Escape the city on an epic 13-day road trip from Melbourne. Discover what eastern Victoria offers on this stunning journey, showcasing beautiful natural landscapes, seascapes and quaint towns. Follow this detailed road trip itinerary to take you on an island getaway to Philip Island to witness a magical encounter with Fairy Penguins—journey further to reach the southernmost point of Australia at Wilson’s Promontory National Park. Continue your adventure into the majestic Snowy Mountains, where caves wait to be explored. Conclude this journey with a nostalgic scenic and historic railway adventure ride.
So, are you ready to explore the gems on offer in Victoria? Get ready for this unforgettable adventure with our helpful guides: Best Navigation Apps, Guide to Camping Food, and discover the Best Camping Gear, as well as our Packing List!
Take this stunning road trip from Melbourne on a 13-day adventure!
| Distance: | 1160 km |
| Length: | 12 nights |
| When to Visit: | March to April |
| Where to Stay: | Holiday park accommodation, tent camping, RV camping. |
13-day Road Trip From Melbourne
Day 1 – Leave the city behind to an Island getaway: Philip Island. Drive to Philip Island by bridge and enter the holiday vibe that is apparent on Philip Island. Stay by Cowes Bay at Beach Park Tourist Caravan Park while you check out the many sites. View Penguins, Koalas along with boardwalks displaying stunning sea rock coastline at Philip Island Nature Parks—142 km from Melbourne. Stay for two nights.
Things to do on Philip Island:
- Purchase tickets to view the Penguin Parade at Philip Island Nature Parks.
- Visit the Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island (Included with 3 Parks Pass).
- Nobbies Centre to explore boardwalks overlooking the sea rocks with seasonal Seal and Whale sightings.
- Pyramid Rock Lookout observation deck over the sea rocks.
- Stretch your legs walking to Forrest Caves for more outdoor exploration.
- For the foodies: visit Philip Island Winery or Rust Water Brewery, and don’t go by Philip Island Chocolate Factory!
Day 3 – Continue to Wilson’s Promontory National Park. For keen hikers, this is where the southern tip of the Australian mainland is reached at South Point. Otherwise, there are scenic beaches to explore, snorkel the marine habitat in Norman Bay, spot wildlife or take in the panoramic views from the peak of Mount Bishop. Stay at Tidal River Campground by the picture-perfect Norman Beach. The distance is 146 km, stay for two nights.
Continue this road trip from Melbourne to the pretty lakeside towns of Paynesville. Walk the scenic Koala Trail on Raymond Island.
Day 5 – Visit the quaint lakeside town of Paynesville, 258 km. Take the 5-minute passenger ferry from Paynesvilleto Raymond Island, where you can walk the Koala Trail to spot koalas that live on the island! Stay at Eagle Point Caravan Park overlooking Eagle Point Bay. Access the Eagle Point Gippsland Lakes Reserve to explore more of this pocket’s offers. Stay for two nights.
Day 7 – Stop in Lakes Entrance before continuing to Balley Hooley Campground, 121 km, a part of the Snowy Mountains National Park. Appreciate the tranquil bush surroundings and explore the many natural attractions: Buchan Cave Reserve, Wilson Cave, Basin Creek Falls, Little River Gorge, Little River Falls, and McKillops Bridge. Stay two nights.
Things to do near Lakes Entrance:
- Explore the National Parks: Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park or The Lakes National Park.
- Visit Raymond Island and the Koala Trial.
- Access Ninety Mile Beach via Cunningham Foot Bridge.
- Lakes Entrance Lookout.
- The Griffiths Sea Shell Museum.
- Lakes Explorer Wildlife Tour.
- Gippsland Jersey Milkshakes Van.
Day 9 – Next, Mitchell River National Park, 154 km. Make your way to Mitchell the River camping area, a spacious campground by the stunning Mitchell River. Explore the National Park features, Den of Nargun Falls and Billy Goat Den Lookout, and explore on foot along the various walking trails. For serious thrill seekers, investigate white water rafting tours. Stay for two nights.
Discover the historic village of Walhalla and scenic railway on this road trip from Melbourne.
Day 11 – Finish the journey at Mountain Rivers Tourist Park in Rawson, 166 km. Experience this historic area and Australia’s spectacular railway on the Walhalla Goldfield Railway. This historic narrow gauge rail line was initially constructed in the early 1900s to support gold mining in Walhalla. Stay in this historic region for two nights.
Things to do near Walhalla:
- Walhalla Goldfields Railway.
- Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mone Tours.
- Dine at Walhalla Lodge Hotel & Pub.
- Walhalla Road Bridge.
- Walk to Horseshoe Bend Tunnel.
- Erica-Thomson Rail Trail.
Day 13 – Return to Melbourne via Warragul, 173 km.
As this stunning road trip from Melbourne concludes, the experience will create unforgettable and fond memories. From the encounter with Fary Penguins on Philip Island to stepping back in time on the historic Walhalla Goldfields Railway, this route offers a range of experiences: Spot Koalas on Raymond Island, take in the views from Lakes Entrance Lookout, cave exploration at Buchan Cave Reserve, take in the joys of nature walking to Den of Nargun. So pack for adventure on this 13-day itinerary, a fantastic road trip from Melbourne!
Respect the natural environment and leave no trace.
