Five driving views worth the trip from Melbourne
Looking for an excuse to take your new car for a spin out of Melbourne? Here are some must-visit views.It doesn’t matter if it’s a convertible, SUV or an old classic, when you combine sensational roads with outstanding views, these trips from Victoria’s capital are definitely worth the drive.
Macedon Ranges and Hanging Rock
Despite its proximity to Melbourne (about an hour’s drive), Mount Macedon is surprisingly high with a peak of precisely 1001 metres – and that means great views from the top. Peel off the Calder Highway and drive through the picturesque Mount Macedon township to the Camel’s Hump car park and it’s a short but steadily uphill walk to the pinnacle. Don’t forget the memorial cross just up the road, then continue to nearby Hanging Rock, perhaps for a picnic but definitely another walk with lovely views.
The Great Ocean Road lighthouse tour
The GOR needs no introduction but for some amazing views, make these lighthouses your waypoints and you'll see some incredible scenery. Stop at the Aireys Inlet lighthouse, climb to the top and the views down past Lorne are mesmerising. Continue further to the Cape Otway Lightstation and appreciate the solitude of its previous operators in this wild spot and maybe stay the night in one of the renovated cottages. If you have time, continue on to the 12 Apostles then head back inland via Cobden and Colac for a different, countryside perspective of southern Victoria.
Grand Ridge Road, Gippsland
The 130km-odd Grand Ridge Road through the guts of South Gippsland is an adventure in itself, as it changes from bitumen to gravel with some steep grades and drop-offs in places. Perfect for putting an SUV through its paces, but a standard sedan or hatchback should cope just fine, with caution. Start at the western end at Seaview (about 125km from Melbourne), follow the signs to Mirboo North, then onwards through the Strzelecki Ranges. The reward is a mix of forests, farmland and some fabbo views from the ridge and hilltops.
Black Spur Drive, Yarra Ranges
The Black Spur Drive between Healesville and Narbethong is a picturesque route that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and Yarra Ranges countryside. It takes you through towering mountain ash trees, lush ferns and fauna, and past cascading waterfalls. Along the way, stop at Fernshaw and Dom Dom Saddle picnic grounds for a short walk and admire the natural beauty of the region.
Port Phillip Bay Loop
Melbourne covers about the top half of Port Phillip Bay so for a real bucket-list filler, how about circumnavigating the bay by car? The secret is the car ferry crossing down south, between Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula side and all up, it’s about 230km (yes, really!). Enjoy fabulous sea views from the ferry then when back on dry land, detour to Portsea and the short Millionaire’s Walk near Sorrento to see some incredible seaside mansions and hidden bayside beaches. Continue driving up to Arthurs Seat behind Dromana, for more stunning bay views (plus it’s a great driving road).
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