Fancy seeing where infamous bush ranger, Ned Kelly, stood trial? How about world-famous rock formations, inspiring alpine forests and quaint heritage towns? A road trip Melbourne style means all this and much, much more. Buckle up and get ready to explore some of Australia’s most diverse natural and man-made wonders.
Short Drives from Melbourne
Great Ocean Road Drive
The word ‘breathtaking’ was coined to describe ocean vistas like those along the Great Ocean Road. It’s possible to explore in just one day, however take a long weekend to stay at charming beachfront towns, dine on succulent seafood and truly immerse in some of nature’s finest displays.
The 400 kilometre trail spans from the town of Torquay to Nelson on the South Australian border. If you’re feeling active, catch a wave at iconic Bells Beach, sea kayak in Apollo Bay or admire some of Australia’s highest cliffs on the 91 kilometre Great Ocean Walk.
The enchanting Twelve Apostles are a crowd-pleasing highlight, however inland rainforests compete, with powerful waterfalls, ancient trees, moss-covered pathways and caves at Cape Bridgewater. To top it off, wildlife spotting is easy, with migrating whales, koalas, kangaroos, emus, fur seals and glow worms to discover.
Scenic Drives from Melbourne
The Great Alpine Road
Start or end your trip in Wangaratta and get set for snow in winter, wildflowers in summer and gasp-worthy scenery all year round. Crisp mountain air is the perfect accompaniment to cheese at Milawa and wine in historic Rutherglen, to fuel you up for the adventure to come.
To kick off the action, you’ll find the courthouse where bushranger Ned Kelly’s final trail commenced, in Beechworth. Journey on to Mount Buffalo National Park, with other-worldly rock formations on a backdrop of the Australian Alps, for rock climbing or cross-country skiing.
If you love gardens, take a side-trip to the town of Bright. Finally, as if the area wasn’t packed full of enough natural wonders, it also encompasses Lakes Entrance, near the pristine sands of Ninety Mile Beach. A swim here pretty much amounts to the perfect way to end the day.
Weekend Trips from Melbourne
Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula
It’s hard to believe the Mornington Peninsula resides just a short drive from the Melbourne CBD, making it a perfect weekend road trip destination. When you follow the coastline, you’ll discover the Port Phillip bayside towns of Mt Eliza, Mornington, Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento and Portsea. All offer their own brand of beach lifestyle charm, attractions and accommodation ranging from luxury oceanfront homes to rustic cabins.
For foodies, the area tantalises even the most discerning tastebuds, with fresh produce, seafood straight from the boat, local cheeses and over 170 vineyards. You can also indulge at fine-dining restaurants, quaint local bakeries and historic pubs, like the Portsea Hotel overlooking the deep blue bay.
After all that food, chances are you’ll want some exercise before firing up the engine again. Like everything else in the Mornington Peninsula, your options are abundant. Soak in natural hot spring waters at Peninsular Hot Springs, play a round of golf after lunch or walk to Arthur’s Seat for sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay.
Historic Road Trips from Melbourne
Victoria Heritage Path
Get into the gold rush spirit between the regional centres of Ballarat and Bendigo, on the Victorian Heritage Path. This easy, scenic drive also takes you to the Pyrenees Wine Region if you choose, to sample Shiraz and cabernet varieties in the towns of Avoca, Moonambel and St Arnaud.
Starting in Ballarat, stop to take in the Victorian and Edwardian buildings, gardens and heritage walks. Pan for gold at the 1850’s gold mining settlement of Sovereign Hill and check out the collection of Australian art at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
Back on the trail, discover miners’ cottages, quaint shops and historic streets in the towns of Castlemaine and Maryborough. While the trail ends at Alexandra, if you just can’t get enough of the road, keep travelling to Mt Buller for skiing and hiking.
Nature Road Trips from Melbourne
The Grampians
Rugged, rocky outcrops, waterfalls, vineyards and staggering views combine to dazzle your senses on the route winding around the Grampians National Park. You’ll get plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs, with about 50 walks trailing through sandstone mountain ranges rising abruptly from stark plains, wildlife rich forest and significant Aboriginal rock art sites.
The journey starts at the foothills of the Grampians, in Ararat, which is about a two hour drive from Melbourne. It was the only town founded and developed by Chinese migrants, therefore the area’s gold rush history offers a flavour all of its own. From here, go on a wine tasting journey to numerous cellar doors and continue to Halls Gap, to camp, fish and canoe in serene bushland.
