Unforgettable road trips around Melbourne
Just a few hours from Melbourne's city life, you'll find beautiful roads to suit all tastes: from beaches to vineyards.
Anyone who lives in a big city knows that sometimes all it takes is a good road trip. When talking about Melbourne, usually the first beautiful road that comes to mind is the Great Ocean Road. While it is one of the most beautiful roads in the world, there are other road trips around Melbourne that are also worthy of a movie set.
Hot or cold, Victoria has some amazing places to explore. All you need is a car, a good playlist and a lot of desire to see every bit of these Aussie paradises. Sorry, Queensland, but Melbourne also puts on a show from the car window.
Whether it's for sightseeing or just a break from the busy Melbourne life, we've separated out some of the most beautiful roads you can find in Victoria. Join us:
The Grampians
The Grampians are a vast national park located just 260 kilometers from Melbourne. It is an irregular set of large mountains that divide the horizon in two: it can be seen when passing through Ararat.
On this road you will find sandstone peaks, wildflowers and forests teeming with wildlife. Plus, when you reach the Grampians National Park you can venture into the region's ecotourism, among trails, waterfalls and caves. Not to be missed, right?
Phillip Island
Okay, we know that the Penguin Parade is the island's main tourist attraction, but the drive there will surprise you. An hour and a half from Melbourne, it's possible to get to the island's country atmosphere. The place is a favorite weekend getaway for Victorians.
The large island (26 km long and 9 km wide!) is also famous for its reserves and ecological parks that preserve the lives of wild animals, such as koalas and kangaroos, for example. And remember, to get to know the island well, be prepared to spend at least a weekend.
The Yarra Valley
Believe it or not, the Yarra Valley is less than an hour's drive from downtown Melbourne. This place is known for its delicious wineries, but it has other treasures ready to be discovered: parks, hiking trails, art galleries, local produce and lots of fun things to do.
On the road you can enjoy the green hills and vineyards and, if you are lucky, you may see some kangaroos hopping through the vineyards. You can also book a sunrise balloon flight over the valley during your stay - an unforgettable trip!
Mornington Peninsula
Queensland who? Here in Victoria you can also enjoy that wonderful beach atmosphere. The wind in your hair, the sea breeze and a beautiful sunny day is what awaits you at your car window when you take this road trip. The Mornington Peninsula is the ideal place to enjoy that sunny day with family, friends or even alone.
On this peninsula you'll find amazing accommodation, delicious hot springs, gourmet restaurants, world-class wineries, beautiful beaches and hiking trails. What's more, it's only an hour from Melbourne!
Great Ocean Road
You couldn't make a list of the best road trips in Melbourne and not include one of the most famous roads in the world, could you? When doing the Great Ocean Road you will pass through incredible landscapes, such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch ard Gorge, Lorne.... and much more!
The Great Ocean Road begins approximately in Torquay (about an hour and a half from downtown Melbourne) and ends just before Warrnambool. It's about a four-hour non-stop drive, but heed our warning: you'll definitely want to stop. It's an amazing opportunity to reconnect with the ocean and nature. You won't regret it.
I don't know about you... but around here we're already dressed to go out!
