Unmissable scenic drives in Victoria

It’s about the journey, not the destination.

No doubt you’ve come across this quote before. Perhaps recently on some “influencers” Instagram with hashtags like #blessedlife and #pleasepayattentiontome.

There are few things in life better than getting behind the wheel and taking your car for a drive. If you’re looking to hit the road and see of the most gorgeous landscapes and scenery Victoria has to offer, you really can’t miss these five Victorian drives.

Drive 1. The Great Ocean Road

The one. The only.

It’s impossible to make a list of the 5 best drives in Victoria without this. 243 kilometres of winding coastal road, built by the blood, sweat and tears of thousands of returned WWI veterans over 14 years.

Whether you’re a driving enthusiast or not, this is an absolute must-do. It offers endless breathtaking views, coastal towns to stop off at and have a bite to eat, gorgeous beaches if you’re up for a swim (probably best to steer clear in winter if you value your, um… ability to have children), and lots of local flora and fauna. Plus, you can check out the 12 (8 now, actually) Apostles while you’re in the area.

If you make it out to Apollo Bay, we recommend stopping past the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse –they have over a hundred different beers to choose from (*Homer voice* Mmm… beer)

Drive 2. The Black Spur

A 30-kilometre stretch of road between Healesville and Narbethong, this will take you through some of the most incredible forest scenery around. Lavish with ferns and gigantic mountain ash trees (Eucalyptus regnans) either side of the road; it’s an amazing experience for drivers and passengers alike.

If you need an excuse to be out that way, Healesville Sanctuary has you covered.

Drive 3. Bogong High Plains Road

No no, not Bogan – Bogong. This road doesn’t wear stained, faded blue singlets, nor does it have a Southern Cross neck tattoo or chain-smoke darts while sinking a mountain of tinnies.

But the Bogong High Plains Road does deliver on some of the best views Australia has to offer. Stretching from Mount Beauty to Falls Creek, it’s roughly 58 kilometres; this mountainous trip will take you up to just over 1.7 kilometres above sea level so remember to pop your ears every now and then. And while you’re in the area, make sure to stop at the Blue Duck Inn for a meal.

Best times to visit are late spring, summer and into early autumn. Forget it in winter though, as snow and ice cause road closures.

Drive 4. Macedon Ranges

Just 45 minutes’ drive from the Melbourne CBD and you’re surrounded by photogenic landscapes of granite and forest that is the Macedon Ranges. The beauty of the Macedon Ranges is you can really take your time and explore everything it has to offer, without the need for a strict itinerary.

The bendy forest roads are a pleasure to drive, and there are plenty of things to stop and check out on your journey like the Sanatorium Lake, Macedon Regional Park and Centennial Park.

Drive 5. Melbourne to Bonnie Doon

We’re goin’ to Bonnie Doon.

If you or one of your passengers gets a bit queasy on winding roads, this one’s for you. A straighter stretch of road than the rest of this list, it’s around 180 kilometres and will take you past wineries with rolling hills of grape vines, true-blue Aussie farms and rustic country towns like Yarck (pick up a ‘Where the farck is Yarck’ sticker while passing through and grab a coffee from the Giddy Goat café).

And although it’s about the journey, not the destination – I mean, come on. You’ll end up in THE Bonnie Doon! The serenity there is just overwhelming. You will no doubt be repeatedly asking yourself and anyone within earshot a rhetorical ‘How’s the serenity?’ while enjoying a pot and a parma at the Bonnie Doon Hotel.

Remember, it’s about the journey, not the destination. Oh, and the countless petrol stops on the way.

Finance a new car for your next road trip

What would be better than taking one of these incredible Victorian road trips? Doing it in a new car! Our new car specialists can help you find a great deal on a new car, and then our finance experts can help you find a great finance deal.

Call us today on 1300 787 288 or get a quick and easy car financing quote online.