There’s nothing quite like going on a road trip and leaving all of life’s stresses behind in the dust, at least momentarily.
While many people have limited road trip destination options because of geographical constraints, Melbournians are lucky. Whichever compass direction they’re facing, one of Melbourne‘s road trip adventures is waiting.
From the coastal sights in the Great Ocean Road to the stunning wine regions in the Yarra Valley, Melbournites and travelers visiting Melbourne have a lot in store for their next road trip adventure.
Without further ado, here are six relaxing road trip adventures Melbourne natives and visitors can consider taking on. Whether you plan to do it by yourself, with friends, or with family, you’re sure to have a blast.
Enough rambling, let’s take a look!
1. Adelaide
One of the joys of road-tripping is simply driving the car on roads and reflecting on life. And when you undertake a long, 13-hour road trip from Melbourne to South Australia’s capital, Adelaide, then you’ll have plenty of time to be with your thoughts.
A Melbourne to Adelaide road trip may seem overwhelming to some, but it’s a great way to see some of the best sights in Victoria and South Australia.
This major road trip brings you to coastal roads and gorgeous limestone formations along the Great Ocean Road stretch, lush rainforests in Cape Otway, white-sand beaches in Flinders National Park, wine regions in McLaren Vale, and bountiful farmlands.
You’ll also have many opportunities to spot unique wildlife, like koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and sea lions along your trip and in Kangaroo Island—a premier spot along this route.
And once you reach the gorgeous festival city that is Adelaide, you’re met with tonnes of pubs, markets, and museums that you can visit. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Botanic Gardens and the Central Market for a good look (and taste!) of the best places this awesome city on our list of Melbourne’s Road Trip Adventures has to offer.
2. Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
If you want to venture somewhere closer to Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are picturesque retreats that are less than two hours away from the city.
These two places are great destinations for several reasons. For one, they both are natural settings with lush landscapes and breathtaking mountain ranges around every corner.
When in the area, be sure to stop by the Mount Dandenong Summit. Atop the summit is a cafe and seating that can help you relax and take in the panoramic sights of Victoria’s stunning forest views. You can even see Melbourne from the peak, so don’t miss out on that!
In Dandenong, there are trails around that can help you immerse yourself in nature, like Lloyds Track and Kyeema Track.
But if trudging along muddy paths doesn’t strike you as peaceful—you can enjoy the local gastronomic culture in town instead, partaking in snacks featuring high tea and scones.
You can also take the Puffing Billy experience, a steam rail that passes through the ranges and gives you an immersive look at the forests from outside the window.
You can fully enjoy Dandenong and have a couple of hours to spare.
So if you want to maximise your road trip and still have the energy, less than an hour away from Mt. Dandenong is the Yarra Valley, an Australian wine region that’s known for its production of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
It’s the perfect place to grab a bottle of wine as a souvenir from your eventful day.
3. Mornington Peninsula
Looking to soak up sea and sunshine instead of a mountain atmosphere? The Mornington Peninsula is a wonderful place.
Not only is the drive there peaceful as you’re cruising down the coastline and looking at clear waters, but there are many beaches and eye-catching landmarks around every corner to motivate you to press on.
Some of the cool places around the peninsula include the Arthurt’s Seat Eagle, a gondola with stunning views of the surrounding area, the Peninsula Hot Springs, a great place to soak in thermal mineral waters, and Point Nepean National Park, a park with beautiful and scenic coastal walks.
If you want to experience the food culture, there are heaps of them around the area. From boutique wineries to artisan cheeses and fresh seafood, your stomach will be happy with the eclectic tastes of local produce and goods around town.
4. Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the best road trip destinations not just around Melbourne but in the entire country.
Built as a World War I memorial, this 243-kilometer stretch of winding road passes through remarkable natural landmarks, dramatic cliffs, and cozy coastal towns—perfect for a single-day trip or an overnight one.
Along the main road, you can hit several spots all clustered close to each other. The Twelve Apostles consist of seven towering limestone stocks that rise from the Southern Ocean. The Lock Ard Gorge and the London Arch are close by, offering equally picturesque sights.
Besides these limestone formations, the coastal towns have a whole lot of allure to them too. Torquay offers a great beach where people can swim and surf. Apollo’s Bay has a great local seafood scene. Warrnambool is also spectacular for whale watching when the season is right.
The entire road trip is magnificent as it shows you a picturesque, winding stretch of Australia’s southern coastline.
Furthermore, if you want to enjoy lush rainforests and redwoods, all it takes is a 30-minute detour to get your wishes and be immersed in a totally different environment!
It is easy to see why the Great Ocean Road earned a spot on our list of Melbourne’s Road Trip Adventures
5. Grampians National Park
A little bit further afield than the Great Ocean Road and other spots in this list is Grampians National Park.
Due to its distance, this national park provides a more solemn and immersive natural experience compared to other spots in this list—making it the perfect escape to enjoy tranquil times surrounded by nature.
The Grampians’s most striking feature is its sandstone mountain ranges, featuring terrific trails that can last as short as a few hours to as many as weeks.
Want to visit top spots in the area? The Balconies is a great vantage point within the park that provides panoramic views of the valley. There are also stunning natural formations like the MacKenzie Falls, Victoria’s largest waterfall that flows into a deep pool.
Furthermore, Grampians NP is also rich in Aboriginal history due to the presence of several rock art sites made by the indigenous Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung peoples. This makes the place a great area to appreciate both nature and culture at once.
6. Daylesford
Nothing screams good, old-fashioned unwinding like a spa break. And for Melbournites, Daylesford is a spa town north of the city that offers tranquillity unlike any other place in Australia.
Daylesford’s serene rural town setting serves as a relaxing backdrop for travelers stepping foot into this place. But beyond its rustic and laidback allure, the main draw for people to come here in droves is by far its abundance of natural mineral springs and spa sites.
Daylesford’s mineral waters are said to have healing properties due to the presence of minerals like magnesium, helping the body and mind rejuvenate. These springs are also situated amidst garden and forest settings, helping ease the mind even more.
The spa culture in town is also bustling, with various spas and massage parlours around every corner.
After your time rejuvenating in the spas and mineral waters, be sure to explore the town’s vibrant center. You can browse through art galleries, antique stores, and boutique shops for hours on end.
And if you’re hungry, freshly sourced produce is served up in many cafes and eateries around the area. You’re sure to regain your energy once you’ve spent some time in this laid-back town!
So what do you think? Did we capture the best of Melbourne’s road trip adventures? If your top pick didn’t make our list, drop it in the comments so we can check it out.
