Where Can I Go For Road Trips In Melbourne?

The Top Road Trip Destinations Near Melbourne

With the summer's balmy days still ahead, now is the time to make haste and escape the concrete jungle.

Rapidly go along hot highways and then into open, tranquil areas with gently lapping water. There are many wonderful places to spend those long, leisurely summer days outside of the city, regardless of whether you wish to take a long or short trip there.

Bright

About 200 miles/ 325 kilometres away

Driving the three hours to Bright will take you through King Valley, Victoria's little Tuscany. Around the 1930s, a large number of Italian immigrants settled in the area, drawn by the region's favourable climate for wine production.

The drive through the valley is enjoyable in and of itself, but there are several noteworthy places to stop along the way, including Brown Family Vineyard, Pizzini, and also the Milawa Cheese Company. The small town of Bright, located further to the east, has become something of a culinary mecca by promoting and celebrating the bounty of its region.

Downtown's Reed & Co. gin house and Sixpence coffee roastery are both popular weekend destinations, while Bright Brewery serves as the town's epicentre. Tomahawks is one of the most forward-thinking and entertaining eateries in town, according to the locals. With the support of chef Bob Weston, a native of nearby Harrietville, New Zealander founder Kurt Adam does a fantastic job of showcasing Australian produce.

Bright's attractive riverbank location includes a free water supply park wherein kids (and big kids) can splash about to their hearts' content. The town's multicoloured tree tunnel is a beautiful sight, especially in the fall. If you need a few days of relaxation and renewal in the countryside, rent a cottage.

Cathedral Range State Park

About 71 miles/115 kilometres in distance

Its Cathedral Ranges State Park is just two hours' drive north-east of Melbourne, and it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and hikers, with a number of epic walking trails. The undulating Australian bush is home to routes ranging in difficulty from moderate to tough. In order to reach the ridge through the most challenging route (Wells Cave Tracks), climbers must first fit through the tight wedge of Wells Cave before scrambling up the mountain's jagged cliff face.

You may get a bird's eye perspective of the park's majesty and magnificent verdancy from the top of Sugarloaf Peak, which is appropriately named after the sweet spot it provides. When you're exhausted, you may rest at a lodge and motel in nearby Marysville or, for the nearest choice, camp inside the park itself (but be sure to make camping reservations in advance). Birds will greet you in the morning, and you might even hear a wombat parading through the forest.

Castlemaine

It's around 130 kilometres (80 miles) away.

Treasures like the 72-kilogram 'Welcome Stranger' alluvial nugget can be discovered by delving into the history of Victoria's Goldfield Towns. That's right, it's time to leave. That's where the gold is! At least, there was in the late 1800s, when people came from all over in search of their fortune.

Castlemaine, a little city in Victoria, Australia, has made its way onto the hipster map without losing any of its historic charm.

The Mill was once a woollen mill, but it has since been transformed into a variety of businesses, including bars like Taproom and Boomtown Wine and the Viennese cafe Da Kaffeehaus, as well as a vintage market, art studios, workshops, and more.

Come back to the quaint town centre to shop for locally crafted jewellery, furniture, and presents as well as high-quality things like Australian wool clothing. Eat at Bistro Lola before seeing a film at the Theatre Royal, a beautiful art deco theatre.

Phillip Island

About 88 miles/142 kilometres in distance

About 140 kilometres from Melbourne's central business district is an idyllic Australian island teeming with wildlife and opportunities for adventure. At dusk, the small birds known as fairy penguins make their way back toward one of the largest gentoo penguins in Australia from the ocean, providing the evening's most anticipated wildlife parade. Seeing as the lookout point requires a ticket, planning beforehand is essential.

The Koala Reserve is a great place to go on a day trip if you're interested in animals; the reserve has a boardwalk that winds through the forest and ends high in the trees, where the cuddly critters may be seen.

You can get your heart pumping with some guided hot laps all around the Grand Prix circuit on the island. Visit the magnificent Cape Woolamai Beaches, a favourite place to ride the waves.

A population of the world's smallest penguins makes their home on Phillip Island, making for an excellent day trip from Melbourne.

In addition to the globe Penguin Parade, nature lovers on Phillip Island may go on Wildlife Coast Cruises to see whales, seals, and dolphins, and they can also visit the Eucalyptus Sanctuary, which features elevated boardwalks that put them shoulder-height with the adorable koalas.

• Best for: Nature enthusiasts.
• How to get there: There's a bridge in San Remo that links Phillip Island with the mainland. Seeing as the Penguin Parade doesn't begin until after dusk, we decided to spend the night at this peaceful farm hideaway.

Sorrento

About 68 miles/110 kilometres in distance

The Mornington Peninsula is not too distant from Phillip Island. It's a great alternative for city dwellers in search of a coastal getaway, as it's situated where the wine area meets the ocean. Sorrento, a seaside suburb with an aura of coastal chic, appears as the peninsula comes to a close.

The restaurants and cafes on Ocean Beach Road feature Peninsula produce, meats, and wines. Don't pass on Just Fine Food's vanilla slices, which may be costly but are well worth it.

Once you've chosen your haul, why not enjoy it while gazing over Queenscliff, located on the Bellarine Peninsula, across the water? There are approximately 12 departures every day from Sorrento to Queenscliff. Even if you don't want to cross the sea, there's still plenty to do on the Sorrento side, such as taking a stroll around Cape Nepean National Park, an extremely remote part of Victoria that's guaranteed to help you get some clarity.

The Grampians

Approximate 270 kilometre or 168-mile distance.

The Grampians are a great place to go back to nature and enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery in Australia. Trek up steep inclines to take in breathtaking vistas and a collection of Aboriginal paintings and carvings on rock walls.

After you've finished with the Grampians, you can explore the surrounding area on two wheels by exploring the little town of Dunkeld, which serves as the region's hub.

Camping and the town's charming cottages are two of the most popular places to stay. This Royal Mail Hotel is one of the best rural restaurants in Victoria and can accommodate the more affluent traveller. Also, there are only 678 people living in Dunkeld, so peace and quiet are guaranteed.

Lorne

About 88 miles/141 kilometres in distance

This seaside gem's location just on Great Ocean Road is a major draw. Lorne's beaches, boardwalks, and piers are popular walking destinations during the summer months. In the background, surfers try their hardest to catch a wave while people-watchers chow down on fish and chips.

During the colder months, you absolutely must explore the mysterious Erskine Falls. From June through October, you can watch Southern Humpback and Humpback s from the shore or the road. Bottle of Milk is a great place to dine because of the quality of its burgers. The local seafood is expertly prepared at the upscale Greek restaurant Ipsos. If you're searching for somewhere to kick back and take it easy for a few days, Lorne should be at the top of your list.

Mornington Peninsula

The beautiful Mornington Peninsula is only 90 minutes outside Melbourne and is home to tranquil beaches, small vineyards, and Victoria's first natural hot resort.

The colourful sand boxes at Mount Martha (similar to the less well-known ones at Hove Beach but MUCH quieter) & Red Gum BBQ, which has honestly some of the greatest BBQ eaten in Australia, are two of our favourite things to see and do on the Peninsula during a day trip from Melbourne.

One should devote an entire day to relaxing at the Peninsula Hot Springs. The Peninsula Hot Springs are like visiting a Japanese onsen without leaving Australia, with 20 outdoor plunge baths and bathing experiences dispersed across the Victorian countryside.

• For the most part, a weekend getaway is the best time to do it.
• Driving time from Melbourne to Mt Martha Beach is under two hours. It will take you another 30 minutes to reach the Peninsula Hot Springs. Sorrento is a trendy seaside town that might serve as your home base while you explore this unique glamping experience.

Follow The Great Ocean Road along The Coast.

You can hop in your car and head out of Melbourne to the most photographed stretch of road in all of Australia. If you follow the curved shoreline, you can see the ocean and stop at some cute little towns.

Directions:

Take West Gate Freeway out of the city and merge onto Princes Freeway around Geelong.

Highlights:

• One of the most well-known attractions along the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles, a group of sandstone rock formations located in Port Campbell Nature Reserve.
• Bells Beach, not too far from Torquay, is widely regarded as one of Australia's finest stretches of coastline for surfing. International surfing competitions are frequently held at the beach.
• Lorne, a charming coastal town, is home to a strong cultural scene and a gorgeous beach.

On Phillip Island, Look For Penguins.

Phillip Island is a great place to see native Australian birds, as well as koalas, penguins, and seals. Those attractions are merely the tip of the iceberg; the island also features miles of fascinating shoreline.

Directions:

You can get to Phillip Island from Melbourne by using the Bass Highway south from the Monash Freeway.

Highlights:

• You can get close to some of Phillip Island's tens of thousands of penguins at Summerland Beach.
• On Phillip Island, you can visit the Phillip Island History Museum Museum to learn about the history of the area and view restored buildings from the time period.
• Follow the boardwalk at The Nobbies to see the beautiful ocean and maybe even a seal colony out in the distance.

Explore The Yarra Valley And The Dandenong Ranges.

Beautiful gardens, acclaimed wineries, and excellent eateries await visitors to the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges.

Directions:

Get out of Melbourne just on Monash Freeway, then take the Ferntree Gully Road exit and drive into the Dandenong Ranges.

Highlights:

• Gardens are a must see when travelling through the Dandenong Ranges.
• Explore the canopy by going on thrilling treetop adventure routes and zipping through the canopy on a zip line.
• Visit a winery and taste some of Victoria's finest vintages; Yarra Valley is host to many renowned wineries.

Investigate The Goldfields Near Ballarat.

Visit the Australian interior and learn about the fascinating story of a gold rush. Ballarat is known for its many preserved Victorian-era structures and heritage walks that showcase the city's and the surrounding area's rich past.

Directions:

Take the exit for the Western Ring Road off the West Gate Freeway. Your journey to Ballarat can begin on the Western Freeway.

Highlights:

• Sovereign Hill is a living museum depicting Ballarat's pre- and post-gold rush era. Sovereign Hill provides an unforgettable experience with its historical structures and costumed characters.
• Stop in Bendigo on your way to or from Ballarat; the city's historic buildings are worth seeing in their own right. There is a nice art gallery in town.
• See one of Australia's oldest performing arts venues, Her Majesty's Theatre.

Take The Road To Wilsons Promontory.

Wilson's Promontory, or "The Prom" as it is affectionately known by locals, is among the most visited parks in the area.

Directions:

Take the South Yarra Highway south from the Monash Freeway to reach Wilson's Promontory.

Highlights:

• Johnson's Promontory National Marine Park is a great place to do scuba diving due to the abundance of breathtaking underwater landscapes.
• Squeaky Beach is known for its soft, white sands, which are ideal for a leisurely stroll along the water's edge.
• If you're a hiker, there are several beautiful paths you may take on the peninsula.

Lakes Entrance Is A Great Place To Unwind.

The village of Lake's Entrance, located in the heart of the Gippsland Lakes, has recently emerged as a top tourist attraction. If you ever have the chance to visit Ninety Mile Beach, take it!

Directions:

When heading south-east from Melbourne, the Monash & Princes Highways are your best bets for reaching Lakes Entrance.

Highlights:

• The Gippsland Lakes is Australia's most extensive network of interconnected waterways, and they are a fantastic tourist destination. Go on a boat tour with a knowledgeable guide to learn about the fascinating local fauna.
• Ninety Mile Beach is a stunning stretch of sand that is rarely crowded and ideal for a stroll.
• If you're in the mood for seafood, Lakes Entrance has a wide variety of excellent restaurants to choose from. Visit one of the area's eateries to sample the fresh fish.

Explore The Mornington Peninsula.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting adventure with the kids, the Mornington Peninsula has it all.

Directions:

Head south towards the Mornington Peninsula via the Monash Freeway merging onto Eastlink.

Highlights:

• Visit either Ashcombe and Boneo Maze with the kids and see if you can find your way through.
• Studio visits are highly recommended, as the Mornington Peninsula is home to many talented artists.
• Snorkelling is a fun activity to try, and the Mornington Peninsula is a great spot to do so because of the abundance of marine life.

Visit Mt Buller Ski Slopes.

Mount Buller's summit is easily accessible via one of the mountain's 22 ski lifts, so you can spend more time taking in the breathtaking panoramas. This famous ski area provides visitors with a wide variety of entertainment options.

Directions:

From Melbourne, proceed north on the Eastern Freeway before merging onto the Maroondah Highway.

Highlights:

• If you're not like skiing, there are plenty of scenic hiking trails to explore the alpine landscape. One of the best walks in the area is through Mt. Buller Sculpture Park.
• If you want to try skiing, Mt. Buller boasts slopes for all skill levels. Falls Creek also features a number of world-class ski resorts.
• Bright: Visit the quaint community of Bright. If you come in the fall, you can capture some beautiful images of the foliage.

Conclusion

Victoria's roads are accessible. Mountain towns and coastal villages are among our state's diverse scenery. So get in the car for a wonderful Victoria tour. Here are Melbourne's top vehicle day trips. Hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love Cathedral Ranges, State Park.

The undulating Australian bush has trails of various difficulties. Castlemaine attracts young professionals without losing its charm. Phillip Island, off Australia's coast, has stunning scenery and fun activities. Phillip Island has small penguins. The Koala Reserve's elevated boardwalks allow visitors to reach within shoulder distance of the cute marsupials.

Grampian Peninsula Australia's Hot Springs resemble Japanese onsens. The Mornington Peninsula's proximity to Melbourne, peaceful beaches, modest vineyards, and Victoria's first natural hot resort makes it a popular tourist destination. Bottle of Milk delivers great burgers and locally caught fish. This unique glamping experience might be based in Sorrento, a chic coastal town. Phillip Island has koalas, penguins, and seals.

Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges wineries and gardens. Australia's largest interconnected waterway network, the Gippsland Lakes, attracts tourists. Take one of Mount Buller's 22 ski lifts to the top for stunning views.

Content Summary

• The state of Victoria is perfect for road trips.
• Get in the car and prepare for a fantastic road trip around Victoria, starting from Melbourne.
• Enjoy the region's beautiful scenery, charming towns, world-famous cuisine and wine.
• But you need a break from the city. In that case, it's also a great place to start exploring the rest of the Australian state of Victoria by car, where you can find beautiful mountainous regions, animal sanctuaries, and historic gold mining villages.
• Driving the three hours to Bright will take you through King Valley, Victoria's little Tuscany.
• Its Cathedral Ranges State Park is just two hours' drive northeast of Melbourne, and it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and hikers, with some epic walking trails.
• The undulating Australian bush is home to routes ranging from moderate to tough.
• You may get a bird's eye perspective of the park's majesty and magnificent verdancy from the top of Sugarloaf Peak, which is appropriately named after the sweet spot it provides.
• Treasures like the 72-kilogram 'Welcome Stranger' alluvial nugget can be discovered by delving into the history of Victoria's Goldfield Towns.
• Castlemaine, a little city in Victoria, Australia, has made its way onto the hipster map without losing its historic charms.
• About 140 kilometres from Melbourne's central business district is an idyllic Australian island teeming with wildlife and opportunities for adventure.
• The Koala Reserve is a great place to go on a day trip if you're interested in animals; the reserve has a boardwalk that winds through the forest and ends high in the trees, where the cuddly critters may be seen.
• Visit the magnificent Cape Woolamai Beaches, a favourite place to ride the waves.
• A population of the world's smallest penguins makes their home on Phillip Island, making for an excellent day trip from Melbourne.
• In addition to the globe Penguin Parade, nature lovers on Phillip Island may go on Wildlife Coast Cruises to see whales, seals, and dolphins, and they can also visit the Eucalyptus Sanctuary, which features elevated boardwalks that put them shoulder-height with the adorable koalas.
• There's a bridge in San Remo that links Phillip Island with the mainland.
• Seeing as the Penguin Parade begins after dusk, we decided to spend the night at this peaceful farm hideaway.
• The Mornington Peninsula is not too distant from Phillip Island.
• The Grampians are a great place to return to nature and enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery in Australia.
• After you've finished with the Grampians, you can explore the surrounding area on two wheels by exploring the little town of Dunkeld, which serves as the region's hub.
• During the colder months, you absolutely must explore the mysterious Erskine Falls.
• The beautiful Mornington Peninsula is only 90 minutes outside Melbourne and is home to tranquil beaches, small vineyards, and Victoria's first natural hot resort.
• One should devote an entire day to relaxing at the Peninsula Hot Springs.
• The Peninsula Hot Springs are like visiting a Japanese onsen without leaving Australia, with 20 outdoor plunge baths and bathing experiences dispersed across the Victorian countryside.
• Bells Beach, not too far from Torquay, is widely regarded as one of Australia's finest stretches of coastline for surfing.
• Phillip Island is great to see native Australian birds, koalas, penguins, and seals.
• You can get close to some of Phillip Island's tens of thousands of penguins at Summerland Beach.
• Beautiful gardens, acclaimed wineries, and excellent eateries await visitors to the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges.
• Get out of Melbourne on Monash Freeway, take the Ferntree Gully Road exit and drive into the Dandenong Ranges.
•  Visit the Australian interior and learn about the fascinating story of a gold rush.
• Directions: Highlights: Johnson's Promontory National Marine Park is a great place to do scuba diving due to the abundance of breathtaking underwater landscapes.
• The village of Lake's Entrance, located in the heart of the Gippsland Lakes, has recently emerged as a top tourist attraction.
• If you ever have the chance to visit Ninety Mile Beach, take it!
• Directions: Highlights: The Gippsland Lakes is Australia's most extensive network of interconnected waterways, and they are a fantastic tourist destination.
• Go on a boat tour with a knowledgeable guide to learn about the fascinating local fauna.
• Ninety Mile Beach is a stunning stretch of sand that is rarely crowded and ideal for a stroll.
• Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting adventure with the kids, the Mornington Peninsula has it all.