7-Day Road Trip Itinerary in Victoria, Australia

While Victoria may seem to be the Aussie land of ‘slow’ living, its mystical air with mosaics of beach-ful spots and abundant wildlife render it a gem of a tourist attraction.

A day in Victoria and you will already be planning a couple of viticulture dates with your friends because wine not? Or, you may crave a long drive on the iconic stretch of the Ocean Road and stop by a random café to nibble on Australia’s fine tasters. And if you are big on road trips (or not), let us tell you: Victoria has some of THE BEST routes for long drives. Sounds like the perfect travelscape?

Start curating a playlist because this itinerary will have a week of your life relaxing in this beautiful part of Australia.

DAY 1: All the Way from Melbourne to Lorne

Loosen up a little and take it slow on the first day of your trip. Depart Melbourne at dawn to capture the best views. Take the Princess Freeway (M1) route and then, Geelong bypass towards Torquay for joining the Great Ocean Road.
On your arrival in Torquay, sign up for a savoury Aussie brunch and coffee. Not very far from the town is the ever so sprightly Bells Beach where you may want to have quiet leisure or jump in for surfing. Drive easy to enjoy the spectacular coastline view by the Great Ocean Road. You will reach Lorne in time for sunset after which you can spend the remaining time at a local café – or call it a day!

DAY 2: Hello there! Lorne

Put on your explorer’s hat and explore Lorne and its peripheries all day long. Start with a nine-kilometre drive to Erskine Falls, a truly majestic waterfall that falls into the Erskine river with a 30-metre-long plunge. To blend in more with the stellar mist-filled beauty of the location, go for hiking. The fern-green nuance and mist-hugged waters will be a stunning backdrop for Instagram photos. Drive back to Lorne for a breakfast munch at the Bottle of Milk or Swing Bridge Café. Since beaches make an ideal way to admire Lorne, channel your energy into a quiet walk to the sound of waves. And in time for sundowner, explore a new restaurant for dinner.

DAY 3: Instagram-worthy Views, Nature, and Port Campbell

In the glow of dawn, start driving from Lorne towards the Apollo Bay. This road trip is full of striking coastline views and offers ample stop-offs just to capture gorgeous vistas. Halfway between the Lorne and Apollo Bay is beautiful Kennett River hugging the Great Ocean Road. With soft blows of the winds serenading the atmosphere, this river is a visual treat for nature enthusiasts and definitely a must-see spot. Make your way towards the Otway National Park and Hopetoun Falls, a 30-metre-long cascade that breaks to a rocky pool covered in emerald hunch. Say yes to a little adventure with ziplining at the Otways Treetop Fly Adventure before heading to Port Campbell.

DAY 4: Grandeur of 12 Apostles and Ice-cream for Surprise!

12 Apostles, or should we say the best part of the entire Great Ocean Road drive (we mean it), make a perpetual show before your eyes as you head towards Halls Gap. While there are only 8 left, these spectacles are a no-miss. Follow one golden rule: reach this location a little early in the morning to cosy up to its best sight.
Next is Loch Ard Gorge, a scenic stop-off in Port Campbell National Park with azure waters and natural rock formation. With your phone filled with cool snaps, reach Port Campbell next.
Grab something scrumptious from the famous Grassroots Deli Café on your way to Grampians and have a quick retreat at London Bridge. Hit the road to Halls Gap in Grampians, but don’t forget to take away ice-cream in Timboon, a cute little town famous for all things dairy.

DAY 5: The Larger-than-Life Grampians

The Grampians breathe a whole new life into road trips and for all good reasons, have a stronghold as a stop-off point. Get on your wheels early to witness the sublime rays of sunrise gently piercing the mountains at Boroka—a short walk away.
Spend some time at this location to have a newfound love for rock art and history along with native flora and fauna. Watch the sheer beauty cascading against green backdrop at Mackenzie Falls, which is located not far from the Grampians. Mark your way back to Halls Gap for some lunch. From Harvest to Black Panther, there are plenty of options to choose from. Head to Zunsteins, a historic site turned popular picnic area, to see kangaroos. Slow it down at the Rieds with some drinks and snacks and simply dwell in the scarlet hues of sunset this lookout unfolds.

DAY 6: Walks and Daylesford

Start your morning with a 3-hour roundtrip to Pinnacles and Grand Canyon Walk, one of the best short walks in the region and a beautiful mosaic of gorges and wildflowers with beautiful wallabies meandering around. This location has a series of magnificent rocks that seems to be painting a charming backdrop for all your photographs. But the thrill snakes in only when you hit up a gutsy walk up to the cliff that unveils the panoramic views of Halls Gap. While this sounds like some serious legwork (and it includes climbing ladders, too), the culmination of your journey will make it all worth the ache. On your way to Daylesford, take a trip to Bunjil’s Shelter, one of the most important cultural sites in the country. Relish in some baked delights at the popular Pyrenees Café. After arriving in Daylesford, rewind with a walk to lake Daylesford. Call it a night with a savoury dinner at Koukla (or Jackie’s on Vincent).

DAY 7: A Day Getting to Know the Town & Then, Melbourne

Daylesford has one-of-a-kind glamour to it. From vogue perching on its bustling shops to musings jazzing up art galleries, the town has charmed many Aussies for different reasons. While mineral springs is one way to sing praises of Daylesford, we suggest exploring the streets like a local and splurge a little on souvenirs. If time permits, take a trip to Convent Gallery that is known as the ‘most beautiful gallery in Australia’.
Indulge in a delicious brunch at Poncho and if you may, give into those pastries at the Wombat Hill House Café. With some shopping and body fuelled by good food, drive back to Melbourne.

 

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