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Long drives
Hit the open road for adventure and take in the diversity of Victoria’s landscapes. From snowy mountains to coastal cliffs, tall forests and historic Gold Rush country, long drives let you see more of our incredible parks, iconic scenery and heritage areas.
Set off from Melbourne for a road trip less ordinary. Stop at your leisure to enjoy the breathtaking views, explore a little closer, take a tour or unwind at a secluded beach. Stay in the historic and picturesque towns of regional and coastal Victoria, or head to the bush and camp under the stars. Get into the heart of Victoria’s landscapes, your way.
Want to get the most out of nature on your next Victorian road trip? Start with one of our itineraries.
A Great Ocean Road Trip
Head west from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road, weaving along between the southern coast and Great Otway National Park. Visit the charming seaside towns of Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell, or hinterland villages such as Johanna. Stop along the way to see waterfalls, shipwrecks and the Cape Otway Lightstation, as well as the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations.
Take 2-3 days to explore beyond Warrnambool. Enjoy a guided tour of Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, its wildlife and Aboriginal cultural heritage, provided by Worn Gundidj. Hike, picnic or set up camp in Budj Bim National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of astounding beauty and cultural significance. Visit Lower Glenelg National Park and explore the caves and forests of this tranquil river gorge.
Return to the sea at Discovery Bay Coastal Park, then take the inland route back to Melbourne via the Glenelg Highway with a stop off in the southern Grampians National Park. If you have time, set up a bush camp or stay the night in nearby Halls Gap before heading home.
An Alpine Adventure
Drive north into the high country and see some of Victoria's most breathtaking mountain peaks and wetland plains.
Follow the Hume Highway towards Glenrowan to Warby Ovens National Park at the alpine foothills. The granitic hills and woodlands of the Warby Range, the Box-Ironbark of the Killawarra Forest and the Redgum forest and wetlands of the Ovens Heritage River provide an important link to the Murray River, protecting some of Victoria's most significant bushland.
Stay for a few nights in one of the alpine villages such as Beechworth, Myrtleford or Bright. From here, you can day-trip to Alpine National Park - boasting the highest peaks in Victoria, abundant hiking and bushwalking trails and historic huts - and Mount Buffalo National Park, with 360 degree views of the ranges from atop The Horn lookout (1,723m high).
Travel south along the Great Alpine Road and stop off at Buchan Caves Reserve for an underground tour of these spectacular limestone formations.
Before heading back to Melbourne via the Princes Highway, take a detour to Baw Baw National Park, covering the Baw Baw Plateau and sections of the Thomson and Aberfeldy River valleys. The snowgum forests and granite tors of this park are beautiful all year round, offering vibrant wildflowers in Spring and snowy landscapes in Winter.
A Wilderness Coast Getaway
Escape the city and recharge with a road trip to the eastern-most point in Victoria, Cape Howe, discovering incredible and unique wilderness along the way.
Stop in for a visit or camp and explore a little at Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, taking in the sweeping sands and solitude of Ninety Mile Beach.
Follow the dramatic granite headlands along Point Hicks Marine National Park and reach the breathtaking scenery of Croajingolong National Park. Encounter ancient forests, pristine inlets, giant sand dunes and abundant wildlife. It’s the perfect place to stay a while and get deeper into nature, enjoying serenity that’s far from towns and cities.
For more wild beaches and family friendly activities on your return drive, stop in at Cape Conran Coastal Park. Explore the shore, relax at picturesque picnic spots and watch for wildlife - including the whales on their migration from May to October. Follow the interpretive signs along the East Cape Boardwalk to learn about Aboriginal heritage. Book in advance and stay in one of the cabins or pitch a tent in the campground.
Explore our accommodation options and stay somewhere truly special on your next road trip.
Top regional parks worth the drive
Build your own itinerary based on how many nights you plan to be away. Take your time to take in nature with our top picks on regional parks not to be missed on your self-drive tour of Victoria.