8 hidden gems in Victoria for your next road trip guide

The Garden State is a diverse landscape, from the windswept shores of the Great Ocean Road to the Pink Lakes of the Murray Sunset National Park and the ancient forests of the Tarra Valley. To help you discover all that’s on offer, we’ve listed 8 hidden gems in Victoria!

We’ve included something for everyone, including waterfalls, bush escapes, coastal getaways, rejuvenating retreats and rainforest adventures. Escape the buzz of Melbourne and plan your road trips in Victoria around these hidden gems.

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Hidden gems in Victoria: 8 unmissable places to discover on your next adventure

1. Tarra Valley

The Tarra Valley forms part of the Tarra Bulga National Park and the Strzelecki Ranges , all hidden gems in Victoria’s South Gippsland. This ancient forest consists of giant gum and beech trees, shady fern gullies and river valleys. It is one of Australia’s most stunning cool temperate rainforests.

Cross the famous Corrigan Suspension Bridge on a short loop walk (2.7km) and feel what it’s like to walk amongst the forest canopy. Explore this rainforest (which was once roamed by dinosaurs), listening to the calls of the Lyrebird and passing by Myrtle Beech trees that are 1,000 years old.

You can also enjoy a short drive to the Tarra Valley picnic area , from which it is only a short 500m walk to the Cyathea Falls. Follow the track that runs along the creek before admiring the 10-metre tall cascades.

Stay at the Tarra Valley Caravan Park, situated beside the picturesque Tarra River and at the start of the Grand Strzelecki Track. Facilities include sheltered barbecue sheds, bathroom blocks, a camp kitchen, playground, cafe and more. Bookings can be made online.

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2. Inverloch

The stunning seaside town of Inverloch may be sleepy, but it is one of the best hidden gems in Victoria. Named after Lochinver in Scotland, it is a great destination for families and fishermen wanting to enjoy the gentle waters of Anderson Inlet. However, it’s also popular with water sports enthusiasts wanting to check out the local surf scene.

Inverloch is part of the Bunurong Marine Park , a 17-kilometre coastal park and conservation area. Take the walking trail up to Eagles Nest Lookout (0.3km), where you can take in panoramic views over Cape Patterson.

The kids will also enjoy visiting the Shell Museum, where over 6,000 shell specimens are on display. The museum also has a dinosaur exhibition , marking the fact that the first recorded dinosaur bone found in Australia was unearthed at Inverloch.

Stay at Ingenia Holiday Park Inverloch Foreshore, where you can camp between the sand dunes and the water’s edge at Anderson Inlet. The park offers both unpowered and powered campsites and facilities include amenity blocks, a kitchen block and a laundry.

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3. Echuca

The charming country town of Echuca sits on the Murray River and is host to the Southern 80 (the largest water ski race in the world). However, things aren’t always so fast-paced. Most visitors to this hidden gem on the Victorian border simply enjoy kicking back and watching the paddle steamers cruise the river.

Visit the highly-rated Port of Echuca Discovery Centre , a living monument that once was Australia’s largest inland port and the third largest port in Australia (outside Sydney and Melbourne). Get a glimpse into what country life was like during the 1800s and take a ride on a paddle steamer.

For a truly unique experience, visit the Great Aussie Beer Shed and Heritage Farm Museum. Take a walk down memory lane as you admire this unbelievable display of Australian paraphernalia - including over 20,000 beer cans, Coca-Cola bottles and other household items.

Stay at the NRMA Echuca Holiday Park, where you can camp right on the banks of the mighty Murray River. A range of powered campsites are available and facilities include a camp kitchen, bathrooms, swimming pool, boat ramp, playground, games room and more.

4. Great Otway National Park

When travelling along the Great Ocean Road (one of the best road trips in Victoria), many people drive straight past one of Victoria’s hidden gems - Great Otway National Park. Spend a few days exploring this hinterland landscape , surrounded by craggy coastlines, towering waterfalls and tall forests.

The Great Ocean Walk (91km) is a multi-day coastal walking trail that passes through Great Otway National Park. If you don’t want to walk the entire thing, you can sample a section of the track or try one of the 20 short walks in the National Park. Thrill-seekers may ever want to take on the Otway Fly Treetop Walk (set 25m in the air).

Great Otway National Park is also one of only a few places where you can see glow worms in Australia. They’re best found in dark, damp places such as Melba Gully near Lavers Hill, Lake Elizabeth and the Kennet River.

Stay at Bimbi Park Campground, surrounded by tall gum trees and sleeping koalas and is only a short drive from the historic Cape Otway Lightstation. Both unpowered and powered campsites are available and facilities include an amenities block, camp kitchen, barbecue area, outdoor theatre, shop, laundry, gas refills and shuttle service.

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5. Hattah-Kulkyne National Park

Looking for a hidden gem in Victoria’s bushland? Enjoy a quiet escape to Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, which sits on the edge of the Hattah Lakes and covers 120,000 acres of Mallee Country (a region named after the dominant species of Eucalypt).

Popular for its walking and bike riding tracks, the Mournpall Lake Loop (9.5km) takes about 3 hours to complete. It shows off the National Park’s diverse landscape, following the edge of Lake Mournpall and Lake Konardin before passing through River Red Gum flood plains and Mallee dunes.

Animal lovers will find an abundance of wildlife, with kangaroos and emus spread throughout the park. Birdwatchers should also keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles, white-bellied sea eagles, whistling kites, barking owls and mallee emu-wren. And fishermen can go after Murray Cod and Golden Perch (Yellowbelly).

Stay at the Lake Mournpall Camping Area, which offers unpowered campsites on the water's edge (suitable for campervans and caravans). Facilities include non-flush toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables. Advanced booking and payment are required.

6. Murray Sunset National Park

Another hidden gem in Victoria’s Outback, Murray-Sunset National Park is famous for its Pink Lakes and historic salt harvesting industry. Make sure you bring your camera and capture all that this natural wonderland has to offer, from its coloured waters to its fiery sunsets and starry skies.

There are several short walking trails within the park but the most popular is the Kline Loop Nature Walk (4.8km). It takes about 2 hours to complete, during which time you’ll learn about the harsh conditions that the salt miners had to endure and their life in this remote corner of Victoria.

Alternatively, you can try the loop walks around Lake Becking (1.4km) and Lake Hardy (1.7km), both of which turn deep pink after winter and spring rains. The lakes are best viewed early or late in the day, particularly when it is cloudy.

Stay at the Lake Crosbie Campground, camping beside the largest of the Pink Lakes. This is the main campground in Murray-Sunset National Park and is accessible by 2WD vehicles. Facilities include toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables. No fees or bookings are required.

7. Macedon Ranges

The Macedon Ranges is a country region consisting of nine historic villages, heritage gardens and expansive forests. Less than an hour from Melbourne, this hidden gem in Victoria is a hub for creativity, fine dining and cool-climate wines.

Escape the city and rejuvenate in the town of Daylesford , historically famous for its healing waters and fresh air. Soak in the natural mineral springs at one of the spa experiences around town and follow up with a relaxing massage.

Spend another day exploring the Hanging Rock Reserve, the mysterious sight where a group of schoolgirls disappeared in 1901 (an event made famous by the book and film Picnic at Hanging Rock). Take the Pinnacle Walk to the summit for panoramic views before relaxing on the expansive lawns.

Stay at Jubilee Lake Holiday Park, where you can camp in a pretty valley on the shores of the lake (only a short walk from Daylesford). Both unpowered and powered campsites are available and facilities include a camp kitchen and dining area, barbecues and firepits, cafe and kiosk, laundry, canoe and paddle boat hire and more.

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8. Alpine National Park

If you seek adventure, you can’t beat Alpine National Park - home to Victoria’s highest mountain ranges and world-class trails for hiking, horse riding and mountain biking. In summer, take a white-water rafting trip or four-wheel drive to secluded areas. In winter, shred the snowy slopes on your skis or snowboard.

Don’t miss Victoria’s tallest waterfall, the Dandongadale Falls. From Lake Cobbler Hut, there is an 800m walking track to the base of the falls. Watch as the water plunges 225m over the sheer cliff face and disappears into the Ross River.

Travel a little further into the Alpine National Park and you’ll find Paradise Falls (accessible via 2WD). Enjoy a picnic at the car park facilities before walking 500m to the lookout.

Stay at the JB Plain Hut and Camping Area, one of the highest campsites in Australia. Facilities include composting toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces. It is free to camp here and bookings are not required.

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The best way to discover all of the hidden gems in Victoria is by campervan, motorhome or caravan. Make your camping trip more comfortable (and photogenic) and explore each place at your own pace.

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