Melbourne has a vibrant cultural scene, and it’s also the gateway to some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes. With national parks, stunning coastlines and charming towns, the road trips from Melbourne have something for everyone. Whether you’re after a day trip or a longer scenic adventure, there are plenty of Victorian road trips to tick off your wanderlust. From coastal drives to alpine getaways, here’s the ultimate guide to the best road trips from Melbourne.

The Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road (Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne) is Australia’s most famous coastal drive, and for good reason. This stunning drive along the southern coast of Victoria has views of the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. Starting at Torquay, the road winds its way for 240km of coastal scenery, cliffs and beaches. Along the way, you’ll pass through the quaint seaside towns of Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell, where you can stop and soak up the local charm. The highlight of this drive is the Twelve Apostles, the towering limestone stacks that rise up from the ocean at Port Campbell National Park. Don’t miss Loch Ard Gorge, a site steeped in shipwreck history.
The Great Ocean Road tours also include hiking trails in the Great Otway National Park where you can walk through forests and visit Beech Forest with its towering Mountain Ash trees. This drive has plenty of opportunities for outdoor types to get their beach walk on, coastal views and even spot koalas at Kennett River.
Distance from Melbourne: 1.5 hours to Torquay
Best Time to Visit: Warmer months (spring and summer) for outdoor activities and beach fun.

Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
If you want to get out of the city, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are the perfect escape. Only an hour from Melbourne this region is famous for its wine region and scenery. The Yarra Valley has world class wineries and restaurants so if you love food and wine it’s the top of the list. You’ll also find beautiful parks and quaint towns like Healesville and Warburton where you can stop and linger.
Continue on into the Dandenong Ranges National Park where the Black Spur Drive takes you through towering forests. This is a road trip favourite for its twisty roads and views. Stop in the villages of Olinda and Sassafras to experience local life and visit the William Ricketts Sanctuary, an art park in the forest.
Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour
Best Time to Visit: Autumn for foliage or spring for blooming gardens.

Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula has it all – beaches, vineyards and hot springs. From Beach Road, this drive follows the coastline of Port Phillip Bay through Sorrento and Portsea. Along the way, you’ll see the Bass Strait and the golden beaches of the peninsula.
For a 360-degree view of the whole peninsula, head up to Arthur’s Seat, take the Eagle chairlift and see the bay and beyond. Outdoor types can hike in Mornington Peninsula National Park or take a dip in the natural hot springs at Peninsula Hot Springs. It’s a great mix of relaxation and adventure.
Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour
Best Time to Visit: Summer for beach activities and autumn for wine tasting.

Grampians National Park
If you like rugged landscapes and outdoor adventure the Grampians National Park is a must see. The drive to the Grampians takes you through rural countryside and into the towering sandstone mountains of the park. Halls Gap, a small town within the Grampians, is the perfect base to explore the hiking trails and lookouts.
The Grampians have some of the best walking trails in Victoria, including the challenging hike to The Pinnacle, where you’ll be rewarded with views of the valleys and rock formations. For a more relaxing experience, head to Mackenzie Falls, one of Victoria’s largest waterfalls. The region has a rich Aboriginal history with ancient rock art sites that allow you to see the culture of the area.
Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours
Best Time to Visit: Spring to autumn.

Gippsland Lakes and Lakes Entrance
For water activities and coastline lovers, a trip to the Gippsland Lakes and Lakes Entrance is perfect. With a network of lakes, rivers and white sandy beaches, the Gippsland region has plenty of boating, fishing and swimming opportunities. The drive to Lakes Entrance takes you through rolling countryside and coastal views, with many opportunities to stop and explore small towns like Metung and Paynesville.
Once you get to Lakes Entrance, you’ll find pristine beaches and calm waters that will give you a relaxing break. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk Ninety Mile Beach, one of the longest stretches of uninterrupted beach in the world. The Gippsland Lakes region is also home to plenty of wildlife, so it’s a great destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Distance from Melbourne: 3.5 hours
Best Time to Visit: The warmer months for water activities and outdoor exploration.

Phillip Island
Just outside of Melbourne, Phillip Island is all about wildlife – especially the nightly Penguin Parade, where little penguins waddle from the ocean to their burrows. This coastal drive is not just about wildlife but also has stunning landscapes, beaches and quaint towns like San Remo. The drive to Phillip Island has lovely rural views, and once on the island, you can drive along The Nobbies, where the coastline meets the Bass Strait.
Phillip Island also has plenty of outdoor activities to get involved in – hiking trails, Koala Conservation Centre, water sports. Being so close to Melbourne it’s a great day trip or weekend away.
Distance from Melbourne: 2 hours
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer are good for wildlife and beach activities.

Alpine National Park
For an alpine adventure the Alpine National Park is the perfect road trip. The drive along the Alpine Road takes you through stunning views of Mount Hotham, Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains. In winter this area becomes a snow wonderland with skiing and snowboarding at Mount Buffalo and Mount Buller. In the warmer months the alpine drives reveal valleys, wildflower meadows and plenty of hiking trails.
Alpine National Park is great for outdoor adventures – mountain biking, fishing and camping. The town of Bright is the gateway to this beautiful region and has parks and villages to stop along the way.
Distance from Melbourne: 4 hours
Best Time to Visit: Winter is for snow sports, and summer is for hiking and exploring.

Daylesford and Macedon Ranges
Just outside of Melbourne the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region is famous for its mineral springs so it’s a popular destination for spa retreats. The drive to Daylesford takes you through villages and historic towns each with a taste of old Victorian charm. Visit Hanging Rock for a hike with a mystery, or stop by Mount Macedon for views of the surrounding landscape.
Daylesford has gourmet dining, luxury spas and beautiful gardens so it’s a great drive for those looking to slow down. The Macedon Ranges also has parks and scenic drives so it’s a great region to visit over a weekend.
Distance from Melbourne: 1.5 hours
Best Time to Visit: Autumn for the leaf peeping or winter for a spa retreat.

The Black Spur Drive
The Black Spur Drive is one of Victoria’s most beautiful drives, winding through towering Mountain Ash trees and dense forest in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Starting in Healesville, the drive follows Badger Creek Road, followed by the Black Spur, a stunning drive through greenery—the road twists and turns, revealing views of the forest above and the valley below.
For outdoor types this drive is perfect for those who love hiking and nature walks. The Marysville State Forest and the nearby Yarra Ranges National Park has many trails to explore the area. Marysville, a small town at the end of the drive, is a great place to stop for lunch or visit local art galleries. The Black Spur Drive is also a great way to get to Lake Mountain for snow in winter or wildflowers in spring.
Distance from Melbourne: 1.5 hours
Best Time to Visit: Year round, but autumn and spring is best for walking and sightseeing.

Silo Art Trails
For a quirky and cultural experience, the Silo Art Trails in the Wimmera Mallee region are a must-do. This drive takes you through a series of small country towns and villages where giant grain silos have been turned into works of art by local and international artists. Each mural tells a story of the community, of local history, culture and agriculture.
The Silo Art Trails is a laid-back drive through the heart of rural Victoria, a chance to get off the beaten track and explore Victorian road trips beyond the main tourist routes. You’ll pass through historic towns like Sheep Hills and Brim, where you can visit local cafes, art galleries and antique shops. The silo art is spread over several hundred kilometres, so it’s perfect for art lovers and those who want to experience the culture of the Wimmera Mallee.
Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours to the start
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn, when the weather is mild.

Port Campbell National Park
Most people know Port Campbell National Park for the Twelve Apostles, but the region has so much more to offer. The coastal drive to Port Campbell along the Great Ocean Road is full of stunning landscapes, rugged cliffs and views of the Southern Ocean. Within the park, you’ll find more natural wonders like The Grotto, London Bridge and Gibson Steps, each with its own unique view of the coast.
Outside the park the nearby town of Port Campbell is the perfect base to stay and explore the region. With its white sand beaches and close to the Loch Ard Gorge Port Campbell is where you can unwind after a day of exploring the coast.
Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours
Best Time to Visit: September to April is the best time to visit for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Halls Gap and Western Plains
In the Grampians National Park, the small town of Halls Gap is a great place to base yourself on exploring the Western Plains. Known for its access to some of the most beautiful sandstone mountains and views in Victoria Halls Gap, it is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast and hiker.
From Halls Gap you can drive the Western Plains touring route which takes you to the Black Range State Park, Ararat and the historic gold rush town of Stawell. With its dramatic scenery, history and picturesque drives this road trip is for history lovers and nature lovers.
Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours
Best Time to Visit: Year round but spring and autumn is the best time for hiking.
Whether you want stunning coastlines, rugged mountains or charming historic towns, these road trips from Melbourne have something for everyone. With beautiful landscapes, plenty of outdoor activities and some of Australia’s most famous sights, these drives are your next adventure.

FAQ
What are the best road trips for nature nuts?
For nature nuts The Great Ocean Road tour, Grampians National Park and Alpine National Park are the best road trips. These drives have rugged coastlines, dramatic mountains and forests.
Which one is best for wine enthusiasts?
Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula are the top picks for wine enthusiasts, and they have scenic routes through wineries and restaurants. They also have food and scenery.
Can I visit the Twelve Apostles in a day?
Yes you can visit the Twelve Apostles in a day trip from Melbourne but best to start early and allow a full day of driving and sightseeing along the Great Ocean Road.
What are the secret road trips near Melbourne?
Black Spur Drive, Silo Art Trails and Gippsland Lakes are the lesser known but equally as beautiful road trips, each with their own landscapes, art and wildlife.
When should I go on a road trip from Melbourne?
Warmest months (spring and summer) are best for most road trips especially for coastal and beach destinations. Winter is best for alpine regions and autumn for Dandenong Ranges and Macedon Ranges.