Destinations
6 Best road trips in Victoria for camping enthusiasts from Melbourne
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Explore Victoria's diverse landscapes on six iconic road trips, perfect for budget-conscious camping enthusiasts. From vast lakes to lush rainforests, see more and spend less by traveling in a campervan or RV. Discover the beauty of Victoria at your own pace with these unforgettable, affordable adventures. Last updated: August 2024
Are you dreaming of the open road and the freedom to explore at your own pace? Victoria is a campervan enthusiast's paradise , offering diverse scenery and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you're a seasoned road tripper or planning your first adventure , these six iconic road trips starting in Melbourne will help you discover the best of Victoria from the comfort of your home on wheels. And if you're short on time, check out our guide to road trips around Melbourne you can't miss for some quick getaway ideas.
Camplify is Australia's largest campervan, caravan and motorhome sharing community. It connects local RV owners with travellers, offering an affordable way to explore Victoria's great outdoors. To learn more about how our van-sharing platform works, visit our How It Works page .
Now that you know how easy it is to get your hands on a campervan, let's explore the best road trips Victoria has to offer!
1. Great Ocean Road Trip: Iconic Coastal Drive from Melbourne
Total Distance: 645km Recommended Duration: 3 - 7 days Best Time to Visit: Summer and Spring Route on Google Maps
The Great Ocean Road is not just one of the best road trips in Victoria; it's one of the most iconic drives in Australia. For a comprehensive guide on planning your journey, including the best sights, camping spots, and drive times, check out our perfect Great Ocean Road trip itinerary.
Your campervan adventure begins in Melbourne, where you can easily rent a van from Camplify. From there, it's a short 1.5-hour drive (104 km) to Torquay , where you can catch some waves at the famous Bells Beach or dive into surfing history at the Australian National Surfing Museum.
As you wind along the coast, make a stop in Lorne to admire the 30m cascade of Erskine Falls. Next, venture into the Great Otway National Park for a treetop adventure on the Otway Fly Treetop Walk.
No Great Ocean Road trip is complete without a visit to the majestic Twelve Apostles and the historic Loch Ard Gorge. As you continue west, discover more natural wonders like The Grotto , Bay of Martyrs , and the Bay of Islands.
Wrap up your journey in Warrnambool with a visit to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village, before heading back via the charming towns of Timboon and Colac , famous for their local wines and cheeses.
If you have more time, consider extending your trip to include the Mornington Peninsula. Our 6-day Victorian itinerary combines the best of the Great Ocean Road with the highlights of the Mornington Peninsula for an unforgettable coastal adventure.
Where to Stay: For a perfect overnight stop, consider the Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park. Located right on the beach, it offers stunning ocean views and easy access to Lorne's attractions. Cost: From $35 per night for an unpowered site to $55 for a powered site (prices may vary seasonally).
2. Great Alpine Road Trip: Wonderland Adventure in Victoria
Total distance: 410km Recommended days: 2 to 5 days Best time to do the route: Autumn and Winter Route Map
For a great alpine adventure in your cozy campervan, the Great Alpine Road is hard to beat. Start your journey in Melbourne, where you can easily rent a van from Camplify. From there, it's about a 3.5-hour drive (281 km) to Bairnsdale , where you can admire the stunning murals in St Mary's Catholic Church.
As you wind your way up to the historic gold mining town of Omeo , you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Tambo River. In Omeo, step back in time at the A.M. Pearson Historical Park.
Winter sports enthusiasts will be in heaven at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, two of Victoria's premier ski resorts. If you're visiting in summer, don't miss the impressive Dandongadale Falls and Paradise Falls in Alpine National Park.
Conclude your alpine adventure in Milawa , where you can indulge in the region's famous wines, cheeses, and gourmet products.
Where to Stay: At Mount Hotham, the Wire Plain Cottage and Camping Ground offers a unique alpine camping experience. Cost: From $15 per night for an unpowered site (prices may increase during peak ski season).
3. Bellarine Taste Trail: Gourmet food and wine road trip
Total distance: 100km Recommended days: 1 to 3 days Best time to do the route: Summer and Spring Route Map
Food and wine lovers , rejoice! The Bellarine Peninsula Taste Trail is a gastronomic journey that your taste buds will thank you for. With your campervan as your mobile kitchen, you'll have plenty of space to store all the local delicacies you'll discover along the way.
Start your journey in Melbourne . From there, it's about a 1.5-hour drive (103 km) to Drysdale , where you can begin your taste adventure at the Tuckerberry Hill Berry Cafe and pick your own fresh berries. In Portarlington , savor freshly cooked mussels at the Little Mussel Cafe while enjoying views of Port Phillip Bay.
Make sure to stock up on artisanal ingredients at Wildings Pantry Essentials in St Leonards before heading to Queenscliff. Here, indulge in a wine tasting and cheese platter at Basils Farm , enjoy a meal at the iconic 360Q Restaurant , and sample craft beers at the Queenscliff Brewhouse.
Before heading home, don't forget to pick up some breakfast treats at the Ket Baker and pure, raw honey from Wattle Grove Honey in Wallington.
Where to Stay: The Riverview Family Caravan Park in Queenscliff is an excellent base for exploring the Bellarine Peninsula. Cost: From $40 per night for an unpowered site to $50 for a powered site.
4. Black Spur Drive: Scenic forest journey near Melbourne
Total distance: 60km Recommended days: 1 to 2 days Best time to do the route: Winter or Autumn Route Map
The Black Spur Drive might be short, but it's packed with natural wonders that will make you glad you chose to explore by campervan. Start your journey in Melbourne, where you can easily rent a van from Camplify. From there, it's about a 1-hour drive (65 km) to Healesville , where you can get up close with Australian wildlife at the Healesville Sanctuary.
As you wind through the towering forests of the Yarra Ranges , make sure to stop at the Fernshaw Picnic Ground for a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature. The 84m tall Steavenson Falls is a must-visit, with an easy 700m walk to the viewing platform.
Conclude your trip with a visit to the Cambarville Historical Settlement , where you can learn about the area's gold and logging history and see the Big Tree , Victoria's largest known living tree.
Where to Stay: For a tranquil forest experience, stay at the Marysville Caravan and Holiday Park. Cost: From $30 per night for an unpowered site to $40 for a powered site.
5. Pink Lakes and Grampians: Epic nature road trip in Western Victoria
Total distance: 1,250km Recommended days: 5 to 7 days Best time to do the route: Winter or Autumn Route Map
This epic road trip combines the otherworldly beauty of the Pink Lakes with the rugged landscapes of the Grampians. Your campervan will be your trusty companion as you traverse some of Victoria's most diverse terrains. If you're coming from South Australia, you might want to check out our guide on traveling from Adelaide to Melbourne via Western & North Western Victoria for some additional stops along the way.
Start your journey in Melbourne, where you can easily rent a van from Camplify. From there, head to the historic gold rush city of Bendigo (about a 2-hour drive, 150 km), where you can explore the Central Deborah Gold Mine. Then, head northwest to the Murray-Sunset National Park , home to the stunning Pink Lakes.
Next, make your way to the Grampians National Park , a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Don't miss the panoramic views from the Pinnacle lookout and the aboriginal rock art at Bunjil's Shelter.
On your way back to Melbourne, stop in Ballarat to step back in time at Sovereign Hill, a recreated 1850s gold rush town.
Where to Stay: In the Grampians, the Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park offers a picturesque setting with abundant wildlife. Cost: From $35 per night for an unpowered site to $45 for a powered site.
6. Gippsland and Tarra Valley: Diverse landscapes road trip in Eastern Victoria
Total distance: 500km Recommended days: 3 to 5 days Best time to do the route: Summer and Spring Route Map
Travel through the ancient forest of the Tarra Valley on this road trip to Gippsland - an area that is home to more than 100 wineries , 14 national parks , sweeping stretches of golden beaches and the largest inland lakes system in the Southern Hemisphere!
Your first stop should be Wilsons Promontory, a wildlife-rich seascape that forms part of Victoria's largest marine national park. Take a 2.5-hour eco-cruise around the offshore islands, home to colonies of fur seals , dolphins , whales and white-bellied sea eagles. End the day by climbing Mount Oberon and taking in the panoramic views.
Detour inland through the Tarra Valley in the Tarra Bulga National Park and the Strzelecki Ranges. Take a short loop walk through this ancient rainforest, crossing the famous Corrigan Suspension Bridge and listening to the calls of the Lyrebird. And don't miss the Cyathea Falls , which cascade 10 metres into the creek below.
Back on the coast, it's time to visit one of the longest stretches of sand in the world - Ninety Mile Beach (151km). Then continue to the Gippsland Lakes, Australia's largest inland waterways and the perfect place to spend a few days relaxing on the water. Be sure to take the free ferry to Raymond Island , home to Victoria's largest koala population.
Where to Stay: For a perfect base to explore the Gippsland Lakes, consider the NRMA Eastern Beach Holiday Park in Lakes Entrance. It offers stunning views of the Gippsland Lakes and easy access to Ninety Mile Beach. Cost: From $35 per night for an unpowered site to $45 for a powered site (prices may vary seasonally).
Plan Your Victorian campervan adventure with Camplify
Campervan: Van Morrison on Camplify.
With these incredible road trips and the convenience of hiring a campervan through Camplify, your Victorian adventure awaits. So pack your bags, pick up your home on wheels , and get ready to create unforgettable memories on the open road! If you're looking for a shorter adventure, why not try our 5 Day Road Trip in Regional Victoria for a quick taste of what the state has to offer?
Ready to start your Victorian road trip adventure?
The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.