Top Road Trip Routes Across Victoria, Australia

Explore Victoria’s best road trips, from the Great Ocean Road to the Great Alpine Road, Black Spur Drive and more — scenic routes where the journey is the destination.

Nothing beats the feeling of the open road wind in your hair, the hum of the engine, and the endless road unfolding ahead. Whether you’re cruising along scenic coastal roads, winding your way through dense rainforests, or navigating through snow-capped alpine peaks, the drive is the adventure. 

So buckle up, road trippers. I’ve curated a list of some of the most breathtaking drives across Victoria. From the beauty of the Great River Road, with its iconic rivers and valleys, to the serene, snow-covered roads winding through the High Country, these routes promise memories that last long after the journey ends.

The Great River Road

Set between two of Australia’s most stunning natural landmarks, the Murray River and the Snowy Mountains, the Great River Road is a 96-mile (155-kilometer) stretch of breathtaking high-country scenery in Victoria’s North East. 

Travelling from the east, the adventure begins in Khancoban, a quaint town nestled at the foot of the majestic Kosciuszko National Park. As you follow the Great River Road in this direction, you’ll be surrounded by rolling valleys and dense bushland, with the mighty Murray River snaking its way through. 

Following the road east, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the expansive Lake Hume, with the towering Snowy Mountains looming in the distance. 

The landscape gradually transitions from the serene lake views to the fertile river flats and lush farmland that line the Upper Murray. Your journey ends in the charming town of Bellbridge, nestled near the edge of Lake Hume. 

The Great Ocean Road

Originally created as a tribute to World War I soldiers, the Great Ocean Road spans 151 miles (243 kilometers) of stunning landscapes. The route takes you through towering cliffs, coastal towns and dense rainforests, with plenty of surf beaches to discover along the way.

A highlight of this scenic drive is the striking collection of limestone formations rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean. Don’t miss natural treasures like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and the Grotto. 

Although these natural wonders are diminishing over time due to erosion, the sight of these massive rock formations battling the waves remains an awe-inspiring experience.

Farther along in the Great Otway National Park, the winding Lighthouse Road is a prime spot to see koalas in the wild. You’ll know you’re in koala country by the barren eucalyptus trees that line the road.

Arthurs Seat

The drive up to Arthurs Seat provides stunning views of Port Phillip Bay, but the real beauty is found in the turnout areas along the road that offer the best unobstructed views on your way back down to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway. One particularly unmissable stop is Murray’s Lookout, where you can pause to admire the sweeping views of the bay and the towering skyscrapers of Melbourne. 

The drive itself is just as engaging, with the winding road and series of tight bends keeping you on your toes. Despite the 60-kilometers-per-hour speed limit, the sharp turns ensure you’ll need to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel as you navigate your way down the mountain. 

Spanning about 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) from summit to base, this quick but thrilling drive packs in more views than some drives triple the length. Short and scenic, Arthurs Seat is a must for anyone cruising the Mornington Peninsula.

Black Spur Drive

Often regarded as one of Victoria’s most beautiful road trips, this two-lane road winds its way through towering mountain ash trees and fern-filled gullies with a mix of hairpin turns and brief straight sections, making for a dynamic and scenic experience.

It’s popular with both car and motorbike enthusiasts, although weekends can see a lot of traffic. Starting on the eastern side of Healesville and continuing through to Narbethong, the Black Spur provides a gateway to the charming town of Marysville, which is well worth a visit if you're continuing on your journey.

As you drive, keep an eye out for local wildlife. Lyrebirds, kangaroos and other native creatures call this forest home, adding an extra element of magic to the experience. The Black Spur is a 35-mile (56-kilometer) route from Lilydale to Marysville, with the 19-mile (30-kilometer) section known as the Black Spur itself offering the most memorable part of the journey.

Expect winding roads with some uphill and downhill sections, plus the occasional hairpin turn and damp spots in lower-lying areas. There are several roadside stops where you can take a break and enjoy the views. Keep in mind that mobile phone reception can be intermittent, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. 

Grampians Road

Now, here’s a national park that knows how to impress. With its jaw-dropping sandstone mountains and views so stunning, the Grampians leave you wondering why you ever bothered with Kosciuszko. 

If you’re after a more laidback adventure, the Grampians Road drive from Halls Gap to Dunkeld is your perfect escape. It’s the kind of road that invites you to roll the windows down and take in the fresh mountain air.

On one side, towering mountains loom large, their cliffs cutting into the sky. On the other, you’ll glide past the sparkling waters of Lake Bellfield, with its calm surface reflecting the surrounding peaks and vast, craggy plains that stretch out like an untamed canvas. 

Every moment of this drive feels like a postcard come to life. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a kangaroo hopping along the roadside or a wedge-tailed eagle soaring overhead. 

Great Alpine Road

You’ve met the Great Ocean Road — now meet its cooler, more reserved sibling. Stretching approximately 186 miles (300 kilometers) from Wangaratta in the west to Bairnsdale in the east, the Great Alpine scenic route weaves through dense, forested mountains and breathtaking snow-capped peaks in winter. 

The road takes you through bustling ski towns like Bright and Omeo, where you can stop, relax and take in the alpine atmosphere. 

If you’re in the mood for a detour, a short drive will lead you to historic Beechworth, a town steeped in gold rush and outlaw history. 

In winter, the Great Alpine Road transforms into a gateway to ski resorts such as Mount Hotham and Falls Creek — an unforgettable adventure for snow lovers. 

Get Out on the Highway to Experience Victoria, Australia

So there you have it — some of the most epic road trip routes that Victoria has to offer, each one a unique slice of adventure. From the iconic Great Ocean Road with its surfing towns and limestone formations to the chilled-out charm of the Grampians, these roads aren’t just about the journey; they are the journey. 

So, pack up the car, put your phone on “do not disturb,” and hit the road. Incredible Australian landscapes, quirky roadside stops, and the joy of the open road on Victoria’s best drives are all waiting for you. –Charlie Btallent

8 Must-Visit Destinations Across Victoria, Australia

Explore Victoria, Australia: Great Ocean Road, Wilsons Prom, Melbourne, Otways National Park, Phillip Island penguins and more iconic destinations. 

As one of Australia’s smallest (and coldest) states, Victoria is often passed over by international tourists. But the Garden State — as the locals refer to it — is actually packed with some of Australia’s most singular, picture-perfect attractions. 

Alongside being home to the vibrant city of Melbourne — Australia’s cultural hub and coffee capital — Victoria is also home to some of Australia’s most iconic attractions, including the Great Ocean Road, the colorful Brighton Bathing Boxes and, of course, the Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

Today, we’ll be going in-depth with these must-visit attractions, alongside highlighting a few more metro Melbourne and regional Victorian attractions that are essential to any VIC travel itinerary.

Top Attractions in Victoria, Australia 

1. Great Ocean Road

Spanning 151 miles (243 kilometers) across Victoria’s coastline from Torquay to Warrnambool, the Great Ocean Road takes just over four hours to drive from one end to the other. But it’s the journey that makes this great Victorian road trip a must. 

With a myriad of natural sights to see along the way, the Great Ocean Road is best savored rather than sped through. You’ll definitely want to stop and snap some photos at the Twelve Apostles, take a dip at Bells Beach, and explore the redwood forests that dot the Otways National Park.

Keep in mind, however, that accommodation across the Great Ocean Road does fill up in the summer. So if you’re looking to start from the eastern side closer to Melbourne, you’ll want to book one of the hotels in Torquay, Victoria ahead of time. And if you’re starting from the western side around Port Fairy or Warrnambool, I recommend casting a wide net when it comes to securing accommodation. 

Another pro tip: The Great Ocean Road is a popular destination for weekend getaways, so consider a mid-week trip between peak seasons, and you won’t need to fight the traffic.

2. Phillip Island

A waddle of penguins at sunset. Need I say more? To be fair, I should. Because despite Penguin Parade being a worthy attraction anywhere in the universe, there’s more to Phillip Island. A two-hour drive from Melbourne, on the southern side of Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island ticks as many boxes for a long weekend away from the city as you need.

Big-ticket events? Try the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Culture? The Phillip Island Jazz Festival should have you covered. World-class surfing beaches? How about Cape Woolamai, Cat Bay and Smiths Beach. And for those of you who are travelling with dogs, Phillip Island is also home to many dog-friendly beach walks and hiking trails, which truly makes this beloved holiday destination one that the whole family can enjoy.

3. Bright Township

When you step outside your hotel and take a panoramic look at the backdrop of this town, you’ll experience the full charm of country Victoria, and truly understand the understated appeal of the Garden State. If you go to any country township during your time in Victoria, I highly recommend that it be Bright.

Bright is a small town a short distance west from Mount Bogong and Fall Creek, a region of northeastern Victoria that inspires and excites no matter what season it is. Its idyllic town center is abuzz with tourists in the summer, but Bright arguably comes alive during the colder winter months, providing Melburnians with a snowy respite from the city’s gray weather.

The same icy slopes of Mount Bogong transform into gorgeous hiking trails in the summer, however, making Bright a great destination year-round. Winter or summer, skiing or hiking, mulled wine or artisanal gin — Bright will provide everything you need for a true country getaway, and it’ll provide it well.

4. Wilsons Promontory

You could argue Wilsons Promontory is the jewel to rule all natural jewels in Australia, let alone Victoria — and most people would listen. The southernmost tip of Gippsland, in Victoria’s east, Wilsons Promontory (Wilsons Prom for short) is the kind of place fans of nature daydream about while they watch the office clock.

When you look at a photo taken of Mount Oberon’s summit — and there are plenty, trust us — you’d think Wilsons Prom was as remote as Patagonia. Nothing is further from the truth. This national park is a shade under three hours from Melbourne by car.

Urban Destinations in Victoria 

5. Queen Victoria Market

Melbourne’s a foodie town, there’s no doubt about it. Which means you have to pencil in a visit to the Queen Victoria Market. Life-affirming coffee in hand, it’s the kind of place you can wander at all hours and still feel invigorated by the hustle.

It’s not just a place for food and people watching, though. Summer and winter each have their own spin on the night market, with food trucks and entertainment to keep everyone’s cultural cup full.

6. Brighton Bathing Boxes

If you’re in Melbourne for a few days and the weather suggests a trip to the sea, make it Brighton. No doubt you’ve seen the bathing boxes adorning postcards and Instagram accounts in equal measure. There’s no prize for guessing why: They’re pleasing on the eye, and that’s all they need to be.

The best part? The bathing boxes fall on the Bay Trail, a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians that runs from Melbourne’s CBD (central business district) to Mordialloc in the bay. If you’re staying in the city and feel up for the exercise, rent a bike and ride south.

HANG 10: The Best Aussie Surf Spots

7. Melbourne Cricket Ground

The Melbourne Cricket Ground, or MCG, is a venue that delivers spectacles impressive enough to convert the toughest critic. From the folklore-level Boxing Day Test to the Anzac Day match between footy teams Collingwood and Essendon, the MCG is a memory-making destination like few others.

You don’t even need to be a cricket fanatic to appreciate the sheer scale and atmosphere of this stadium either. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that the MCG is among the most iconic sporting landmarks around the globe, which is precisely why the city of Melbourne uses the stadium for other cultural events, like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran concerts. So next time you’re heading to Melbourne City, check what’s on at the MCG to experience the stadium for yourself.

8. Art Gallery of Ballarat

Melbourne can’t have all the fun. Take a drive or a trip on the V/Line regional train to Ballarat and visit Australia’s oldest regional gallery. Both the literal and figurative heart of this creative city, the Art Gallery of Ballarat presents visitors with an honest and provocative depiction of Australia’s history through art.

Celebrated for its always active celebration of local artists, this gallery has never strayed from the manifesto that defined its origin: Not for self but for all.

VIC-torious Adventures

Of course, this list is just an entrée. Victoria is a multi-dish banquet, one that’s best enjoyed when you have the right amount of time and flexibility. It’s also a place you’ll want to return to, mark my words. –Charlie Btallent

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MORE: 48 Hours in Adelaide

48 Hours in Cairns, Australia’s Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

In addition to the marine wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef, there’s so much to do in the Cairns area — including the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Trinity Inlet and the Cairns Museum — that you’ll have to plan your visit, especially if you’ve only got a couple of days.

The Great Barrier Reef stretches over an area of 134,634 square miles (344,400 square kilometers) — not surprisingly, it’s the largest coral reef in the world.

Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, and a visit to the reef is an unforgettable experience. 

The best jumping-off point to see the largest coral reef on the planet is the city of Cairns, on Australia’s northeast coast. 

“With its clear waters and abundance of marine life, the Great Barrier Reef is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. ”

But as impressive as the Great Barrier Reef is, it’s not the only thing to see in the area. Here’s a guide to making the most of a couple of days in Cairns. 

Snorkeling or diving the reef is an experience you’ll never forget.

Start with a snorkeling or diving tour of the Great Barrier Reef. 

If you only have 48 hours in Cairns, be sure to book a snorkeling or diving tour of the reef. The Great Barrier Reef is home to an astonishing variety of marine life, and there’s no better way to see it than up close.

A snorkeling or diving tour will give you the chance to explore the reef at your own pace, but a qualified guide can point out the best bits. With its clear waters and abundance of marine life, the Great Barrier Reef is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

If you want to be close to the water but not in it, take a glass-bottom boat tour of the reef instead.

See the reef on a glass-bottom boat tour — or a helicopter ride. 

If snorkeling or diving isn’t your thing, a glass-bottom boat tour is a must if you’re looking for an unforgettable way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll have the chance to see the reef up close — while staying dry — as you glide over the colorful coral and fish. Be sure to keep an eye out for turtles, manta rays and sharks. If you’re short on time, plenty of tour operators offer half-day or even three-hour tours.

And there’s nothing quite like a helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of the reef. You’ll marvel at the size and scale of the reef as you soar over its vast expanse. Helicopter rides typically last around 30 minutes, so they’re perfect if you’re pressed for time. Just be sure to book in advance, as spaces fill up fast.

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes you through lush greenery, where you can see rainbow lorikeets, koalas and cassowaries.

Admire the flora and fauna along the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Rainforest Cableway. 

There’s no time to waste when you only have 48 hours in Cairns. Make the most of your limited time by taking a walk through the rainforest via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. This popular tourist operation offers breathtaking views of the lush rainforest canopy, as well as opportunities to spot some of the area’s wildlife, including koalas, rainbow lorikeets (parrots as colorful as their name suggests) and even a large flightless bird called the cassowary (if you stop off at Birdworld).

The railway is also a great way to learn about the local Aboriginal culture, with guided tours available in several languages. 

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a dip in one of the many natural swimming holes along the way.

Go for a swim in the Esplanade Lagoon, then explore the CBD, the central business district.

Spend the day exploring Cairns CBD. 

To explore the city, start with a visit to the Esplanade Lagoon, where you can take a dip or simply relax on the beach. Then, head to the Cairns Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture.

Visit a local history museum, the botanic gardens or zipline over a crocodile at Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome.

Finish up your day with a walk through the botanic gardens, where you can admire the diverse plant life of Tropical North Queensland. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience when you spend a day exploring Cairns CBD.

The patio at the hip Chambers café, known for its brunch and cocktail bar.

Enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many restaurants or food trucks. 

There’s no denying that food is an important part of the travel experience. Trying new dishes and sampling local specialties is a great way to get a taste for the culture of a place. If you’re short on time but big on appetite, make sure to check out some of Cairns’ best restaurants. 

From casual cafés like Caffiend and the Chambers to fine dining establishments like the French restaurant C’est Bon and Tamarind at the Reef Hotel Casino, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.

For a quick bite, head to one of the city’s many food trucks or grab a slice of pizza from a pizzeria. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a gourmet meal, Cairns’ restaurants won’t disappoint.

A gorgeous sunrise over Trinity Inlet

Head to the lookout for views of Cairns and Trinity Inlet. 

If you find yourself in Port Douglas (about an hour up the coast), make sure you stop at the Trinity Bay Lookout. It’s just a short walk from Four Mile Beach, and from here you'll be able to see the city skyline, including the iconic palm trees that line the waterfront.

Climb to the top of the Trinity Bay Lookout for views of Four Mile Beach.

On a clear day, you may even be able to see as far as Double Island off the coast. The lookout also offers stunning views of Mount Whitfield, which is worth hiking to the top of for another vantage point.

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You might not find Nemo (or any other clownfish) with only two days in Cairns. But plan your itinerary — and make sure you include the Great Barrier Reef.

So there you have it: 48 hours in Cairns doesn’t have to be rushed. By following these tips, you can make sure you have a truly memorable experience, even when time is limited. –Charlie Btallent

 

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