Victoria, Australia, is a diverse and captivating state that promises a week-long adventure. If you’re ready to explore the wonders of this magnificent region, join us on an unforgettable 7-day Victoria road trip that starts and ends in the vibrant city of Melbourne. This Victorian road trip guide will help you plan an unforgettable experience.
From the iconic Great Ocean Road to the enchanting Grampians National Park, this Victoria itinerary will take you through breathtaking landscapes, charming coastal towns, and awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Immerse yourself in Victoria’s rich history and culture, indulge your senses in the world-renowned wineries of the Yarra Valley, and witness stunning wildlife encounters on Phillip Island.
Plan your 7-day Victoria itinerary
Any good holiday in Victoria, Australia, must start in the capital city of Melbourne. Melbourne is easily accessible via the Melbourne International Airport, with international and domestic flights landing at all hours of the day and night.
In the city, you will find a range of hotels, affordable accommodations, and apartments to fit all sizes and shapes of travellers. We suggest arriving in Melbourne the day before you set off on your 7-day itinerary for Victoria, Australia.
Day 1: Melbourne
Up early for day 1 of your 7-day holiday in Victoria and head for coffee, Melbourne is known as one of the coffee capitals of the world. Melbournians and Australians are very particular about their coffee. After all, we are the country that rejected Starbucks.
Spend a few hours and go on a city highlights tour on the Yarra River. The Yarra River flows through the centre of Melbourne, where you will get impressive views of the skyline. Talking of impressive views, the Eureka Skydeck on Southbank has an amazing viewing platform.
Head into the CBD and wander street art hotspots such as Hosier and AC/DC lane and explore the Royal Arcade. Go for a drink at one of the many roof bars such as The Rooftop at the QT Hotel or Goldielocks Bar or maybe check out Sealife.
View some art and exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria and finish your day by eating at one of the many high-quality restaurants at Crown Casino.
Day 2: Great Ocean Road Melbourne to Port Campbell
Leave the Melbourne attractions behind and head towards Geelong on the Princes Freeway. The distance between Melbourne and Port Campbell via the Great Ocean Road is around 255 kilometres.
If you leave early, you can stop on the Geelong waterfront and grab breakfast at the Wharf Shed before continuing onto Torquay and the Great Ocean Road on this 7-day road trip itinerary for Victoria, Australia.
Stop at the start of the Great Ocean Road and get a picture at the Memorial Arch starting point before setting off on the most picturesque coastal section of the road.
Between Angelsea and Apollo Bay, the Great Ocean Road hugs the rugged coastline, providing picture-perfect views that the road is known for. Maybe call in at places such as The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie, Salt Brewing Company at Aireys Inlet, The Otway Fly or the Cape Otway lighthouse.
You will find plenty of viewpoints along the Great Ocean Road on your Victoria itinerary, such as the Mount Defiance lookout and Cape Patton lookout, just to name a few.
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Head onto the Port Campbell National Park section of the Great Ocean Road where you will find Gibsons Steps, The 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. Arrive later in the afternoon if it’s a good day and watch the sunset.
There is ample parking and a good viewing platform for the 12 Apostles. Head into Warrnambool to stay the night. That’s day two of your 7-day sightseeing plan for Victoria, Australia done.
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The southern ocean provides a dramatic backdrop to the iconic landmarks along the Great Ocean Road, showcasing the force and enormity of nature.
Maybe call in at places such as the surf coast towns of Torquay, Anglesea, Airey’s Inlet, and Lorne, known for their surfing spots and attractions.
Day 3: Victoria Itinerary Grampians National Park
Before leaving Warrnambool, stop in at The Pavilion Café on this beachfront and grab a coffee and some takeaway breakfast before driving 175 kilometres to the Grampians National Park. Our first stop is the Pinnacles Lookout.
This lookout offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. To reach the Pinnacles Lookout, we’ll take a short hike along a well-marked trail. The trail is relatively easy, but please make sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry some water.
After spending some time at the Pinnacles Lookout, our next stop was MacKenzie Falls, one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Grampians. It’s a short drive from the Pinnacles Lookout to the falls, and along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of the park.
Once we arrive at MacKenzie Falls, we’ll embark on a moderately challenging hike to reach the base of the falls. The trail takes us through rocky terrain and offers glimpses of native wildlife and flora.
As we approach the falls, you’ll hear the powerful sound of cascading water and feel the refreshing mist on your face. If you’re looking for a bit of fun, visit Grampians Adventure Golf for an experience that will not soon be forgotten.
Spend the night at Hall’s Gap and enjoy dinner and drinks at the Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co. on the main street. Halls Gap has different accommodation options, from Apartments, Tourist park cabins and a top-quality YHA Hostel.
Planning to explore Victoria more? Here are the best things to do in Halls Gap, the gateway to the Grampians!
Day 4: Yarra Valley
Start your day with a coffee and a bite at the Halls Gap Bakery before heading towards the Yarra Valley. Grab a meat Pie with sauce and a snot block (Vanilla Slice) for breakfast. The Yarra Valley is 312 kilometres from Halls Gap on your 7-day self-drive itinerary for Victoria.
You could break up the strip with a stop at St Anne’s Vineyard, near Ballarat, about the journey’s halfway point. Grab yourself a cheeky bottle of Moscato to drink late on. After all, it will be a day of wine if you visit the Yarra Valley.
Domaine Chandon Winery on a cold winter’s morning in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia. Enjoy a scenic drive past rolling vineyards as you explore the region.
The Yarra Valley offers you two different choices, you can drink wine or see animals, the choice is yours. If you’re keen on some of Victoria’s best food and wine, head to Domaine Chandon or Yerring Station. Domaine Chandon is owned by the French company that produces the famous Dom Perignon.
If you want to see some of Australia’s native animals, head to the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is home to Kangaroo, Koalas, Dingos and much more. It is the best Zoo in Victoria for seeing native Australian animals in a natural environment. We recommend you stay at Peppers Marysville or Chateau Yering Hotel in the Yarra Valley.
Day 5: Wilsons Promontory National Park
If you’re adventurous, you could get up before sun up and take a hot air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley. The drive from the Yarra Valley to Wilson’s Promontory will take you through the rolling hills of South Gippsland.
Depending on what day you are in Wilson’s Promontory, there are a couple of choices. We highly recommend the 2.5-hour Wilson’s Promontory Eco Cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Tours.
If the tours are not running on the day you’re at the Prom, as it’s locally called, we recommend you stop at Gurneys Cidery just out of Foster before heading onto the Prom. Drive to Tidal River take a walk on Norman Beach, and then take a short hike through the hinterland to Squeaky Beach.
Because Wilson’s Promontory is a National Park, accommodation is limited to some Huts, Units and Cabins offered by Parks Victoria. You can stay just out of the park at some apartments or in the towns of Foster and Fish Creek.
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Day 6: Phillip Island
A drive of around 2 hours will see you get from Wilson’s Promontory to Cowes on Phillip Island. A stop at Loch Village to stretch your legs and grab a coffee is a good idea on your 7-day self-drive itinerary for Victoria, Australia.
Lock Village is a quaint historic town with some shops selling crafts and food, and the Loch Village food store makes a great Ruben sandwich and homemade sausage rolls.
After a stop at Loch, you should get to Phillip Island around lunchtime. This arrival will give you time to visit The Nobbies and the koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre. Maybe you would prefer a wildlife cruise or a scenic helicopter flight over the island.
If you are considering visiting 3 or more of the Phillip Island attractions, a 4 Park Pass is good value. Check into your accommodation and take in the iconic Phillip Island Penguin Parade in the evening.
See the Penguins make their way out of the water at dusk as they waddle up the beach and into their burrows on the cliffs surrounding it. You can choose from several great accommodation options at Cowes on this Ultimate 7-day itinerary for Victoria, Australia. Ramada Resort by Wyndham and North Pier are standout choices for accommodations on Phillip Island.
Day 7: Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is pretty close to Phillip Island, so you can have a bit of a sleep-in or get up and visit Churchill Island on your way off Phillip Island. Churchill Island is a heritage homestead and working farm that showcases what life was like in the 1800s.
Head to Flinders and stop off for lunch at the Village Cafe and Wine Bar. Enjoy splendid views of Port Phillip Bay as you walk through this small town full of art galleries and craft shops.
Head across Grand Ridge Road and indulge in some amazing local produce at the Red Hill Epicurean, the Green Olive and the Main Ridge Diary. Make your way to your accommodation in Dromana or Rosebud.
Check-in, grab your bathers and head to the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs for a massage and soak. Grab dinner and drinks at St Andrew’s Beach Brewery. It’s a fascinating place that used to be a racehorse training complex.
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Get up early the next day, especially if it’s in the summer months, and go on one of the Sightseeing Cruises that include Dolphin And Seal Swimming. This unbelievable experience leaves the Sorrento pier.
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Head back to Melbourne, which is only an hour to the Melbourne Central Business district. Maybe stay another night in town, drop your rental car off or catch the Skybus to Melbourne Airport.
We hope our suggestions for a 7-day trip to Victoria, Australia, are helpful. It’s the best 7-day travel itinerary you’ll find for exploring this mesmerising region. From the iconic Great Ocean Road to the cultural hub of Melbourne, our itinerary ensures you make the most of your time in Victoria.
Discover breathtaking landscapes, immerse yourself in rich history, indulge in culinary delights, and explore charming towns when you visit Victoria. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, our comprehensive plan covers you.
Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through Victoria, Australia, and create lifelong memories.
We hope this article from us here at Explore Victoria has inspired you to embark on your adventure in Victoria, Australia, from popular caravan parks and pristine beaches to drives along the Great Ocean Road. Enjoy weekends away on the Mornington Peninsula and discover the cosmopolitan charm of Melbourne, Victoria, with a range of experiences for every traveller who wants to visit Victoria.
Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the Grampians, the cultural richness of Ballarat, or the autumn colours of Bright and Northern Victoria, there’s no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in Victoria.
Even if you love exploring Gippsland or driving the Great Alpine Road, Victoria has something special for you, and there is so much more for you to discover. If you are looking for more incredible and best places to visit in Melbourne or more travel in Victoria destinations, Explore Victoria has some more articles below for you to check out. Expand your horizons and get out and about in Victoria, Australia, for an unforgettable experience.
If you have an idea, attraction, or top spot in Victoria, please comment or email us at contact@explorevictoriaaustralia.com.
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Author Bio
Mark Wyld is a passionate writer and explorer, weaving tales inspired by a deep love for his home state of Victoria. With local knowledge, Mark seeks to share insights and experiences that captivate and inspire readers. When not immersed in writing, you can find him working in Disability Support or spending time with family and friends. Follow Mark for a journey through Victoria’s best sights, tastes and attractions.