Easy ways to explore Victoria

A guided tour is an excellent way to make the most of your trip to Victoria, but when the freedom of the open road calls you’ll find some really exciting options for venturing out on your own. From scenic drives to cycle and hiking trails, these stunning destinations offer crowd-free explorations of some of the region’s most stunning spots.

Drive through a cover of autumn colours

Regional Victoria is home to some spectacular spots that are best explored at your own pace. Given the relatively small size of the state, you’ll be pleased to discover that you can see a range of beautiful landscapes - from tall mountains to sweeping coastlines - in a short time. Take Victoria’s Go Beyond Melbourne Touring Route and road trip through the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island and through to the Mornington Peninsula and the Bellarine. You’ll taste wine, see wildlife and relax in hot springs. If it’s autumn, be sure to drive through Marysville to see the changing autumn hues. Alternatively, take a five-day trip along the Great Southern Touring Route, which includes the Great Ocean Road, Grampians National Park and the historic town of Ballarat.

Drive through a cover of autumn colours

Step into the scenery when you take on one of Victoria’s most spectacular multi-day hikes. The Great Ocean Walk has been labelled “mild to wild” for its increase in ruggedness as the journey progresses, but it rewards your effort with incredible views, prolific wildlife, fascinating historical elements and Indigenous connections along the way. Your final reward comes as you reach the impressive sandstone spires known as the Twelve Apostles. There are campsites conveniently dotted along the 100 kilometre (62 mile) trail, or opt for the comforts of cosy hotel or B&B accommodation easily reached from many trailheads.

Pedal to produce

Victoria’s High Country is a food-lover’s playground with orchards, farms and vineyards stretching out along scenic rolling hills, lush valleys and bubbling streams. You can explore the area at your own pace with pedal to produce trails designed to take you past small village producers where you can experience fresh local honey, gourmet cheeses, a bevy of orchards, wineries and craft breweries. Visit one of the region’s many farm gates to pick your own berries, cherries, apples and chestnuts. Or stop in at a local shop to fill your basket with goodies to take home or to enjoy along the route. Don’t forget to call in at a cellar door of a family-run winery for a drop to accompany your feast.

Walk Wilsons Prom

Affectionately known as “the Prom,” Wilsons Promontory is a 505 square kilometre (314 square mile) reserve on the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. It’s home to abundant native wildlife, cool rainforest gullies, rocky mountaintops, white-sand beaches and a large number of walking trails to help you see it all. Choose from short, scenic trails to day treks or the multi-day Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit. Visitors can camp, caravan or stay in cabins and lodges at Tidal River, about three hours drive south-east of Melbourne.