Alpine to ocean: road tripping in Victoria

By Jeremy Rochow
Published: Wednesday, May 12, 2021

From the Southern Ocean to the mighty Murray, Victoria is a land of ever-changing landscapes.

If you’re driving from South Australia, follow the winding Murray and explore the many townships dotted along Australia’s longest river.

Head inland across the Mallee and within a couple of hours, the ancient Grampians will rise above the surrounding bushland.

South of the Grampians, you’ll find temperate rainforests in the Great Otway National Park – home to giant eucalyptus trees.

Nearby, weave your way along the Great Ocean Road with its picturesque views.

Here are some of our favourite Victorian road trips, taking in 3 of the state’s most stunning landscapes.

Great Ocean Road

Built by returned World War I soldiers to reach isolated southern coastal communities like Lorne, the Great Ocean Road is now one of Australia’s most famous tourist drives.

You’ll be mesmerised by the sweeping ocean views, steep cliff faces and dense rainforest as you make your way along this National Heritage-listed road.

Part of Victoria’s Great Southern Touring Route, the Great Ocean Road stretches 234km from Allansford to surfing hotspot, Torquay.

Great Otways National Park. Image: Visit Victoria

While it’s possible to complete the route in a day, it’s best to spread it out over a few, and explore every nook and cranny. Along the coast, you’ll want to visit tourist hotspots like the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge and The Grotto.

Following your visit to the 12 Apostles, make your way to the Great Otway National Park.

Stretching from Torquay to Princetown and inland to Colac, the park features stunning limestone cliffs and natural rock formations as well as dense rainforest, waterfalls and lakes.

The 25m-high Otway Fly Tree Adventure through the giant eucalyptus forest is a highlight, offering breathtaking views. For thrill seekers, zipline through the leafy treetops, 30m above the forest floor.

For those wanting to explore the Otways a little more, visit Wildlife Wonders. Here, you can enjoy a 75-minute guided walk through Otways bushland and learn about the local wildlife and conservation.

Wildlife Wonders. Image: Visit Victoria

Where to stay

For a truly spectacular beach view, try the Cumberland Lorne. It overlooks the water and is close to some tasty restaurant options.

The Grampians

Search ‘The Grampians’ on Instagram and you’ll be met with thousands of images of the Pinnacle Lookout. It’s no surprise the Grampians are one of the most Instagrammed locations in Australia.

Stepping out to the Pinnacle Lookout, it’s easy to see why. As you reach the vantage point, you’ll be met with breathtaking views of Halls Gap and the Grampians’ many peaks.

Located along the Great Southern Touring Route, at the southern tip of the Great Dividing Range, Grampians National Park is a favourite among hikers.

Pinnacle Lookout. Image: Visit Victoria

From Halls Gap, you have a couple of walking options to reach the Pinnacle Lookout. Here, you can snap the perfect Instagram shot, or just take in the awe-inspiring views. The best option for small children or people who aren’t used to walking long distances is the 4.2km path from the Sundial carpark.

It does include some water crossings, so ensure you wear sturdy shoes. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, and more of a workout, ascend past the impressive Grand Canyon.

After all that walking, you might want to take a load off. Jump in the car and head towards the Eastern Grampians.

In Great Western, discover Seppelt and Best’s wineries whose vineyards date back to the 1800s. Spend the day wine tasting, or if wine’s not your thing, visit Pomonal Estate for a beer or cider.

Where to stay

Go glamping in the Grampians. Stay at the Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park in a cabin or glamping tent. Sit on the deck and watch the kangaroos grazing as the sun sets.

Seppelt vineyard. Image: Visit Victoria

The mighty Murray

The Murray has been the lifeblood of south-eastern Australia for centuries.

Indigenous tribes have lived on the river for thousands of years, hunting and fishing along the waterway. Now, the area is one of the country’s biggest food bowls, supplying produce to the nation.

Only an hour’s drive from the South Australian border near Renmark, you’ll reach Mildura – an oasis in the desert.

Surrounded by irrigated orchards and vineyards, Mildura is set on the Murray, among red soil and sand dunes. If you’re an early riser, travel out to the Merbein Common to watch the sun rise over the river.

Delve into the Murray’s pioneering heritage, leaving the car behind for a few hours – or a few days – and take a journey aboard one of the many historic paddle steamers stationed along the river.

Pelicans at Barmah National Park. Image: Getty

Mildura is home to the PS Melbourne which offers daily tours with live commentary. East of Mildura, the town of Echuca is home to 7 paddle steamers including the PS Emmylou, which offers a range of cruises.

If you’re looking for somewhere to relax on the Murray, Cobram is a nice place to set-up camp. Hikers can’t resist Pinnacle Lookout. exploring the Barmah National Park to see the famous river red gums.

You’ll also find attractive beaches including Thompsons Beach, which is lined with towering gum trees and picnic areas. Cast a line, take a dip or launch your boat.

Where to stay

If you’re looking for accommodation like no other, book a houseboat from one of the many operators along the Murray. You’ll have somewhere to rest your head, and during the day you can explore the river.

Go on a self-drive holiday

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