Best Road Trips from Melbourne: 8 Drives Worth Taking

Melbourne is surrounded by some of the best driving country in Australia. Within two to three hours in any direction, you can reach world-class coastline, ancient rainforest, alpine villages, wine country, and rugged national parks. Victoria is small enough that you can do most of these as day trips, but they're all worth at least an overnight stay if you have the time. Here are eight road trips from Melbourne that we recommend to every customer who picks up a car from Savvy Car Hire.

The Great Ocean Road needs no introduction. The 243km coastal drive from Torquay to Allansford is one of the most scenic roads on the planet. Most tour buses rush it in a day, but with your own car, take two or three days. Stop at Bells Beach, walk through rainforest at Maits Rest, watch sunset at the Twelve Apostles, eat fish and chips in Apollo Bay, and push past the tourist crowds to the Bay of Islands and Port Fairy. Fuel up in Geelong before you start, prices jump along the coast. Distance from Melbourne: 260km to the Twelve Apostles. Allow at least one overnight.

Phillip Island is an easy 90-minute drive from Melbourne and home to the famous Penguin Parade. Drive down in the afternoon, explore the Nobbies, grab lunch in Cowes, watch the sunset, then see hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at dusk. It's genuinely magical, even if you're not usually a wildlife person. On the way, stop at the San Remo fish and chip shop, it's an institution. This one works perfectly as a half-day trip. Distance: 140km.

The Yarra Valley is Melbourne's backyard wine region, less than an hour from the CBD. Over 80 cellar doors, incredible restaurants, and Healesville Sanctuary for native wildlife. The drive through rolling green hills is beautiful in any season. Start at Healesville, work your way through the valley, and finish with a long lunch at one of the acclaimed restaurants. This is a perfect day trip, no need to overnight unless you want to hit every cellar door. Distance: 65km to Healesville.

The Mornington Peninsula combines coastal walks, hot springs, wineries, and some of the best restaurants in Victoria. Drive down the Nepean Highway, stop at the Mornington market if it's a Wednesday, hit Peninsula Hot Springs for a soak, walk the clifftops at Cape Schanck, and finish at a winery in Red Hill. On the way back, detour to Brighton for a photo of the famous bathing boxes. Distance: 75km to Portsea. Easy day trip.

Wilson's Promontory, 'the Prom', is the southernmost point of mainland Australia and one of Victoria's best national parks. Pristine white-sand beaches, multi-day hikes, abundant wildlife, and a remoteness that feels like another world. The drive from Melbourne takes about 2.5 hours. Squeaky Beach and Tidal River are the highlights. Book accommodation early if you plan to stay overnight, it fills up fast, especially in summer. Distance: 220km.

The Grampians (Gariwerd) is a stunning mountain range about three hours west of Melbourne, with ancient rock art, dramatic lookouts, waterfalls, and excellent bushwalking. The Pinnacle walk is a must-do, the views from the top are extraordinary. Base yourself in Halls Gap, where you'll find kangaroos literally grazing on the main street. Spring (September to November) is the best time for wildflowers. Distance: 260km.

The Great Alpine Road runs from Wangaratta through Bright, Mount Hotham, and down to Bairnsdale, one of the highest sealed roads in Australia. In winter, it's a route to ski resorts (snow chains required). In summer and autumn, it's a spectacular drive through mountain scenery, with Bright being one of the most picturesque small towns in Victoria, especially in autumn when the deciduous trees turn gold and crimson. Distance: 300km to Bright.

Finally, Daylesford and the spa country. About 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne, Daylesford is Victoria's spa capital, natural mineral springs, boutique accommodation, excellent cafes, and a relaxed, creative vibe. It's the perfect weekend escape and an easy drive. Stop at the Hepburn Bathhouse for a mineral spa soak, browse the Sunday market, and eat somewhere excellent (there are too many good restaurants to name). Distance: 115km. All of these road trips are well within the 500km weekly allowance included with every Savvy Car Hire booking. Pick up a car from our Malvern or South Melbourne location and start exploring. Need advice on the best route? Give us a call on 0485 018 888, we love talking road trips.