Aussie Road Tripping: Top 7 Road Trips To Take Around Melbourne, Victoria
Melbourne is a wonderful place to live, visit and even enjoy a staycation. After all, luxury hotels like the Crown Towers Melbourne, award-winning restaurants and a bustling arts and culture scene can all be found in the metropolitan and suburban areas of the city.
However, you shouldn’t limit your experience of Melbourne to the city limits. Just beyond the outer suburbs lie some of the best road trips in Australia, so pack the car, the kids and even the family dog (as long as you are not visiting a national park) and get to know these seven popular road trips in the regions surrounding Melbourne.
Mornington Peninsula
Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is a perfect getaway for Melbourne residents craving a taste of the countryside. Just a short drive from the city, the Mornington Peninsula boasts picturesque rolling hills, tranquil beaches, and quaint towns.
The region is also home to some of Victoria’s best wineries, making it the perfect place to spend a weekend enjoying the local food and wine. The Mornington Peninsula wine region is also a great place to hike, bike, and even go horseback riding.
Surf Coast
Just a short drive from Melbourne, the Surf Coast Road Trip is one of the best ways to experience some of Victoria’s most beautiful coastline. Stretching from Torquay to Anglesea, the Surf Coast features dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and lush rainforests.
Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to surf, paddleboard, or simply relax in the sun. The Surf Coast is also home to several unique towns, each with its own character and charm. From the vibrant seaside town of Torquay to the laid-back surfing mecca of Bells Beach, there’s something for everyone on this road trip.
Yarra Valley and Healesville Sanctuary
There are countless reasons to visit the Yarra Valley, one of Victoria’s most beloved wine regions. Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the valley is home to more than 80 wineries, as well as a world-renowned zoo and one of the state’s tallest waterfalls. Even if you’re not a fan of wine, there’s plenty to do in the Yarra Valley.
Take a tour of Healesville Sanctuary, where you can see native Australian animals up close, or explore the picturesque landscapes on foot or by bike. For those who love a good meal, there are plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from.
The Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic drives in Australia. Stretching for over 250km along the southeastern coast of Victoria, the road winds its way through lush rainforests, towering cliffs and sandy beaches. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, a group of limestone stacks that rise out of the ocean, and Loch Ard Gorge, a beautiful cove with turquoise waters. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that The Great Ocean Road is one of the best road trips from Melbourne.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is one of the best road trips from Melbourne for a number of reasons. First, the island is home to some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife, including penguins, koalas, and wallabies. Second, the island boasts stunning scenery, from verdant forests to rocky coastlines.
Third, there are plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained, from surfing and fishing to bushwalking and cycling. Phillip Island is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria.
Daylesford
This picturesque town is nestled in the hills of the Macedon Ranges and is famous for its mineral springs and spa culture. However, Daylesford has much more to offer than just relaxation. The region is home to some of Victoria’s best wineries, as well as an abundance of farms and farmers’ markets.
There are also plenty of trails for hiking and biking, and in the winter months, the nearby Mount Buller is a mecca for skiing and snowboarding. Whether you’re looking to unwind or exhilarate, Daylesford is sure to have something for everyone. So pack your bags and hit the road – you won’t be disappointed.
The Silo Art Trail
The Silo Art Trail is a great way to see some of Victoria’s country towns and get a taste of the local culture.
The Silo Art Trail is an outdoor art gallery located in the Wimmera Mallee region of Australia. There have been grain silos dotting the landscape for years. Many of those silos used to be part of local farmland, but now they are covered with beautiful murals painted by some of the world’s best street artists.
It’s hardly what you’d expect in an area where there’s pasture after pasture. The Silo Art Trail has infused life into communities in the Wimmera Mallee that have long needed a boost.
Whether you’re a keen photographer or just looking to explore Victoria’s countryside, the Silo Art Trail is a great road trip from Melbourne.
