We’re well and truly into summer, and with the sunshine comes the promise of adventure. If you’ve been itching to hit the road, why don’t you take a stop and admire some of Victoria’s best road trip destinations? Mitsubishi Motors Australia analysed TripAdvisor places of interest to identify hotspots around Victoria and Australia that are highly rated, but also not overcrowded. They also kept their search to categories like beaches, lookouts, hiking and waterfalls. Whether the places on the list are a pit stop for an even greater adventure, or they’re the final destination of the road trip, these locations around Victoria will amaze you.
Please note, due to significant weather events like flooding, some of these natural landmarks might be impacted. Do keep an eye on websites like Parks Victoria for the latest updates.
1. Loch Ard Gorge
This dreamy destination on the Great Ocean Road was the top road trip destination in Victoria, and the second in all of Australia – topped only by Tasmania’s St Columbia Waterfall. It was also one of the top ten beaches of 2022.
Situated about a three hour drive from Melbourne, or four and a half hours if you travel along the Great Ocean Road, this gorge is just minutes away from the famous Twelve Apostles. This picturesque beach is flanked by steep limestone cliffs. The site of Shipwreck Coast’s most famous shipwreck, Loch Ard Gorge is surrounded by native bushland and spectacular views.
Explore the different walking tracks and admire the incredible natural formations. A short walk away, there’s a lookout point for the nearby Mutton Bird Island. At dusk, between October and April, see a colony of Short-tailed Shearwaters fly to the island to feed their chicks.
Click here for more information.📍Great Ocean Road Port Campbell, VIC 3269
2. Erskine Falls
Tucked within the Otway Ranges, and a short detour from the Great Ocean Road, you’ll find the wonderful Erskine Falls. The popular waterfall plunges 30 metres, down into lush fern gullies.
Admire the falls from one of two lookout points. The first is an easy five-minute walk from the carpark, and you’ll have to descend around 230 steps to reach the second lookout spot.
If you’d like to lose yourself in the beauty of the eucalypt forest, journey along the Erskine River Walk. This is a bit more challenging, and is 7.5km one way. The trail takes you along the river to Erskine Falls, as well as Straw Falls and Splitter Falls. The walk ends in Lorne at the Kia Ora Caravan Park.
Please note: Great Otway National Park has been impacted by weather events. Keep an eye on Parks Victoria for updates and advice.
📍Erskine Falls Access Rd, Lorne VIC 3232
3. Mt Baw Baw Summit Walk
This summit walk is located in Baw Baw National Park, high in the Great Dividing Range. The trail begins at Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort, and takes you through gorgeous snow gum woodland. On the summit, you’ll enjoy sensational views of West Gippsland.
The trail is stunning all year round, with several picnic areas, picturesque wildflower displays in the summer, and a snowy landscape in winter.
Mt Baw Baw Summit Walk is a 2.5km return journey that should take you two hours. It includes an hour going uphill, until you reach an elevation peak of 1564m. It is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, but some bushwalking experience is recommended.
For more info, click here.
📍Baw Baw National Park, Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road, Mount Baw Baw, Victoria, 3833
4. Teddy’s Lookout
This scenic lookout is considered one of the best along the Great Ocean Road. Just minutes away from Lorne, Teddy’s Lookout provides sweeping ocean views. See the end of Saint George River empty into a small cove. Watch the Great Ocean Road itself wind its away along the trees and the coastline.
This lookout point is a short walk through the bush from the carpark, making it the perfect place to pause on your road trip, stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air.
Find more info here.📍53 George St, Lorne VIC 3232
5. Mt Oberon Summit Walk
This two hour hike to the summit will reward you with 360-degree views of Wilsons Promontory. The trail starts at Telegraph Saddle Carpark, and weaves its way up to the rocky summit of Mt Oberon. At the top, you’ll see panoramic views of islands, bays, forests and coastline.
The trail is a 6.4km walk, and the final 100 metres consists of steep timber and granite steps. Keep in mind that even during summer, Mt Oberon can be windy, cool and cloudy.
Telegraph Saddle Carpark is closed during summer school holidays, Easter and on weekends from November to April. If you’re visiting during these times, you can catch a shuttle bus from Tidal River.
Find more information here.📍Wilsons Promontory VIC 3960
6. Steavenson Falls
Escape to High Country and admire one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls. Located 4km away from Marysville, these falls were first opened to tourists way back in 1866. They cascade down 84 metres into the Steavenson River Valley.
Stroll an easy 350 metres to the viewing platform, and admire the falls from below. Between dusk and midnight, the gravelled path and the falls are lit up by floodlights, so you don’t have to worry about staying out too late. For something a little longer, go along a 7km return journey through bushland on the Tree Fern Gully Trail.
📍Falls Rd, Marysville VIC 3779
7. Canyon Walk
This easy walk in the vibrant town of Bright is perfect for all ages and experiences. Walk along a formed track, and choose between a short loop or a slightly longer one. The short loop is accessible for prams and goes for 2.5km, while the long loop goes for 4.9km. The shorter trail is an easy 45 minutes, while the longer one should take you 1.5 hours.
The pleasant Canyon Walk takes you from Howitt Park, alongside a small canyon carved out from Ovens River. As you stroll along the trail, cross suspension bridges, listen for birds and admire blooming wildflowers in spring.
For more information, click here.
📍8 Star Rd, Bright VIC 3741
8. Logan’s Beach
This special beach about 5km from Warrnambool has been visited by whales for hundreds of years. Between June and September, female Southern Right whales journey to these waters to bear their calves. They often swim within a hundred metres of the shore.
During this special season, you can usually view the whales from a special platform in the sand dunes, or from the beach itself. There is a ramp connected to the platform, so it’s easily accessible. It’s also open all year round, so when you’re not whale watching, you can simply admire the ocean views.
More information here.📍Logan’s Beach, Warrnambool VIC 3280
9. The Redwoods in Beech Forest
Venture into the Otways and feel transported to California with stunning, tall redwoods. Take a stroll through the lush forest, and look in amazement at towering redwood trees. Planted in 1939, these trees are now over 60 metres tall.
This forest is the perfect spot for any road trip, as there are picnic tables near the carpark, rivers to stroll along and even waterfalls to discover. As you feel humbled by the trees, listen out for the sounds of chirping birds, and feel a sense of tranquility.
For more information, click here.
📍Beech Forest VIC 3237
10. Mait’s Rest Rainforest Walk
Wander through an ancient rainforest on this self-guided trail. See giant Myrtle Beech trees, ancient tree ferns and a moss-covered forest floor. This boardwalk in the Otways was built over the tree-fern gullies, protecting the delicate ecosystem of the forest, and allowing you to take in spectacular views.
As you journey through the forest, keep a look out for local wildlife, including swamp wallabies, koalas, ring-tailed possums and grey kangaroos.
The boardwalk goes for 800 metres, and it’s a 30 minute return journey.
Please note: This park has been impacted by significant weather events. Some areas may be closed or restricted. For more details, click here.
📍Great Ocean Rd, Cape Otway VIC 3233