The Essential Guide to Road-Tripping Around Melbourne

The thrill of the open road, the freedom to explore unfamiliar destinations – it’s no wonder road trips are such a beloved form of travel. Driving is particularly great for discovering the gorgeous natural scenery and diverse attractions around Melbourne, Australia. While Victoria’s coastal capital is renowned for its vibrant city life, there’s so much more to see beyond its urban limits, with incredible heritage sites just a few hours’ drive from Melbourne’s central business district.

Going on a road trip abroad might seem daunting, however. There are cars to book, hotels to find, countless routes and stops to navigate… Don’t let this get you in a tizzy. Just follow these tips to make your dream road trip in Victoria fun and hassle-free!

Step 1: Figure Out Your Itinerary

Driving gives you a lot of room for spontaneity, but you should still have a solid idea of your must-see places so you can make the most of your trip. Once you’ve decided where you want to go – and when – you can make the necessary arrangements for transport and accommodation.

Try using Klook, which lets you find all the things you’ll need – from attraction tickets and tour bookings to cars and hotels – via one platform.

To save you the effort, we’ve curated our top destinations for you to add to your itinerary, with classic sights that you just can’t miss as well as seasonal and lesser-known experiences for a truly special adventure.

Great Ocean Road

It takes around three days to cruise along this National Heritage-listed, 664-kilometre stretch of coastline, but it’s advisable to include some rest days so you can stretch your legs and take in the sights.

Don’t miss the breath-taking views of the famed Twelve Apostles limestone stacks and the Loch Ard Gorge in Port Campbell National Park. Extend your trip by joining the three-day guided Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, which comes with delicious meals, foot baths, cosy rooms and even a helicopter ride.

Further along Great Ocean Road is Great Otway National Park, where you’ll find tranquil rainforests and rushing waterfalls. If animal-watching is your thing, join a guided wildlife trekto learn more about the habitat.

As for the foodies, the Twelve Apostles Gourmet Trail and Otway Harvest Traillet you explore the region with your taste buds! Don’t forget to stock up on snacks for the long drives in between stops. The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery is a lovely place to pick up some sweet treats to go.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

At the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, Wilsons Promontory National Park is a fantastic place to commune with nature. Take a guided hike for stunning views of pristine beaches from granite summits. Don’t be surprised if you spot some kangaroos and emus along the way! You can also appreciate the wonderful fauna of the region with a family-friendly wildlife cruise around imposing Skull Rock and get up close with the Australian fur seal colony.

Mornington Peninsula

This haven is just an hour away from Melbourne by car. Spend an afternoon relaxing in its elegant gardens or indulge in a detoxifying clay ritual at the Peninsula hot springs.

There are a variety of walking trails that you can complete at a leisurely pace in just one to two hours, including the Coles Track in Point Nepean National Park, which played a part in Melbourne’s defences during World War II. Point Nepean overlooks Port Phillip Bay, where you can enjoy an exhilarating swim with wild bottlenose dolphins and seals.

Before you go, don’t forget to savour the premium rum at Jimmy Rum, one of Mornington Peninsula’s acclaimed craft distilleries.

Be aware that Mornington Peninsula is very popular during weekends and school holidays, so remember to book ahead and aim for a mid-week visit if possible.

Victoria’s Snowfields

It’s winter down under, which means it’s the season for an alpine retreat! Hit the ski slopes at scenic Mount Buller, which is just a three-hour drive from Melbourne. More experienced skiers will love the dramatic terrain at Falls Creek or Mount Hotham. Other delightful winter activities include tobogganing at Lake Mountain and speeding across the alpine landscape on a dog sled. Warm up at the Hot Chocolate Festival, which runs all through August at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery and is heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Victoria’s alpine retreats are crowded this time of year, so opt for weekday bookings.

Phillip Island

Winter is ideal for whale-watchingat Phillip Island because you have a high chance of spotting majestic humpback and southern right whales on their annual migration route. You’ll likely encounter dolphins and birdlife as well, so this day trip is a must for nature-lovers. While you’re there, don’t forget to catch the adorable penguins on their daily Penguin Parade.

Step 2: Book the Perfect Stay

Once you know which activities are on your bucket list, you can work out how much time you’ll want to spend in each location and plan your accommodation accordingly. Instead of trawling through Google, check out the Klook app to search for different property types according to your budget. Whether you’re looking for a no-frills motel, a peaceful beach cottage, a luxury resort or this adorably romantic Tiny House, you’ll be sure to discover great deals on your home away from home.

Step 3: Find a Ride

Of course, no road trip is complete without the right car! Klook connects you with car rentals at a range of price points. Consider what you’ll need for a safe and comfortable journey. How many people will accompany you? How much luggage will you bring? Do you want a compact hybrid or a luxe SUV? If you don’t know where to start, check out Klook’s handy FAQs to learn about average costs and popular vehicle types.

Once you have your rental car, ensure that you have the proper emergency supplies, such as snow chains, an ice scraper, a spare tyre, wiper fluid, petrol can, first-aid kit, blankets, road flares and a flashlight.

Getting ready for a road trip is easier than you think when you can sort everything out on one platform. Klook is currently offering $30 off all Victoria activities with the promo code <VISITMELBOURNE> as well as 10% off Australia car rentals with <SGCARAU00>. Visit Klook for more deals and inspiration. Start planning your next great Australian adventure now!

This content was produced in partnership with Klook