Victorian Road Trip
Come along on this journey with us as we take you to some of our favourite destinations to visit and things to see during a road trip through our beautiful state of Victoria.
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In Victoria, we have some amazing destinations to visit and places to see where you can go just for a little weekend escape or a planned longer getaway.
Our aim is to help you on your next adventure and we try to make sure you have the basics to escape with little to no fuss required. That is why we provide a table & chairs and a basic kitchen setup with pots and pans, cutlery and plates to make that escape as easy as possible for you.
Throughout Victoria, we are spoilt for choice for places to visit but we have created this list to hopefully give you some cracking ideas to help you plan your next holiday with a caravan from Getaway Mini Caravan Hire.
Ok, where do we start!
1. See the Silo Art of Western Victoria
Location: Rupanyup Silo (Start of Silo Art trail)
Distance from Melbourne: 3.5 hours
The Silo art trails have been a new way to see the countryside and a great way to entice people to venture out of the city of Melbourne. The art that has been created on these silos are truly amazing and an absolute must for all travellers to see and appreciate.
Where is the Silo Art Trail?
The official Silo Art Trail in Victoria consists of 8 silos spread over 200 kilometres in the Wimmera Mallee region. The closest silo to Melbourne is The Rupanyup Silo by Julia Volchkova, which is where most people choose to start the trail. All of the silos feature an image that reflects the community and spirit of the small town it is located in.
You can find these momentous murals in Sheep Hills, Brim, Sea Lake, Patchewollock, Lascelles, Nullawil, Rosebery, Goroke, Kaniva and Rupanyup. A unique art project that is still evolving, the Silo Art Trail has already revitalised the towns and brought thousands of new visitors to the region.
2. Upper Yarra Reservoir & Black Spur Drive
Location: Upper Yarra Dam Reservoir
Distance from Melbourne: 2.5 hours
This one is one of my personal favourites as I grew up at the Upper Yarra Dam East Warburton. Although it has changed a lot since I lived there, you can now camp at the Upper Yarra Dam which is awesome and a very tranquil place to be.
There are so many places to visit in this region and we really are spoilt for choice for the best places to visit in Victoria.
Warburton & Mt Donna Buang is a great place for a quick day trip and Cement Creek Redwood Forest is an amazing place and one that your children will really love.
Healsville Sanctuary is a must for all animal lovers and is a very popular place to see. This area also boasts lots of wonderful wineries and locally grown goods to get your taste buds tingling.
Beginning at Healesville in the south and ending at Narbethong in the north, the snaking and steep Black Spur drive cuts through the lush rainforest landscapes of the Yarra Ranges. It links the Yarra Valley with the mountain areas around Marysville and is famous for its 27-kilometre twists of towering trees and spectacular valley views.
At the base of the Black Spur, you’ll find Fernshaw Picnic Area with rest facilities and is the perfect spot to stop, revive, survive along the way. A little further on, Dom Dom in Marysville State Forest has a few basic amenities and a picnic area.
3. Sheepyard Flat, Howqua Hills Campground
Location: Sheepyard Flat Campground
Distance from Melbourne: 3.5 hours
Sheep Yard Flat is one of the top campsites in Victoria, and best of all… it’s free! Camp under the stars in open woodland surrounded by Peppermint and Manna Gum trees. Sheepyard Flat is situated in a natural valley on the banks of the Howqua River. The site is large (over 50 spots!) mostly grassy, and has plenty of shade. It’s a perfect location for swimming and there are even fishing spots within a short walk too.
Important to note is that it is super popular and can get full during peak season as it is a great starting point for 4wd adventures into the Victorian High Country. Many species of wildlife can be spotted here too and visitors often see koalas and wombats and kangaroos. Wood barbeques are available but you must bring your own firewood and check on local fire bans.
4. Geelong, 12 Apostles, Warrnambool, Port Fairy
Location: 12 Apostles
Distance from Melbourne: Travelling directly will take you 2.5 hours
Starting at Geelong cruise around the coast for some amazing beautiful sites along the coast, so much to see and do. Check out the surfing at Torquay and of course the infamous Bells Beach. The 12 Apostles are a must as you drive along and although the name may fool you, there are only 8 Apostles left standing after years of being eroded by the sea. Soak up a spectacular view on a helicopter flight. Explore Lock Ard Gorge, all on your way to Warrnambool.
Between May and October, you can see Southern Right Wales here from the viewing platform at Logans Beach.
Finish your trip at the magical Port Fairy where are lots to see and do. Time your journey right and join in on the Port Fairy Folk Festival that has crowds coming from all over Australia.
5. Ballarat, Sovereign Hill
Location: Sovereign Hill
Distance from Melbourne: 1.5 hours
At Sovereign Hill a living museum goldfields town that recreates Ballarat’s first 10 years after the 1851 discovery of gold when thousands of international adventurers came in search of a fortune. Its set on 10 hectares of an original mining site and costumed characters bring the shops, hotels, theatre, school, factories, gold digging and underground mines to life.
Take an underground mine tour, pan for real gold, watch a $150,000 gold pour, visit the gold museum, ride in a horse drawn carriage or use a pen and ink in one of the rooms at the schoolhouse. There is PLENTY to do at Sovereign Hill.
In the evening, watch Sovereigns Hill’s multi-million dollar sound and light show. Blood on the Southern Cross tells the dramatic story of the 1854 Eureka Rebellion in which miners rebelled against unfair government gold taxes and swore allegiance to the Southern Cross Flag.
6. Tidal River, Newhaven Beach, Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula Foreshore.
Location: Tidal river
Distance from Melbourne: 3 – 3.5 hours
Tidal river is one of the most popular spots for beach camping in Victoria. With the added benefit of being situated both by the river and Norman Beach, you’ll find no lack of things to do. All modern amenities are available including hot showers, dish-washing stations, toilets and picnic spots with free gas barbeques.
Phillip Island is a perfect destination when it comes to beach camping in Victoria and BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park on Newhaven Beach offers the perfect getaway. If you’re after natural beauty and to see some of Australia’s iconic animals, this is the spot for you! Catch the Penguin Parade at sunset or try and spot one of the islands many koalas.
The Mornington Peninsula Foreshore contains some of Victoria’s most beautiful beaches including, Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento. Scenic views of the ocean and excellent facilities make this one of the most popular spots for camping on the Mornington Peninsula. Activities include swimming, hiking and cycling, with local shops and cafes just a stone’s throw away.
Ready to set off on your next road trip from Melbourne?
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freedom that camping affords. Loading up the car or Caravan with tents, sleeping bags, fold up chairs, an esky or two and hitting the open road in search of your next adventure and making memories for your families.
Whether you like to pitch a tent or caravan in the middle of a remote forest, at the base of an incredible mountain range, along the shores of a peaceful lake, or close enough to the beach to hear the waves crashing at night, the state of Victoria has a range of different environments to suit every type of camper,
Camping is permitted in 25 of the state’s 35 national parks, and while some sites are free, the majority are very reasonably priced. You’ll find every type of camping, from remote spots in secluded national reserves (where you can BYO everything and really rough it) to the comfortable surrounds of holiday parks (think: flushing toilets, hot showers and barbecues… maybe even some glamping!)
Hire a caravan in Melbourne today!
The city of Melbourne has been in lockdown throughout this pandemic for the longest time in the entire world so we know that the residents need a holiday but small businesses more than ever need us to rally together and support them once again! We hope this list of some of our favourite places to visit on a Victorian road trip sparkes joy and gives you inspiration for your next getaway. Book a caravan from Mini Caravan Hire and let’s get out and see our beautiful state!