Welcome to Melbourne, the pulsating heart of Victoria, Australia. This coastal capital of southeastern Australia's state of Victoria is a city that exudes a unique charm, a vibrant arts scene, and a rich coffee culture. However, Melbourne is not just about urban adventures. Step outside the city's hustle and bustle, and you're on the doorstep of some of the most scenic drives from Melbourne. These drives take you through magnificent coastal views, serene wine regions, and spots where Australian wildlife roams free. For the savvy explorer, especially those on a budget, a campervan road trip is the perfect way to experience the best this region has to offer. With your campervan hire, you're all set to discover the top things to do in Melbourne, Australia and Victoria's hidden gems. So, rev up your motorhome and let's dive into the top ten scenic drives from Melbourne.
What’s Melbourne known for?
Melbourne, a city famous for its love affair with coffee and culture, is also celebrated for its stunning coastlines dotted with rugged cliffs and panoramic ocean views. But there's more to Melbourne than just bustling laneways filled with art. It's a gateway to a slew of incredible experiences, from the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island to the misty trails of the Dandenong Ranges and the serene beaches of the Mornington Peninsula. Melbourne's proximity to these stunning landscapes makes it a unique hub for travellers looking to experience the quintessence of Victoria’s beauty.
What’s the best way to explore Melbourne?
To truly soak in the essence of Melbourne and its surroundings, there's no better way than with a Mighty campervan. This mode of travel offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, allowing you to chart your own course through Victoria's spectacular landscapes at your own pace. With a campervan hire in Victoria, it's all about making spontaneous stops at hidden beaches, waking up to breathtaking views, and enjoying the comforts of a home on wheels. Whether you are charting the iconic Sydney to Melbourne road trip itinerary, or you aim to explore the iconic Great Ocean Road, wander through the lush Grampians, or meander along the Murray River, a motorhome is your ticket to an unforgettable Victoria road trip journey. Embrace the spirit of adventure and start your exploration with Melbourne campervan hire – the best way to experience the best road trips from Melbourne.
1. The Great Ocean Road
One of the most iconic scenic drives from Melbourne is the quintessential Australian coastal adventure along the Great Ocean Road. This 243-kilometre journey from Torquay to Allansford is an odyssey through some of the most breathtaking coastal landscapes Australia has to offer.
After setting out from Melbourne, the first stop is Torquay. This town is not just a surfer's paradise but also home to the fascinating Surf World Museum. As you continue cruising in your campervan hire, prepare to be mesmerised by the majestic Twelve Apostles, towering limestone formations that stand guard over the Southern Ocean. These natural sculptures, located near Port Campbell National Park, are a highlight of this Great Ocean Road trip. And of course, don't miss a stop in Apollo Bay, a seafood sanctuary where the catch of the day is always the best, freshest thing on the menu.
While it's tempting to breeze through this iconic Melbourne campervan hire drive, we encourage you to slow down – savour the spectacular views and immerse yourself in the unique experiences along the way. There are plenty of great places to park your motorhome for the night along the Great Ocean Road. Budget-friendly options like Johanna Beach Campground and Aire River East Campground offer perfect spots to park and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Image: Visit Victoria
2. The Yarra Valley
A mere hour's drive from Melbourne lies the Yarra Valley, a region synonymous with fine wines, gourmet cuisine, and picturesque landscapes. This 30-kilometre route from Lilydale to Healesville is a paradise for wine and natural tranquillity. In Lilydale, start your vinous adventure by visiting cellar doors that showcase the region's exquisite cool-climate wines. A must-visit in the Yarra Valley is Yering Station, Victoria's first vineyard, where a glass of their sublime Pinot Noir or Chardonnay is a perfect way to kick off your Yarra Valley.
But the Yarra Valley offers more than just wine. Healesville Sanctuary, close by, is a haven for Australian wildlife. For a budget-friendly visit, consider weekdays when entrance fees are often lower. And if you're looking for a spot to park your campervan, the Doon Reserve Caravan Park provides a cost-effective option to stay amidst the Yarra Valley’s natural splendour.
3. Phillip Island
Once you have had your fill of the top things to do in Melbourne, Australia, just 140 kilometres southeast lies the enchanting Phillip Island – another one of the most convenient (and best) road trips from Melbourne. This is a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers and those looking to tick off the best scenic drives from Melbourne.
Your Phillip Island adventure starts in the quaint fishing village of San Remo. Crossing to Phillip Island, you're greeted by its star attraction, the Penguin Parade, where you can witness the heartwarming sight of little penguins waddling back to shore at sunset after their day at sea. The Koala Conservation Centre is another gem on this island, offering a chance to observe these cuddly marsupials up close.
If that weren’t enough, as you drive towards the Nobbies Centre, prepared to be awed by the breathtaking views of Seal Rocks and the dramatic blowhole. To make the most of your visit, consider the Phillip Island 4 Parks Pass, granting access to the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island, and Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies. For a comfortable night's stay in your campervan, Phillip Island Caravan Park offers the perfect spot to rest after the day's adventures.
Image: Visit Victoria
4. The Dandenong Ranges
In your Melbourne campervan hire, escape to the Dandenong Ranges for another one of the best road trips from Melbourne. Located 35 kilometres east of Melbourne, you can immerse yourself in a world of lush greenery and quaint hilltop villages. This 19-kilometre route from Ferntree Gully to Sassafras is a refreshing retreat from the urban sprawl of the best things to do in Melbourne, showcasing the serene beauty of this northern Victoria region.
Your journey commences at the base of the famous 1,000 Steps in Ferntree Gully. As you traverse the forested path, you'll encounter the lush Sherbrooke Forest, swarming with birdlife. Soak it all up at Grants Picnic Ground, a perfect spot for a break and a chance to interact with friendly cockatoos.
This scenic drive from Melbourne finishes in the charming village of Sassafras. This is a perfect spot to go antiquing and treat yourself to a rich cup of Devonshire tea. For a more budget-friendly trip, consider packing a picnic to savour at one of the many picturesque picnic spots along the way. And the best part? When it comes to overnight accommodation in your campervan, the Dandenong Ranges offers plenty of cost-effective options, including the Ferntree Camping Area. This drive through the Dandenong Ranges is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and discover the quieter, more serene side of Victoria.
5. The Mornington Peninsula
An hour's drive south from Melbourne takes you to the enchanting Mornington Peninsula with its stunning coastlines, delectable cuisine, and outdoor adventures. Spanning about 40 kilometres from Frankston to Portsea, this scenic drive from Melbourne is a feast for the senses.
Start your Melbourne campervan hire adventure in Frankston with a relaxing walk along its picturesque waterfront. Journeying onward, a must-visit is Arthurs Seat State Park, where you will be treated to panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay unfolding before you. Then, in Dromana, take a break and enjoy its beautiful beaches and vibrant cafe scene – perfect for a lunch stop.
This scenic drive from Melbourne ends in Portsea, famed for its limestone cliffs and historic mansions. For the budget-conscious, Point Nepean National Park offers free entry and is rich in history with military forts and spectacular coastal vistas. Finish the day cosying up in your campervan and taking advantage of the free camping at Lightwood Camping Area and cooking up a campervan meal feast with this stunning corner of Victoria as your backdrop.
6. The Grampians
Take off on this scenic drive from Melbourne with a 130-kilometre drive from Ballarat to Halls Gap and discover the Grampians, a hub of outdoor activities and unparalleled natural beauty. Your journey kicks off in the historically rich city of Ballarat. Here, the Sovereign Hill Museum transports you back to the 1850s gold rush era. Driving through Beaufort, you'll find the perfect lunch spot and a chance to taste local wines at Michael Unwin Wines' cellar door.
This famed route ends in Halls Gap, nestled in the heart of the Grampians National Park. This area is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering numerous trails, waterfalls, and lookout points. Budget travellers will appreciate the myriad free activities, such as the Pinnacle Walk and the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre. For a night amidst nature, the Plantation Campground provides the perfect free camping park up for your camper in this natural playground.
Image: Visit Victoria
7. The Bellarine Peninsula
A scenic 35-kilometre drive from Geelong to Queenscliff unveils the Bellarine Peninsula, a magical mix of seaside allure, historic sites, and foodie adventures. After ticking off your list of top things to do in Melbourne, Australia, enjoy the scenic drive 90 kilometres southwest of Melbourne, where the adventure begins: Geelong, Victoria's vibrant second-largest city. The Geelong Waterfront is an excellent place to start, adorned with colourful Baywalk Bollards (unique statues) that narrate the local history. As you journey through the peninsula, don't miss the Bellarine Taste Trail, boasting over 40 unique food and wine venues – a paradise for food lovers.
The journey concludes in Queenscliff, a town steeped in Victorian-era architecture and maritime heritage. To enjoy a budget-friendly experience, visit the Queenscliff Lighthouse and then make your way to Queenscliff Tourist Park to settle in for the night at one of their affordable campervan sites. A perfect place to stay while exploring the charming surroundings of the Bellarine Peninsula on this scenic drive from Melbourne.
8. The Macedon Ranges
The Macedon Ranges, a short hour's scenic drive from Melbourne, is another serene escape into nature's tranquillity after the hustle and bustle of exploring the best things to do in Melbourne, Australia. Begin your exploration in Sunbury, known for Emu Bottom, the oldest homestead in Victoria. Then stop by Hanging Rock to marvel at this significant volcanic formation steeped in Indigenous Australian history.
End this scenic drive from Melbourne in Daylesford, a town famous for rejuvenating natural mineral springs. You will not want to miss the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, which offers an iconic Victorian mineral springs experience. And then for the night, Mt Franklin Reserve provides a budget-friendly camping option, blending comfort with the beauty of the Macedon Ranges.
9. The Goldfields
Want a scenic drive from Melbourne to discover Victoria's prosperous gold rush era? The Goldfields, located 90 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, is easily one of the best road trips from Melbourne to experience this unique history. This adventure starts in Ballarat at the Sovereign Hill Museum, a living history museum that transports you to the 1850s gold rush. As you head towards Castlemaine, admire its historic streetscapes and thriving arts scene.
The route concludes in Bendigo – the whole city is a testament to the gold rush era's legacy. A visit to the Bendigo Art Gallery, one of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries, offers free entry and is a must for art enthusiasts. For campervan travellers wanting more time to explore Bendigo's rich heritage, the Big4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park provides an affordable and convenient campervan stay.
10. The Murray River
Journey along Australia's longest river, the Murray River, for a unique experience that combines history, nature, and adventure. This extensive 400-kilometre scenic drive from Melbourne to Mildura is laden with memorable stops and unique experiences. After picking up your campervan hire in Melbourne (and exploring as many of the best things to do in Melbourne as you like), make your way to Albury. This charming town is home to the Albury Library Museum, a hidden gem of local history and art. Then, as you meander along the river, stop at the historic port town of Echuca, famous for its old-timey paddle steamers.
Wrap up this scenic drive from Melbourne in Mildura – a hub for food and wine connoisseurs on the Murray River. While in town, don't miss the Mildura Arts Centre, where you can immerse yourself in cultural exhibits, all without any entry fee. Want to stay a while? Along the Murray River, budget-conscious travellers will be pleased to find numerous free and low-cost campervan sites, perfect for experiencing the river's serene beauty and rich history.
Pick up your motorhome from Mighty and hit the road
From the rugged cliffs of the Great Ocean Road to the tranquil mineral springs of Daylesford, each of the best road trips from Melbourne offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventurous experiences – a perfect showcase of the diverse splendour of Victoria.
Ready to hit the road for your own Victorian campervan adventure? Simply head over to Mighty Campers to find and book your ideal motorhome today, pick it up from a convenient Mighty branch location, and set off on an unforgettable journey on one (or perhaps a few) of the most scenic drives from Melbourne. Your adventure awaits!
Image: Visit Victoria
Image: Visit Victoria
Image: Visit Victoria