Melbourne driving guide

Best drives from Melbourne

Six day trips we recommend to UpDrive guests, from coastal roads to mountain forest. Each one is an easy start from our West Melbourne garage or Melbourne Airport. Distances are approximate, measured from the CBD.

1. Great Ocean Road
2. Yarra Valley wineries
3. Mornington Peninsula
4. Dandenong Ranges
5. Phillip Island
6. The Black Spur to Marysville

Drive 1

Great Ocean Road

About 100 km to Torquay, 190 km to Apollo Bay from the CBD · Full day, or stay a night

Australia's best-known coastal road: cliffs on one side, surf beaches on the other, and a run of sweeping bends between Lorne and Apollo Bay.

Stops worth making

• Bells Beach, just past Torquay
• Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet
• The Memorial Arch at Eastern View
• Lunch in Lorne
• Kennett River, for koalas in the gum trees

Tip: Leave early to beat the coaches, and drive the coast west in the morning so the sun is behind you.

Best car: Porsche 718 Cayman or the Porsche 718 Boxster

See the Porsche 718 Cayman

Drive 2

Yarra Valley wineries

About 60 km to Yarra Glen and Healesville from the CBD · Half or full day

Rolling vineyards an hour from the city. Bring the whole group in the 8-seat V-Class and give one person the keys.

Stops worth making

• Cellar doors around Yarra Glen and Coldstream
• Healesville Sanctuary for native animals
• The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
• Dinner in Healesville

Tip: Book cellar-door tastings ahead on weekends, and agree on a designated driver before you leave.

Best car: Mercedes-Benz V-Class

See the Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Drive 3

Mornington Peninsula

About 75 km to Arthurs Seat, 95 km to Sorrento from the CBD · Full day

Bay beaches, ocean cliffs and winding hill roads, all within about 90 minutes. Ideal roof-down convertible country.

Stops worth making

• The lookout at Arthurs Seat
• Peninsula Hot Springs at Fingal
• Point Nepean National Park
• Sorrento's main street and back beach
• Red Hill wineries on the way home

Tip: Book the hot springs ahead, especially on weekends.

Best car: Mazda MX-5 RF or the Mazda MX-5 Roadster

See the Mazda MX-5 RF

Drive 4

Dandenong Ranges

About 45 km to Olinda from the CBD · Half day

Tall mountain ash forest and fern gullies just past the suburbs, with cafés and lookouts strung along the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road.

Stops worth making

• Puffing Billy steam train at Belgrave
• Sassafras and Olinda for morning tea
• SkyHigh Mount Dandenong lookout
• The 1000 Steps walk at Ferntree Gully

Tip: Roads are narrow and winding. Watch for cyclists, and expect fog on winter mornings.

Best car: Toyota LandCruiser Prado or the Suzuki Jimny

See the Toyota LandCruiser Prado

Drive 5

Phillip Island

About 140 km to Cowes from the CBD · Full day

Surf beaches, the MotoGP circuit and the famous little penguins coming ashore at dusk.

Stops worth making

• The Grand Prix circuit visitor centre
• Cape Woolamai's beach and walks
• The Nobbies boardwalk
• The Penguin Parade at sunset

Tip: Book Penguin Parade tickets ahead. It ends after dark, so plan the drive home.

Best car: Abarth 124 Spider or the MG HS

See the Abarth 124 Spider

Drive 6

The Black Spur to Marysville

About 95 km to Marysville via Healesville from the CBD · Half day

A stretch of road through towering mountain ash and tree ferns between Healesville and Narbethong, then on to Marysville.

Stops worth making

• The Black Spur itself, north of Healesville
• Steavensons Falls in Marysville
• Lake Mountain in winter for snow play
• Back via Healesville for a late lunch

Tip: The road is narrow and shaded, so it can stay wet and slippery. Take it slow and enjoy it.

Best car: Mazda MX-5 Roadster

See the Mazda MX-5 Roadster