For your next day trip or weekend in the Yarra Valley, here are the best things to see and do for a fun and free day out with the family.
Victoria
The best summer road trips in Victoria
Rugged hills, rolling waves and incredible food and wine - Victoria has it all when it comes to road trip destinations and attractions.
From the surf coast of Torquay to the historic town of Creswick, Victoria has an adventure for every type of road trip. Whether you’re going for a day or a week, here are the some of the best places to road trip this summer that don’t require weeks of planning.
Get road trip ready with this car safety checklist before heading off. En route, don't let a flat battery or tyre dampen your road trip: RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance gives you peace of mind on your journey.
During summer, it's also essential to be well-prepared and stay informed to help stay bushfire safe on holidays. Check the Fire Danger Rating for your destination and download the VicEmergency App before you leave home.
Apollo Bay is a must-stop destination for seafood lovers travelling along the Great Ocean Road. Image: Visit Victoria
Road trips to try in Victoria this summer
Great Ocean Road
- Distance: 101km from Melbourne to Torquay
- Time: 3 to 4 days with overnight stops
- Because: It boasts world-class coastal views
Head down to the surf coast of Victoria and witness stunning natural beauty - the drive along the Great Ocean Road is as good as each destination along the way. On one side, you have the spectacular Southern Ocean and on the other, dramatic cliff faces and bushland. Sections of the road have lots of twists and turns, which means drivers have to concentrate on the road while their passengers enjoy the view. Fortunately, there are lots of lookout stops along the way.
After Torquay, where you can learn to surf, and the picturesque town of Anglesea, you'll find Lorne, which is known for its white-sand beaches, thriving arts community and easy access to the Otways. Wye River is a charming town best known for its pub and surf beach, while Skenes Creek's Foreshore Caravan Park is popular in summer. Apollo Bay is the destination for seafood lovers, with a requisite stop for fish 'n’ chips. If you have time, continue on to see the famous 12 Apostles (275km from Melbourne) and swim safely between the flags at Port Campbell.
When you’ve had enough of the tourist crowd, pull off the main road and discover the towns of Triplet and Hopetoun Falls near Beech Forest, or Carisbrook near Apollo Bay. If you're looking for excitement, try the Otway Fly Zipline Tour.
RACV Torquay Resort is the ultimate base to start or finish your exploration of the Great Ocean Road. Wake up in the morning to beach views, visit the spa and play a round of golf at the spectacular course.
Inverloch is a top family destination, with a wide variety of accommodation at RACV Inverloch Resort.
South Gippsland
- Distance: 144km to Inverloch
- Time: Mini break or long summer holiday
- Because: It's the perfect unspoilt beach town
Head down the South Gippsland Highway to Inverloch, a popular seaside town that's a peaceful retreat for most of the year, with a surge of activity during the summer school holidays.
Inverloch is the gateway to South Gippsland, which includes two of regional Victoria's quirkiest towns, Loch and Fish Creek, and one of Victoria's best national parks, Wilsons Promontory. With summer markets featuring the best local produce, nearby wineries and unspoilt beaches for surfers and swimmers alike, Inverloch is a destination that has something for everyone less than two hours from Melbourne.
Not far along the Cape Paterson-Inverloch Road you’ll find the RACV Inverloch Resort. With unspoilt ocean views, the resort is a comfortable place to rest and recharge – grab a drink, sit back, and enjoy the sunset at the restaurant overlooking the water.
On your way home, take the inland route to Princes Freeway and drop into Gumbuya World for a day of family fun at a great Aussie theme park, complete with thrill rides, waterslides and a wildlife trail.
More: Guide to Wilsons Promontory: camping, tracks and beaches
Walk to Cape Schanck Lighthouse as part of a Mornington Peninsula mini break.
Mornington Peninsula
- Distance: 102km from Melbourne to Cape Schanck
- Time: Perfect mid-week escape
- Because: You can enjoy the sea without the crowds
Travel down the east side of Port Phillip Bay for just over an hour and you’ll arrive at Cape Schanck, the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula.
Cape Schanck is the perfect getaway for the hikers, beachgoers and wine and olive oil lovers – with the bonus of being a little less crowded than the neighbouring towns of Sorrento and Portsea. Nearby Gunnamatta, St Andrews and Point Leo are popular surfing spots.
Wake up early for a walk around the Mornington Peninsula National Park, the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, or the stunning Bushrangers Walking Track, which wraps around the coastline. Finish the day relaxing at the world-class Peninsula Hot Springs.
Consider making RACV Cape Schanck Resort your home away from home on your road trip, with the 5-star resort featuring a luxury spa, golf course, locally sourced wine, and the acclaimed CAPE restaurant for your evening meal.
Creswick Woollen Mills is one of the many attractions in the Goldfields region. Image: Visit Victoria
Goldfields region
- Distance: 120km from Melbourne to Creswick
- Time: Spend 3 to 4 days exploring the region
- Because: It's full of attractions that will entertain the whole family
A mere 120km down the Western Freeway towards Ballarat you’ll find Creswick, a hidden gem in the Goldfields region and near Daylesford.
The historic town is fun for the whole family. It's the birthplace of Australian artist Norman Lindsay, and the 7.6km Lindsays Arts Trail includes the Magic Pudding Playground for children. If you're interested in art, RACV Goldfields Resort's ArtHouse and Goldfields Gallery have specially curated visual art programs and exhibitions throughout the year.
The town is also home to the Creswick Woollen Mills, the last coloured woollen spinning mill in Australia. Follow the journey of yarn, from shearing, processing and weaving, on a guided tour. While you're there, meet the resident alpacas, pick up some luxurious products and enjoy a coffee in the onsite cafe.
If you're staying for a few days, immerse yourself in the history of the Ballarat goldfields, get a spa treatment at Hepburn Springs, or visit a local winery for lunch.
Feast on local ingredients and seasonal produce at the resort, while the kids will have a ball at nearby Sovereign Hill, Kryal Castle and Ballarat Wildlife Park, where RACV Members save on ticket prices.
And when the day is done, sleep easy at RACV Goldfields Resort.
Stop for tea and scones at Mrs Marple's Tearoom in Sassafras, as you explore the Dandenong Ranges. Image: Visit Victoria
Dandenong Ranges
- Distance: 52km from Melbourne to Mount Dandenong
- Time: Suitable for day trips or city escapes
- Because: History and nature entertwine in the region
From historic train rides to award-winning vineyards, there's plenty to do and see on a road trip through the Dandenong Ranges.
First stop is the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 Steps), renowned for its steep ascent. It's based on Papua New Guinea’s arduous Kokoda Track, which World War II soldiers endured in 1942.
If you prefer to watch the scenery rather than climb through it, move on to Belgrave and hop aboard the Puffing Billy. This wonderfully preserved heritage steam railway will huff and puff passengers from Belgrave to Lakeside or Gembrook and back.
Next, follow the beautiful Mount Dandenong Tourist Road through Sassafras and Olinda, two cute mountain towns full of boutique shops and charming teahouses serving fluffy scones (our recommendation: Miss Marple's Tearoom).
Continue on to Mount Dandenong, where you can enjoy beautiful panoramas of Melbourne and mountains at SkyHigh Mount Dandenong.
You can broaden your explorations and include the Yarra Valley, with RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort as your base.
The Yarra Valley's great foodie experiences include Banyalla at RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort.
