Road trip Victoria: 12 of the best road trips in Victoria (VIC)

posted on August 16, 2023

Looking to hit the road and visit Victoria behind the wheel of your own (or someone else’s) car? From historic towns to incredible food and wine, Victoria’s compact size means you can easily cover a stack of must-see locations in just a few hours of driving.

From world class coastline to the rolling green mountains of central Victoria, the state offers impeccable driving roads and plenty of easy day trips from Melbourne. Not sure which one of Victoria’s road trips to tackle first? We’ve rounded up your ultimate guide to the best road trips in VIC, with many itineraries and destinations just a short drive from Melbourne.

Hero’s Toyota Landcruiser in Melbourne, available on Turo – is this the perfect car for a Victoria road trip?

Overview of Victoria’s best road trips

As one of Australia’s most diverse states, Victoria is brimming with national parks, incredible local, abundant local wildlife, and a rugged coastline.

The biggest challenge will be picking where to visit first, from the Great Ocean Road to Victoria’s high country or even the Grampians National Park.

Ready to plan your dream Victorian road trip? In this complete guide to Victoria’s best road trips, get ready to discover:

One-day road trips from Melbourne

Short on time? While Melbourne is one of Australia’s most vibrant cities with plenty of cultural and dining destinations to enjoy, there’s plenty of reason to hit the road and venture beyond the city’s laneways.

Visit Victoria and plan the perfect day trip from Melbourne with these must-see spots.

Daylesford

Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Distance from Melbourne: 113km (via National Highway M8)

Located just an hour and a half from Melbourne is historic Daylesford, situated in the heart of spa country in Victoria. In fact, over 80% of Victoria’s mineral springs are located in the Shire of Hepburn, with Daylesford proving the perfect day trip for spa lovers and wellness fans.

Visit the Hepburn Bathhouse and Sap for a relaxing soak, venture to Trentham Falls (boasting the longest single drop fall in Victoria) and stroll around Lake Daylesford and Jubilee. End your day with a classic country pub feed at The Farmers Arms (and stay for a night at their Art Motel).

Top stop: For an elegant countryside dining experience in Daylesford, book a table at Sault Restaurant. Set on a scenic 100-acre estate with lavender fields and lake views, this refined restaurant serves seasonal Modern Australian fare in one of Victoria’s most picturesque settings—a dreamy spot to pause your road trip and savour a long lunch or romantic dinner.

Yarra Valley

Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Distance from Melbourne: around 72km

Want to sip Australia’s best pinot noir and sparkling wines? Don’t miss a road trip to the Yarra Valley, a world class wine growing region less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne.

With over 70 wineries to explore, this is the perfect day trip destination for food and wine lovers (just make sure to have a designated driver in your car). Enjoy award winning drops and incredible local food and produce before heading over to Healesville Sanctuary (home to over 200 species of native animals and birds).

Top stop: Among the Yarra Valley’s many wineries, Medhurst Wines stands out as one of the finest. Tucked into the rolling Warramate Hills, this boutique estate blends striking modern architecture with breathtaking natural beauty. Follow the winding driveway to a serene cellar door, where you can sip estate-grown wines while admiring intriguing sculptures, manicured grounds, and sweeping vineyard views—a perfect Yarra Valley escape.

Tip from the author: If you have some time to spare, make the trip to the nearby Dandenong Ranges, brimming with walking trials, scenic driving roads and renowned gardens.

Mornington Peninsula

Drive time: roughly one hour
Distance from Melbourne: 76km via the M! and Mornington Peninsula Freeway

Situated an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is packed with seaside towns, sprawling vineyards and natural trails waiting to be explored. While it might be small, the Mornington Peninsula packs a punch with plenty to eat, see and do.

Unwind at the Peninsula Hot Springs (brimming with natural thermal mineral baths), get up close and personal with marine life in the waters of Portsea Pier and Port Phillip Bay and get the blood pumping with a hike in the Mornington Peninsula National Park.

Bright

Drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Distance from Melbourne: 321km via National Highway M31

Want to experience a quintessential Victorian high country road trip? Bright is a popular holiday spot located an easy three-and-a-half hour drive from Melbourne via the National Highway M31.

Road trip from the city to the country and enjoy a Pedal to Produce cycling tour, take a hike along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and grab a bite to eat from Ginger Baker Cafe.

Tip from the author: If you plan to visit in late April or early May, don’t miss the Bright Autumn Festival, offering food stalls, street music and a grand parade.

Wilson’s Promontory National Park

Drive time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Distance from Melbourne: 196km via the M1 and A440

Journey to the southernmost point of mainland Australia with a picturesque road trip from Melbourne to Wilson’s Promontory National Park. Just over a three-hour drive, expect remote bushland trails, secluded campsites and sparkling beaches.

Nature lovers will be treated to Victoria’s largest marine national park, along with untouched beaches (including Squeaky Beach, Cotters Beach and Fairy Cove).

Make sure to visit during the summer months (December to February) to cool off in the water and soak up the sun on a hike. With no entry fee and an easy drive back to Melbourne, this is definitely a must-see spot to add to your Victorian road trip lists.

Phillip Island

Drive time: 2 hours
Distance from Melbourne: 143 km via the M1

Want to experience Victoria’s largest coastal island? Head to Phillip Island, an easy two hours by road from Melbourne. Take the Monash Freeway to the South Gippsland Highway before turning onto the Bass Highway and then Phillip Island Road, offering a scenic journey through Victoria’s diverse landscapes.

Once you arrive at Phillip Island, explore the Koala Conservation Reserve, watch the adorable penguin parade or even take a trip to the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory.

Three-day road trips in Victoria

If you’ve got a few days up your sleeve, visit Victoria and plan a multi-day road trip from Melbourne.

The Great Ocean Road

Drive time: 9 hours 30 minutes
Driving distance: 664km
Itinerary:
- Day 1 – Melbourne to Apollo Bay: 187km, 3 hour driving time
- Day 2 – Apollo Bay to Port Fairy: 189km, 3 hours driving time
- Day 3 – Port Fairy to Melbourne: 281km, 3 hours 30 minutes driving time

Ready to tackle on of Victoria’s most scenic road trips? This three-day trip along the Great Ocean Road takes you from the surf capital of Torquay to the famous 12 Apostles and ends at the fishing town of Port Fairy.

Along the way, you’ll encounter surf beaches, lush rainforests, incredible lookouts and the best regional dining spots in Victoria. Don’t miss a dip at Bells Beach, a tour around the Australian National Surfing Museum or a koala encounter at the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. There’s no shortage of native Australian animals on this epic coastal road trip.

Gippsland road trip

Drive time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Driving distance: 493km
Itinerary:
- Day 1 – Melbourne to Walhalla: 184km, 2 hours 30 minutes driving time
- Day 2 – Walhalla to Sale: 93km, 1 hour 15 minutes driving time
- Day 3 – Sale to Melbourne: 216km, 2 hours 39 minutes driving time

Ready to tackle Victoria’s vast eastern corner? Across three epic days, find rolling green mountains, lush farmland and quaint seaside towns throughout the Gippsland region.

Kick off day one with a stop in a Cannibal Creek Vineyard (boasting delicious Gippsland cheese and famed pinot noir) before pushing on to the historic township of Walhalla, which was once one of Victoria’s richest cities.

Spend day two exploring Morwell (boasting one of the largest public galleries in easter Victoria) before making your way to Sale (one of the largest regional centres in Gippsland).

Your final day offers a range of possibilities, such as exploring one of the region’s best national parks (such as the Gippsland Lake Coastal Park, Great Lakes National Park, Croajingolong national park or Tarra Bulga National Park) or visiting the town’s centre at Yarragon or Neerim South.

Top Tip: Plan the ultimate Gippsland road trip with The Middle of Everywhere, a platform that helps travellers uncover the region’s best-kept secrets, from breathtaking mountains and pristine beaches to vibrant arts and cultural experiences. With visitor information centres in Port of Sale, Yarram, and Maffra, you’ll have access to expert advice on Gippsland’s diverse landscapes, local events, and unique communities, ensuring you experience the best of what this region has to offer.

3-day Grampians getaway

Drive time: roughly 3 hours (one way)
Distance from Melbourne: 254km (one way)
Itinerary:
- Day 1 – Melbourne to Grampians National Park: 254km, 3 hours driving time
- Day 2 – Exploring the Grampians – no driving required
- Day 3 – Grampians National Park to Melbourne : 254km, 3 hours driving time

Ready to tackle the ultimate Grampians road trip? This epic mountain range offers endless outdoor adventure and rich Aboriginal cultural history. This popular road trip from Melbourne is best explored over three days, giving you time to tackle famed hikes (such as walk to The Pinnacle Lookout).

Head inland from Melbourne and base yourself at Halls Gap, a tourist centre located within the national park. From there, you can tackle epic hiking trails, explore historic wineries or even take a silo art tour.

Five-day road trips in Victoria

The Great Alpine Road

Drive time: 5 hours (one way)
Drive distance: 339km (one way)

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and tackle one of Victoria’s best dirving routes, the Great Alpine Road. Spanning from Wangaratta to Metung, you’ll traverse Australia’s highest year-round accessible sealed road, covering the likes of Oven Valley to Mount Hotham to the Gippsland Lakes.

Tip from the author: While you can tackle this trip in three days, I recommend taking your time and extending to five days for a relax driving experience.

The first leg of driving covers Wangaratta to Bright (with a stop in at the scenic Mount Buffalo National Park for mountain biking or skiing during the winter months).
Leg two takes you from Bright to the histoic old gold town of Omeo, climbing up through Victoria’s highest alphine village, Mt Hotham. End your day with sweeping vistas across the snowy mountains of Alpine National Park.
Leg three covers Omeo to Metung, taking you through the bustling Gippsland Lakes (fringed by the Ninety Mile Beach).

Photograph of the Great Alpine Road, taken in Bright, VIC

Melbourne to Sydney road trip

Drive time: 20 hours via the Coastal Route
Distance from Melbourne: 1432km

Want to experience the best of Australia’s east coast? Take the epic road trip from Melbourne to Sydney via the scenic coastal route and get ready for five days of dramatic landscape, rugged surf beaches and pristine waterways.

If you’re driving from May to September, make a stop at Eden for spectacular whale-watching opportunities. Plus soak in the best of the NSW South Coast by visiting the white sand beaches of Jervis Bay, taking a dip at Mollymook and even visiting the iconic blow holes at Kiama.

Read our full guide on the Melbourne to Sydney road trip here.

Great Southern Touring Route

Drive time: around 13 hours
Driving distance: 842km
Itinerary:
- Day 1 – Melbourne to Apollo Bay: 187km, 3 hours
- Day 2 – Apollo Bay to Port Fairy: 189km, 3 hours
- Day 3 – Port Fairy to Halls Gap: 158km, 2 hours 30 minutes
- Day 4 – Halls Gap to Ballarat: 142km, 2 hours
- Day 5 – Ballarat to Melbourne: 166km, 2 hours 30 minutes

Ready for the ultimate Victorian road trip? Combining the best of the Great Ocean Road and the stunning Grampians National Park, the Great Southern Touring Route offers a spectacular five-day itinerary from Melbourne.

Begin your trip on the coastline and soak in views of the 12 apostles and venture to Warnambool on Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. Leave the charming fishing town of Port Fairy and head inland to the rugged sandstone mountain ranges of the Grampians.

Make sure to stop in at MacKenzie Falls (one of Victoria’s largest waterfalls) before venturing to Ballarat, city brimming with rich gold mining history. Make a short detour to the nearby town of Hepburn Springs for a soak at the bathhouse before taking a drive back to Melbourne.

Dog-friendly day trips in Victoria: 8 places to take your dog

Planning to hit the road with your pooch in tow? Here are eight epic dog-friendly experiences and places to visit by car in Victoria.

Visit a dog-friendly beach on the Great Ocean Road

Venture along the Great Ocean Road and make a bee-line for one of the many dog-friendly beaches dotted along the coast. Whites Beach and Fishermans Beach in Torquay are great options, along with North Lorne Beach and Mouth Beach in Aireys Inlet.

Tip from the author: Make sure to check the signs before you hit the sand, as some beaches might have restrictions about when dogs can enter the beach during peak season.

Why not pull into the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse in Apollo Bay for a brew in their dog-friendly beer garden afterwards?

Harkiran’s Kia Carnival in Melbourne – whether you’re road tripping in Victoria with family or friends, this car will fit the entire squad.

Enjoy a wine tour in the Yarra Valley

Venture to the Yarra Valley and take part in a private Pooches & Pinot wine tour. Run by Yarra Valley locals, this experience is completely tailored to you, allowing you to nominate whether you’d like to sample wine, gin, beer, cider or anything in between.

Take a paddle steamer in Echuca

Just a three-hour drive from Melbourne, Echuca is the ultimate pet-friendly day trip. Our tip? Book in for a cruise on a historic paddle steamer with your pooch. Cruise along the river with your four-legged friend before taking a stroll along the Murray River.

Go back in time at Beechworth

Hit the road and head to historic Beechworth, an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne. Explore the town’s historic buildings, explore the Beechworth Historic Park (on-leash dogs are welcome) and visit the Chinese Gardens.

Ride a vintage tram around Bendigo

Located in the gold-mining town of Bendigo, you’ll find the Vintage Talking Tram Tours. Not only does this tour give you an incredible insight into the town’s gold rush history, but you’re able to bring your dog along for the ride.

Explore an old-fashioned steam train on the Victorian Goldfields Railway

Grab your pooch and leash and experience the best of central Victoria’s history at the Victorian Goldfields Railway. Running every Wednesday and Sunday (except in February), book a seat in the Excursion class carriages and enjoy this historic activity in Walhalla.

Visit the Blue Pools in Gippsland

This pristine waterhole and gorge near Briagolong is 30 minutes from Sale in the Gippsland region. The Blue Pool is open to dogs, providing the perfect spot to take a dip or even set up camp for the night.

Experience the Silo Art Trail

Head to country Victoria and visit the iconic Silo Art Trail, running across 200km from Rupanyup to Patchewollock. Keep your pooch on a leash and explore these incredible outdoor art exhibitions.

Hidden places to visit in Victoria by car

Take the road less travelled and beat the crowds at these hidden gem locations dotted across Victoria (best explored behind the wheel of your own ride).

Cape Otway National Park

Situated just off the Great Ocean Road, the Cape Otway National Park offers an incredible mix of sandy beaches, ferny gullies and flowing waterfalls. Pack a picnic, set up camp for the night or tackle the mountain biking trails.

Phillip Island to French Island

Did you know you can catch a quick ferry between Phillip Island and French Island? This island paradise is mostly considered a national park, with the rest considered privately owned freehold land. Expect an untouched coastal gem, boasting hundreds of native bird species, endangered potoroos and koalas roaming free.

Bendigo

Just over a two-hour drive from Melbourne, experience the beauty of Bendigo, a town with a rich history dating back to the 1850s gold rush. Pop into the famed regional Bendigo Art Gallery or enjoy a taste of the region’s incredible food and wine producers.

Tip from the author: If you have time to spare, I recommend visiting the nearby Barmah National Park (boasting the largest River Red Gum forest in the world).

Bellarine Taste Trail

Less than two hours from Melbourne you’ll find the Bellarine Taste Trail, located on the stunning Bellarine Peninsula. As Australia’s most fertile food bowl, expect everything from fine-dining restaurants to cool-climate wines as incredible local producers. This is a must-see foodie hot spot.

Top stop: For a blend of history and modern luxury, visit the Portarlington Grand Hotel. This historic yet elegantly refurbished hotel offers tastefully furnished rooms and an exceptional dining experience. Enjoy a relaxing stay, savour a meal, and soak in the local charm while taking in stunning bay views.

Lake Mountain

Want to hit the slopes and experience cross country skiing? Head to Lake Mountain, the closest and most affordable alpine resort to Melbourne. After a short two-hour drive, you’ll be treated to plentiful skiing, snowshoeing and sledding opportunities during the winter months (June to August).

Budj Bim National Park

With it might be a longer four-hour drive, a trip to Budj Bim National Park is well worth the visit. Recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List, make sure to soak in the dramatic volcanic features of this national park with a scenic hike, guided tour or by cycling the Budj Bim Trail.

Murray Sunset National Park

Renowned for its famous Pink Lakes, the Murray Sunset National Park offers some of the best sunsets in the world. Located in northwest Victoria and rubbing shoulders with the South Australia border, this destination requires an epic 6-hour and 45-minute drive. But you’ll be treated to the best of Western Victoria’s landscapes and regional towns along the way.

The Macedon Ranges

Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne is the Macedon Ranges, offering nine unique, historic townships. Don’t miss Straws Lane (a.k.a. Anti-Gravity Hill), offering an awe-inspiring optical illusion where cars appear to roll upwards.

Black Spur Drive

This short 30-minute drive will take you through the lush forest landscapes of the Yarra Valley. Black Spur Drive begins in Healesville, taking you through to Narbethong via the Maroondah Highway.

Tip from the author: Don’t miss this incredible scenic driving road if you’re planning to visit the Yarra Ranges National Park or Maroondah Reservoir Park.

Advice from a local

To make sure we covered all of the must-do road trips in Victoria, we asked Victorian local Isobelle Blair for her top road trip destinations around the state. Here is what she had to say:

Growing up, I explored (and lived all around) Victoria – there are so many amazing places to visit if you know where to go!

Port Fairy: There is so much to do – a folk festival, lots of water activities (including paddle boats), and plenty of quaint local restaurants and fish and chip shops! Also check out the Port Fairy lighthouse – along the walk, we saw seals!
You Yangs: Do a day hike to the top of the mountains – this is a family favourite of ours (with lots of kid friendly ‘rock climbing’ to be done) and is a great destination for a picnic.
The Great Otway National Park: Check out the Otway Fly Treetop Walk – they’ve built a must see walkway through the forest treetops!
Philip Island: This is one of my favourite destinations, whether you want to surf, see Fairy Penguins, or just enjoy the surfer town vibes.
Timboon: Check out the Camperdown Timboon Rail Trail (biking and walking path). It covers an old rail line, including a trestle bridge, an intriguing piece of history. The full walk is almost 8 hours but you can also walk a smaller section of it if you prefer! This is a great nature walk, with cows and horses along the way (as well as koalas, if you’re lucky).

Final tips for the road trip of a lifetime

Ultimately, Victoria offers some of the best driving roads and scenic trips to tackle by car. Whether you’re after a day trip or a multi-day itinerary, there’s something for everyone in Victoria.

Want to secure the perfect ride for your Victorian road trip? With Turo, you’ll find unique cars you can’t find anywhere else, ready to be delivered to you from a local Turo host. Find your perfect ride on Turo, whether you want to hire a car in Melbourne, Geelong, or beyond.

Do you want to start your car-sharing business? With Turo, you can sign up online in minutes and start earning income from your spare ride. Find out more and list your car on Turo.

Share your car, earn extra cash

Cover your car payments or earn some extra cash by sharing your car whenever you’re not using it.

Get started

Hit the road

Browse thousands of cars for every occasion and budget near you, or wherever you’re going.

Browse cars

Lucinda Starr

Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.

Tags: