Family road trips into country Victoria are the new black when it comes to budget-friendly getaways, but could there be a better way of doing it than jumping in a cheap campervan rental or packing the car and hitting the road?
So, now that you’re ready for a weekend getaway with the kids, here are twelve fantastic weekend trips to take from Melbourne. As well as some of the region’s top activities, we’ve included tips on where to park your wheels (or your van) for a few days.
1. Mornington Peninsula
Distance from Melbourne: 110km or 2 hours
Perched at the end of the Mornington Peninsula, Point Nepean National Park has it all – views, walks and history. Port Phillip was once one of the most heavily fortified areas in the Southern Hemisphere, with shots fired from here in both World Wars.
Kids will love exploring the tunnels and guns of the army fort, as well as the slightly spooky Quarantine Station, which operated from 1852 to 1980.The tracks are perfect for cycling and walking.
Shallow, sheltered Mothers Beach is great for families, with a picnic area overlooking Mornington Harbour – and the Peninsula Hot Springs are pretty much on the way home.
Where to stay
Book one of the Point Nepean Discovery Tents for a hassle-free getaway, or check out one of the great holiday rentals below:
2. Daylesford, Macedon Ranges
Distance from Melbourne: 110km or 90 minutes
Hit the Western Freeway (M8) for 110km and an hour and a half later arrive at Daylesford in the Macedon Ranges. Yes, it’s an escape destination better known for romantics thanks to the spas and hot springs, but it’s a bit of a secret getaway for families, too.
And speaking of secrets, try the Secret Forest Walks in Wombat Forest, offering walks of varying sizes and challenges. There’s loads for the kids to enjoy at the farmer’s markets, Chocolate Mill, and Boomerang Holiday Ranch for some gentle horse riding treks in beautiful bushland.
Where to stay
Daylesford Holiday Park is set in a quiet parkland with giant Western Redwoods surrounding the area and only a short walk to Lake Daylesford. Or browse some of the top holiday rentals below:
3. Echuca, Murray River
Distance from Melbourne: 220km or 3 hours
Head for the Hume Highway and you’re on the way for a 200km journey to Echuca (about three hours) in Murray River country. You can’t pass up taking the family to the historic Port of Echuca where you’ll be transported to a bygone era in the 1800s that houses old world arcades, paddlesteamer rides on the Murray and the fascinating Port of Echuca Discovery Centre.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Maidens Inn is close to all the tourist attractions.
4. Phillip Island
Distance from Melbourne: 140km or 2 hours
The big question is, why wouldn’t you go for a road trip to Phillip Island? It’s a dream destination for a family getaway with much to do once you set the wheels in motion on the M1 for a couple of hours and 140km.
Fun places to visit include A’Maze’n Things, Churchill Island Heritage Park, the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, GP circuit for some fast-paced go karting, and, of course, the mighty Penguin Parade as you sit back at dusk and enjoy the show as these amazing little creatures waddle into shore.
DISCOVER MORE: How to spend three days on Phillip Island (family itinerary)
Where to stay
Once you arrive at NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Caravan Park at Cowes, you’re only a few hundred metres way from restaurants, cafes and shops. Or check out some of the fab holiday rentals below:
5. Drouin, West Gippsland
Distance from Melbourne: 100km or 90 minutes
Drouin is 100km drive south of Melbourne with the Tarago River winding its way – perfect for a splash and it’s very safe. There are some great bushwalking opportunities amongst the green pastures and rolling hills of West Gippsland in Victoria. Nearby there are walks to waterfalls and some beautiful little hamlets only a short drive away where you can stop to sample the local produce.
Where to stay: Glen Cromie Reserve is a caravan park tucked away on 35 acres of secluded valley. There’s a nifty little kitchen and shop area where the coffee is superb for mum and dad.
6. Lakes Entrance, East Gippsland
Distance from Melbourne: 320km or 4 hours
With Australia’s largest inland network of waterways, Lakes Entrance has long been a popular Gippsland holiday spot, especially for young families. Located on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach, where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean, you can explore the lakes in a kayak, join a boat cruise or hire a paddleboat.
Choose from a wide range of camping spots that surround the calm waterways and line the beach. Lakes Entrance is also known for its seafood, thanks to the large number of fishing trawlers operating in the area. Catch your own fish or savour the catches from shops around town.
Where to stay: 10 Gippsland region caravan and camping spots
7. Yarra Valley
Distance from Melbourne: 65km or 75 minutes
Victoria’s Yarra Valley has rolling hills and greenery, and overflows with some of the world’s finest pinot noirs and chardonnays, thanks to its cooler climate, so while the kids are snoozing you’ll be able to sample some of the finest local drops. It’s just over an hour from Melbourne.
But it’s not all about the beautiful vineyards and cellar doors – there’s a load of things to do for families including Healesville Sanctuary, where you can meet all sorts of interesting animals and reptiles, and for some adrenalin pumping action take a short drive to nearby Treetops Adventure Belgrave where you can try your luck with the obstacles in the ropes courses.
Where to stay:
BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park, on the outskirts of Healesville, provides the perfect launchpad to explore the region’s spoils. Or check out some more of the hotels and holiday parks nearby:
8. Buchan Caves, East Gippsland
Distance from Melbourne: 350km or 4.5 hours
Famous for its dazzling and elaborate limestone cave system, Buchan is a peaceful town at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains. Step underground and you’ll discover a honeycomb of spectacular limestone formations, carved by an underground river almost 400 million years ago, at Buchan Caves.
Tour the largest cave system in Victoria, enjoy a picnic in the scenic heritage-listed landscape or camp under the stars. Join a tour of Fairy Cave or Royal Cave, or both, and marvel at the magnificent stalactite and stalagmite forms, pillars, shawls and rim pools, as well as cave sediment and a flowing stream.
Where to stay
Camp at Buchan Caves Reserve or stay at historic Caves House to watch kangaroos graze on the lawn while you eat breakfast.
9. Great Ocean Road
Distance from Melbourne: 200km or 2.5 hours
A spectacular scenic drive leads to fam-tastic coastal towns and beaches in south-west Victoria – from Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, to Barwon Heads and Queenscliff, and Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most popular family-friendly holiday regions in the state – look out for the world-famous 12 Apostles near Port Campbell!
Love the surf? As well as many of Victoria’s best beaches, the Bellarine Peninsula has gorgeous walks through spectacular National Parks to jaw-dropping lookouts. It also has plenty of beaches where budding surfers can learn to surf. Visit the Australian National Surfing Museum at Torquay, one of the most renowned surfing heritage centres in the world, for a lesson on surfing’s history in Australia.
Around 20 minutes’ drive from the Great Ocean Road, near Triplet Falls, you can zip through the leafy treetops from one Cloud Station to another at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures.
Where to stay
Apollo Bay YHA Eco is architect-designed using passive solar energy and water-saving technology to reduce the property’s impact on the environment. You’ll love the friendly atmosphere, self-catering kitchens, and being just a block from the beach. Relax on the rooftop with panoramic views, or by the wood-heated fire.
10. Port Albert, Gippsland
Distance from Melbourne: 230km or 3 hours
From Wilsons Prom head further east along the coast to Port Albert, one of Victoria’s oldest sea ports. Established in 1841, the town has a collection of historical buildings and an interesting museum that pays homage to the area’s rich maritime history. Walking tracks and picnic areas line the coast around the wharf and jetty area which is shaded by Norfolk Pines.
Where to stay
Discover Port Albert’s hotels and holiday rentals below:
11. Victorian High Country
Distance from Melbourne: 100km or 2 hours
Kids coo-ee over twisted treetops and marvel at mountain ranges that go on forever in Victoria’s High Country. The alps are dramatic ancient mountain ranges that turn into a snowy wonderland in winter.
In spring the wildflowers bloom. The tiny Mountain Pygmy Possum is found here, as are high country cattle huts with legends of stockmen, explorers and ancient Indigenous camp sites.
For a fabulous Victorian High Country road trip, follow the circular weekend touring route from Melbourne to Bairnsdale on the Princes Highway, through stunning High Country scenery along the Great Alpine Road to Bright and back to Melbourne via the Hume Highway.
12. Ballarat
Distance from Melbourne: 120km (90 minutes)
If you’re looking for something different, then head to Ballarat for an amazing array of activities! Sovereign Hill has something for everyone, like gold panning, mine tours, and lots of immersive historical fun.
Ballarat Wildlife Park is always a family favourite. Meet ‘Crunch’ – the 5 metre long croc, pat a friendly snake, snuggle into a fluffy koala, meet a waddling wombat and see the Tasmanian Devils feeding. Enjoy the dramatic Castle Arena shows at Kryal Castle – which includes the ever popular Daily Joust.
Where to stay
Self-contained apartments at Quest Ballarat Station make for a comfortable, convenient weekend escape. Or browse some more options for long and short stays below:
Opening image: A family walking on Fairhaven Beach along the Great Ocean Rd. © Visit Victoria
Content contributors: Scott Podmore, Angela Saurine, Craig Sheather, Elisa Elwin, Megan Holbeck
