GETAWAYS FROM MELBOURNE
There are many great road trips in Victoria, Australia for you to choose from for a little adventure or relaxation. Whether you’re after a short getaway for a day or two, or a longer sojourn, there are some epic places to escape to, away from city life.
Here is my list for the best places to visit in Victoria. I’ll give you a brief outline of each of these getaways from Melbourne and things to see and do there. I’m sure you will find plenty to enjoy. So jump in the car and go.
1. Great Ocean Road
One of the most epic road trips and iconic sites of Victoria, with many awesome places to stop along the way.
See the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, the Grotto sinkhole, and perfect beaches.
There are many fabulous beach towns, such as Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell.
Visit the Great Otway National Park, waterfalls, rainforests and the Cape Otway Lighthouse.
Ideal for 2 or 3 days at least.
The Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay (100km from Melbourne) and finishes at Warrnambool.
Total length of road is 243km, one direction.
Check website.
2. Warrnambool
A coastal city located at the end of the Great Ocean Road. It’s a popular destination all year round with heaps on offer. Spectacular beaches, where you can swim, surf, dive, or fish. Walk, skate or cycle along the foreshore promenade. Do some whale-watching at Logans Beach during Winter.
Enjoy the Deep Blue Hot Springs, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and plenty of events in Summer.
Perfect for a few days away.
About 3.5 hrs drive from Melbourne.
Check website.
Southern Right Whale at Logan’s Beach, Warrnambool – photo credit
Logan’s Beach, Warrnambool – photo credit
3. Grampians National Park
Also known just as The Grampians, this is a stunning mountain range. Made up of several peaks, cliffs, waterfalls, open plains, lakes and waterways. Popular with hikers, rock climbers, and canoeists. Explore by car and foot, and camp out in one of the many camping grounds.
Famous sites to visit are The Pinnacle, The Balconies, McKenzie Falls and Mt William which is the highest peak with complete views of the whole national park. It is also a rich aboriginal site with rock art throughout.
Small towns to visit include Dunkeld, Stawell and Halls Gap.
A 3 hour drive west of Melbourne.
At least a 2 day stay is preferable.
Check Website.
4. Alpine National Park
A large mountainous park that forms part of the Victorian Alps with rivers, forests and plains. Popular for its ski resorts in Winter at Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek, to name a few.
Hiking, bushwalking, mountain biking, horse riding and white water rafting down the rapids are all popular alpine adventures here the rest of the year.
Towns include Bright, Mount Beauty, Mansfield, Bairnsdale, Orbost and Mount Bogong.
Approx. 2.5 hr drive from Melbourne to the foothills of the mountains.
Perfect for a weekend or longer stay.
Check website.
Mt Feathertop, Alpine National Park, Victoria
5. Mildura
Located near the boarder of New South Wales in the northwest region of Victoria, Mildura is close to the outback and hence is always warm. Famous as a fruit growing region.
Visit the Mungo National Park, part of the Australian Outback, to explore indigenous history, and enjoy the walking trails and outback adventures. Mildura is one of the 3 main access towns to the park.
Hire a Paddle Steamer or houseboat on the Murray River. Enjoy sandy river beaches, swimming and water sports, such as waterskiing.
A 6 hour drive from Melbourne.
A few days is ideal.
Check website.
The Murray River, Mildura – photo credit
Paddlesteamer on Murray River – photo credit
6. Horsham
A lovely country town in the Wimmera region, known for sheep farming and wheat growing.
Visit the Wimmera River, Botanic Gardens, Police Paddock wetlands reserve, and fields of wildflowers.
A short 20 minute drive is Mount Arapiles and Mitre Rock, popular with rock climbers and adventurers.
Little Desert National Park is 30 min drive from Horsham, great for walking trails and seeing wildlife.
A 3.5 hr drive from Melbourne and 30 minutes from The Grampians.
Ideal for a couple of days stay.
Check website.
7. Lakes Entrance
Located in East Gippsland region, and part of the Gippsland Lakes, it is one of the most popular seaside resort towns by the ocean.
Visit Ninety Mile Beach, see the fishing trawlers at the harbour and go to one of the floating restaurants.
All manner of boating experiences available, including cruises, where you can spot dolphins.
Enjoy bike and walking tracks, swim and surf.
Approx. 3.5 hours drive from Melbourne.
Spend 2 or 3 days here.
Check website.
Lakes Entrance bridge
8. Wilsons Promontory
The Southern-most point of the Australian mainland. Part of Gippsland region. Famous for its pristine beaches and camping.
Places to visit in the National Park are Mt Oberon summit walk, Lighthouse overlooking Bass Strait, Tidal River, Squeaky Beach, Whisky Beach, and Sealers Cove.
Popular for surfing and snorkelling, with plenty of nature walks, mountain hikes, forests, rivers, and wildlife to enjoy.
About 3 hours drive from Melbourne.
Two or 3 days is recommended.
Wilsons Promontory, Victoria – photo credit
Sealers Cove, Wilsons Promontory – photo credit
Squeaky Beach, Wilsons Promontory – photo credit
9. Shepparton
A tranquil picturesque town with quite an interesting art culture. A museum, a gallery and colourful cow sculptures throughout called Moooving Art, symbolise the dairy farming industry in the area.
You’ll find Victoria Park lake, perfect for walking, cycling and picnics. Also the Botanical Gardens here are a drawcard.
Just over 2 hours drive from Melbourne.
Ideal for a relaxing weekend getaway.
These are some of the best places to visit in Victoria.
I hope you are able to explore some of these awesome Victorian destinations.
Read more about Victoria, Australia
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9 Comments
I’m genuinely looking for a good place to visit in MELBOURNE Australia and I found your blog post it helps me a lot it is a good combination of storytelling and information.
It’s exactly 7 years since we drove the Great Ocean Rad, we went from Adelaide to Melbourne taking 4 days. Truly memorable.
The Great Ocean Road has been on my bucket list for ages. I have planned two trips to drive the route but for various reasons they didn’t happen. Its great to see how many places you can stop at along the way. How long would you spend in the Otway National Park? I have book marked this for when I finally get to visit one day!
This is such a great list. I love how you have organized them in boxes, makes it so much easier to read and retain!
Wow road tripping through Victoria looks AMAZING! Wilsons Promontory looks especially beautiful. I would love to explore some of these places someday. Will definitely save for later!
I’ve never been to Australia – but it’s on my list. This is a perfect resource for all the top things to do. Pinning for the future.
Great list! I’ve done the Great Ocean Road and Wilson’s Prom so far … plus did my 88 days farm work in Mildura! So many beautiful spots to check out once the lockdown in Melbourne is over!
I love your pictures and the way you separated the spots with maps and all the info, so helpful and easy to read. I haven’t been to Australia yet, but definitely on my bucket list. Saving this for later 🙂
It’s funny there are spots in Australia where you can ski when Australia is mostly renowned for its beaches. I have done the Great Ocean Road and Grampians, very pretty area.