1. Lorne

From downtown Melbourne, this drive will take you just a little under three hours. Once you arrive, you will find yourself in the picturesque seaside town of Lorne. Lorne is situated on the Louttit Bay and is home to a population just over 1,000 off-season. On-season, it is a popular tourist destination, so you may want to schedule around those crowded dates.

Lorne is famous both for its beautiful coastline setting and for its almost Mediterranean feel. There is so much to do in and around town; head out on the water, take a walk on the beach, or shop downtown at one of the town’s numerous boutiques. Relax at Lorne for a weekend and you’ll come back to Melbourne feeling refreshed!

2. Split Point Lighthouse

Split Point Lighthouse is actually en route to Lorne, so you can schedule these trips concurrently. If you decide to travel only as far as the lighthouse, it will take you around 2 hours and 20 minutes from downtown Melbourne. You can stay at the nearby small town of Aireys Inlet.

The lighthouse itself used to be known as Eagles Nest Point. It was built in 1891 and was manually operated until 1891. Thirty-minute guided tours are available.

3. Croajingolong National Park

If you are ready for a longer trip in your caravan, you can make your way to Croajingolong National Park. It will take you around seven hours to drive there, but once you arrive, you will be glad you made the journey. The drive takes you through some lovely country, and Croajingolong itself is home to some of the most beautiful eucalyptus groves and rainforests in Australia. You can also explore some amazing heathland.

Plenty of campsites are available. Plan to spend at least several days here—there are two historic lighthouses to see along with plenty of hikes and climbs!

4. Wilsons Promontory National Park

You cannot miss Australia’s most famous coastland park. It takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive from downtown Melbourne to the southernmost tip of the mainland. Here you will find some breathtaking views along the beach as well as some incredible hikes through the rainforest. Be sure to visit Wilsons Promontory Lightstation, constructed in 1859.

Melbourne truly is the ultimate staging post on your journey to explore Australia’s southern coastline. Take advantage of all these wonderful drives, and enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and boating in some of the most gorgeous parks on the planet!

1. Yarra Ranges National Park

If you want an impressive showcase of the biological diversity of Victoria, then hop in your camper hire and drive out to Yarra Ranges National Park. It’s a short drive from downtown; you can be there in just over an hour, assuming light traffic. Once you arrive, you will step out into a rainforest wonderland rich with biodiversity. Highlights include the walkway on the south slopes of Mount Donna Buang, which takes you deep into the heart of the rainforest, and the gorgeous Keppel and Phantom Falls.

Besides the park itself, there are lot of other local attractions worth checking out, like the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park and the Big Peninsula Tunnel.

2. Great Otway National Park

Drive two and a half hours southwest of downtown Melbourne and you will arrive at the coastal park of Great Otway. Like Yarra Ranges, Great Otway draws you into a world of stunning biodiversity. Take a hike through the rainforest or visit Phantom Falls (yes, Great Otway also has a Phantom Falls).

Perhaps the most unique and unusual activity you can do in Great Otway however is to schedule a night walk. Great Otway is home to some extraordinary glow worms. There are so many in some spots that they shine like constellations!

3. Grampians National Park

It takes three hours to drive to Grampians National Park from downtown Melbourne. You can be sure that if you are a Melbourne local, you will be scheduling routine day and weekend trips here. Once you visit it, you will be overawed by the rugged sandstone slopes, the breathtaking vistas, and the incredible flora and fauna. There are endless opportunities to explore in Grampians, so make it a regular trip!

4. Mount Buller

Jump in your motorhome and you can drive the distance from downtown Melbourne to Mount Buller in just over three hours. Mount Buller is a must for any skier or snowboarder. The slopes are stunning and the town is charming. You will find that the mountain offers plenty of opportunities for both beginning and advanced skiers and snowboarders, so this is a wonderful place to learn and challenge yourself.

As you can see, there is so much to do around Melbourne, and it only takes a short drive to get away from it all. Be sure to camp overnight at one of the parks or book a weekend at the resort at Mount Buller to really give yourself time to get into the spirit of relaxation and adventure!

Thankfully, there are tons of incredible day trips you can take in your motorhome in and around Melbourne. Check it out!

1. Mornington Peninsula National Park

You don’t even need to leave the Melbourne metropolitan area to visit this national park located on the peninsula at Portsea. Imagine a beautiful, narrow strip of sand and bush surrounded by the ocean on three sides. It is a wonderful place to go out on an afternoon hike or go for a swim.

2. Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve

If you drive southeast of Portsea, you will find yet another remarkable destination to explore. The historic Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve offers something for every interest. If you want to spend time in nature, you can check out the Bushrangers Bay Nature Walk. If you want to explore the past instead, you can take a guided tour of the 19th century lighthouse and visit the museum.

3. Sugarloaf Reservoir Park

Located in Yarra Glen, this day trip also won’t take you far out of downtown Melbourne. The park offers access to a lovely, serene reservoir where you can enjoy boating or fishing. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can take a hike around the perimeter of the water or you can simply relax and enjoy some fresh air and tranquility.

4. Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory National Park is one of Victoria’s most famous destinations. As the southernmost tip of the mainland, this park has it all: mountains, rainforest, bush, coastline. It is also home to a historic site which can only be reached on foot, Wilsons Promontory Lightstation. Like the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, this lightstation dates clear back to the 19th century.

It takes several hours to drive to Wilsons Promontory National Park from downtown Melbourne. Set out early in the morning and you can be back by night—or plan to stay overnight in your campervan rental!

5. Grampians National Park

One more phenomenal day trip you can take from Melbourne is a visit to the rugged sandstone ridges of Grampians National Park. This park is also several hours away from Melbourne. Even though you can do it as a day trip, it is better to plan for at least a full weekend—there is so much to see and do. You will probably want to get back again right away!

Whether you live in Melbourne and are looking for a weekend break or you are visiting the city and just want to spend more time exploring Victoria’s natural beauty, there are numerous amazing destinations you can visit. So get in your caravan and enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer!