Self-Drive
Melbourne is the gateway to panoramic touring routes.
Travel across Victoria and experience the region's stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife and renowned food and wine. Be inspired by diverse communities with great passion for arts and culture across all regions. Discover rugged high mountains, lush green rainforests, a breathtaking coastline with famous rock formations and encounter native wildlife.
Great Southern Touring Route
Grampians National Park, Victoria
Explore vineyards, drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road, climb a summit in the Grampians National Park and travel back in time at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat on the Great Southern Touring Route.
Plunge into Victoria’s famous surf, learn about Western Victoria's maritime history, fascinating Aboriginal history and culture and soak up the riches of the spa country's mineral springs in Daylesford. Keep the binoculars poised for koalas, kangaroos, echidnas and whales along the way.
Journey snapshot:
- Nearest Major City: Melbourne
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Distance: 842 km (523 miles)
Highlights
- Indulge in the freshest seafood and award-winning cool climate wines on the Bellarine Peninsula.
- Take in the 12 Apostles or walk a section of the Great Ocean Walk.
- Ramble among the cone-shaped hills and lake-filled craters of the extinct volcano Tower Hill.
- Explore one of many trails including the Grampians Peak Trail.
- Learn about Victoria’s gold rush at the award winning Sovereign Hill.
Sydney – Melbourne Coastal Drive
Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria
Take an unforgettable journey along Australia’s stunning south-east coast, from turquoise bays and white sands to rugged cliffs where mighty waves crash. See kangaroos, penguins, wombats and whales in the wild, enjoy watersports and fresh seafood in idyllic beachside towns, then journey inland to explore historic villages, vast forests and beautiful lakes.
Allow at least five nights on this journey and stop and enjoy the laidback Australian beach lifestyle.
Journey snapshot:
- Nearest Major City: Melbourne
- Duration: 6-8 days
- Distance: 1580km (981 miles)
Highlights
- Walk amidst the natural beauty and meet the wombats at Wilsons Promontory National Park or see an abundance of koalas in the wild on Raymond Island.
- See the worlds smallest penguins arriving home at sunset on Phillip Island.
- Enjoy the freshest seafood at waterfront towns along Gippsland lakes as well as the pristine New South Wales South Coast.
- Try out kayaking and sea plane adventures on the New South Wales South Coast.
- Experience life as it was in the historic villages of Walhalla and Tilba Tilba.
Sydney – Melbourne Heritage Drive
Kayaking, Murray River, Victoria
Come face to face with the enduring legacy of Australia’s gold rush era. Learn about the resilience of early settlers and discover the timeless spirit of Aboriginal people on this fascinating drive, taking in the mighty Murray River, fabulous wineries, lush national parks and Australia’s capital city, Canberra.
This journey is best experienced with at least four nights to get a sense of the country and the people.
Journey snapshot:
- Nearest Major City: Melbourne
- Duration: 5-7 days
- Distance: 1120 km (696 miles)
Highlights
- Explore beautiful Victorian-era sandstone buildings and century-old gardens in Bendigo, Castlemaine and Albury-Wodonga.
- Enjoy a leisurely cruise onboard the Murray River Paddlesteamer and the eco-friendly Kingfisher Cruises.
- Take part in a Food Fossicking tour in Bendigo or sample local delights at farm gates in the Sun Country.
- Discover fascinating Aboriginal culture such as the Wagirra Trail along the banks of Murray River in Albury.
Go Beyond Melbourne
Yarra Valley, Victoria
Travel from Melbourne to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island and onto the white beaches and wineries of the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas. Put together a three to five day journey winding through lush valleys and pristine coastal landscapes. Cruise across Port Phillip Bay on a sleek vehicular ferry between Sorrento and Queenscliff. Sample fine wines and fresh local produce at cellar doors and farm gates, see native wildlife up close, and unwind in beautiful parks and gardens.
Journey snapshot:
- Nearest Major City: Melbourne
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Distance: 439km (273 miles)
Highlights
- Watch Phillip Island’s penguins waddle up Summerland Beach from the sea at sunset.
- Visit Mornington Peninsula’s boutique cellar doors then unwind at Peninsula Hot Springs set in native bushlands
- Float over Yarra Valley vineyards in a hot air balloon at dawn before riding the 100-year old Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenongs
- Play at one of the many world class golf courses along the touring route
- Indulge in fine wine and fresh seafood on the Bellarine Peninsula
- Check out the Yarra Valley’s Healesville Sanctuary for Native Australian Animals, including wading with the Platypus
Driving in Victoria
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
All major car rental operators have offices at Melbourne Airport, in various Melbourne city and suburban locations plus most have regional depots in major towns throughout the state. Many major roads into and out of Melbourne are tollways and most do not accept cash payment. Major car hire companies will usually provide an e-toll solution as part of their rental agreement. Alternatively, short-term e-toll passes can be purchased. A ‘Melbourne Pass’ is a convenient way to travel on Melbourne toll roads for a period of up to 30 days.
