1. Mungo National Park

Mungo National Park is famous as an archaeological site—this is where researchers have discovered the earliest known human remains in Australia. Mungo used to be covered with lakes, which made it an excellent habitation both for human and animal life.

Fifteen thousand years ago, that all changed. The lakes dried and wind storms resulted in deposits of sand which gradually towered into some extraordinarily unique formations. Today you can explore those formations while also encountering kangaroos, wedge-tailed eagles and other wildlife.

2. Aura Vale Lake Park

If you enjoy boating and other water sports, you will definitely want to pay a visit to the popular Aura Vale Lake Park. This tranquil destination offers a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

3. Grampians National Park

If you are looking for a more dramatic destination, you absolutely cannot miss the spectacular rugged vistas of Grampians National Park. These sandstone slopes are home to a rainbow display of spring wildflowers and plenty of amazing wildlife: koalas, emus, and more. While you are there, make sure you don’t miss the ancient Aboriginal rock wall paintings! There is so much else you can do at Grampians as well—take a hike or scale a rock wall—it is all up to you!

4. Mitchell River National Park

If you want to visit a forested destination with plenty of hiking trails to explore, you will want to check out Mitchell River National Park. You will have a chance to see rare flora and an abundance of wildlife. If you are a canoeing or kayaking enthusiast, be sure to embark on a journey through some remote and spectacular waterways which will take you into the heart of the Australian wild.

5. Wyperfeld National Park

You will need to drive to the northwestern corner of Victoria to find Wyperfeld National Park. Whereas many of the Victoria’s parks are quite lush, this one is semi-arid and thus has a very different feel to it than the other destinations on this list. You may want to plan several visits to this park in different seasons, as the scenery can transform radically when it rains.

Any one of these parks can easily provide you with days or even weeks of fun, relaxation, and exploration. And this is really just the tip of the iceberg; Victoria boasts plenty more in terms of magnificent natural beauty. So climb inside your rented caravan, get out your GPS and take a drive. Whether you live in Victoria or are simply visiting, you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

One of the best ways to do that is to hop in your caravan and head out on a coastal road trip! Here are a few breathtaking coastal road trips you cannot afford to miss.

1. Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park

Enjoy kayaking, surf fishing, lake fishing, and other water sports? If so, you will want to pack a picnic, jump in your campervan hire, and take a drive down to Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. This chain of lagoons is fed by seven rivers: Thomson, Avon, Latrobe, Tambo, Mitchell, Nicholson and Macalister.

A wall of sand dunes sections the lakes off from the Tasman Sea, protecting them from high winds and keeping the waters calm. If you don’t feel like fishing or taking a dip, you can go on a hike through the dunes or head off into the bush!

2. Discovery Bay Coastal Park

If you enjoy rugged scenery, you cannot miss Discovery Bay Coastal Park. At Yellow Rock Beach, you will see unusual and dramatic rock formations unlike anything you’ve seen elsewhere. You can also explore sand dunes, take a walk through the bush, or go canoeing through freshwater lakes. Discovery Bay Coastal Park also features swampland which is home to many of Victoria’s most fascinating species of wildlife. While you are at it, be sure to check out the Seal Colony Viewing Platform!

3. Wilsons Promontory National Park

If you are going to visit just one coastal destination in Victoria, it should probably be Wilsons Promontory National Park. This is one of the best-known parklands in the state. Journey to the very southernmost tip of the mainland and venture into a breathtaking natural haven. Take a stroll along the coastline, hike into the rainforest, or take a climb up a granite mountain. There is something for everyone here.

Be sure to stop by Wilsons Promontory Lightstation if you are interested in history. This lighthouse was constructed in 1859 and can only be reached by a hike. When you are out there, you will really feel like you have gotten away from it all. That is the perfect reason to make a weekend trip out of Wilsons Promontory National Park. You have plenty of time to hike to the Lightstation and back if you are camping out nearby!

While you are exploring these three beautiful coastline destinations in Victoria, you will see plenty of amazing scenery and explore many other destinations that are not on this list. Part of the appeal of a road trip is being able to make surprising discoveries—and there are plenty of hidden gems along Victoria’s coast just waiting for you!