Melbourne is famous for its laneways, coffee culture, and buzzing arts scene, but here’s a secret: the real adventure starts once you leave the city limits. Within just a few hours’ drive, you’ll find coastlines that look like movie sets, rainforests alive with waterfalls, mountain ranges waiting to be hiked, and villages that feel straight out of a storybook.
And the best way to explore it all? By hitting the road, campervan style. Your bed, kitchen, and wheels come with you, meaning you decide the view you’ll wake up to each morning, whether it’s the ocean, a lake, or a mountain backdrop.
Here are some of Victoria’s best road trips, all starting from Melbourne:
Great Ocean Road
Australia’s most famous drive, and for good reason. Just a few hours from Melbourne, the road winds along dramatic cliffs, past lush rainforests and into seaside towns. Don’t miss:
- The iconic Twelve Apostles
- Surfing at Bells Beach
- Waterfalls in the Otway Ranges
- A relaxing soak in Warrnambool’s geothermal pools
This is a road trip that deserves a spot on every traveller’s bucket list.
Gippsland
East of Melbourne lies Gippsland, a nature lover’s paradise. Think wilderness coastlines, riverside trails, and eco-adventures. Highlights include:
- Wilsons Promontory National Park (and the famous Squeaky Beach)
- A boat trip to Skull Rock
- Local produce and sustainable dining in tiny towns
- Hot springs and sailing in Metung
Perfect for travellers who want a balance of wild adventure and quiet, cosy escapes.
The Grampians (Gariwerd)
A few hours west, the Grampians rise from the plains with hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Here’s what you can do:
- Hike the Grampians Peaks Trail
- Visit Aboriginal rock art sites
- See MacKenzie Falls and Beehive Falls
- Spot kangaroos at sunset in Halls Gap
It’s one of Victoria’s most rewarding outdoor escapes.
Phillip Island
Less than two hours from Melbourne, Phillip Island is where wildlife and beach life collide. Don’t miss:
- The nightly penguin parade
- Seal colonies and koalas
- Farm stays with hands-on experiences
- Ocean views with fresh local food
Family-friendly, nature-packed, and an easy weekend trip.
High Country
North-east Victoria is all about rolling mountains, vineyards, and alpine charm. Here’s why it’s worth the trip:
- Hiking and mountain biking trails
- Wineries, breweries, and farm gates
- Stargazing from a swag or eco-lodge
- Off-grid distilleries for something unique
A trip here feels like slowing down time.
Macedon Ranges
Only an hour north of Melbourne, this is the ultimate wellness escape. Highlights:
- Mineral springs in Daylesford
- Antique stores and Sunday markets
- A crater hike at Mount Franklin
- Boutique cafes and bakeries for foodie pit stops
Short drive, maximum recharge.
Where to Stay
From glamping pods under the stars to oceanfront caravan parks and cosy mountain cottages, Victoria’s stays are as diverse as its landscapes.
Whether you’re chasing luxury or sleeping under the night sky, there’s an option for every kind of traveller.
Hitting the Road
Hire a vintage Kombi for the retro vibes, a fully-equipped JUCY or Britz campervan for convenience, or simply rent a car and pick your adventure.
Either way, Melbourne is the perfect starting point.
City buzz, coastal roads, mountain trails, stargazing nights in Melbourne, you don’t have to choose. The open road makes it all possible.
Start planning your journey at visitmelbourne.com
