{"id":4106,"date":"2017-10-26T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-10-25T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/?p=4106"},"modified":"2020-10-09T13:43:10","modified_gmt":"2020-10-09T03:43:10","slug":"top-road-trips-melbourne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/melbourne\/road-trip\/top-road-trips-melbourne\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 road trips from Melbourne"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s something special about a road trip. You might have some little rituals, like a song you play when you get out on the open road (ahem\u2026 <em>Life is a Highway<\/em>). Or rules, like driver gets to control the air-conditioning <em>and<\/em> the music. What about calling shotgun?<\/p>\n<p>Whether it\u2019s about the journey or the destination, here are five epic road trip ideas to get you on the road and out of Melbourne.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\">1. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Mornington-Peninsula-Hotels.d6051895.Travel-Guide-Hotels?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG.generic&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=all&amp;utm_campaign=OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG\">Mornington Peninsula<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 74km south of Melbourne<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1EYHHbUEd2OWdDgg7DtI1ixknREEFmqjF&#038;hl=en\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><br \/>\nWhether you choose to drive the freeway or the coastal track, all roads lead to relaxation on the Mornington Peninsula. Renowned for day spas like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.peninsulahotsprings.com\/\">Peninsula Hot Springs<\/a>, it\u2019s a trip that suits drivers who like the idea of a road trip without too much, well, driving.<\/p>\n<p>The region is known for gourmet food and wine, and that includes chocolate. Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mpchoc.com.au\/\">Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery<\/a> for treats made using traditional French, Belgian and Swiss techniques. Yes, please.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.lemediavault.com\/images\/7d7174e60d428b2cea632c9abca69a1c.jpeg\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Where to stay: <\/strong>Taking your fur baby alone for the ride? Check out the pet-friendly stays at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Cape-Schanck-Hotels-Views-Cape-Schanck.h7704387.Hotel-Information?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG.generic&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=all&amp;utm_campaign=OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG\">Views Cape Schanck<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\">2. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Adelaide-Hotels.d6051330.Travel-Guide-Hotels?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG.generic&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=all&amp;utm_campaign=OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG\">Melbourne to Adelaide<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 726km north-west of\u00a0Melbourne<\/h2>\n<p>This is one road trip that&#8217;s about the journey as much as the destination. Whether you drive overland through wine country or take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Great-Ocean-Road-Hotels.d6135588.Travel-Guide-Hotels?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG.generic&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=all&amp;utm_campaign=OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG\">Great Ocean Road<\/a> along the coast, you won\u2019t run out of things to see out the car window.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Mount-Gambier-Hotels.d2278.Travel-Guide-Hotels?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG.generic&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=all&amp;utm_campaign=OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG\">Mount Gambier<\/a> is a perfect stopover, where you can check out natural wonders like Blue Lake. The volcanic crater shines a bright cobalt blue from November to March\u2014no filter required.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where to stay: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Mount-Gambier-Hotels-The-Barn.h5947839.Hotel-Information?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG.generic&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=all&amp;utm_campaign=OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG\">The Barn<\/a> in Mount Gambier keeps you close to all the natural beauty and serves a great\u00a0steak.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.lemediavault.com\/images\/22103a9df09f9509135a1ab13bf8e204.jpeg\" width=\"800\" height=\"536\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\">3. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Macedon-Hotels.d6342657.Travel-Guide-Hotels?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG.generic&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=all&amp;utm_campaign=OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG\">Hanging Rock<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 77km north of Melbourne<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1RXMm2PQMyT-6RzvTrbQLzOQoC0SHHJ4E&#038;hl=en\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><br \/>\nNot just a place for a picnic \ud83d\ude09 A short drive gets you out of the city and into the Macedon Ranges, where you\u2019ll find the (in) famous Hanging Rock formation. You might want to keep an eye out for the fountain of youth\u2014the region contains 85% of Australia\u2019s natural mineral water springs.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re up for some intrigue, be on the lookout for <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mountmacedon.org.au\/places\/anti-gravity-hill\">Anti-Gravity Hill<\/a>. It\u2019s not signposted, but when you start seeing water roll uphill\u2026you\u2019ve found it. Seriously, it\u2019s a thing, and it\u2019s awesome.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where to stay:<\/strong> When you combine a brewery and a hotel, you get the genius <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Woodend-Hotels-Holgate-Brewhouse-At-Keatings-Hotel.h9623988.Hotel-Information?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG.generic&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=all&amp;utm_campaign=OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG\">Holgate Brewhouse <\/a> in Woodend. Lock it in.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.lemediavault.com\/images\/4f41b09a02da4522e22cffccaf7ae3ef.jpeg\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\">4. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Darwin-Hotels.d6131317.Travel-Guide-Hotels?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG.generic&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=all&amp;utm_campaign=OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG\">Melbourne to Darwin<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 3752km north-west of\u00a0Melbourne<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=17NB2ETtxm71vijW-KvTp57cDOYYls7fQ&#038;hl=en\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><br \/>\nThis epic road trip takes you from the bottom of the Aussie mainland to the top. It\u2019s not for the faint-hearted, with over 40 hours of driving required (and that\u2019s not counting side trips or the extra days you\u2019ll want to spend in the places you love), but what a trip!<\/p>\n<p>Rent a camper van to cruise the open roads and keep on budget by staying at camping grounds along the way. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Uluru-Kata-Tjuta-National-Park-Hotels.d6052541.Travel-Guide-Hotels?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG.generic&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=all&amp;utm_campaign=OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG\">Uluru<\/a> might be the jewel in the crown, but you\u2019ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring wilderness every day.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where to stay: <\/strong>Take a break from the van at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Coober-Pedy-Hotels-The-Lookout-Cave-Underground-Motel.h7781511.Hotel-Information?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG.generic&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=all&amp;utm_campaign=OCT17-MELB-RD-TRIPS-BLOG\">The Lookout Cave Underground Motel<\/a> in Coober Pedy (Northern SA). Don\u2019t leave without a shiny opal souvenir.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.lemediavault.com\/images\/ccc04ac8dda453ca180c21df4271a54c.jpeg\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\">5. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Echuca-Hotels.d6052060.Travel-Guide-Hotels?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.OCT-17-MELB-ROAD-TRIP-BLOG-AU.generic&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=all&amp;utm_campaign=OCT-17-MELB-ROAD-TRIP-BLOG-AU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Melbourne to the Murray<\/a> (Echuca) &#8211; 213km north of Melbourne<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1xLO8y5ma0GbI_zMZo2Zs7W29rOMopD0u&#038;hl=en\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><br \/>\nGet ready, \u2018cause this is the ultimate road trip for anyone looking for the perfect weekend escape. Less than three hours north of Melbourne, there are plenty of spots along the way to stretch your legs including Bendigo and Heathcote.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where to stay<\/strong>: Stretch your legs and take a rest at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Echuca-Hotels-Acacia-Terraces.h9624270.Hotel-Information?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.OCT-17-MELB-ROAD-TRIP-BLOG-AU.generic&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=all&amp;utm_campaign=OCT-17-MELB-ROAD-TRIP-BLOG-AU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Acacia Terraces<\/a> and don&#8217;t forget to request a room with a tub for some extra road trip luxury.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Heads up!<\/strong> Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change between when you make your booking and when you travel. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before visiting, take extra care and follow all rules to ensure their own health and safety.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s something special about a road trip. You might have some little rituals, like a song you play when you get out on the open road (ahem\u2026 Life is a Highway). Or rules, like driver gets to control the air-conditioning and the music. What about calling shotgun? Whether it\u2019s about the journey or the destination, &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":4108,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[774,761,784],"tags":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4106"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4106"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4106\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11234,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4106\/revisions\/11234"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4108"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4106"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4106"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4106"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}