly Trail

The Ned Kelly Trail is a popular tourist attraction in Victoria, Australia. The trail takes in sites associated with the Kelly’s including the rural towns of Glenrowan, Beveridge, Avenal, Mansfield, Beechworth and the Old Melbourne Jai l.

The trail is lined with historical sites associated with the life of Ned Kelly, including his childhood home, the site of his first robbery, the cemetery where his mother and father are buried and more. The Kelly Gang are closely associated with North-Eastern Victoria.

Discover more :   Explore the towns on the Great Alpine Road

North East Victoria Silo Art Trail

The North East Victoria Silo Art Trail is a unique way to explore the small town of Tungamah, St James, Devenish and Goormabat. The trail features murals painted on silos in the towns celebrating local farming, industry, famous figures and war.

These artworks on the Northeast Victoria Victorian Silo Art trail have breathed new life back into some of these dying small towns that for so long were heavily reliant on farming and wheat production.

The trail provides a great opportunity to get off the Hume Highway and see some of these small towns of the north.

De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate

De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate is located in the heart of North East Victoria. This might just be the ultimate location in Victoria for wine lovers . The estate Rutherglen is housed in repurposed wine cellars that were built in the mid-1880s.

It now houses the De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate Cellar Door and the Tuileries Complex. This complex boasts an a la carte restaurant, outdoor courtyard, luxury accommodation and conference facilities.

De Bortoli has a long history in Australia stretching back nearly 100 years, and today, it produces some of Australia’s best wines.

The cellar door offers wine sales to the public, where you will be taught and educated about the wines you are trying. Why not stay the night at De Bortoli Estate in Rutherglen ?

Everyone LOVES a road trip:   Use our easy drive North East Victorian road trip itinerary for an epic journey!

Grab a pie at Gum Tree Bakery

The Gum Tree Bakery started out as a small business in Yackandandah, selling pies and cakes. The food became so popular that the bakery expanded into other nearby surrounding towns of Wodonga, Beechworth and Bright.

The standout products are the famous Gum Tree Pies, which have won gold, silver & bronze medals at the Great Aussie Meat Pie Competition.

You will find a wide range of pies on sale, such as lamb and mint jelly, Thai green curry, steak and Guinness, and minced meat. Yackandandah is one of the prettiest Victorian country towns near Bright.

Drive the Great Alpine Road – Victoria’s high country

The Great Alpine Road traverses Victoria from the North of the state to the South of the state. A drive from Beechworth to Omeo on a Great Alpine Road itinerary will be a thrilling and breathtaking experience.

The Great Alpine Road Victoria is one of the most beautiful roads in the world, and it’s easy to see why. as it cuts through the Alpine National Park. The road winds its way through some of Australia’s most stunning mountain ranges, culminating in spectacular views of the Alpine countryside at Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain.

Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely road trip or celebrate a special occasion on this incredible route, there’s no better way to experience all that North East Victoria has to offer.

Need summer holiday plans?   We have you covered with the best places for a summer holiday in Victoria.

North East Victoria attractions – Mount Buffalo

Mt Buffalo is an imposing peak in the North East Victoria region, standing at 1,267 metres above sea level. It’s a popular destination for bushwalkers and day-trippers who can explore its lookouts, Heritage-listed Chalet and rugged undulating terrain while staying in Bright and surrounds..

Several waterfalls and lakes are located on the mountain, making it a great place to spend a day in nature. In wintertime, visitors can enjoy the snow gums and wildflowers that grow on the mountain. The drive to the top is memorable, with many places to stop and see the views over the north.

Lake Hume Weir

Lake Hume Weir straddles the Victorian – New South Wales border near Wodonga. The Lake Hume Weir is popular for skiing, wakeboarding, canoeing, fishing and jet skiing. There are plenty of places to stay on the banks of Lake Hume that allow you to launch your boat and berth your boat on the bank.

The Weir Wall at Lake Hume makes the tart of the famous Murray River that runs all the way to the ocean in South Australia passing through Echuca, Swan Hill and many other Victorian towns.

At the Lake Hume Weir wall, there is a picnic area with a few outdoor displays and a walking path that takes you across the wall. There are a number of viewing areas and platforms on the wall where you can see the small power station on the wall.

Victorian weekend getaways:   All the very best things to do in Bright

Things to do in Victoria North East -Have a beer at Bright Brewery

Bright Brewery has already made a big impact on the local beer scene. The brewery was founded by two couples in 2005 who had a passion for beer, Bright’s spectacular surroundings and its environment.

They have now created some of the best beers in Victoria, that is now available all over the country. The brewery in Bright, North East Victoria has a core range of 5 traditional beers which are complimented by different seasonal beers throughout the year.

Some of their specialty season brews that have been created include Chocolate Jaffa Stout, Pale Passionfruit Ale, Cherry Cream Milkshake Ale and more.

You can grab a sampling paddle at the brewery and try some of the beers on offer. All this beer is complemented by a menu featuring platters, pizzas, burgers and more.

Bright is one of the most popular places to visit in North Victoria. Book a stay in Bright today. Don’t forget to check out the many cellar doors and frame gates in the area featuring local produce.

Things to do in Beechworth – see the Historical sites

Beechworth is a charming Victorian town with a rich history, and the Historical Precinct is a great place to start your exploration. The Historical Courthouse where The Beechworth Historic Courthouse saw over 40 trials for the Kelly family, with additional trials for Kelly supporters Ned Kelly was once put on trial.

This courthouse was where it all started for Ned Kelly as a bushranger after his mother was sentenced to 3 years in jail. Be sure to take a Ned Kelly or Echos of History walking tour through Beechworth.

The Burke Museum has an eclectic display of items relating to Beechworths history while the Telegraph Station is a beautifully preserved Gold Era building where the internet of the day was housed. This precinct of buildings all in a row are some of the nicest gold-era buildings you will find anywhere.

In Beechworth, there are several romantic things to do, such as taking a leisurely stroll through the historic streets and enjoying a candlelit dinner at one of the charming local restaurants.

Mountain biking in Omeo

Omeo is a location to keep an eye on for all-mountain bike lovers. This small Gippsland town is set to be one of Victoria’s next big mountain bike destinations.

121km of singletrack will start and finish about 200m from the main street of Omeo. The trails will take in Mount Sam and Mount Mesley, which overlook the town.

The trails will have big, long descents with 400-500 metres of vertical drop. The first stage of this whole plan has been finished with a pump track and skill course opened at Livingstone Park.

The first 55 kilometres of the trail could be opened towards the end of 2022. In the meantime, enjoy the Alpine National Park, The Oriental Claims Area, the local history museum and a meal at the Golden Age Hotel.

Omeo is popular as a staging point for days spent on the slopes at Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham.

What’s on in North East Victoria this weekend?

What’s on in North East Victoria this weekend includes various outdoor activities, such as hiking, wine tasting, and farmers markets. You can check the regional tourism board sites such as Visit Bright , Visit Albury Wodonga , Tourism North East and Visit Melbourne , all have events listed/

A road trip in the northeast of Victoria is a great way to spend a weekend or a week exploring this amazing part of the state and some of the cute small towns of Victoria .

In the northeast, numerous things exist, such as exploring historic landmarks, indulging in regional cuisine, and participating in outdoor activities. Visit NE Victoria today and experience some of the best regional towns in Victoria,

We hope this article from us here at Explore Victoria has inspired you to embark on your adventure in Victoria, Australia, from popular  caravan parks  and  pristine beaches  to drives along the  Great Ocean Road . Enjoy weekends away on the Mornington Peninsula and discover the cosmopolitan charm of  Melbourne, Victoria ,  with a range of experiences for every traveller who wants to visit Victoria.

Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the Grampians, the cultural richness of Ballarat , or the autumn colours of  Bright  and  Northern Victoria , there’s no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in Victoria.

Even if you love  exploring Gippsland  or driving the  Great Alpine Road , Victoria has something special for you, and there is so much more for you to discover. If you are looking for more incredible and best places to  visit in Melbourne  or more travel in Victoria destinations,  Explore Victoria  has some more articles below for you to check out. Expand your horizons and get out and about in Victoria, Australia, for an unforgettable experience. 

If you have an idea, attraction, or top spot in Victoria, please comment or email us at  [email protected] .

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Mark Wyld is a passionate writer and explorer, weaving tales inspired by a deep love for his home state of Victoria. With local knowledge, Mark seeks to share insights and experiences that captivate and inspire readers. When not immersed in writing, you can find him working in Disability Support or spending time with family and friends. Follow Mark for a journey through Victoria’s best sights, tastes and attractions.

The Ultimate Australian Road Trip – The East Coast

Australia is a big place, like a really, really big place.

And while flying between the cities is the best way to see parts of certain parts country quickly, it’s exploring all the places in between where you really find the best of what Australia has to offer.

No matter if you’ve chosen Van Life and are looking to do this in one big trip or, more like myself, do this as a series of smaller trips over a couple of years… There are plenty of approaches to see all that Australia has to offer.

From the Great Barrier Reef to the Great Ocean Road, I’ve spent a lot of time driving around the country and used that experience to compile a series of blog posts on the best places to visit around the country.

For this particular itinerary, I would recommend starting in Cairns and making your way down to Melbourne via Sydney and Adelaide for an approximately 5000km journey that showcases the vast diversity of landscapes, wildlife, cities, and so much more of what Australia has to offer.

That said, you can also break the trip up into smaller segments, much like what I did, and explore certain regions over a few days or a couple of weeks without spending months on the road.

This route doesn’t require a four-wheel drive or any other sort of specialised vehicle. And that is very deliberate. Quite literally any serviceable car (with air conditioning!) will be able to complete the trip just fine.

If you have some sort of campervan or caravan, you’ll be able to save some money on accommodation costs, but there are plenty of hotels and other accommodation options along the route as well, so all you really need is a car that you are comfortable spending long stints behind the wheel in.

Australian Road Trip – General Advice

Before we get properly started, to help you make the most of the trip, I do have a couple of tidbits of advice that will make your road trip easier.

Smart Phone Apps

During the summer, in particular, the weather around Australia can be quite volatile, with flooding and bushfires a regular occurrence. So I would strongly recommend downloading the following apps to help keep you aware of changing conditions while you are on the road.

• Google Maps – Simple navigation and traffic.
• Fires Near Me – Most up-to-date information about bushfire locations (State by State and Australia-wide versions available)
• Floods Near Me – Most up-to-date information about flooding and road closures (NSW Only)
• Live Traffic – Another option for checking traffic and road closures (the NSW version also works in Queensland, Victoria and SA)
• Emergency Plus – In the event of an emergency, this app will give you your precise location to give to emergency services

These can be extremely valuable in helping you make decisions about segments of your trip, whether delaying the next part of your drive by a couple of days or taking an alternate route.

I would also recommend having good quality music and a podcast app, like Spotify, where you can download tunes/episodes, but we’ll get to that in the next segment of this blog post.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that there will be long stretches of the road, particularly in the more regional/remote areas that don’t have phone/data coverage.

Most towns will have some sort of 4G/5G reception coverage in the main township, but in between those towns, it can and will be very spotty and sometimes nonexistent.

Make sure you take advantage of Google Maps’ download maps feature so you will be able to use the maps, especially if you need to detour off your pre-determined route for any reason. GPS will work without data, but it will need the downloaded maps to overlay the information onto.

As I just mentioned, it will also be worth downloading music/podcasts (both?) so that you aren’t stuck at the mercy of long quiet stints behind the wheel.

One more thing that I should note about smartphone usage whilst driving around Australia. Most (possibly all?) states around the country have some sort of rule against using/handling your phone while driving, with some very heavy fines attached if you are caught doing so.

That said, they usually include some sort of exception about using your phone for navigational purposes, so make sure you set your phone before you depart. The best way to avoid any issues is to purchase some sort of mount to attach the phone to your car so you can have the maps up and visible without having actually to touch the phone.

Australian wildlife is amazing, except when it appears unexpectedly on the road in front of you.

On any road trip around Australia, you will experience this in one way or another. You really need to be alert, particularly around dawn and dusk when animals like Kangaroos tend to be most active around highways.

Kangaroos are probably the most notorious for causing car accidents because they can leap out behind trees and shrubbery and land right in front of you with little to no advanced warning. If it doesn’t happen to you personally, you will absolutely see the remnants of where it has happened to someone else recently.

I’ve also spotted out and had to avoid while driving Emus, Echidnas, Cassowaries and Snakes in different places around the country. While it hasn’t happened to me personally, I can vouch for the fact that Wombats are the worst to come across on the road. They will destroy your can and leave you stranded on the side of the road waiting for help.

In the more regional farming areas, it’s also not uncommon to come across herds of farm animals – particularly cows and sheep.

If you do come across a herd blocking the road entirely and need to continue along the route… Do not stop! Continue driving forward slowly (very slowly, like walking pace), and the animals will make way for you. Ideally, you will want to avoid them, but if there isn’t any way around continue along the road.

Each state has its own set of road rules that you should at least have a quick look at.

For the most part, it’s all common sense, but there are intricacies in the way different states apply certain rules and the consequences attached.

Just one example is that in Victoria and South Australia, they go out of their way to hide speed cameras to catch people out, while in New South Wales, they need to be clearly signposted. It’s worth having a look for your own peace of mind.

Check out each state below:

• New South Wales
• South Australia

Now for the Ulitmate East Coast of Australian Road Trip… Starting with Cairns:

Cairns, Queensland to Townsville, Queensland

Cairns is the ideal starting point for this trip.

Firstly you’ll get the chance to tick off one of Australia’s top attractions… The Great Barrier Reef. But Cairns also has a reasonably well-serviced international airport with regular flights to the major Australian cities. While also being the most northern point of the trip, saving you from doubling back on yourself.

Now to get started with the itinerary, I’ve already put together a comprehensive post detailing everything you need to know to plan your time in Cairns.

Ideally, I would recommend that you give yourself at least a week (probably two) in Cairns, but whatever you do, make sure you don’t leave without spending some time out on the Great Barrier Reef.

The great thing about this style of a long road trip is that you can be extremely flexible with your schedule and adjust accordingly. And Far North Queensland has to offer. So I wouldn’t recommend that book too much too far in advance. That will allow you to enjoy everything at your own pace and adjust as you find things that grab your attention.

Several of those things that the region has to offer are along the drive down to Townsville, the next stop on this itinerary.

This first stint on the road will be relatively easy, but I’ve detailed it thoroughly in my Cairns to Townsville along the Bruce Highway post.

You can complete the drive in a few hours, but I think you’ll find that once you’ve read the previous post, you will want to give yourself at least a day or two to complete the drive.

Besides, it’s the tropics, and rushing isn’t something that’s done in that part of Australia.

Townsville, Queensland to Brisbane, Queensland

Townsville is the next prolonged stop on this grand adventure before continuing on the road down to Brisbane.

The unofficial capital of North Queensland, not to be mistaken with Far North Queensland that you would have just driven from, is a stark contrast to the tropical rainforests to this point in the trip.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still tropical and warm, but the landscape does change significantly when you arrive in Townsville.

By no means as heavily tourist-centric as Cairns, you won’t need quite as much time to see all that Townsville has to offer, but that’s not to say the city doesn’t have its own appeal.

I would recommend you spend about a week in Townsville. You’ll be able to explore all that it has to offer and give you enough time to spend a couple of days over on Magnetic Island – a definite must-do while you are in the area.

To better understand what it’s like to travel to Townsville, including what there is to see and do there, check out this guide that I’ve already put together.

Brisbane is the next stop-off point on this trip, but the long drive down the rest of the Bruce Highway to get to that point is dotted with so much to see and do.

You could complete the drive in as little as two days, but I think you will find that once you’ve read my Townsville to Brisbane via the Bruce Highway post , you’ll quickly work out that you will need to give yourself at least a week (probably two) to complete the trip, especially with such iconic places like the Whitsundays along the way.

Just keep in mind that there are sections along this part of the Bruce Highway that are sparsely populated with quite limited places to stop (for fuel in particular). So please read my guide thoroughly for this part of the route so you can plan ahead accordingly.

Brisbane/Gold Coast, Queensland to Sydney, New South Wales

After a fair bit of time in the car to get to this point of the trip in South East Queensland, spending a few weeks in Brisbane and/or on the Coast Coast is a great way to refresh before the next part of the drive.

If you haven’t spent much time in either Brisbane or the Gold Coast, then I would strongly recommend that you give yourself a fair amount of time to explore and enjoy both.

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, has plenty to offer as a big city. Museums, galleries… I’ve got everything you need to know about Brisbane covered in this post.

Being a city, a couple of days might be more than enough for you in Brisbane, but there is plenty to do there. So I would recommend that you give yourself a week or so, especially if you are going to continue on the road from this point.

However, you could also easily split your time between Brisbane and the Gold Coast over a couple of weeks.

With that in mind, I’ve also put together an entirely separate extensive blog post that really outlines all of what the Gold Coast has to offer, which you can read here.

If you are travelling as a young family, maybe spend a bit less time in Brisbane and focus your attention on the Gold Coast. It is home to Australia’s major theme parks, after all.

Once you are ready to spend a bit more time in the car, it’s time to head across the New South Wales border and down to Sydney.

At this point, you do have two options. If you’ve never driven between Brisbane and Sydney before, I suggest following the Pacific Highway route along the coast.

Firstly it’s a much easier road to drive, but it also has some of the more popular towns to visit along the way, including Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour.

However, if, like me, you’ve done the Pacific Highway drive several times and would like to mix things up or just need an alternate route due to bushfires or floods. The New England Highway offers a great alternative option with a vastly different landscape from what you’ve seen to this point of the trip.

I’ve written that post in the opposite direction, but all the recommendations for towns to stop still apply regardless of which direction you are heading – either way, onwards to Sydney.

Sydney, New South Wales to Adelaide, South Australia

Sydney, as the most populated city in Australia, has plenty to offer before embarking on the next part and, in my opinion, the most interesting landscapes on the way to Adelaide.

I will put together a Sydney-specific blog post detailing all that the city has to offer in the not-too-distant future.

That said, in the interim, you can’t go too far wrong by exploring Darling Harbour, where you will find some of Sydney’s most noteworthy attractions.

I’d also recommend taking at least a day trip (if not a couple of days) out to the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales.

I’ve written a full detailed blog post with all the information to plan and make the most of your time in the Blue Mountains that you should definitely read. But even if you don’t, make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to see the iconic Three Sisters rock formation.

If your travels have you in Sydney during the winter, it also might be worth doing a couple of days’ detour down to the Snowy Mountains region, just south of Sydney.

An extreme contrast to the tropics where we started this itinerary if you’ve never been to the snow before, it’s well worth it. This post details everything you need to know to plan a trip to the Snowy Mountains.

Once you’re done exploring Sydney and the surrounding regions, the next drive on this route actually has you headed inland to Adelaide.

There are a few different roads between Sydney to Adelaide. However, we’re going to focus on the easiest, yet no less interesting, Sturt Highway option for this road trip.

You will need at least two days to complete the drive between Sydney and Adelaide, but I recommend giving yourself three or four days to explore some of the unique sites along the way – especially Mungo National Park. Mildura and the Barossa Valley are noteworthy stops.

Just one thing to keep in mind with this part of the trip is that sections of the drive along the Sturt Highway are very remote and sparsely populated. In particular, the Hay Plains section.

While it’s only a few hours section of the drive, planning a bit ahead for fuel and food stops etc., will make a big difference for this part of the road trip. It’s also worth noting that accommodation can be limited in some of the smaller towns during peak times, so you might need to book ahead to be assured of having somewhere to stay.

Alternatively, if you have no ambitions to head to Adelaide (which would be a real shame), you could instead take the Hume Highway directly to Melbourne, which is covered in detail in this post.

Adelaide, South Australia to Melbourne, Victoria

The most westerly part of this trip, Adelaide, is a massive contrast to the cities you would have seen to this point.

While only a small city in comparison to Brisbane and Sydney, Adelaide, also known as the city of churches, has its own abundance of things to do and is well worth spending at least a week exploring it all before heading towards Melbourne.

Much like the other cities I mentioned earlier in this post, I’ve put all of my best advice for Adelaide into its own blog post .

While you are in the area, you could also check out Victor Harbour to continue to mix things up . If your travels have you in the region during whale migration season (between June and September), it’ll be well worth a couple stopping in for a couple of days.

From Adelaide, you’ve got a couple of choices for heading back to Melbourne, but my strongest advice from this whole itinerary would be to take the most iconic stretches of tarmac that Australia has to offer… The Great Ocean Road.

No road trip around Australia would be complete without driving this stretch of road. And starting that part of the trip from Adelaide is the best way to see all that The Great Ocean Road has to offer. Much more extensive than doing it as a quick day trip out of Melbourne.

The drive can be done in as little as two days, but you’ll really want to give yourself at least a week to take in all the sites in between. Check out my Great Ocean Road blog post for all the details.

If, for whatever reason, you choose not to take the Great Ocean Road route… The Dukes/Western Highway presents a quicker option for the trip between Adelaide and Melbourne.

The alternate route for this part of the drive can be easily done in a single day, but I would recommend that you give yourself an extra one so that you can explore some of the natural wonders contained within the Grampians National Park.

Melbourne, Victoria to Sydney, New South Wales

As one of the major international hubs of Australia (alongside Sydney), it makes perfect sense to end this ultimate east coast road trip in Melbourne.

But before you rush back home, no matter how much you’ve seen of Australia to this point, Melbourne has its unique appeal and is well worth exploring.

I’ve put together a comprehensive guide covering all that Melbourne has to offer, which you can check out here.

With so much to see and do, you will need to give yourself at least a week, probably two, to explore the city properly.

Once you’ve wrapped up everything you want to see in Melbourne, I would also suggest that you make time in your schedule to also make a quick visit down to Phillip Island.

Located just a short two and half hour drive south of the city, Phillip Island is well worth the trip if just to see the iconic Penguin Parade. I will add a dedicated Phillip Island post here shortly.

Now, if by this point you haven’t had enough of the road and would like to continue to explore Australia’s unique and ever-changing landscapes and regional towns. Then you can continue the road trip back to Sydney.

You will have two options, the Hume Highway, which is the quicker option through rural farmlands . While continuing around the coast along the Princes Highway (blog post coming soon) is the far more scenic drive.

Bonus: Tasmania

Want to make your trip down the east of coast of Australia truly comprehensive? Why not take the Spirit of Tasmania over the island state?

I’ve covered everything you need to know about a road trip around Tasmania in this blog post.

How Much Time Do I Need For The Ulitmate Australian Road Trip?

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, there are a couple of ways to approach the ultimate Australian road trip.

If you are looking to see and do as much as possible in the shortest amount of time, you could complete this entire itinerary in as little as two months. However, realistically you should give yourself three to four months to make sure you don’t feel like you’ve just skimmed the surface of what Australia has to offer.

That said, I’ve broken the trip up into sections so that you can split up your ultimate road trip over the course of a couple of trips to make sure you don’t feel too rushed as you complete it.

If you’d like to get more information to help plan your trip to and around Australia…  Check out the rest of my blog posts.

Also, make sure you check out the travel tools that I use the most to help you save some money when booking your next trip.

Keep up to date with all the latest Here, There & Gone! adventures by following along on  Facebook ,  Twitter  and  Instagram .

And if you have a travel-related question, you would like me to answer, head on over to my  contact page  to get in touch and let me know.

Check out these great supporters of Here There & Gone!

Rhys Vandersyde

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7 of the best road trips and scenic drives in Victoria

Posted March 19, 2024

Keen to head on a road trip for some fresh air? These road trips and scenic drives celebrate the diversity of the Victorian landscape, with many not far from Melbourne.

Victoria might be Australia’s second smallest state geographically but that hasn’t stopped it packing some must-see locations into a pint-sized package. Every corner of Victoria offers something new, from desert landscapes to magical rainforests and spectacular ocean vistas, all of which are easily traversed by car and some just a few hours from Melbourne.

Before you leave, ensure that your  car is prepared and safe for your road trip, pack an emergency  car safety kit , and check that you have  emergency roadside assistance  in place .

Seven of the best road trips in Victoria

If you take Melbourne as the starting point, freeways in all directions have you out in open country in no time, and you’re never more than five or six hours from any part of the state.

Here are seven of the best, and most contrasting, drives in Victoria.

The Black Spur

• Where:  Healesville to Narbethong
• Distance:  20 kilometres 
• Time:  Half/full day.
• Because:  It’s the perfect Sunday drive. 

The Black Spur section of the Maroondah Highway connecting Healesville to the Central Highlands isn’t long, but don’t think you can do it in the blink of an eye. 

On its hairpin turns, the winding road allows you to take your time on this drive, and that’s to your advantage, as the majesty of the mountain ash forest you’re enveloped in needs to be absorbed slowly and deeply. 

The towering Mountain Ash trees found here are the highest flowering plants on Earth, and are so tightly packed together, the sun barely penetrates through to the forest floor. And the fern gullies are something else. 

This stretch of road has virtually no places to pull in and admire these giants up close. To do that, simply keep going to Marysville, loop back via the Acheron Way to Mount Donna Buang (a sealed but very narrow road) or return to Healesville and then up into Toolangi State Forest. Glory awaits at every turn. 

Don’t miss:  Marysville. It has regrown from the devastation of Black Saturday, and the forest is slowly but surely doing the same.

The Great Ocean Road

• Where:  Torquay to Peterborough
• Distance:  202 kilometres 
• Time:  One to two days.
• Because:  Show off your state to visitors. 

The popularity of this unique stretch of Victorian coast shows no sign of diminishing; the  Great Ocean Road  is almost as famous as Uluru or the Great Barrier Reef. 

And that’s because the journey itself is the destination. On one side, the Southern Ocean is spectacular no matter what season or time of day. On the other, you’re against sheer cliffs, but only for as long as it takes to round a promontory and dip into holiday havens such as Lorne and Apollo Bay, or pull up at beaches in the likes of Wye River, Skenes Creek or Princetown. And there are those amazing rock formations and coves near Port Campbell. 

But try pulling away from the splendour now and then, for hidden treasures off the main road. 

The region has the best waterfalls in Victoria, so seek out Beauchamp, Triplet or Hopetoun Falls (all near Beech Forest) or Carisbrook (near Apollo Bay). 

When the tide is right, walk out to old anchors embedded in the rocks at Wreck Beach. 

And try the great variety of cheese at Apostle Whey, near Princetown. 

Don’t miss:  A unique stand of Californian redwood trees planted near Beech Forest in the 1930s. Their size and colour are remarkable. 

The Great Alpine Road

• Where:  Wangaratta to Bairnsdale
• Distance:  310 kilometres. 
• Time:  Two to four days.
• Because:  It’s Victoria’s highest road. 

For a good part of the year most traffic on the  Great Alpine Road  uses only a fraction of it, the goal being the ski resorts of Mount Hotham and Falls Creek. 

For the rest of the time, it’s the ultimate Victorian road trip that needs several days to taste its variety. 

Leaving the Gippsland Lakes behind, the road north from Bairnsdale is a steady climb, the bubbling Tambo River an almost constant presence on your right. 

Omeo is a well-preserved gold town, and you’ll find other touchpoints of Victoria’s golden heritage as you approach Mount Hotham, from where the trail to Mount Feathertop is a great walk for the well-prepared hiker. 

The descent to the Ovens Valley is short but steep and winding. If it’s autumn, the foliage colour in Bright is the reward. 

Don’t ignore the side trip up Mount Buffalo, with its array of wondrous rock formations, trails and panoramic views. 

The final stretch flows through classic eucalypt country to Wangaratta. 

Don’t miss:  Milawa, the gourmet capital of the north-east, for its wine, cheese, honey and mustards.

South Gippsland Highway

• Where:  Lang Lang to Wilsons Promontory
• Distance:  140 kilometres. 
• Time:  One day.
• Because:  It’s a beautiful route to a beautiful spot. 

Gippsland is rarely less than captivating, and the road to Wilsons Promontory starts off along the prettiest section of national highway in the state. 

At first you roll through gentle green hills dotted with dairy cattle. The major towns of Korumburra and Leongatha are easily negotiated, and if you haven’t brought your picnic lunch , the Koonwarra Store is renowned for food and wine, or sample the lip-smacking Trulli Woodfire Pizzeria’s fare in Meeniyan. 

Turn off the highway here and head south through Fish Creek and Yanakie as the hills gradually give way to low coastal scrub. At every turn you’re anticipating that first view of the haunting peaks of Wilsons Promontory, the southernmost point of the mainland and one of Victoria’s great natural icons. 

Don’t miss:  Fish Creek, for its great array of art and craft outlets.

Calder Highway

• Where:  Bendigo to Mildura
• Distance:  400 kilometres. 
• Time:  One to two days. 
• Because:  A drive just for the sake of driving. 

You don’t need to go to central Australia to see the Outback. The Mallee is wide, flat and open, just not as red. Along the Calder Highway you’ll find unique traits in each community. 

Inglewood has the intriguing eucalyptus museum, with a working still. Wedderburn’s old general store is a step back in time. At 148 metres above sea level (and just 43 metres above the surrounding town), Mount Wycheproof is the lowest official mountain in Australia. 

Whether in daylight or when the stars are out,  Lake Tyrrell , near Sea Lake, produces mesmerising reflections off its salty surface.

In between, count all the grain silos (and go looking for all the huge  Silo Art Trail  murals) and just enjoy the vastness of this fabulous part of Victoria. 

Don’t miss:  The Bridgewater Bakehouse in Bridgewater on Loddon, where you can find an award-winning  vanilla slice .

Mornington Peninsula

• Where:  Mount Martha to Portsea
• Distance:  40 kilometres. 
• Time:  Half day.
• Because:  It’s a beautiful blend of coastal and woodlands 

Setting off from Mount Martha, you are greeted by sweeping views of the azure waters of Port Phillip Bay, framed by rugged cliffs and golden sandy beaches. As the road winds its way along the coastline, each twist and turn reveals new perspectives of the natural beauty that characterises this region. Passing through quaint coastal villages such as Safety Beach and Dromana, you are enticed by inviting cafes, boutique shops, and pristine stretches of shoreline , perfect for a leisurely stop to soak in the coastal ambiance. 

Continuing along the scenic route, the landscape transitions to the rugged splendour of the Mornington Peninsula National Park, where towering cliffs and windswept coastal heathlands offer a dramatic backdrop to the journey. Arriving in Portsea, the drive culminates in the iconic Portsea Pier, where you can marvel at panoramic views of the coastline and watch as boats bob gently in the harbour.

With its blend of natural beauty, coastal charm, and scenic vistas, the drive from Mount Martha to Portsea epitomises the quintessential Australian coastal experience, leaving indelible memories of the stunning Mornington Peninsula landscape.

Don’t miss:  Authurs Seat, on a clear day, the view stretches out as far as the Melbourne city skyline, the You Yangs and Mount Macedon.

More: The best free things to do on the Mornington Peninsula

Dandenong Ranges 

• Where:  Dandenong Ranges National Park to Silvan Reservoir
• Distance:  21 kilometres. 
• Because:  It’s filled with moments of serenity and awe-inspiring vistas at every turn.

Embarking on a scenic drive through the Dandenong Ranges is a journey of discovery, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty, lush forests, and charming hilltop villages.

As you wind your way through the meandering roads of this picturesque region, you are enveloped by the tranquillity of towering mountain ash trees, fern gullies, and cascading waterfalls. The drive presents an ever-changing landscape, with panoramic vistas opening up to reveal sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and distant city skylines.

Along the route, you encounter quaint villages such as Olinda, Sassafras, and Emerald, each boasting unique boutiques, art galleries, and cafes serving up delicious treats. A highlight of the journey is the opportunity to explore the enchanting gardens and parks that dot the landscape, including the renowned National Rhododendron Gardens and the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens.

As you traverse the winding roads, keep an eye out for native wildlife, including colourful parrots, lyrebirds, and wallabies, adding to the magic of the experience.

Don’t miss:  Spare some time to take a ride on  Puffing Billy - one of Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railways.  

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Ultimate guide to the Silo Art Trail in Victoria (with map)

Silo art has really taken off in Australia. The original Silo Art Trail in Victoria is now one of the most popular road trips in the state. Read on to find out more about this trail, and the vibrant murals breathing life back into tiny regional towns.

While Melbourne is well-known for its street art , many people don’t realise there is equally great art to be found in regional Victoria.

The Silo Art Trail in particular is extraordinary and well worth checking out on any visit to the state.

They’re a melding of history and art, devised to bring tourism to small, regional towns in the area.

And they’ve done just that – international acclaim has brought thousands of travellers flocking to this region of the state, spreading the tourist dollar where it’s most needed.

You can now find these painted silos in several states across Australia – Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales have all jumped on board.

The original Silo Art Trail of Victoria

Like Australia’s ‘Big Thing’ statues , these painted silos can brighten up any road trip.

They provide sights to see along the way, as well as a cause to stop in small country towns that you may otherwise miss.

While the online images of the silos are impressive in themselves, they are something that are worth experiencing in the flesh. Like most art, of course!

This guide covers the original silo art trail in the state’s north-west, located in Wimmera Mallee.

There’s now also a second silo trail in Victoria’s north-east .

This Silo Art Trail road trip itinerary contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may make small commission, at no extra cost to you.

You’ll need a car to get out to see the Silo Art Trail. Renting a car is very straightforward in Australia – I’ve done it more times than I can count.

History of the original Silo Art Trail

There are hundreds of silos littered across regional Australia, some which were built in the 1930s.

Originally used to store grain, abandoned train lines and changes in agricultural practices have forced some to close.

The question then arises – what can then be done with these structures?

Some have been sold to private companies for storage. Others have been turned into telecommunication towers, providing mobile phone reception.

In what may be the most genius idea yet, the town of Mirrool in southern inland NSW has held an annual event since 1992, where there is a competition to boot a footy over the local silo .

Whoever kicks the highest, wins!

And of course, they’ve become blank canvas for artists all over the world to paint large-scale works on their surface.

Where it all began

The silo art trail started in the small town of Brim, in Victoria’s north-west.

GrainCorp, who owns most of the silos in Australia, agreed to allow Brisbane artist Guido van Helten to paint a mural on the 30 metre high decommissioned silos in Brim.

The idea was originally intended to be a small community project, dreamt up by Brim Active Community Group, street art agency Juddy Roller and van Helten.

The mural, depicting four locals (three men and a woman) of unknown identities, were an instant sensation.

While the paintings are impressive and van Helten is beyond talented, it is the melding of everything – the space, the canvas, the backdrop and the sheer size of the artwork that makes them what they are.

As a consequence, in 2016, it was agreed that more silos would be donated by GrainCorp and the trail was born.

The Silo Art Trail today

There are now fourteen scattered across the Wimmera-Mallee region. Alongside Brim, you’ll find them in Patchewollock, Lascelles, Rosebery, Sheep Hills, Rupanyup, Nullawil, Sea Lake, Goroke, Kaniva, Walpeup, Horsham, Arkona and Albacutya.

Two more officially trail murals are planned for Rainbow and Serviceton on the SA/VIC border.

There are also silos in nearby St Arnaud, Avoca and Murtoa, which for some reason aren’t officially part of the trail, but can still be seen as part of this road trip.

Something to note. The silos aren’t a mere hop, skip and a jump from Melbourne.

They’re spaced hours apart and the northernmost painted silo in Patchewollock is about a five hour drive from the city.

The trail being as large as it is now, there’s no way you could see them all in a day trip. However, it does make for an excellent weekend getaway from Melbourne – or a long weekend, if you can wangle it.

Luckily, there’s plenty else to see in this underrated part of Victoria.

Originally 200 kilometres, the trail just keeps growing!

If you want to do the trail justice, consider dedicating three or four days to the trip. Stay in the small towns and spread your tourist dollars where they’re most needed.

When I originally saw the silos, I did it over two days, leaving Melbourne at 10am on a Monday and getting back in around 430pm on a Tuesday.

This was when there were only six on the original trail.

It was a very leisurely journey. With two of us driving, we were able to stop whenever we wished, to grab a pie on the road or have a quick poke through any country town that looked interesting.

Consult this map in plotting out your journey along the trail:

This post forms part of my guide to the best places to visit in Victoria . For more, check out this Melbourne itinerary (written by a local) and other unique things to do in the city . Plus here’s my top tips for road tripping in Australia .

Where does the Silo Art Trail start?

Well, it depends where you’re heading from.

The Victorian Silo Art can be started from Melbourne, Horsham, Ballarat or Bendigo .

Alternatively, you can approach the trail from Mildura, starting in Walpeup and working your way down to Horsham.

If you’re coming over the border from South Australia, you’ll hit either Kaniva or Goroke first.

Here are all the silos on the trail, if you were to navigate along the trail from Melbourne.

Horsham Silo Art

With a shiny new piece of art, Horsham is the best place to start your journey along Victoria’s Silo Art Trail.

In the town’s north you’ll find a work by Smug aka Sam Bates, featuring Wotjobaluk Country man Yanggendyinanyuk, alongside his totem, a Gamaty (Black Cockatoo).

The work is called The Yangga Dyata which means ‘Walking on Country’ and is intended as a legacy to Yanggendyinanyuk.

Location: Hazel Street & Wawunna Road, Horsham

Rupanyup Silo Art

Artist: Julia Volchkova

Rupanyup’s mural is painted by Russian artist Julia Volchkova, who chose two young sports stars as her models.

Ebony Baker and Jordan Weidemann play netball and AFL respectively and are featured here in their sporting attire.

Unlike the rest of the silos on the trail, Volchkova’s work is painted on two large steel grain silos – however, it doesn’t make it any less impressive than the other taller works.

If you’re keen to stretch your legs, walk through town, following the Chainsaw Art Trail. These are a series of works by artist John Brady, intricately carved by I would guess, chainsaw.

Previously, you could also view a work by Volchkova’s assistant Georgia Goodie on the main strip, but when I was last in town (November 2023) it had been removed.

📌 Location: 1 Gibson Street, Rupanyup

Sheep Hills Silo Art

Artist: Adnate

Adnate is a Melbourne-based artist who is known for his work with Aboriginal communities across Australia. His paintings regularly feature members of the Indigenous community and his mural at Sheep Hills is no exception.

It features four Indigenous people (Wergaia Elder, Uncle Ron Marks, and Wotjobaluk Elder, Aunty Regina Hood, Savannah Marks and Curtly McDonald) and the starry sky, which is significant within the local community.

📌 Location: 445 Sheep Hills-Minyip Road, Sheep Hills

Arkona Silo Art

Artist: Sam Bates aka Smug

Head to this small town to see the latest in the Silo Art Trail project.

Smug has painted a fitting and somewhat kooky tribute to local Roley Klinge, which also highlights the importance of tennis in regional communities.

Klinge, a local legend, passed away in 1991. As Smug, who works with photorealism, was unable to photograph him, he came up with another ingenious solution of rendering Klinge onto the tiny town’s grain silo.

Which kinda looks like the cover of a Goosebumps book. I dig it.

📌 Location: 835 Dimboola-Rainbow Rd, Arkona

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Kaniva Silo Art

Artists: David Lee Pereira and Jason Parker

This work joined the trail in 2020.

In it, the two artists have painted a vibrant mural based on nearby Little Desert and its diverse flora and fauna.

The image is of an Australian Hobby (a type of falcon), flying between two colourful orchids.

📌 Location: 31 Progress Street, Kaniva

Goroke Silo Art

Artist: Geoffrey Carran

Birds are a popular theme along the trail.

Artist Geoffrey Carran has painted a mural featuring a kookaburra, galah and magpie, paying tribute to local birdlife.

Quite fitting as the name of this town is the local Aboriginal word for magpie.

📌 Location: Railway St, Goroke

Brim Silo Art

Artist: Guido van Helten

Van Helten’s work is the first of the Silo Art Trail murals, completed back in 2015.

It depicts four members of the local community, although van Helten has kept silent on his model’s identities.

He has stated that he wants the spotlight to stay on the resilience of all members of the small town, who face ongoing hardships such as economic pressure and the devastating effects of climate change.

This mural went on to inspire the original trail (and now other silo art trails) and has become a regional landmark in itself.

📌 Location: 1986 Henty Highway, Brim

Rosebery Silo Art

Artist: Kaff-eine

Kaff-eine completed her mural in late 2017, after assisting Rone with his.

Knowing that her work would be nestled between the monochromatic silos of Brim and Lascelles, Kaff-eine purposefully added colour to her mural, which features a young female farmer on one side and a man in an Akubra having a quiet moment with his horse on the other.

📌 Location: Henty Highway, Rosebery

Albacutya Silo Art

Artist: Kitt Bennett

The brightest silo on the trail is a 2021 addition.

Melbourne artist Kitt Bennett was inspired to create a mural that tells the story of growing up in the country.

The resulting artwork is bright, surreal and somewhat distorted from reality.

📌 Location: Albacutya Road, Rainbow

Walpeup Silo Art

This silo commemorates a 16 year old boy from the town, Harold Thomas Bell (Wickham). Unbeknown to his parents, he lied about his age to sign up for the Light Horse Regiment and was sent overseas to fight in WWI.

The teenager was critically injured in battle and died the next day.

The former town local is commemorated in this vibrant work by artists Julian Clavijo and Camilo Delgado. It features a portrait of the boy, a horse and a galah, set against the backdrop of a brilliant sunset.

📌 Location: 31 Cregan Street, Walpeup

Patchewollock Silo Art

Artist: Fintan Magee

The Patchewollock silo was completed in late 2016 and features local sheep and grain farmer, Nick “Noodle” Hulland.

Magee believed the then 42 year old embodied the typical look of a farmer and so used him as his muse.

Patchewollock has a population of 250 and is 420km north-west of Melbourne, in the Mallee district.

It’s hoped the mural will help slow and perhaps even prevent the decline of the town.

📌 Location: 88 Cummings Road, Patchewollock

Sea Lake Silo Art

Artists: Drapl & The Zookeeper

One of the newer pieces of silo art along the trail can be found in the small town of Sea Lake.

The work of street artists Drapl & The Zookeeper, this vibrantly coloured silo features nearby Lake Tyrrell as its centrepiece. Lake Tyrrell is one of Victoria’s pink salt lakes and its gorgeous.

A young girl swings from the branches of a Mallee Eucalyptus, looking over the lake. A Wedge-tailed eagles soars above her, and nearby, three emus run across the land.

The Boorong People of this area were known to have a strong knowledge of astronomy and a deep connection with the giant salt lake that so beautiful reflects the night sky.

📌 Location: Railway Ave, Sea Lake

Lascelles Silo Art

Artist: Rone

The mural at Lascelles (or “Leigh Sales” as I kept calling it, Australians will get the terrible joke) features Geoff and Merrilyn Horman, whose family has farmed in the area for four generations. A staggering amount of time, one would agree.

I have to say that of all the murals, this one seems to blend in best with its environment.

Lascelles is truly a tiny town, with a population of just 48.

📌 Location: Lascelles Silo Road, Lascelles

Nullawil Silo Art

Artist: Sam Bates aka “Smug”

This addition to the original Silo Art Trail resides in the small town of Nullawil.

This work is by Australian street-artist Smug or Smug One. Smug specialises in photorealism graffiti and is internationally renowned, living in Glasgow, Scotland and working across the world.

This was his second silo art mural (his first is in the town of Wirrabara in SA) and it shows a farmer and his Kelpie. He has now painted several around the country.

The emphasis in this work is on the dog, highlighting the importance of working animals to local farming communities.

This work was completed in July 2019 and I don’t have pictures of it yet, but have plans to get back out there to snap some. Watch this space!

📌 Location: 26 Calder Hwy, Nullawil

Other silos near the trail

Here are a couple of silos in the area you can throw into the mix, which aren’t officially part of the Silo Art Trail.

Artist: Torney

Although not technically part of the trail, this silo art can be seen on the same trip, if you’re feeling particularly ambitious.

Entitled ‘Hope’ the mural is representative of the town’s gold rush history. The local community helped select the design.

A local artist, Torney has several other works located around this town.

📌 Location: 3 McMahon St, St Arnaud

Artist: Smug

The silo art in Murtoa is probably one of my favourites to date.

Smug was apparently inspired by the James Hill taxidermy collection found in the Murtoa Museum.

There are 30 birds can be found on the silo, The unique glowing bird represents the 1 in 30 Australians who suffer from mental health illness.

📌 Location: Soldiers Ave, Murtoa

Depending on your route home, you may be able to glimpse this work by Warrnambool-based artist Jimmi Buscombe.

It’s of the endangered Barking Owl. And it is unique, in that it glows in the dark.

So, visit after sunset to enjoy it in its full glory.

📌 Location: 2 Station St, Avoca

Planned works for the future

There are plans to incorporate two more silos into the OG Silo Art Trail in Victoria.

One will be located in Serviceton, right near the South Australian/Victorian border. It was initially planned for completion in 2022, but has been delayed.

The town of Rainbow will also feature on the trail, eventually, with its very own silo mural. Likewise, this is still in the works.

Please feel free to bookmark or pin this page, as I regularly update it.

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Other places of interest nearby

Country Victoria is full of all sorts of interesting things, both natural and man-made.

If you want to make a real trip out of your journey to see the painted silos of Victoria, there are plenty of other sights you can visit along the way.

Little Desert National Park

This park is popular for birdwatching, hiking and four-wheel driving.

Visit in late winter or early spring to see its blossoms and wildflowers.

With accommodation being slim pickings out here, you could choose to camp beside the Barringgi Gadyin, before continuing your journey along the Silo Art Trail.

It’s worth noting the nearby town of Beulah was the setting for Australian movie ‘The Dry’ starring Eric Bana and based on the book by Jane Harper.

Lake Tyrrell

Lake Tyrrell, also known as the “Mirror Lake” is in the state’s north-west, not at all far from the Patchewollock silo. There’s a salty formation on the lake bed, which gives it a reflective surface.

The lake is around 120,000 years old and is part of the Indigenous Boorong clan’s land. It features heavily in their stories and astronomy.

Tyrrell’s name derives from the Aboriginal word Tyrille, which means “space” or “sky”. Very fitting.

It’s pretty amazing to see, to be honest and there was no one around when we visited in the late afternoon, apart from one couple and about ten billion bloody flies.

You can jump on a tour with a local expert , who can lead you to the best places for photographs at sunrise, sunset and for stargazing at night.

Pink Lake Dimboola

You can also knock off yet another pink lake during your road trip along the Silo Art Trail.

Dimboola’s Pink Lake (Loch Iel Reserve) is right off the highway, an easy side trip to make after seeing the Arkona silo art, on your way to Kaniva.

Discover other pink lakes in Victoria .

Australian Pinball Museum

The Australian Pinball Museum has got to be one of the coolest hidden gems in Victoria.

It’s located in the town of Nhill and as the name suggests, contains a collection of pinball machines and pinball art.

The museum holds the largest collection of pinball machines in Australia, with games dating back to 1932.

Definitely a place worth dropping into during your road trip.

Murtoa Stick Shed

This heritage-listed shed is the first of its kind to be erected in Victoria.

It was built in the early 1940s for emergency grain store during WWII.

It’s now the last grain stick shed in the country. Very much a unique sight to see while travelling along the Silo Art Trail.

Entry is $10 for adults and it’s open daily from 10am-3pm.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

Ballarat is one of the state’s best known towns from the Gold rush era and packs a whole lotta history.

Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum, paying homage to this era of Victoria’s history. It features a replica of a gold mining town, filled with costumed actors and visitors can go panning for gold.

Here are some other things you can get up to in Ballarat .

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

The Grampians as they’re known (Gariwerd is their Indigenous name), are mountains with waterfalls and hiking trails. They’re a great destination to head to if you fancy a day out in nature.

Victoria’s Silo Art Trail is not far from the Grampians at all. If you were heading out there for more than a weekend, you could easily tack on a day spent tramping along trails and taking in the splendour around you (and bird watching too!).

For more, check out my guide to the best waterfalls in Victoria .

Kryal Castle

Kryal Castle is on the way back from the Silo Art Trail, if you’re heading home via Ballarat.

It’s a replica of a medieval castle. There’s a maze, jousting, a wizard’s workroom, archery, pony rides… enough to keep you busy for at least an afternoon.

You can even spend the night there and I can’t even begin to tell you how much I wish to do this.

↠ Book a ticket in advance to Kyral Castle. Or reserve a room , to spend the night in this medieval museum.

Hepburn Bathhouse

This area is known for its mineral spring water, which you can experience at Hepburn Bathhouse .

The spa consists of two sections. General bathing is available in the two mineral pools within The Bathhouse, which can be accessed for between $37-$47 dollars (for an adult), depending on the time and day.

For an upgraded luxury experience, you can book into The Sanctuary, for $79-$99 per adult.

A great place to soak your muscles after all that time spend in the car!

Here are more things to do in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs .

Where to stay on the Silo Art Trail

Most of the towns that feature silo art are tiny, so they don’t have many accommodation options, if any in most cases.

Sea Lake is an exception, with accommodation springing up thanks to interest in the trail and Lake Tyrrell.

Stay the night at the Royal Hotel Sea Lake (where you can also grab dinner) or Skymirror Villa , a guest house in town.

When I drove the trail, I stayed in Horsham, which is about halfway back to Melbourne from Patchewollock. Check in to Comfort Inn Capital Horsham or Golden Grain Motor Inn .

For something completely different, I recommend spending a night at Yarriambiance . There’s a guest house, two tiny houses and a campsite, located about 25 minutes drive from Horsham.

Should you drive the Silo Art Trail?

In short, (although it’s a long trip) the Silo Art Trail in Victoria is a truly unique thing to do.

Even if you can only squeeze in a handful of silos, it’s well worth the trip.

Have you driven the Silo Art Trail? Would you like to?

Need to hire a car for your Silo Art Trail road trip?

Sort your hire car with Rentalcars.com. It’s simple to use and there’s a large selection of cars and providers to choose from.

For more like this, check out my guides to the street art in Adelaide and Perth .

Keen to do this road trip yourself one day? Stick a pin in this post for future reference 📌

This Victoria Silo Art Trail guide contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may make small commission, at no extra cost to you. This goes towards the cost of running this blog. I only recommend goods and services I think are helpful and use myself. Thank you – I absolutely appreciate the support!

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14 Comments

Hi…just to let you know there are two other silo artworks around Devenish / Goorambat – at Tungamah and St James. Coming from Albury/Wodonga, I did all four in a day trip: Tungamah, to St James to Devenish to Goorambat.

Thanks Joanna! Great timing, I actually saw them a week ago, just haven’t got around to updating this post yet. They’re amazing – I think I like the Tungamah one best, but do have a soft spot for kookaburras.

These silos are amazing! I love the art and scale (plus the blue skies!) I need to add this to the bucket list.

We got very lucky with the weather on both occasions. The sheer scale of them is mind boggling! Hope you get to see them soon.

Great post! Silo art has really taken off to showcase our regional areas. Have you been to Maldon, designated First Notable Town in 1966? Most well-preserved 19th Century Streetscape award. Now a thriving rural farming community and tourist town, close to Castlemaine. Worth checking out!

Thanks Marie! I haven’t, will have to make a visit. I have been to Clunes however and fell in love with its streetscape. So many lovely places to explore in VIC!

Did the Silo Art Trail top to bottom 12th July 2019. On our way up to Sea Lake there was a new one been painted at Nullawill(day 6). It was finished on 19th July

Oooh how exciting! Thanks for the heads up Trev. Will have to get back up there and snap some pics.

Beautiful silos at Rochester just north of Bendigo.

Oh I’ve seen pictures! Need to get up there and see it properly.

Thank you Joanna for making the effort of this post. very informative and helpful.

I am working up a trip for my Probus Club in Ballarat and will include your North east silo trail.

Colbinabbin also have added their silo to the artists brush.

Thanks for the tip, Russell. Just looked it up – what a beauty. Hope to see it in the flesh one day.

can also recommend the Spanner Man , Piccoli’s Spanner Sculptures in Boort if you have the time

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18 Best Scenic Drives & Road Trips in Victoria

August 04, 2022 22 min read

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18 Best Scenic Drives & Road Trips in Victoria

Written for Auski by Pink Lemonade Social

Get ready to enjoy some of Victoria's hidden-gem road adventures as we show you to the best and less-travelled routes to explore on your weekends or next vacation! The Great Ocean Road, the Mornington Peninsula, and Grampians National Park are just a few of the popular road journeys in Victoria. There's nothing like getting onto the road and setting off on an adventure. Of course, the drive itself matters more than the final destination. In light of this, we've compiled a list of Victoria's most breathtaking drives, from our well-known, undulating coastal routes to less known routes. Victoria is a small state, yet it's jam-packed with fantastic road trips. There is a road trip in Victoria for everyone, whether you're looking for pristine beaches, ancient villages, scenery and wildlife, or to savour some delectable local food and wine! We're going on a road trip, so call your friends, load the car, and fire it up because here are the 18 best road trips in Victoria for your upcoming driving vacation.

1. North East & Western Victoria Silo Art Trail Scenic Drives

Around Australia, silo art trails have been emerging as the hip new way to take in the scenery and satisfy one's cultural cravings at the same time. One in Victoria's west, is thought to be the biggest outdoor gallery in Australia because it connects six small rural towns across a distance of more than 200 kilometres. Four GrainCorp silos built in 1939 were painted in 2016 by Canberra artist Guido van Helten with an unidentified, multigenerational quartet of men and female farmers. With that move, he changed the atmosphere of the Wimmera Mallee region by connecting Brim with neighbouring towns to create the Silo Art Trail. Nowadays, tourists can drive themselves on the self-guided tour. Stop to savour each region's charms while also marvelling at the area's historic Indigenous roots and its history as one of Australia's most significant grain growing regions.

Victoria's Northeast Art Silo Trail, distance of 132 kilometres. also combines driving and art. The chain of silos and other substantial local structures that make up the Silo Art Trail have been upcycled by street artists into enormous pieces of art. The North East path begins in Benalla, the site of the Wall to Wall street art festival, and travels on to Goorambat, where three grain silos have artwork by Jimmy Dvate. The trail then leads to Devenish, St. James, Tungamah, and the Winton Wetlands while presenting monumental street art.

Image: Instagram/ini_niki_b

Image: Instagram/seekdiscoverevolve

2. Great Ocean Road & Otways Road Trip

Most Victorian road trip lists include The Great Ocean Road at the top, and it should be there for a reason. The Otways, nevertheless, is one of the many regions that line this route that is less well-known. The Cape Otway National Park is a hidden gem among the region's delectable foods, waterfalls, and hinterland. Inside, you'll find Australia's largest remaining marsupial carnivore, the tiger quoll, as well as rocky shoreline, beaches, ferny forests, and rock formations. A pit stop at lake Elizabeth will let you spot sild platypus as well! A must-see in the Otways is Hopetoun Falls plus some of the tallest eucalyptus trees in the world. The 243km Great Ocean Road is so named because it is fantastic, coastal drive. The meandering stretch takes you past high cliffs that look out over an infinite blue sea and through fern-covered eucalypt trees. There are numerous tiny towns along the route where you may stop for coffee and there are also numerous beaches. Take 3 to 7 days to tackle the whole route, with the ideal months being October to April.

From Torquay to Warrnambool, stopping in Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell, Timboon, and Colac along the way, this must-do trip offers breathtaking expanses of coastline. You can cross off a lot of items on your bucket list in just three days while also taking in some breathtaking scenery.

Visit the well-known Bells Beach in Torquay and the Australian National Surfing Museum to discover more about the evolution of the sport. Incredible 360-degree views are available at Teddy's Lookout in Lorne, and you can also go along the Surf Coast Walk to get some fresh air. Otway Fly Treetop Walk, a 600-meter walk that takes place 25 metres above the ground, should be added to your list if you're looking for something a little different. You should definitely visit the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell. The sight of the waves cascading against these slowly crumbling limestone formations is breathtaking. Even though there are now just eight of the twelve apostles left, don't forget to take the necessary selfie with these; they are genuinely amazing! You can also visit Loch Ard Gorge, the location of the most well-known shipwreck.

3. Phillip Island to French Island Scenic Drive

Discover passionate producers, nature-based adventures, and those well-known surf breaks at Phillip Island—could this be the ideal coastal retreat? Yes. especially because it has access to French Island, Victoria's largest coastal island. On this little piece of paradise island, around 100 people reside. About 70% of its 170 square kilometres have been designated as national parks, while the remaining area is privately owned freehold land, including some of Victoria's most upscale real estate. Daily boats from Stony Point connect it to Western Port, which is located just north of Phillip Island. Phillip Island, one of the most well-liked vacation spots, offers a lot to see and do. You can get there in under two hours from Melbourne, so get ready for an exciting road trip. Beautiful beaches spread out along the shoreline, but the primary thing to do in this area is remain until dusk to see the penguins at Phillip Island Nature Park, where they come for their daily stroll from the sea. If possible don’t miss French Island; due to its isolation, French Island has endured the years largely unscathed. The consequence is a flourishing flora and wildlife, including over 100 different varieties of bush orchids, the endangered long-nosed potoroo, and koalas free of the chlamydia disease that decimated the population on the mainland. There are also approximately 300 different bird species.

Image: Instagram/tommywilliams.photography

4. Historic Goldfields Road Trip & Scenic Drive

The other Goldfields town in Central Victoria and former richest city in the world, Bendigo, has been luring visitors from all over the world since the 1850s gold rush despite not having the same renown as Ballarat. The city today honours wealth of a different type as a centre for culture and cuisine. Bendigo was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2019; it is home to numerous wineries, artisan breweries, and speciality food manufacturers, all of which are surrounded by the city's history of stately structures, ancient gardens, avenues, and attractive homes. You can read our Ultimate Guide to Bendigo + Top 15 Things To D o so you can plan ahead before you head out on your trip.

If you’re after a longer drive, tackle the Historic Goldfields route which runs from Melbourne to Echuca, passing through Daylesford, Heathcote, Bendigo and ending at Echuca. Although Echuca is near the boundary with New South Wales, it is only a short drive from Melbourne. While travelling in the approximate direction of the ancient mining path, the Goldfields Track, you'll pass through some of Victoria's most well-known towns and peaceful rural settings. There is a lot to see, especially if you're prepared to take a somewhat detour to explore what the Victorian countryside has to offer, including vineyards, lookouts, and silo art. Explore the greater Mt. Macedon area beginning in Woodend; there are some beautiful, simple treks that offer views of rural plains. Driving via Maryborough, take the Goldfields Track to Castlemaine, where you can pause at some lookouts along the way, like Lang's Lookout and Shepherd's Flat Lookout. A great place to spend the night is Heathcote, which has a huge selection of vineyards. A few of the noteworthy stops in the area include Pink Cliff Reserve, Mt Ida Lookout and Viewing Rock Lookout. Stop in Bendigo after exploring the area around Heathcote. Drive up to Echuca from Bendigo, stopping at Rochester for a stroll and to see out the silo art. Once in Echuca, take a break along the river or rent a houseboat for yourself. Barmah National Park is nearby and well worth a visit if you have the time.

5. The Great Alpine Road Trip

The Great Ocean Road is a road trip you’ve definitely heard about or undertaken before. Now it’s time to meet its chilly, distant, yet equally lovely sibling; The Great Alpine Road Trip. The 339-kilometere journey up Australia's highest year-round accessible sealed road brings Victoria's varied landscapes to life up close. This road runs through forested highlands and—during the winter—snowy summits as it travels from Wangaratta in the west to Bairnsdale in the east. The B500 offers you the chance to meander off and visit areas like Beechworth while passing through scenic towns like Bright and Omeo. The Great Alpine Road is also your ticket to ski destinations like Mount Hotham and Falls Creek during the winter, as the name implies. This road trip is best tackled in summer and over 2 to 5 days. If you intend to go during the winter, be prepared to share this route with enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders who are visiting the close-by resorts at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek! If you go during the warmer months, it's a whole different (but still fantastic) experience. Beginning in Wangaratta, travel to Milawa, Falls Creek, Omeo, Bairnsdale, and then finish at Gippsland Lakes. Falls Creek gives a very different experience during the summer. You can take a stroll across the Bogong High Plains, see the old cattlemen's cottages, practise fly fishing, or rent a boat and paddle around Rocky Valley Lake. Consider going to Omeo, a well-known historic gold town where you can learn a lot about Victorian history. Add the Mount Feathertop route to your list of things to do and tackle this strenuous hike to experience the breathtaking vistas it offers. Keep a look out for the gurgling Tambo River as you make your journey from Bairnsdale to Gippsland Lakes; it will wind alongside you on the left. Once you get there, the lakes have a lot to offer, including Ninety Mile Beach, the chance to see dolphins, fishing, trips to islands, and much more.

6. The Bellarine Taste Trail

Take a culinary tour of the Bellarine Peninsula. One of the nation's most fruitful food bowls is the expansive, sun-drenched landscape that stretches around the Bellarine Peninsula, where local farmers sell everything from olives to cool-climate wines. If you're hungry, plot a route along the Bellarine Taste Trail to find a hidden treasure of a road trip just waiting to be enjoyed. Within short walking distance of the town's centre are several very opulent restaurants that adhere to the farm-to-fork principle. Fish from Port Phillip Bay is sold by White Fisheries the same day it is harvested. Unassuming country road leads to Lonsdale Tomato Farm and their genuine farmgate store. Igni's fire-driven degustation menu earned it recognition as the 2017 Regional Restaurant of the Year in the Gourmet Traveller's national restaurant awards. From their own beehives, Wattle Grove Honey creates goods using pure Australian honey and beeswax. The route runs from Geelong via Drysdale, Portarlington, St Leonards, Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove, and back to Torquay, with more than 50 food and wine stops along the way. One of Victoria's most picturesque villages, Queenscliff is the ideal beach getaway. Visit the local markets, wineries, galleries, and museums. Even 360-degree views are accessible from the Observation Tower. The Bellarine Taste Trail runs for 113 kilometres and best tackled over a couple of days, with summer being the best time to go.

7. Grampians Road Trip

One of Victoria's best national parks, The Grampians, with imposing sandstone mountains and panoramic views is a must for any road trip enthusiasts. The Grampians Road trip from Horsham to Dunkeld is a fantastic opportunity to see the area if you'd prefer to do so from the luxury of your vehicle. You'll pass by the lovely Lake Bellfield and seemingly infinite rugged plains on the other side, while on one side you'll see mountains. Take a roadie through the Grampians beginning in Horsham; the majority of visitors from Melbourne simply drive directly to Halls Gap, take in a few of the local attractions, and then return to Melbourne but it’s not the best route. From the top of the Grampians, drive from Hollow Mountain, and travel south towards Dunkeld really demonstrates what the region has to offer, even though Halls Gap is an amazing tiny town that is absolutely worth the trip. This Victoria road trip is more of a hike-and-drive itinerary and is great outdoor enthusiasts. Take your time, drive leisurely, camp, and, if you can, take advantage of all the lookouts and hikes the route has to offer. With a wealth of walks and hikes in the Grampians as well as Halls Gap, plan to spend a few days to take in the best of the area. The laid-back town of Dunkeld is the ideal place to wrap up your Grampians road journey. With over 200 kilometres of routes and ways to the see the Grampians, you’re sure to have a memorable trip surrounded by breathtaking nature.

Image: Instagram/thegrampians

Image: Instagram/paul_sinclair_photography

8. The Gippsland Coast Scenic Drive

Spanning over 1000 kilometres beginning in Melbourne and ending in Mallacoota, The Gippsland Coast Scenic Drive passes through beautiful locations including Wilsons Prom, Lakes National Park, Briagolong Blue Pools, Tarra Bulga National Park, and Golden Beach. If you've driven the Great Ocean Road several times but aren't tired of coastal road excursions, try heading to Gippsland on Victoria's eastern side. While you can take the detour to Wilsons Prom, see below and enjoy that region with its own scenic drive. Stop at Tarra Bulga National Park which will give you major Jurassic Park vibes after passing Wilsons Prom. Even though this drive offers many breathtaking coastline vistas, remain inland for a while and visit Channels Walk at Avon-Mt Hedrick Scenic Reserve and take a refreshing plunge in the red rock that has been churned by a river. The Blue Pools in Briagolong provide some fantastic rock jumps, free camping, so visit there for another refreshing swim! After that, head to Golden Beach for some serious sand time and plan a stay at Ninety Mile Beach (stopping in Sale if you need supplies). If you have the time, make a side trip to Gippsland Lake Coastal Park and camp there; otherwise, continue travelling in the direction of the Greater Lakes Entrance region. Get a boat to take you to the Lakes National Park if you can, or take the ferry to Raymond Island for limitless koala time — it wouldn't be an Australian road trip without some natural wildlife! Another important stop on the Gippsland road trip is the Snowy River. For a little moment, leave the shore and travel inland via Deddick Valley from the north. For a peaceful place to stay, consider the campground at Little River Junction! Return to the coast through Croajingolong National Park, Gipsy Point, and Mallacoota. You actually get the impression that you are the only person on earth in this location.

9. Lake Mountain Road Trip

The nearest and most reasonably priced Alpine Resort to Melbourne is Lake Mountain, and only 2 hours away. It is the third most popular cross-country site in the world with 30 kilometres of tracks. Most head to Marysville, but there are many reasons to continue driving past Marysville and see the charming alpine region of Lake Mountain, even if the drive to Marysville is a breathtaking road adventure across the Black Spur. One of the closest snow destinations to Melbourne in the winter, Lake Mountain offers many of opportunities for tobogganing, cross-country skiing, and snow play. Other periods of the year, known as the "Green Season," are great for bushwalking, mountain riding, and reconnecting with nature. Lilydale serves as the Yarra Valley's entry point. Travel east on the Maroondah Highway from Lilydale to Healesville, a charming community where you may stop for some wine tasting, a delicious supper, and local shopping before continuing on to Marysville. There are numerous stores and lodging choices, an arts and tourist centre, and the well-known Steavenson Falls to visit. The road to Lake Mountain is clearly marked on the outskirts of town once you've stocked up and relaxed. If you head to Lake Mountain outside of winter you'll find rolling green mountains that are begging to be walked and biked across when the snow melts and the crowds switch from wearing ski boots to board shorts and bikinis. The 20-kilometer descent from Lake Mountain is one of Australia's most gorgeous and adventurous alpine drives, and the area around the town is a haven for hikers, foodies, and market shoppers.

Image: Instagram/innglyss

Image: Instagram/wanderingwally_

10. Lake Eildon and Mt Buller Road Trip

Beginning and finishing in Melbourne, take a 700km road trip to enjoy the wonders of Lake Eildon, Mount Buller, Cathedral Range State Park, and Howqua. With its forests, mountains, lake, and campsites, this route serves as a good introduction to "getting out to nature." This is a great road trip for vacations and weekends away, allowing you to stop and stay where you like. Take the scenic route to Taggerty by passing through Warburton which is a great site place for a hike in the Cathedral Range State Park; the Farmyard has a free hike-in camping. Travel to Lake Eildon from there for a heap of camping, biking, and hiking opportunities! Although you have a choice of where to base yourself, if time is of the essence stay in the lovely Jerusalem Creek Campground and then travel to Jamieson. If you don't have a deadline, stay at various campgrounds around Lake Eildon, enjoy the landscape, and go on excursions like the one to the lake's vantage point, Blowhard Summit. Lake Eildon is on our list of Top Secret Water Sports Spots to Hang in Summer , as it’s a great place for water skiing and wakeboarding . Make sure you travel through Howqua (where there is a free campground called Sheepyard Flat), Mansfield, and Merrijig to reach Mount Buller for some spectacular mountain views along the way. Either take a rest in one of these places or go on to Mount Buller to take in as much mountain splendour as you can. Try the Mt. Stirling summit walk or ascend to a mountain hut like Craig's Hut.

11. Budj Bim National Park Road Trip

Most Victorians aren't familiar with Budj Bim National Park, but they should be. Also known as Mount Eccles, a long-dormant volcano that previously spewed lava up to 50 kilometres towards the sea, goes by the Gunditjmara name Budj Bim. The marshes and waterways were significantly changed, yet 30,000 to 39,000 years later, they are still the same. One of the largest and oldest aquaculture systems in the world is found in the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, which is made up of three interconnected parts and is situated in the traditional territory of the Gunditjmara people in south-east Australia. The Budj Bim National Park is around 300 kilometres west of Melbourne. The Visitor Area and Campground are close to Macarthur and the city closest to the park is Hamilton. All the way to the guest picnic area, the road to Budj Bim National Park is sealed.

Lake Surprise, which emerged from Mount Eccles' crater, provides a picturesque setting and a variety of recreational opportunities. There are places to go camping, hiking, mountain biking, and 4WDing, as well as chances to go fishing and see birds. The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is the first Australian site on the UNESCO World Heritage List that has been officially recognised for its unique Aboriginal cultural values. With an eel farming tradition that dates back more than 6,000 years, it also has the oldest surviving example of aquaculture in the entire globe. Since 1999, Budj Bim Cultural Tours has been highlighting the significant history of the Gunditjmara people. Visit the ruins of a settled lifestyle, including the first and largest freshwater stone aquaculture system in Australia, as well as circular stone homes.

12. Port Phillip Bay Loop Scenic Drive

You can travel a complete 230km loop around Port Phillip Bay thanks to ferries! On a leisurely drive around Port Phillip Bay, take in everything from picturesque beaches and historic communities to the local fauna and breathtaking coastal scenery. Enjoy farm-fresh foods, taste world-class wines, and pass the time in cafes, restaurants, and bars. You can start and end your trip in Melbourne, and you can go in either direction while using the Queenscliff - Sorrento Car and Passenger Ferry to cross Port Phillip Bay. Its recommended to head to Queenscliff, and return to Melbourne from Sorrento. Leave Melbourne in the direction of Geelong and when you arrive in Geelong, stroll around the vibrant waterfront and take a look at the caricature bollards before sitting down for a delectable seafood lunch or dinner. Continue on to Queenscliff to try regional wines at establishments like Jack Rabbit Vineyard, which boasts a renowned restaurant with breathtaking views of the coast, or Scotchmans Hill. Take a trip to Portarlington for lunch at one of the many fantastic cafés there, or purchase fresh mussels right off the pier and cook them on the beach. The lovely ancient beach village of Queenscliff is the next stop. Discover the historic fort as well as the top-notch stores, galleries, and eateries. Choose from a variety of lodging options, including gorgeously renovated hotels from the nineteenth century. The auto and passenger ferry that often crosses the water each day departs from Queenscliff.

Take a detour to adjacent Point Lonsdale to explore the lighthouse, sheltered beach, and choppy Bass Strait seas on foot. Take the ferry across the water to the Mornington Peninsula to begin your second leg of the adventure there. Spend some time in Sorrento, where stunning limestone structures from the nineteenth century hold top-notch restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and speciality stores. Surfing at Sorrento's ocean beaches, swimming with dolphins and seals on a tour or boat ride, or casting a line out on a fishing cruise in the bay are all options. Take a break for a few hours in the nearby town of Portsea and relax with a beverage on the lawn of the renowned Portsea Pub, which offers sweeping views of the bay. Explore the ruins of Victoria's coastal defence at Fort Nepean by taking a stroll out to Point Nepean.

Returning to the north, follow the coast until you reach Rosebud. From there, cross the peninsula to go to Cape Schanck. As you stroll along the boardwalks, you can admire the Bass Strait's ferocious surf in all its glory. Take a tour of the famous Cape Schanck Lighthouse if you have some spare time. Travel inland to Arthurs Seat, which offers breathtaking views of both the bay and the city. Drive through Main Ridge, Merricks, and Red Hill, stopping for lunch and tastings at wineries. Stock up on organic seasonal produce at farm stands across the area, or visit the renowned Red Hill market on the first Saturday of each month (September to May). Return to the beach road after exploring Red Hill, then stroll back to Melbourne while admiring the seaside vistas.

13. Mornington Peninsula & Arthurs Seat Road Trip

If taking in the coast of Port Phillip Bay sounds enticing, but you’re not up for the full loop, then take the wheel and embark on a self-drive tour of the Mornington Peninsula, which is the size of a postage stamp yet is packed with beautiful coastline scenery, quaint villages, vineyards, and championship golf courses. The Arthurs Seat Eagle, where you can obtain a bird's-eye perspective of the area and beyond, should be your first trip on the Mornington Peninsula. Embark on a cutting-edge gondola ride through the state forest as you ascend to the peninsula's highest point, taking in views of nearby wildlife and metropolitan landmarks. Go to the rocky portion of the peninsula, at Flinders where Bass Strait and Westernport Bay converge. Spend time strolling through the peaceful village, stop by Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie for a sweet treat, and enjoy the sound of the waves lapping at the beach, chow down on a memorable meal or soak it up and relax at the hot springs.

Image: Instagram/@lisamilne

14. Pink Lakes & Murray Sunset National Park Road Trip

The Pink Lakes are situated on the edge of Victoria's own outback, Murray Sunset National Park. In a fast-paced world, it offers an opportunity to return to nature because it is immaculate and unspoilt. Because of the high salinity and algae that love salt, the pink colour of the water at Pink Lakes varies hourly depending on the cloud cover above. The pinks are typically most noticeable on cloudy days, and at other times, they have a more fairy-floss-like tint. This unspoilt area, which is referred to as Victoria's own piece of the outback, is the ideal place to immerse yourself in nature and spend a few days doing so. The discharge of a red pigment known as carotene into the water causes Becking, Crosbie, Roulton, and Kenyon Lakes to all turn a vibrant pink in the spring.

The Pink Lakes are home to a wide variety of animals and plants. If you're a bird watcher, pack your guidebook since there are many vibrant and elusive species to find. Keep an eye out for the red kangaroos and the Murray Lily flower. The area has several lovely treks for bushwalkers, especially in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. Murray Sunset National Park is regarded as a paradise for astronomy enthusiasts. Make a night of it by reserving a campground to take in the nighttime show.

Your Victorian bucket list should include The Pink Lakes since they are a sight not to be missed. You can start your journey in Melbourne and make a detour in Bendigo en route to Murray Sunset National Park, where you can see this magnificent sight. This 560km road trip is best undertaken over a couple of days, and springtime is the best time to go. You may spend a day or two in the gold rush town of Bendigo and travel back in time. Visit the Golden Dragon Museum, Bendigo Art Gallery, Bendigo Chinese Gardens Reserve, and the Central Deborah Gold Mine for cultural experiences. For more amazing things to do in Bendigo read our Ultimate Guide to Bendigo + Top 15 Things To D o. You can use it as a pit or can contentedly remain there on your own for a few nights before continuing on to Murray Sunset National Park.

15. Macedon Ranges Road Trip

The Macedon Ranges offer one strange distinction that cannot be found anywhere else, while not being as well-known as some of the others on our list. The optical illusion landmark known as Straw's Lane, also known as Anti-Gravity Hill, is sporadic throughout the world. The phenomena is the world's most southern Gravity Hill; a location where vehicles seem to defy gravity's laws and roll skyward. When the horizon is either obscured or curved, or when there is a false horizon, it might be challenging to determine the slope's gradient. Your perception of the landscape changes as your eyes adjust. Visit Straw's Lane, which is located just south of the intersection with Romsey Road, to see it for yourself. Plan your route to include a stop in Woodend, which is renowned for the distinctive Hanging Rock.

After Woodend, go to Kyneton in the north, and then stop by a few of the Macedon Ranges' smaller towns. Visit Hanging Rock Winery, Cloud 9 Farm, and the other wineries that can be located along country lanes and highways while passing the Cobaw State Forest and seeing gorgeous wilderness. To see the natural splendour of the Macedon Ranges, start in Woodend and travel to Riddells Creek through Mount Macedon and Gisborne. Drive along charming winding lanes and stroll amid towering mountain trees. Return to Woodend from Riddells Creek by way of Romsey, Lancefield, Newham, and Hanging Rock. As you travel, pick up produce from the villages, and stop for a picnic.

Image: Instagram/visitmacedonranges

Image: Instagram/discoverdindi

16. Black Spur Drive

The Black Spur Drive's eerie, tranquil drive through the tall, lean galleries of Mountain Ash is remarkable. The winding and steep Black Spur drive winds through the rich rainforest sceneries of the Yarra Ranges from Healesville in the south to Narbethong in the north. With its 27-kilometer twists of soaring trees and breathtaking valley views, it connects the Yarra Valley with the mountainous regions around Marysville. This is a popular day trip from Melbourne, and picturesque especially in Spring and Autumn. There is a picnic area with restrooms called Fernshaw at the foot of the Black Spur. Dom Dom in Marysville State Forest is a short distance away and contains a few essential amenities as well. Make a stop to see the local wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary before starting your Spur experience.

The Yarra Valley, which is surrounded by farms and rows of crops, is located in the picturesque Victorian countryside, so avoid being the designated driver and take some pit stops at a few of the wineries on offer!

17. High Country Victoria Scenic Drive

If you plan to visit Healesville or Black Spur Drive and are after a longer venture, then the 550 kilometre High Country Victoria Scenic Drive is probably for you. Beginning at Healesville and ending at Mt. Hotham, you’ll pass through Bright, Falls Creek, Mt. Hotham, Alpine National Park, and Mount Buffalo. Since there isn't a straight route from the city, getting to Victoria's High Country can be a challenge, but the trip is completely worthwhile. Depending on what you're after, the High Country road trip is fantastic in both the summer and the winter. A good combination of rural and forest landscapes can be found by starting in Healesville and continuing past Toolangi. One benefit of this route is the abundance of charming lookouts that are close by and accessible by car, making them the ideal location for a little halt, rejuvenate, and survive on a Victorian road trip.

Visit the Mount Wombat Lookout before taking a bath at Woolshed Falls. Make the best of all the drive-able lookouts along the way, particularly Murmungee Lookout and Mount Stanley Lookout, as you travel on the lovely alpine road from Woolshed to Mount Buffalo National Park. There are countless outdoor adventures waiting for you once you arrive in Bright or the larger Mount Buffalo area. Mount Bogong, Victoria's tallest mountain, can be climbed, or you can swim at Ladies' Bath Falls. At Mount McLeod, you can even venture off the usual path. In Mount Buffalo and Alpine National Park, there are a tonne of fantastic 4WD trails you can take.

As you continue to enjoy the mountain views, turn towards Falls Creek and Mt. Hotham. You could even hike up to Johnston's Hut, or partake in any of the numerous hikes in the high country. Keppel Lookout, Steavenson Falls (Victoria’s Highest Waterfall), Ned’s Gully Track are just some of the 20 Best Days Hikes from Melbourne . If you’re looking to get the blood pumping, read our guide to Outdoor Activities in the High Country .

Image: Instagram/seehighcountry

Image: Instagram/the_happycampers

18. Wilsons Prom Road Trip

A popular destination for both tourists and locals, Wilsons Promontory (Prom) is a peninsula that makes up the southernmost point of the Australian mainland. Kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and wild wombats are all there in abundance for those who love wildlife spotting. Squeaky Beach is a must-visit if you prefer beaches with only fine white sand! Discover some spectacular boulder-like rock formations near Whiskey Bay as well, and take in the breathtaking surroundings. There are sights to see and stops that are worthwhile on the road to the Wilsons Prom. If you're into the outdoors, you should drive pass through Tooradin, a charming fishing community that's a good place to go fishing in Victoria where you can enjoy the crisp ocean air, and stroll along its tranquil inlets. Once you arrive at Loch, you can walk along the wooden bridge before continuing to drive. Koramburra, a centre for South Gippsland's attractions, is a great next stop and a community that was formerly colonial that has a long coal history. The town is renowned for its beautiful murals as well.

Continue on your way to Meeniyan, a little village with a historic hotel, and then further south to Leongatha. From there, it takes around 60 kilometres to go to Foster, the last township before Wilsons Promontory. Food can be purchased there in stores which is advisable as the Tidal River Visitor Center just has a small grocery store with a limited selection. Follow the route out of Foster to Yanakie, then continue on to Tidal River, where you may park your car and begin your treks or check into your lodging.

People primarily visit Wilsons Prom for the purpose of walking, hiking and animal viewing. No other national park compares to Wilsons Promontory's beauty when it comes to wildlife interactions and walking routes. It's one of those places you can visit repeatedly without growing bored of. There are more than 20 walking trails, ranging from short, easy strolls to lengthy hikes that last many days and nights. The primary camping area at Wilson Promontory is Tidal River.

Start planning your weekends, public holidays and vacations in advance, and tick off the best road trips in Victoria!

If you know another road trip in Victora, get in touch and we can add it to our list, and remember to share your camping photos with us on Facebook & Instagram !

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