The Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria’s best road trips. Here is the best itinerary from Torquay to Warrnambool, complete with amazing scenery and exciting attractions.
Travel
Best stops on a Melbourne to Mount Gambier road trip
A road trip from Melbourne to Mount Gambier offers a scenic journey through some of Victoria and South Australia’s most captivating landscapes. Here’s a guide to the best stops along this inland route, including highlights like Ballarat, Dunkeld, and Casterton.
If you’re craving a road trip that takes you off the beaten path and immerses you in rural charm, look no further than the inland route from Melbourne to Mount Gambier. This scenic journey offers a blend of historical landmarks, picturesque towns, and stunning natural landscapes. At just under 450km, it’s a manageable drive as long as you take regular rest breaks to help reduce the effects of fatigue. There are plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and explore along this route.
Before you set out, pack your emergency car kit, and ensure your emergency roadside assistance plan is active with the level of breakdown assistance that meets your needs. During summer and heatwaves, stay bushfire safe and download the VicEmergency App before you leave.
Electric car owners are also advised to check EV charging availability along the route prior to leaving. RACV Members can access information about EV charging stations via the RACV App.
The Melbourne to Mount Gambier road trip is full of regional beauty.
Towns and attractions between Melbourne and Mount Gambier
Ballarat
- Distance: 115km
- Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Your road trip begins with a drive from Melbourne to Ballarat, northwest of the city.
Famous for its gold rush history, Ballarat is an absolute must-see for history enthusiasts. Step back in time at Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum that recreates the bustling goldfields of the 1850s. You can pan for gold, ride in a horse-drawn wagon, or explore the recreated streets and shops. There's also Kryal Castle nearby, where you can explore a medieval theme park complete with castle, dungeons, jousting displays and magical merchandise.
For those who appreciate the arts, the Ballarat Art Gallery is home to an impressive collection of Australian art. After a day of culture, take a stroll around Lake Wendouree, a tranquil spot perfect for a relaxing break. Ballarat Wildlife Park is another great option, with more than 400 species of native Australian animals to see.
Stay overnight in Creswick, which has small-town charm and natural beauty. It's a short drive from Ballarat and places to stay range from camping facilities to resort accommodation.
If you're travelling in February or early March, a great detour is Pick Your Own Sunflowers at Dunnstown, where you pick a stem to take home. Check their website to make sure they're open.
Ballarat is full of activities and sights to explore. Image: Visit Victoria
Lake Bolac
- Distance: 97km
- Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Lake Bolac is a bit over an hour out of Ballarat towards Mount Gambier. This small, quiet town is perched on a scenic freshwater lake frequented by boating and fishing enthusiasts. With a 27 km shoreline, there's plenty to explore thanks to numerous swimming beaches, picnic areas and BBQ shelters.
Drop in a line for the chance to catch redfin, perch, yellow-belly or short-finned eel. In fact, Lake Bolac is known for its abundance of eels during autumn, when the Lake Bolac Eel Festival is held to celebrate local indigenous culture with live music, art exhibitions, healing walks and more. The miming emulates the traditional time for Aboriginal clans to harvest the eels, trade and hold ceremoies around kuyang (eel) season, when the eels migrate from the lake to the sea to spawn.
On your way out of town, organise a visit to the nearby Narrapumelap Historic Homestead. This beautiful French Gothic mansion and gardens is one of Victoria's most enchanting. While it's only open to the public on Easter and Melbourne Cup weekends, you can schedule an appointment to visit yourself.
Visit Pick Your Own Sunflowers on the way from Ballarat to Lake Bolac when the flowers are in season. Image: Visit Victoria
Dunkeld
- Distance: 47km
- Time: 30 minutes
Just half an hour further down the road is Dunkeld, a picturesque town at the base of the Grampians. Dunkeld allows for access to the Grampians National Park's southern walks, waterfalls and mountains. Kalymna Falls is your must-see, with a 3.2km return walking track through stringybark forest and tea trees to the falls' base. If you're got more energy in you, tackle Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug), a steep track up through bushland and sandstone rocks to a high summit with views over Dunkeld and the Serra Range.
Back in town, browse the charming main street, Parker Street, for quaint shops and local produce. Dunkeld Old Bakery is a classic country bakery, full of fresh pies, sausage rolls and everything else you'd expect. Be sure to visit the Dunkeld Arboretum, where you can enjoy peaceful walks amongst native plants and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
If you're ready to stay the night, the stately Royal Mail Hotel offers hotel rooms and apartments plus two onsite restaurants.
The Dunkeld Arboretum has plenty of peaceful nature walks. Image: Visit Victoria
Hamilton
- Distance: 32km
- Time: 25 minutes
The next stop from Dunkeld is Hamilton, under a half-hour drive towards Mount Gambier. This rural town is known as the wool capital of the world, so you're sure to see many sheep as you drive around!
Head to the Hamilton Gallery to enjoy a wonderful collection of Australian and European art. There's a variety of artistic disciplines to see, from painting to sculpture, ceramics, decorative arts, and textiles. Hamilton Gallery is free to visit and open seven days a week, often with touring exhibitions, curated highlights from the permanent collection, or public events.
If you're more into history than art, visit the Hamilton Pastoral Museum to pore over historic pastoral machinery and objects that celebrate the legacy of farming in Victoria. There's more than 20 historic buildings, many vintage vehicles, a working foundry that keeps the art of woodturning alive, and working displays on open days and events throughout the year.
Pair the gallery or museum with a walk around the Hamilton Botanic Gardens, designed by the same William Guilfoyle who designed Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens. One of Victoria's earliest botanic gardens, it offers a peaceful, well-maintained space for a leisurely stroll. Lake Hamilton is another lovely place for a wander, with a 4.2km walking track, a dog park and an adventure playground surrounding the deep-blue lake.
If you're up for a short drive, Wannon Falls is just 15 minutes away and offers a picturesque waterfall plunging past a cave into a deep pool. It's at its biggest and best after a winter/spring rainfall.
Before you leave, pop into the The Roxburgh for brunch or dinner in a quaint and cosy historic house.
The Roxburgh is an excellent cafe to stop at in Hamilton. Image: Visit Victoria
Casterton
- Distance: 63km
- Time: 45 minutes
A further 45 minutes along the road is Casterton, known as the birthplace of the iconic Australian Kelpie dog, renowned as a cattle and sheep dog. A visit to the Australian Kelpie Centre is a must for any animal lover or those interested in Australian agricultural history. Its interpretative displays showcase the history and story of Victoria’s first in-land European settlement and its classic Kelpie dog.
If you're there in June, the Australian Kelpie Muster is held every Queen's Birthday long weekend to celebrate the breed and the town's rich heritage. There's the Kelpie Festival on Saturday and the Working Dog Auction on Sunday. In 2018, a working dog was sold for $22,200 at this auction!
Otherwise, stroll the Kelpie Walking Trail to find five unique sculptures around town. Extend your walk along the Glenelg River and keep an eye out for the beautiful red-tailed black cocktatoo native to the area. For more walking tracks, check out Baileys Rocks in Dergholm State Park, the Longlead Swamp Track for the chance to spot kangaroos and emus, and the Carmichael Track to enjoy seasonal wildflowers.
The Australian Kelpie Centre celebrates the classic Aussie dog breed. Image: Visit Victoria
Mount Gambier
- Distance: 69km
- Time: 50 minutes
A bit under an hour from Casterton, you'll reach Mount Gambier on South Australia's Limestone Coast.
Known for its striking volcanic craters, the Blue Lake is a must-see attraction. Its vivid blue color changes dramatically between seasons, making it one of the most unique natural features in the region. The 3.5km loop track around ite edge includes many viewing points. There's a second volcanic lake in Valley Lake Conservation Park, plus boardwalk areas in the volcanic crater. A gold coin donation is encouraged upon entry.
For more natural wonders, head to Umpherston Sinkhole, a sunken garden formed from a collapsed limestone cave. Admire from its viewing platforms before descending into the sinkhole along terraces and behind hanging vines. There's a kiosk serving coffee and ice cream plus an undercover shelter with BBQ down below.
Cave Garden is a similar attraction, where you may also see a waterfall after a heavy rainfall. It's also well worth taking a tour of Engelbrecht Cave, where you'll explore a cave system that winds under the city's streets.
At Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre, watch the Craitbul and Volcano movie that tells the incredible story of the eruptions that shaped Mount Gambier and the Kanawinka region, beginning with the dreamtime story of Craitbul.
For stunning views of the area, hike up to Centenary Tower viewpoint. The tower itself is open when the flag is flying (usually on long weekends).
Kids will love Echo Farm, where they can interact with farm and native animals. There’s also historic displays dotted around the farm, like the old 1940s farmhouse. They'll also have a blast at Railway Lands, a public park area filled wil sculptures, play areas and ponds. There's a mini 'learn to ride' streescape that replicates traffic conditions to teach young riders realistic riding scenarios. Adults may prefer the 12.4km Rail Trail departing from the area.
It's worth driving a little out of Mount Gambier to visit Little Blue Lake, a favourite local swimming spot. This cute volcanic sinkhole is in the middle of a paddock, with stairs and a floating pontoon. Hells Hole is another great sinkhole, with an easy walking trail from its car park although no swimming is encouraged. This sinkhole looks like it's filled with deep black water, but the water is actually completely clear!
Alternatively, head to Tantanoola Caves for an ancient cave filled with spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, shells and fossils. After your tour, hike up the cliff path for panoramic views of the surrounding forest. You can also get great views up on Mount Schank, Australia's youngest volcano, where there's a 900m walk up to the rim and a 2km rim walk with sensational views of Mount Gambier.
Finally, head to Cape Northumberland, South Australia's southernmost point, for uninterrupted sunset views along the rugged coastline. At low tide, you can spot the Pisces Star shipwreck near Cape Banks Lighthouse.
The Umpherston Sinkhole at Mount Gambier is a wonderous sight. Image: Getty
To return to Melbourne, why not head for the coast? Drive the famous Great Ocean Road back from Warrnambool to Melbourne, with stops at iconic locations like Lorne.
