When you think of road tripping in Victoria, chances are your mind goes straight to driving down the Great Ocean Road or perhaps even winding through the up country and exploring the wider Yarra Valley region. But what a lot of travellers tend to forget is that Victoria’s south-eastern coast – or the coast that’s to the east of Melbourne – has a plethora of sights and travel destinations that provide striking views, unique geographical features and landscapes, and best of all, plenty of opportunities for picture perfect beach days.
If you’re looking to explore all that Victoria’s understated east coast has to offer, then consider this write-up to be your next trip itinerary!
Mornington Peninsula
A popular weekend getaway destination for Melburnians, the Mornington Peninsula region is home to a range of attractions and activities, from Cape Schank’s rock pools to Melbourne’s closest natural geothermal hot springs. Providing wellness and walks out in nature, a trip to Mornington is sure to destress and recentre.
Keep in mind, however, that just because this region is so close to Melbourne, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check your vehicle before heading out on your road trip. Make sure your tires are in good shape for country driving, that your transmission fluid and oil levels are high, and that your car insurance is up-to-date. Generally, it’s best to secure comprehensive car insurance and roadside assistance if you’re planning a road trip anywhere in Australia, as driving on isolated, gravel roads can easily result in your being stranded or your car accruing physical damage – even if you’re just popping down to Mornington for a quick weekend away.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island to Wilsons Promontory is one of Victoria’s most iconic road trips, as you get to start and finish on two of Australia’s most unique land masses. The fact that these two breathtaking natural attractions are just under 200km away is all the more reason to plan a multi-destination road trip along Victoria’s east coast!
But back to Phillip Island and all that there is to see and do there. From penguin parades to coastal walks and even dog-friendly trails, Phillip Island really does have a little something for every member of the family, which is what makes the much-loved Victorian holiday destination a fan favourite every school holiday period.
Whilst you may be tempted to drive straight from San Remo and the Phillip Island Road Bridge to the Tidal River campgrounds, we urge you to stop at a few destinations that you can find along the way of this 200km-long journey from the Island to the Prom. For those craving a beach day in particular, you’ll find plenty to love about Inverloch and Venus Bay.
Another unique geographical attraction, these two coastal towns are separated by the Andersons inlet, providing tourists with the opportunity to actually sail from shore to shore – and typically with minimally choppy waters during the summer months. Both Inverloch and Venus Bay also have a wide variety of coastal accommodation, providing picturesque ocean views. A walk up to Point Smythe will also provide fantastic views of the inlet and the wider Bass Strait.
And if you love to fish, then you’ll absolutely want to carve out some time to explore the Tarwin River before concluding the Inverloch and Venus Bay leg of your east coast journey.
Waratah Bay & Sandy Point
Now let’s go from Bay to Bay – Venus and Waratah, to be more specific. Located just a mere 48km from Venus Bay, Waratah Bay and Sandy Point are two highly underrated coastal locales that provide gorgeous beaches, generally good surfing conditions, and minimal crowds.
Yes, the proximity of Waratah Bay and Sandy Point to both Inverloch and Wilsons Prom make this region prone to being passed over. For those who stop and sit for a bit, however, you’ll find a little bit of peace and serenity. In fact, Waratah Bay and Sandy Point are a popular stopover for soothing your aching muscles after doing plenty of hiking at Wilsons Prom. Or if you’re heading to Wilsons Prom right after a night’s stay in Waratah Bay, then consider a casual walk through Cape Liptrap or along the Waratah Bay foreshore to be a bit of a warm up before hitting Tidal River.
Wilsons Promontory
Now for one of Victoria’s most iconic destinations – Wilsons Promontory. Connected to mainland Australia by otherworldly sand dunes and eucalypt woodlands, Wilsons Promontory is a fascinating natural attraction offering an abundance of untouched bushlands made accessible by hiking trails designed to make minimal impact to the environment.
The only road in and out of Wilsons Prom leads to the Tidal River campgrounds. From this central site, visitors must grab their hiking packs and trek all over the promontory to see it from coast to coast.
Part of the appeal of Wilsons Prom is that there’s virtually every kind of coastal terrain you could hope to explore, from sand dunes and quartz beaches to rugged mountain and hill trails, mangrove marshes, cliffside walks, and silty estuaries. Simply put, be prepared to walk, run, hike, and swim from dawn to dusk during any Wilsons Prom trip!
Lakes Entrance
The trek from Wilsons Prom to Lakes Entrance is a bit of a trek at just under 300km, but it’s also super scenic with sweeping views of the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park virtually all the way through. And for those who love to partake in watersports, you’ll naturally want to fight the urge to stop and pull out the kayak at multiple points along the way. And while there is plenty to see and do in Bairnsdale and Metung, the tighter waterways and more recreational docking opportunities at Lakes Entrance will also have you making a beeline to this eye-catching destination.
It’s important to note, however, that Lakes Entrance can be pretty chilly virtually year-round because the lakes provide a cool breeze even on humid days. This makes Lakes Entrance a great destination for road trips during the height of summer, but if you’re expecting anything less than 30 degree days, then we highly recommend packing some of your cooler weather clothes along with your swimmers.
Photo by Lucius Crick
Mallacoota
And that brings us to Mallacoota, Victoria’s easternmost town! Located in East Gippsland and at the mouth of the Wallagaraugh River, Mallacoota isn’t too dissimilar to Lakes Entrance, except for the fact that the town’s eastern orientation allows for some seriously impressive sunrises, with particularly breathtaking views from Bastion Point.
On top of this, Mallacoota is generally quieter, being a township with a population of just over 1000 people. The region’s waterside campgrounds, caravan parks, and foreshore trails provide plenty of opportunities for travellers who want to connect with nature without being too far away from rural amenities. And with a local golf course, fishing supplies stores, and secluded beaches, you can enjoy a range of activities during your stay.
Explore Victoria’s East Coast this Summer
Have any of these coastal destinations piqued your fancy? Or would you want to plan a road trip that sees you experiencing all of these regions over weeks on the road? Then you better get to planning your east coast getaway as soon as possible! Wilsons Prom campgrounds can book up fast over the summer holidays, as can accommodation in several other locations we’ve outlined above. So it’s best to start planning earlier rather than later to ensure you can see and do everything you’d like to when exploring Victoria’s expansive southern and southeastern coastline.
When you think of road tripping in Victoria, chances are your mind goes straight to driving down the Great Ocean Road or perhaps even winding through the up country and exploring the wider Yarra Valley region. But what a lot of travellers tend to forget is that Victoria’s south-eastern coast – or the coast that’s to the east of Melbourne – has a plethora of sights and travel destinations that provide striking views, unique geographical features and landscapes, and best of all, plenty of opportunities for picture perfect beach days.
If you’re looking to explore all that Victoria’s understated east coast has to offer, then consider this write-up to be your next trip itinerary!
Mornington Peninsula
A popular weekend getaway destination for Melburnians, the Mornington Peninsula region is home to a range of attractions and activities, from Cape Schank’s rock pools to Melbourne’s closest natural geothermal hot springs. Providing wellness and walks out in nature, a trip to Mornington is sure to destress and recentre.
Keep in mind, however, that just because this region is so close to Melbourne, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check your vehicle before heading out on your road trip. Make sure your tires are in good shape for country driving, that your transmission fluid and oil levels are high, and that your car insurance is up-to-date. Generally, it’s best to secure comprehensive car insurance and roadside assistance if you’re planning a road trip anywhere in Australia, as driving on isolated, gravel roads can easily result in your being stranded or your car accruing physical damage – even if you’re just popping down to Mornington for a quick weekend away.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island to Wilsons Promontory is one of Victoria’s most iconic road trips, as you get to start and finish on two of Australia’s most unique land masses. The fact that these two breathtaking natural attractions are just under 200km away is all the more reason to plan a multi-destination road trip along Victoria’s east coast!
But back to Phillip Island and all that there is to see and do there. From penguin parades to coastal walks and even dog-friendly trails, Phillip Island really does have a little something for every member of the family, which is what makes the much-loved Victorian holiday destination a fan favourite every school holiday period.
Inverloch & Venus Bay
Whilst you may be tempted to drive straight from San Remo and the Phillip Island Road Bridge to the Tidal River campgrounds, we urge you to stop at a few destinations that you can find along the way of this 200km-long journey from the Island to the Prom. For those craving a beach day in particular, you’ll find plenty to love about Inverloch and Venus Bay.
Another unique geographical attraction, these two coastal towns are separated by the Andersons inlet, providing tourists with the opportunity to actually sail from shore to shore – and typically with minimally choppy waters during the summer months. Both Inverloch and Venus Bay also have a wide variety of coastal accommodation, providing picturesque ocean views. A walk up to Point Smythe will also provide fantastic views of the inlet and the wider Bass Strait.
And if you love to fish, then you’ll absolutely want to carve out some time to explore the Tarwin River before concluding the Inverloch and Venus Bay leg of your east coast journey.
Waratah Bay & Sandy Point
Now let’s go from Bay to Bay – Venus and Waratah, to be more specific. Located just a mere 48km from Venus Bay, Waratah Bay and Sandy Point are two highly underrated coastal locales that provide gorgeous beaches, generally good surfing conditions, and minimal crowds.
Yes, the proximity of Waratah Bay and Sandy Point to both Inverloch and Wilsons Prom make this region prone to being passed over. For those who stop and sit for a bit, however, you’ll find a little bit of peace and serenity. In fact, Waratah Bay and Sandy Point are a popular stopover for soothing your aching muscles after doing plenty of hiking at Wilsons Prom. Or if you’re heading to Wilsons Prom right after a night’s stay in Waratah Bay, then consider a casual walk through Cape Liptrap or along the Waratah Bay foreshore to be a bit of a warm up before hitting Tidal River.
Wilsons Promontory
Now for one of Victoria’s most iconic destinations – Wilsons Promontory. Connected to mainland Australia by otherworldly sand dunes and eucalypt woodlands, Wilsons Promontory is a fascinating natural attraction offering an abundance of untouched bushlands made accessible by hiking trails designed to make minimal impact to the environment.
The only road in and out of Wilsons Prom leads to the Tidal River campgrounds. From this central site, visitors must grab their hiking packs and trek all over the promontory to see it from coast to coast.
Part of the appeal of Wilsons Prom is that there’s virtually every kind of coastal terrain you could hope to explore, from sand dunes and quartz beaches to rugged mountain and hill trails, mangrove marshes, cliffside walks, and silty estuaries. Simply put, be prepared to walk, run, hike, and swim from dawn to dusk during any Wilsons Prom trip!
Lakes Entrance
The trek from Wilsons Prom to Lakes Entrance is a bit of a trek at just under 300km, but it’s also super scenic with sweeping views of the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park virtually all the way through. And for those who love to partake in watersports, you’ll naturally want to fight the urge to stop and pull out the kayak at multiple points along the way. And while there is plenty to see and do in Bairnsdale and Metung, the tighter waterways and more recreational docking opportunities at Lakes Entrance will also have you making a beeline to this eye-catching destination.
It’s important to note, however, that Lakes Entrance can be pretty chilly virtually year-round because the lakes provide a cool breeze even on humid days. This makes Lakes Entrance a great destination for road trips during the height of summer, but if you’re expecting anything less than 30 degree days, then we highly recommend packing some of your cooler weather clothes along with your swimmers.
Mallacoota
And that brings us to Mallacoota, Victoria’s easternmost town! Located in East Gippsland and at the mouth of the Wallagaraugh River, Mallacoota isn’t too dissimilar to Lakes Entrance, except for the fact that the town’s eastern orientation allows for some seriously impressive sunrises, with particularly breathtaking views from Bastion Point.
On top of this, Mallacoota is generally quieter, being a township with a population of just over 1000 people. The region’s waterside campgrounds, caravan parks, and foreshore trails provide plenty of opportunities for travellers who want to connect with nature without being too far away from rural amenities. And with a local golf course, fishing supplies stores, and secluded beaches, you can enjoy a range of activities during your stay.
Explore Victoria’s East Coast this Summer
Have any of these coastal destinations piqued your fancy? Or would you want to plan a road trip that sees you experiencing all of these regions over weeks on the road? Then you better get to planning your east coast getaway as soon as possible! Wilsons Prom campgrounds can book up fast over the summer holidays, as can accommodation in several other locations we’ve outlined above. So it’s best to start planning earlier rather than later to ensure you can see and do everything you’d like to when exploring Victoria’s expansive southern and southeastern coastline.
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