The ultimate visitor’s guide to the best Melbourne Road Trips – including the world famous Great Ocean Road.
There are so many opportunities to take a road trip from Melbourne, it’s hard to choose which one! If you are planning a visit to the city of Melbourne we highly recommend taking a day trip. You can explore the famous Great Ocean Road. Or maybe adventure to the Grampians National Park. Plus you could visit the famous Little Penguin colony of Phillip Island. Or if food and wine is more your thing, the Yarra Valley is the place to go. All of these locations make wonderful day trips from Melbourne. To do them in comfort, we would love to welcome you aboard a Go West Tour.
Here’s our guide to the top Melbourne road trips, so you can choose which ones you want to do!
Best Melbourne Road Trips
Road Trip: Great Ocean Road
The most iconic road trip from Melbourne is of course the Great Ocean Road. It is a scenic drive along a beautiful coastline, and there are scenic views around every bend. On the Great Ocean Road you can discover the best surf beaches in Australia. In addition you can visit seaside holiday towns that feel a world away from the city. On our day tours we stop at Kennett River to see wild koalas and native birds. We also visit the Otway Ranges to take a walk through the rainforest and towering eucalyptus trees. The highlight of this road trip is the incredible Twelve Apostles rock formations. We take in all the views from the lookout, plus visit the beaches and lookouts nearby, including Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps.
Road Trip Tours:
Great Ocean Road Day Tour
Explore Victoria’s Surf Coast and visit picturesque townships along this world-famous coastline. Spot koalas in the wild and walk through pristine rainforest. Soak up the history of sites like the Loch Ard Gorge and take a tour of the world-famous Twelve Apostles.
Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour
If you are pressed for time, take our shorter tour which includes Sunset at the Twelve Apostles. It’s your opportunity to discover coastal scenery, native animals including koalas, and lush rainforest. Plus, you can enjoy one of Australia’s most spectacular views at the perfect time of day.
Road Trip: Phillip Island
Phillip Island is a wildlife haven – just 2 hours drive from Melbourne. The island is renowned for its wildlife and conservation programs. Phillip Island is home to tens of thousands of Little Penguins – the largest colony on earth. These amazing little birds nest on the island and each evening they can be seen returning from the ocean and crossing the beach to the sand dunes. The best place to view them is the Penguin Parade. While this is the highlight of a visit to Phillip Island, there are other scenic coastal locations to explore. Plus, wildlife including seals, whales, wallabies and many species of seabirds.
Road Trip Tours:
Phillip Island Day Tour
On our Phillip Island day tour, you’ll start the day with a visit to Melbourne’s colourful bathing boxes at Brighton Beach. We then visit local wildlife at a multi-award-winning conservation park – Moonlit Sanctuary. In the afternoon we explore Phillip Island before then visit the Penguin Parade – the highlight of the tour.
Phillip Island and Puffing Billy Tour
Ride on a century-old train through the forest, meet and feed some of Australia’s iconic, native animals at a Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park. Then visit Phillip Island for spectacular views of coastal landscapes and end a memorable day by watching penguins waddle to shore on the Penguin Parade.
Road Trip: Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is a short, scenic drive from Melbourne and is a great day trip for foodies and wine-lovers alike. The region is renowned for its cool climate wines – in particular chardonnay and pinot noir. There are big name wineries like Rochford Wines, Yering Station, Balgownie Estate and Domaine Chandon. As well as many smaller wineries scattered around the valley. In addition to the winemakers, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge with local gourmet delights such as cheese, chocolate, relishes, fruit juices and more.
Road Trip Tours:
Yarra Valley Gourmet Tour
The Yarra Valley Gourmet Tour is one to get your taste buds tingling. Our tour provides a perfect blend of the very best of the region’s wines and other gourmet produce. Because wine is only half the story of this gourmet wonderland. Join us on tour to sample expertly made cheeses, chocolates, wines, and more in foodie heaven!
Road Trip: Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is the playground of Melbourne’s rich and famous. It boasts idyllic beaches, historic seaside towns and incredible ocean views from many different lookout points. It is also home to the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs, which is the ultimate place to relax and rejuvenate during a trip to Melbourne.
Road Trip Tours:
Peninsula Hot Springs Tour
Join us on a Peninsula Hot Springs Tour to indulge in the ultimate day of pampering. Spend the morning relaxing at the award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs, with more than 50 spa experiences to choose from. Then spend the afternoon exploring some of the Peninsula’s most scenic locations including the Mt Martha bathing boxes.
Road Trip: Grampians National Park
The Grampians National Park is the site of rich Aboriginal history, abundant native flora and fauna, and incredible mountain views. The sandstone peaks of the Grampians can be explored in many different locations. On tour we visit the highlights of the Central Grampians region including MacKenzie Falls, the Grand Canyon, Boroka Lookout and more. We also look for the region’s native Australia wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies and emus.
Road Trip Tours:
Grampians National Park Tour
The Grampians day tour lets you explore the highlights of the National Park. We take various walking trails to see canyons, waterfalls, forests and valleys. Learn about the local history from your tour guide and spot wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies and birds. Take in the spectacular views at various lookout points in the National Park’s mountain range.
Road Trip: Wilsons Promontory National Park
Wilsons Promontory is a national park at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. It is a underrated gem that will surprise you with coastal bushland trails and pristine beaches. The spectacular coastline is recognisable by its turquoise waters and granite boulders. The Prom is a truly unique and unspoilt region where you will discover unique Australian wildlife as well.
Road Trip Tours:
Wilsons Promontory Day Tour
On the Wilsons Promontory day tour from Melbourne you can expect to encounter native animals. Kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and emus are commonly seen in this national park. Try bushwalking with your guide in native Australian forest and each one of The Prom’s highest peaks for incredible panoramic views. You can also kick off your shoes for a walk along the white quartz sand of Squeaky Beach.
Whatever day trip – or day trips – you choose, we guarantee you’ll have an experience that is memorable for all the right reasons. We look forward to welcoming you aboard a Go West Tour!
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au