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beaches, Mornington Peninsula
Photograph: Supplied

Road trips from Melbourne: the best places to visit near Melbourne by car

Ready to travel? Here's where to go on a four-wheeled adventure around Victoria
Leah Glynn
Written by Leah Glynn
Melbourne Editor
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Victoria is a fantastic state to explore by car. From idyllic coastal towns to breathtaking alpine regions, our state has got a bit of everything. Buckle up and get ready to explore Victoria on one of the best road trips from Melbourne. We've done all the research so all you need to do is hop in the car and choose where to go. 

For more holiday inspo, check out these national parks within driving distance or one of Victoria's best scenic drives. Or take a look at these quirky Victoria Airbnbs. Ready to get off-grid? Check out these eco-friendly Airbnbs in Victoria.

Driving north of Melbourne

The High Country
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The High Country

The Victorian High Country is home to award-winning craft beer, wine and food, plus bushranger history and glorious walks.
Daylesford
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Daylesford

There’s a reason that Daylesford is known as a haven of relaxation: 80 per cent of the country's mineral springs are in this region.   
Ballarat
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Ballarat

When it comes to creativity, Ballarat is bursting with artists and makers doing things differently and reaping the rewards. 
Castlemaine
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Castlemaine

Here is this buzzing creative centre of Victoria, music festivals and world-class restaurants are just the beginning.
Yackandandah
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Yackandandah

Visit a town filled with quirky shops, delicious bakeries and some of the friendliest people south of the Murray. 
Bendigo
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Bendigo

Venture just a few hours from Melbourne and you'll find a town packed with culture, history and top-notch dining and drinking. 

Driving south of Melbourne

The Bellarine Peninsula
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The Bellarine Peninsula

Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula is a smorgasbord for visitors, with food and wine galore.
Phillip Island
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Phillip Island

Known for its healthy colonies of little penguins, seals and Hemsworths, Phillip Island has long been one of Melbourne's favourite destinations. 
Great Ocean Road
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Great Ocean Road

Justifiably one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations, the Great Ocean Road is one of the finest places to explore by car.

Driving east and west of Melbourne

The Yarra Valley
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The Yarra Valley

Only an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is the perfect road trip for those who love fine food and wine
The Grampians
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The Grampians

This dazzling region is populated by high sandstone peaks, gorgeous wildflowers and the epic Pinnacle walk.
Macedon Ranges
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Macedon Ranges

This cool climate wine region has a growing reputation for its sparkling wines, plus gorgeous natural scenery.
Mallacoota
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Mallacoota

Mallacoota is a small fishing town in East Gippsland that offers beaches, rivers, the bush and serenity.
East Gippsland
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East Gippsland

If Melbourne’s fresh produce and overcrowded wine cellars aren’t authentic enough, a trip to East Gippsland should satisfy your cravings. 
Central Gippsland
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Central Gippsland

You'll find everything from wineries to dairies, freshwater lakes to coastal beaches, hikes through rainforests to boat trips down rivers.  

More road trip destinations

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