Explore

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.


Three friends look out over the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National ParkA 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.


A family with their car at Mount McKay in Alpine National ParkAn 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 mother and daughter walk over the rocks at Point Hicks Lighthouse in Croajingolong National ParkA 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.

A couple walk along the Bogong High Plains near Mt Nelse.

Alpine National Park

The Alpine National Park is an adventure-lover’s dream. Hike Victoria’s highest mountain ranges, explore wildflower draped landscapes on horseback or head out on world-class mountain bike trails
A family walk together along the water's edge at Shipwreck Creek beach.

Croajingolong National Park

Croajingolong follows the far-eastern coastline of Victoria for 100 km and features eucalypt forest, rainforest and heathland.
Three friends standing at the Erskine Falls lookout admiring the waterfall.

Great Otway National Park

The park features rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rock platforms and windswept heathland. In the north, the park features tall forests, ferny gullies, magnificent waterfalls and tranquil lakes.
A young couple walks up through ancient lava flows to Sundial Peak in the Central Grampians.

Grampians National Park

Rising abruptly from the surrounding Western Plains, the Grampians (Gariwerd) is a series of rugged sandstone mountain ranges and forests rich in wildlife. One of Victoria’s most popular holiday destinations, the park is a great venue for camping, climbing, scenic drives, bushwalks and nature study.
A picturesque photo of the stone hut near the Horn at Mt Buffalo.

Mount Buffalo National Park

Sheer cliffs, granite tors, waterfalls and big views make Mount Buffalo a must-see alpine retreat
Two kayakers come across a group of pelicans on the Gippsland Lakes.

Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park

The tranquil Gippsland Lakes are a system of coastal lagoons separated from the Tasman Sea by the coastal dunes of the Ninety Mile Beach. Seven rivers terminate at the lakes – the Latrobe, Avon, Nicholson, Tambo, Mitchell, Macalister and Thomson rivers.

More nature escapes

 
A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

Day trips

Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.
A couple watch the sunset at a picnic table on the edge of Lake Catani at Mount Buffalo National Park.

Sunrises and sunsets

Spectacular sunsets from the summits and to west, and picturesque sunrises in the east , top-and-tail your day the perfect way.
A couple looks on at a Wombat on Wilsons Promontory National Park,

Wildlife viewing

Get up close and personal with some of Australia's shy native wildlife or look up to spot tree-dwelling mammals and flocks of colourful birds,
Beauchamp Falls, Great Otway National Park.

Waterfalls

See spectacular waterfalls flowing in the alpine mountain peaks and lush tall forests best viewed in winter or after heavy rainfall.
Two women follow the path through scrub up Mt Bogong with mountain views in the distance.

Walking

Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or something long-distance, there are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability.
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