Australia’s stunning landscapes make it an ideal place for road trips, and Victoria offers some of the finest routes you can explore. Whether you live in Melbourne or are just visiting, the state has a wealth of scenic drives waiting for you.
From the iconic Great Ocean Road to the rejuvenating hot springs in Daylesford, the allure of Phillip Island’s adorable penguins, and the unique charm of The Silo Art Trail—the following are six incredible road trips you can experience in and around Melbourne.
Best road trips in Victoria, Australia
1. Great Ocean Road
Just a few hours from Melbourne lies the breathtaking Great Ocean Road. This remarkable scenic drive follows Victoria’s south-west coast, showcasing dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and stunning rock formations at every curve.
The crown jewel of this route is the 12 Apostles—striking limestone pillars that once connected to the mainland, now proudly standing alone in the ocean.
If you’re seeking a thrill, consider stopping at the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk, where you can enjoy the world’s longest and tallest treetop canopy walk, complete with options to climb or zip-line.
Best for: Your travel bucket list.
How to get there: The 12 Apostles are approximately 230km from Melbourne, which translates to about a 3-hour drive. Plan for leisurely breaks along the way—fishing and chips at Apollo Bay are practically mandatory. For an extended adventure, consider booking a beach house in Torquay or Lorne.
2. Phillip Island
Phillip Island is one of the top choices for a day trip from Melbourne. It’s famous for its colony of the world’s smallest penguins, who create a mesmerizing spectacle as they march home along the beach each evening.
Nature enthusiasts will find much to love on Phillip Island. Besides the Penguin Parade, there’s whale, seal, and dolphin watching with Wildlife Coast Cruises, and the Koala Sanctuary features raised boardwalks for up-close encounters with adorable koalas.
Best for: Nature enthusiasts.
How to get there: Phillip Island connects to the mainland via a bridge at San Remo. Since the Penguin Parade happens at sunset, consider an overnight stay at a tranquil farm retreat, just as we did. (Check out the full review here.)
3. Mornington Peninsula
About 90 minutes from Melbourne, the beautiful Mornington Peninsula awaits, offering quiet beaches, boutique wineries, and Victoria’s very first natural hot springs resort.
This area makes for an excellent day trip. Don’t miss the colorful beach boxes at Mount Martha—much more low-key than those at Brighton Beach—and a visit to Red Gum BBQ, home to some of the best barbecue I’ve enjoyed in Australia.
The Peninsula Hot Springs deserve a day all to themselves. With 20 outdoor plunge pools scattered across the countryside, they provide a uniquely Australian take on the Japanese onsen experience.
Best for: A stylish weekend getaway.
How to get there: Mount Martha Beach is just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, while the Peninsula Hot Springs are a further 30 minutes. For an overnight break, consider staying in the trendy seaside town of Sorrento or trying a quirky glamping experience in Rye.
4. Daylesford
Known as Victoria’s Spa Country, Daylesford combines mineral spa facilities with gourmet dining and a charming country atmosphere.
A dedicated trail for food lovers, the Daylesford Macedon Produce Trail, leads you to sample the finest local products, including artisan cheese, truffles, and fresh trout.
Best for: A culinary girls’ weekend.
How to get there: Daylesford is less than a 2-hour drive from Melbourne CBD. Choose from various boutique hotels and cozy B&Bs in Daylesford and nearby Hepburn Springs. Consider indulging in these lovely spa villas for a luxury retreat.
5. Silo Art Trail
Don’t miss the unforgettable Silo Art Trail, which highlights Australia’s largest outdoor gallery and features a striking combination of silos and street art.
Renowned artists such as Fintan Magee and Matt Adnate have transformed 200km of rural Victoria into a unique street art experience, where large-scale murals bring life to otherwise overlooked rural communities. The art draws in visitors from the city, demonstrating that adventure awaits beyond Melbourne.
Best for: Unexpected urban art.
How to get there: The Rupanyup Silo, created by Julia Volchkova, is the closest to Melbourne, roughly 300km away and taking about 3.5 hours by car. Accommodation is limited along the route, so consider a campervan for this adventure. A second-hand campervan could serve as your hotel on wheels while you explore all these destinations. Alternatively, book a mix of motels and Airbnbs, just as we did. More info can be found in my guide to the Silo Art Trail.
6. Wilsons Promontory National Park
At the southernmost tip of Australia, 50,000 acres of Wilsons Promontory National Park await. Locally called ‘The Prom,’ this area features pristine beaches, extensive bushwalking trails, and abundant wildlife, including kangaroos and wallabies.
For a remarkable experience, plan your visit during October and November to witness the spectacular humpback whale migration on their journey to Antarctica.
Best for: Bushwalking and whale watching.
How to get there: Wilsons Promontory is situated 220km southeast of Melbourne, requiring roughly 3 hours of driving time without stops.
