5 off-the-beaten-path road trips to take in Victoria

There’s almost too much to see on the drive through Gippsland that we recommend making a weekend of it. While the trip is only a breezy four hours drive from Melbourne through idyllic terrain, you’ll want to make your first pitstop in Garfield. Gippsland is renowned for its award-winning dairy, farm-fresh produce and warm hospitality so order up a country-style breakfast and barista-made coffee from one of the many hotspots along Garfield’s main street and your morning’s set.

Just a 20-minute drive further and you’ll reach Warragul, where the Warragul Farmers’ Market is on the third Saturday of each month. You’ll find some of the region’s best restaurants in town, so if you want an unhurried day of feasting, book a night’s stay at the four-star Mercure Hotel.

 Continue on in the morning to Traralgon and grab a bite from Yarragon Country Bakery, which holds the crown for Victoria’s very best neenish tart – a nostalgic bakery item made with jam and cream in a buttery pastry. Continue on to Sale where you can soak up some art at Gippsland Art Gallery or take a detour to the Lakes Entrance.

 Arriving in East Gippsland it’s time to take in some of the best food and wine that Victoria’s coast has to offer. Lush with native flora, fauna and undisturbed lands, you’ll want to make the short drive to the Buchan Caves, an incredible set of limestone caves that have to be seen to be believed.

For an adventurous road trip, look no further than a visit to the Cathedral Range State Park. You’ll arrive before lunch for an early morning hike meandering through the Australian bush. Trails range from moderate to difficult and to get the best views you’ll want to check out Sugarloaf Peak, where you can really bask in the park’s grandeur. Once you’ve worn yourself out, head back home with a few pitstops. Pass through the Yarra Valley where you can choose from more than 160 wineries specialising in chardonnay and pinot noir grapes which are sure to pair perfectly with a cheese spread.

Continue on through the lush mountains of the Dandenong Ranges where you can wander through a number of blooming gardens including Alfred Nichols Gardens or Tesselaar Tulip Farm, where nearly a million tulips bloom every spring. Pass through the charming towns of Olinda and Sassafras for a spot of shopping. Then, at the bottom of the mountain, grab a pastry (or several) at the delightful Quarry Bakehouse. Since you’re dressed for the occasion, enjoy one final bushwalk – arguably Melbourne’s most popular – at the 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk.

Tick off a few new spots with this six-hour loop up to the New South Wales border and back. Hit the road early and drive 90 minutes to Castlemaine to get your first dose of caffeine. While it was once known for being a gold-rush city, these days visitors stop in for its leafy landscapes, vintage shopping and community of artists, musicians and makers.

Drive 30 minutes further and you’ll reach the historic regional city of Bendigo, where you’ll find everything from food and wine to world-class art and multicultural celebrations. Learn about the town’s golden past at Central Deborah Mine, then watch expert potters at work as they throw clay at Bendigo Pottery, which houses Australia’s oldest pottery kiln.

Next stop is the riverside town Echuca where annual events like Moama Lights and the Winter Blues Festival make great reasons to visit. For a year-round activity, take a relaxing cruise along the Murray River. Detour to the humble country town of Shepparton on your way back to the city and browse the latest exhibition at Shepparton Art Museum.

Nestled along the Murray River, Mildura offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and rural charm. Once the busiest inland port in Australia, it enjoys a prime location between Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra. Spend some time exploring the town where you can see local art at the Mildura Art Centre, take a tour of the first Australian designed gaol at Old Wentworth Gaol and explore the Australian landscape with a 4WD bus tour.

Just a three-hour drive south you’ll reach the natural wonder Lake Tyrell, Victoria’s largest salt lake. Dubbed the ‘Sky Mirror’, this shimmering spot lures in travellers looking to photograph or bask in its mirror-like reflections. The best time to visit is wintertime for crystal-clear reflections or in the wet and warmer months when the lake turns pink.

Before you arrive at the Grampians, stop off at the nearby town Horsham to do a final stock up on snacks, water, sunscreen and all the other amenities you may need. While there’s plenty of hiking trails to conquer, a must-do is the Grampians National Park which is packed full of wildflowers, rock formations and Aboriginal cave paintings. It’s also home to the epic Pinnacle walk. Post hike, spend some time eating and drinking your way through the region's local produce and cool-climate wines.

For a short and breezy drive, look no further than High Country. Just a few hours out of Melbourne, this area is packed with crisp mountain air, a dozen cellar doors and fairytale-like walks. If you plan to take your time with plenty of detours, book a night's stay in Wangaratta, which is just a short drive from the rolling green hills of King Valley and the snow-covered peaks of Mount Buller.

Northern Victoria is Ned Kelly country, so you’ll want to stop in at Beechworth where he spent some time in the historic Beechworth jail and courthouse. While you’re there, the Beechworth Gorge Walk is, in fact, ‘gorge’ous. You’ll likely pass it on the drive in so be sure to stop for a stroll.

As the undisputed cycling capital of Australia, the best way to see High Country is by bike. Bring your own or rent one from Bright Electric Bikes in the centre of Bright. Known for championing local produce, Bright is chockers with places to eat and drink. Sink some cold ones at Bright Brewery, where eight regular beers are on tap all year round – plus you’ll find an ever-changing cast of about 12 seasonal brews. If you’re in town during autumn, check out the High Country Hops Festival, which is hosted at a different craft brewery every year.

Ready to roll? Now that you’ve got your route, get your car road trip ready with a quick pitstop at mycar Tyre and Auto. Book your next logbook service with them and you’ll get 12 months free roadside assistance giving you peace of mind no matter where your journey takes you (T&Cs apply).

Book in your service here.