If you’re looking for the best Victoria road trips that will take you from the rugged coastline to Alpine peaks, add these 7 best drives to your list!
There’s something magical about hitting the road with the windows down and a good playlist in the background. And when it comes to roadtripping in Australia, Victoria does not disappoint.
From coastal drives where the ocean keeps you company to snowy Alpine roads with breathtaking views, every route promises unforgettable memories!
Whether you prefer to cruise along the coast, weave through winding mountain roads, or wander beneath the spectacular tall forests of Victoria’s national parks, these seven road trips will take you to the region’s best areas.
So, if you’re planning a road trip to the beach, through national parks, or up into the majestic Alps, use these road trips as your guide.
Plan your stay in Melbourne before you hit the road!
The 7 Best Victoria Road Trips
With so much natural beauty packed into Victoria, planning a road trip here is always a good idea.
These routes are our go-to picks whenever the open road starts calling and we’re dying for some adventures, scenery, and fresh air.
So fuel up, grab your playlist, and get ready to make memories – Victoria is waiting!
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
1. Mornington Peninsula Coastal Drive
- Route – Start in Melbourne, head south through the Mornington Peninsula, and continue along Port Phillip Bay
- Distance – 170 km
- Duration – 1–2 days
- Vehicle – Any standard vehicle
- Road Conditions – Well-maintained roads, perfect for leisurely driving
- Highlights – Mornington, Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Arthurs Seat, Port Phillip Bay
Starting from Melbourne, this route takes you south along the stunning coastline of Port Phillip Bay. You’ll wind your way through charming seaside towns, such as Mornington, where you can stop to soak up its relaxed vibe and relax on sandy beaches.
From Mornington, head to Sorrento and Portsea to experience coastal village life in Victoria. Don’t forget to check out Cape Schanck Lighthouse, an iconic spot with stunning coastal scenery.
Take the Arthur’s Seat Eagle gondola to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the area. Plus, if you’re planning your Melbourne itineraries and have more time to spare, why not extend your trip to Phillip Island? You can’t miss the adorable penguin parade and the beautiful beaches!
This road trip takes 1-2 days, giving you plenty of time to explore the highlights and perhaps stop at local cafes and fine restaurants.
2. Great Ocean Road Trip
- Route – Torquay to Allansford (via Lorne, Apollo Bay, and the 12 Apostles)
- Distance – 243 km
- Duration – 2–4 days
- Vehicle – Any standard vehicle
- Road Conditions – Sealed roads, well-maintained, winding coastal sections
- Highlights – 12 Apostles, surf towns like Lorne and Torquay, Otway Rainforest walks, rugged southern coast
Stretching along the rugged southern coast and offering jaw-dropping views at every turn, the Great Ocean Road is undoubtedly one of Victoria’s most epic road trips.
Starting just outside of Melbourne, this route takes you through the famous Surf Coast, where you’ll find stunning beaches, ideal for catching waves.
One of the highlights of this trip is the 12 Apostles – towering limestone stacks rising out of the ocean. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Australia, and trust us, it’s even more impressive in person!
Several other natural wonders can be found along the rugged southern coast, such as the Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch, where the ocean’s power has shaped the coastline over thousands of years.
If you’re into local wildlife, don’t miss the Great Otway National Park, where you can wander through lush rainforests and spot koalas in the wild.
At 243 km, this road trip is best enjoyed in 2-4 days, giving you enough time to take in the stunning surf coast views, explore quirky towns, and truly appreciate the natural wonders along the rugged southern coast.
The gorgeous Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s best drives!
3. Grampians National Park Adventure
- Route – Melbourne to Halls Gap (via Ballarat)
- Distance – 260 km
- Duration – 2–3 days
- Vehicle – Any standard vehicle
- Road Conditions – Mostly sealed roads, some gravel tracks in the park
- Highlights – Scenic hiking trails (Pinnacle Lookout, Mackenzie Falls), aboriginal rock art sites, local wildlife (kangaroos and emus), stunning mountain drives
The Grampians might be the perfect destination for nature lovers who want to include hiking on their road trip.
Just a few hours from Melbourne, this is one of those road trips that lead into the region’s stunning landscapes and discover abundant nature.
The Grampians are a hiker’s paradise, with trails leading to stunning lookouts, including the famous MacKenzie Falls and The Pinnacle – both have unbeatable views!
As you hike through the spectacular tall forests, watch out for native wildlife, such as kangaroos and emus.
This route isn’t just about nature, though! The Grampians also offer insight into the region’s Aboriginal culture, with ancient rock formations scattered throughout historic towns.
For an overnight stay in Victoria’s outdoors, visit a local campground in the Grampians.
Check out our favorite Grampians walks for some hiking inspiration!
4. High Country Escape
- Route – Mansfield to Bright (via Mount Buller, Whitfield, and Myrtleford)
- Distance – 250 km
- Duration – 3–4 days
- Vehicle – 2WD or 4WD in winter (snow chains may be required)
- Road Conditions – Sealed and alpine roads; snow possible in winter
- Highlights – lush Alpine outlooks and skiing (Mount Buller), wineries galore (King Valley), historic gold rush towns, cycling and hiking in Bright
Consider driving along this High Country route if you dream of crisp mountain air, scenic vineyards, and snow-dusted peaks.
Starting from Melbourne, this route takes you through the northeast’s winding roads, where every turn offers a new postcard-worthy view.
Along the way, stop by charming alpine towns like Bright and Beechworth. These spots are home to fine restaurants perfect for a cozy lunch and a bit of local wine tasting.
During winter, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek are popular for skiing and snow play, but even in warmer months, the High Country is bursting with hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildflowers.
This drive is a great add-on to Melbourne itineraries, especially if you want to explore Victoria slowly and have 3-4 days to spare.
Just ensure you’re driving a vehicle that can handle mountain terrain — those winding roads can get steep and twisty!
Driving through the snowy roads to Mount Hotham, Victoria
5. Daylesford & Spa Country Loop
- Route – Melbourne to Daylesford and back via Hepburn Springs and Macedon Ranges
- Distance – 230 km (loop)
- Duration – 1–2 days
- Vehicle – Any standard vehicle
- Road Conditions – Sealed country roads
- Highlights – Natural mineral springs and spas, renowned food and local produce, Lake Daylesford and Hanging Rock, shops and galleries
If you’re craving a relaxing road trip with a hint of indulgence, the Daylesford & Spa Country Loop is just the escape you need.
Starting just over an hour from Melbourne, this scenic route winds through charming countryside and eventually connects with the Yarra Valley and the lush Yarra Ranges.
Starting in Daylesford, known for its wellness retreats and cozy cafes, be sure to check out Hepburn Springs to treat yourself to a spa or a dip in a historic bathhouse.
Love animals? Make a detour to the Ballarat Wildlife Park, where you can discover abundant nature and get up close with native Australian animals like kangaroos, koalas, and even a saltwater crocodile!
The scenic drive winds through woodland hills and farmland, eventually connecting to the Yarra Valley and the edges of the Yarra Ranges. Here, you’ll be spoiled for choice with wineries galore, many of which are famous for their sparkling wines and epic views.
Treat yourself to a hot air balloon ride for the best views of the Yarra Valley!
This is one of those road trips you can tackle at a slower pace and where every stop feels like a treat. Indulge in local food and wine, cuddle a wombat, or soak in a mineral pool.
6. Gippsland Lakes Coastal Drive
- Route – Melbourne to Lakes Entrance (via Wilsons Promontory)
- Distance – 450 km
- Duration – 3–5 days
- Vehicle – Any standard vehicle
- Road Conditions – Sealed highways and coastal roads
- Highlights – Wilsons Promontory National Park, Lakes Entrance boating and wildlife sightings, 90 Mile Beach, stunning coastal scenery, and seafood
The Gippsland Lakes Coastal Drive is one of those road trips that feels like a deep breath of fresh air.
Stretching across East Gippsland, it takes you through sleepy historic towns, peaceful lakes, and some of Victoria’s most beautiful, rugged coastlines.
Cruise past beautiful beaches, lush bushlands, and the shimmering Gippsland Lakes, Australia’s largest inland lake system. Along the way, you could spot pelicans, dolphins, and lazy koalas snoozing in the trees.
The drive follows some spectacular stretches, with itineraries following winding roads through small fishing villages like Metung and Paynesville, where you can stop for fish and chips or a paddle adventure on the water.
Want to keep the coastal magic going? Add Phillip Island to your journey for a dose of penguins and wild ocean views.
The serenity of Lakes Entrance, Victoria
7. Murray River Adventure
- Route – Mildura to Albury (via Echuca, Swan Hill, and Yarrawonga)
- Distance – 500 km
- Duration – 3–4 days
- Vehicle – Any standard vehicle
- Road Conditions – sealed roads, occasional gravel tracks
- Highlights – Historic river towns (Echuca’s paddle steamers), Murray River cruising and fishing, wine regions around Rutherglen, beautiful river landscapes, and wildlife spotting
An adventure along the Murray River is all about history, nature, and peaceful riverside vibes.
Stretching along Australia’s longest river, this journey is perfect for those who want to slow down and soak in the beauty of some of Victoria’s historic villages and scenic inland waterways in 3-4 days.
You’ll pass through Echuca, Swan Hill, and Mildura, where you can learn about paddle steamer history, shop for regional produce, and take in the riverfront charm.
Encounter red gum forests, historic wharves, and peaceful camping spots as you drive along this iconic touring route.
What makes this route even more spectacular is that it showcases Victoria’s desert landscapes. As the greenery of the riverbanks fades, you’ll see dry, ochre-toned scenery that highlights the state’s natural contrasts. The unique contrast of thriving inland waterways and Victoria’s desert landscapes makes this road trip truly unforgettable.
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