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beaches, Mornington Peninsula
Photograph: Supplied

Road trips from Melbourne: the best places to visit near Melbourne by car

Ready to travel? Here's where to go on a four-wheeled adventure around Victoria
Leah Glynn
Written by Leah Glynn
Melbourne Editor
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Victoria is a fantastic state to explore by car. From idyllic coastal towns to breathtaking alpine regions, our state has got a bit of everything. To help you decide which road trip is right for you, our team of local editors (including Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn) have put in the hard yards – exploring the very best drives in the state to bring you the ultimate guide. Buckle up and get ready to explore Victoria on one of the best road trips from Melbourne.  

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For more holiday inspo, check out these national parks within driving distance or one of Victoria's best scenic drives.

Staying in the city? These are the best hotels in Melbourne.

Driving north of Melbourne

The High Country
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The High Country

A scenic rite of passage where winding alpine roads, crisp mountain air and postcard-perfect towns like Bright and Beechworth beckon far beyond the...
Daylesford
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Daylesford

Spa lovers and slow-paced wanderers will adore this healing hideout of mineral springs, antique stores and cosy cafés just a short hop into the rolling...
Ballarat
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Ballarat

History buffs will find Ballarat’s grand heritage and gold-rush stories irresistible, with Sovereign Hill and a lakeside stroll making the easy drive...
Castlemaine
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Castlemaine

This creative, gold-rush town invites CBD escapees to poke around galleries, vintage markets and leafy streets just far enough from the city to feel...
Yackandandah
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Yackandandah

Cradled in the northeast foothills and oozing heritage charm, Yack will surprise you with its quiet main street, craft brews and nostalgic slower pace on a...
Bendigo
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Bendigo

A vibrant blend of gold-rush grandeur, lively café culture and street art makes the highway north to Bendigo a classic day-trip escape from the...

Driving south of Melbourne

The Bellarine Peninsula
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The Bellarine Peninsula

Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula is a smorgasbord for visitors, with food and wine galore.
Phillip Island
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Phillip Island

Known for its healthy colonies of little penguins, seals and Hemsworths, Phillip Island has long been one of Melbourne's favourite destinations. 
Great Ocean Road
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Great Ocean Road

Justifiably one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations, the Great Ocean Road is one of the finest places to explore by car.

Driving east and west of Melbourne

The Yarra Valley
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The Yarra Valley

Only an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is the perfect road trip for those who love fine food and wine
The Grampians
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The Grampians

This dazzling region is populated by high sandstone peaks, gorgeous wildflowers and the epic Pinnacle walk.
Macedon Ranges
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Macedon Ranges

This cool climate wine region has a growing reputation for its sparkling wines, plus gorgeous natural scenery.
Mallacoota
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Mallacoota

Mallacoota is a small fishing town in East Gippsland that offers beaches, rivers, the bush and serenity.
East Gippsland
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East Gippsland

If Melbourne’s fresh produce and overcrowded wine cellars aren’t authentic enough, a trip to East Gippsland should satisfy your cravings. 
Central Gippsland
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Central Gippsland

You'll find everything from wineries to dairies, freshwater lakes to coastal beaches, hikes through rainforests to boat trips down rivers.  

More road trip destinations

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