Off the Beaten Path 12 Day Victoria, Australia Road Trip Itinerary
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Why You Should Visit the Victoria, Australia
Victoria may be one of Australia’s smallest states, but it packs in mountains, vineyards, wild coastlines, and culture within a few hours’ drive of Melbourne. This 12 day Victoria road trip itinerary is perfect because it loops from Melbourne, meaning you won’t have to break up your trip with unnecessarily long drives just to get from place to place. Every day is a new scenic adventure! You’ll watch kangaroos graze in the fields around the Grampians, sip wine beside the fire in Coonawarra, and drive alongside epic cliffs along the Great Ocean Road. Plus, you’ll get off the beaten path destinations and hidden gems along your road trip. We spent nearly two weeks road tripping from Melbourne and let me tell you, it wasn’t nearly long enough. Victoria has so much to offer, so let’s hit the road and dive into everything you need for this Victoria road trip.
What You Need to Know Before You Go to Australia
Bay of Islands Costal Park
General
Australia is in Oceania, and is both a country and a continent! And yes, it does take forever to get there. More on that below. It is also part of the Commonwealth, meaning that that the British King Charles is actually the head of state. There’s a prime minister and parliament that heads the day to day running of the country, though.
Money
The currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). We used a credit card everywhere we went with zero issues. I don’t think we brought cash at all on this trip actually 🤣. So pack your preferred credit card without international fees for your Victoria road trip.
Language
Ah the Aussie accent. It’s amazing isn’t it? Prepare yourself for 12 days of hilarious commentary and word choices that will leave you scratching your head trying to decipher what brekky and barby mean.
Safety
Australia felt very safe to us! But you know, use common sense and lock your car if you have your belongings in it and try not to leave anything expensive visible.
Tips for Travelers with Anxiety in Australia
Fur seal pup
Have a recovery day before you set out on the road if you are nervous about driving on the other side of the road. Trust me, that jet lag is real and you want to be at your sharpest (more on that below). Also, it is much easier than you think, especially when there are other cars on the road. My husband said it took him about two days before it was normal, though the windshield wiper being where the blinker is on his car threw him off multiple times. The only time he made a mistake was on our very last day as we were leaving for the airport (the irony LOL), and there were no cars around. Another thing to note is that there is no turn on red unless it’s specifically posted.
Prepare for serious jet lag. For us, we had an 18 hour time difference. Which I swear anything in multiples of 6 is the worst! So our bedtime was mid-afternoon and the first few days were a STRUGGLE to stay awake past 7 PM. BUT that means you’ll likely be waking up earlier as your body adjusts, which if you cook yourself breakfast every day means you can beat the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet of having places all to yourself.
Book accommodations with kitchenettes for breakfast. This will save you from getting hangry with your early wake up times and let you explore without the crowds! Most of the places we looked at in the off the beaten path destinations had them anyway, but something to note if you don’t book my suggestions below.
How to get to Victoria, Australia
The international airport in Victoria is in Melbourne. Depending on which airline and route you take to Australia, it is possible to fly directly there, or you might have a stop in Sydney first. For example, if you fly United from San Francisco, you can take the 15 hour ☠️ direct flight to Melbourne. But if you fly a Delta route, you’ll likely hook up with a Quantas flight that stops in Sydney first. Or you can take Air New Zealand for their absolutely amazing skycouch and have a connection in Auckland. If you’ve never flown with the skycouch, it is 100000000% worth it.
When to Plan Your Victoria, Australia Trip
Loch and Gorge
Australia is in the southern hemisphere, which means the seasons are opposite from North America and Europe. We went in September, which is a shoulder season for travel as it’s early spring, and it was lovely because we weren’t fighting with so many crowds. Actually, we were the only American tourists most places, and we got asked why we were there quite often 🤣. Something to note is that in September, Victoria has school holidays, so the crowds might be from families taking advantage of the break to road trip out of Melbourne.
Also in September, the weather changes frequently. I did not pack enough long sleeves and I really wish I’d brought a heavier jacket, especially because of the wind! I’m not kidding when I say that within the span of half an hour we had sun, and I took my sweatshirt off, and then the clouds moved in along with the wind, so I put my sweatshirt back on, and then it rained for 5 minutes. And then it was sunny and raining at the same time.
So yeah, be prepared. And bring a rain jacket!
Certain seasons also bring different wildlife, so if you want to see whales, check what time of year they are there. And in the summer months, bushfires are a real thing, and it can be incredibly hot. That’s why I think September was a great choice: we saw tons of wildlife, and while it was cold, we didn’t have to worry about cooling off in any of our hotels, whose AC options were limited to a room or two usually.
12 Day Off the Beaten Path Victoria, Australia Road Trip Itinerary
Are you ready to discover some off the beaten path destinations in Victoria, Australia? This road trip itinerary is set up so you’re never driving more than 3 hours on any given day, and there’s always places to stop along the way to stretch your legs and soak in the scenery. You’ll start and end in Melbourne for ease of travel planning too. Basically you’re going to drive one epic loop around Victoria and see kangaroos, drink bold red wines, take in the epic scenery along the Great Ocean Road, and hit the highlights of Melbourne before making the (very long) trek back home.
Day 1: Arrival, Recovery
Whether you arrive in the morning or early afternoon, you’re probably not going to know what day or time it is and just want to take a nap (especially if you ended up in the middle seat on a completely full flight like we did). For that reason I highly recommend booking a hotel at the airport and attempting to recover your sanity before heading out on your 12 day Victoria road trip. We stayed at the Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport, and I have to say, the blackout curtains there were next level. I don’t think I’ve ever slept in a room so dark, which was totally appreciated since I passed out in the middle of the day LOL. Wait to pick up your rental car until the next day, when you’re ready to head out on the first leg of your adventure!
Day 2: Drive to Halls Gap (approx 3 hours)
You’re heading out of Melbourne on your first day because it is 1000% easier to get used to driving on the other side of the road NOT in a city of 5 million people. First things first, you’ll need to pick up your rental car. A crossover/midsize SUV is ideal for this road trip so that it can hold all your luggage and all the bottles of wine you’ll end up buying.
Stop in Ballarat
If you wake up early af (likely) and hit the road, you can make a stop in Ballarat on your way to Halls Gap. Ballarat is an old gold mining town with a living museum where you can pan for gold, take a trip into the old mines, or even dress up in period costume and have your photo taken! You could easily spend a day exploring here, but keep it to a few hours so you don’t miss out on the beauty of Halls Gap and Grampians National Park.
Halls Gap
Eastern Gray Kangaroo and her joey
After checking into your accommodation, grab lunch in town. We loved Livefast Cafe, Flame Brothers, and Paper Scissors Rock Brew! There’s a large parking lot right across from the strip of dining and shops. From there, you can access a few short trails, perfect to stretch your legs after a long drive and even longer flight. Take the trail through the Venus Baths Loop for some beautiful pools, then hike up to Chautauqua Peak for an amazing view!
You’ll probably be slammed with jet lag by mid-afternoon, so grab a pizza to go and eat at your hotel before passing out for the evening. Speaking of hotels…
Where to Stay in Halls Gap
I highly, highly recommend Halls Haven Holiday Units for your stay on your 12 day Victoria road trip! Be sure to purchase farm fresh eggs for breakfast when you check in because they go quick! These clean units are perfect for that rustic/rural vibe outside of the city. Plus, you can see wild kangaroos in the fields. It’s a working farm as well, and every morning you can go out and feed the animals with them.
Day 3: Hiking in Halls Gap
Since you’ll likely be up early again, take advantage of that and make breakfast at your hotel. Then, set out to your first hikes in Grampians National Park! Drive to the Wonderland Carpark along Mount Victory road. Parking can be limited, and it fills up QUICK. Like at 9 AM there was only one space left to park. When we returned from our first hike, people had parked further down the road and had to add on to their trek just to get up to the trailheads.
Grand Canyon & Pinnacle Trails
View from the Pinnacle
There are a few different trails from here, all with amazing views, and you definitely need to do all of them. In the morning, we did the Grand Canyon loop, and in the afternoon, we hiked to the Pinnacle. The Pinnacle trail is definitely the more popular one, so I recommend doing that one first, especially if you want to appreciate the epic views in peace and quiet. We did not get that as a massive group of high school students happened to turn up at the same time as us 🙃
One thing to note: on the Pinnacle trail, if you don’t know where you’re going, there is a confusing turn at the end. Once you’re past the silent street, pay attention to the arrows leading to a set of rock stairs that veer off to the left. If you go past them, everything looks sketchy, and you will know you’ve gone too far. The arrows are easy to miss, and thankfully some people who knew what they were doing called out to us and showed us the right way!
Day 4: More Exploring in Halls Gap
Prepare for some of the best hiking on your off the beaten path Victoria road trip today! I’ve saved the best for last. And if you love birds, these trails are a fantastic place to spot them.
Mackenzie Falls
Mackenzie Falls
First, head to Mackenzie Falls. Basically all the hikes are off the same Mount Victory road, and there are signs directing you to each trail/carpark. We arrived around 7:30 AM, and at the trailhead, a handful of wallabies were grazing! There are two trails for Mackenzie Falls. I recommend starting with the descent because there you’ll get more wildlife viewing opportunities. If you’re super lucky (we were not) you may even see a platypus! The stairs are a lot and steep, so make sure you have good steady shoes for the descent.
Afterward, catch your breath and walk to the overlook to work the burn out of your thighs. No one had arrived by the time we made it to that trailhead, and we walked right up on a large group of wallabies among the trees! They’re so freaking cute. Also on this loop, you have the chance to spot several species of cockatoo and other colorful birds. Bring your long lens for your camera or some binoculars for a clear view of them!
Silverband Falls
There’s also the nearby Silverband falls. While not quite as impressive as Mackenzie Falls, it’s worth the stop!
We wanted to soak in some Aboriginal culture, so we stopped at the Brambuk Aboriginal Center and… I don’t recommend. The actual center was actually closed, and after looking at some google reviews, it looks like it’s been closed a while? or like on and off? Not sure exactly, but there was no signage either. I’d recommend checking out some of the rock art in the Grampians instead!
Borkora Lookout
Borkora Lookout View
When you leave, head to the Borkora lookout, but only if it’s not misty/rainy, otherwise you won’t be able to see anything. We went right after and were met with a whiteout. So we went back in late afternoon and it was breathaking. 12/10 recommend for sunset.
Day 5: Drive to Coonawarra (approx 2.5 hours)
I know, I know, technically Coonawarra is in South Australia, but to make this loop work and get a few days in one of the best red wine regions in the world on your 12 day Australia road trip, we had to scoot out of Victoria just a little bit (it’s super close to the state border). Coonawarra is in the terra rossa wine region, a narrow strip of land with rich soil that produces bold Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz wines. At the Wynn Cellar, you can see images of what the soil looks like as well as a map of the area where the soil it. Its actually only about 20km of land!
Pettitcoat Lane
Historical cottage on Petticoat Lane
Once you’ve arrived and settled into your accommodation, head into Penola, the “big” city nearby, and explore Petticoat Lane, where historical cottages from the areas first settlers await. And be absolutely shocked that one family with TWELVE children fit into that one small room. Yeah, I could never.
Afterward, park along the main street and pop into any one of the tasting rooms. We went to Koonara Wines and had a fantastic tasting. They have a sparkling Shiraz that I wish I had brought at least three bottles home because I went through them way too fast.
For dinner, I recommend the Royal Oak Hotel (gluten free options!) or Pipers.
Where to Stay in Coonawarra
While Penola is the bigger of the two “cities” I highly, highly recommend staying at the Coonawarra Place Motor Inn in Coonawarra. The room felt like staying in a wine cellar and was such a vibe. Plus, you’re right on the main road and winery trail so you can walk to some of the biggest and most well known wineries without having to worry about drinking and driving either! There is a microwave, toaster, and kettle, so while you won’t be able to cook yourself more than toast for breakfast, the Coonawarra Store opens at 6:30 AM on weekdays for you to grab some breakfast. The couple who runs it are so lovely and friendly and will take good care of you!
Coonawarra is definitely an off the beaten path destination, but in my opinion, it is SO worth it and highly underrated!
Day 6: All Day Tour
While wine is the main attraction to the Coonawarra region, there are a few other incredible experiences close by.
Naracoorte Caves
Fossil excavation site
Namely, the Naracoorte Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site notable for its well-preserved fossils of megafauna. I won’t spoil all the fascinating information you’ll get on the tour, so you have to just trust me and go revel in the magnificence of it all for yourself. I’ve traveled all over the world and never seen anything like it, truly. It is definitely an off the beaten path Australia destination you have to add into your Victoria road trip.
And what better way to do that than on a private guided tour?
While we did find this full-day excursion on Expedia, we enjoyed the tour so much I’m linking directly to the Coonawarra Experiences site because you simply cannot explore this region with anyone else. We took the Caves, Cabernet, & Kangaroos exclusive tour, but what makes this company so incredible is the wide range of experiences they offer. And they have all the hookups. Want a private tour of the caves with scientists who work there? Check. Want a behind the scenes tour of wineries? Check. Whatever experience you’re looking for, they can make happen. Not to mention Simon and Kerry are THE NICEST people and we will absolutely be keeping in touch with them for years to come!
Lunch & Wine Tastings
Anyway, the tour was incredible. After the caves, we stopped for lunch at Ottelia, and then it was on to wine! We went to Wynns, the original winery in the region and learned about the history of the families that have owned the land as well as more about the winemaking process, and then onto Parker Coonawarra Estate where we also got to try some cabernet gin which was fantastic. Of course, by the end of the day we were loaded down with bottles because it was SO hard to choose just one from each location.
Kangaroo Experience
Afterward, you’ll travel onto a private kangaroo rescue where you can potentially bottle feed (!!) some joeys, depending on the ages of her current herd. The owner isn’t open to the public, so this is truly an exclusive experience you can’t get with anyone else.
And once you’ve been satisfied with history, nature, and wine, you must have dinner again of course. Possibly with more wine 🤣
Day 7: Drive to Portland (approx 2 hours)
Your next stop on your 12 day Victoria, Australia road trip itinerary is actually back in Victoria. Thankfully this drive is relatively short, in case you are hungover (spoiler alert, I was). If you need to get out of the car and stretch your legs a bit, there’s a fantastic stop in Mount Gambier.
Mount Gambier
Blue Lake in Mount Gambier
Did you know Australia used to have a bunch of active volcanoes? Well, if you didn’t, now you do! In Mount Gambier, the caved in crater of a dormant volcano now contains bright blue water ringed by lush vegetation, providing a spectacular view. This stop is right on your way to Portland, so pull into one of the carparks and pop out to soak in the sights. There’s a trail that wraps around the entire crater too if you really need to work the alcohol out of your system too LOL.
Afterward, continue onto Portland, on the south coast of Australia.
Where to Stay in Portland
I highly, highly recommend booking a stay at the Cape Nelson Lighthouse! While you can’t actually stay in the lighthouse, there are several outbuildings, all of which are available to book. We stayed in the Caretaker’s Cottage and it was perfect. So cozy, with luxury finishes and plenty of space to stretch out after almost a week of traveling. Plus, it has a washer and dryer, so if you need to do some laundry, this is the perfect time.
You can also book a tour of the actual lighthouse. Your welcome packet has all the info to make it happen!
Depending on what time you arrive in Portland, you can explore the Cape Nelson clifftops and watch the sunset. If you go between May and September, you might even spot dolphins, blue whales, or southern right whales! Wildlife enthusiasts frequently spot them from the Cape Nelson Lighthouse, as if you needed any more incentive to book a stay there.
For food options in Portland I recommend: Beach House Pizza, Port of Call, and Bahloo! Don’t forget to stop at Nuns Beach and test the water to see if you’re brave enough for a swim.
Day 8: Epic views and unique wildlife
Cape Bridgewater
Cape Bridgewater Blowholes
Once you’ve cooked yourself a nice breakfast (ingredients provided for you at the Cape Nelson lighthouse) head out toward Cape Bridgewater. Trails along the cliffs take you to massive blowholes where the ocean waves crash in and leave quite the (cold!) spray behind. There’s also a petrified forest of standstone columns along the cliffs that are fascinating. Then, drive to the seal colony car park and hike to see all the fur seals. It’s a bit confusing when you’re standing at the trailhead. You’ll see a sign for a boat tour if you take the right hand path. You want to go down it, but there’s definitely not tours anymore. The crumbling dock is the area where they like to hang out. Unfortunately we showed up at a weird time and all of the seals were out hunting except for a little baby who absolutely posed for the camera.
But wait, there’s more!
Point Danger Coastal Reserve
Point Danger Gannet Colony
Have you heard about Neil the Seal that terrorizes Tasmania? Well, Portland now has its own elephant seal, Sammy! He likes to hang out on Crumpets Beach or in the canal in Portland and you absolutely must stop to see him. While elephant seals migrate seasonally, if you’re there in September, you’ll likely see him. Ask the locals where he is, and they’ll probably be able to point you in the right direction. While seals are massive blobs of adorableness, they can be aggressive, so give Sammy, and the fur seals, their space and watch their body language for signs of agitation.
At 5:30 PM, head to the end of Point Danger, where Australia’s largest gannet colony hangs out. Guided tours are only offered during breeding season (September to March), and you can find more information on their website. The area is run completely by volunteers so be respectful and give them some grace!
Day 9: Drive to Port Campbell (approx 2 hours)
While technically the drive from Portland to Port Campbell is 2 hours, you’re going to be making a ton of stops along the way for all the epic viewpoints. And trust me, some of these are can’t miss for your 12 day Victoria road trip.
Port Fairy
Unfortunately we learned about this cute town once we’d returned to Melbourne, but I’m adding it here as an option so you don’t miss it too! There’s an adorable lighthouse on a scenic island, as well as more historical cottages and epic viewpoints.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Sleeping koala at Tower Hill
Your first stop is at the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve where you’ll see KOALAS! They actually like to hang out in the trees around the carpark, so keep your eyes glued to the trees while also watching out for cars because nothing would be worse than spotting a koala only to get run over a moment later 🤣. As you explore the trails, you’ll find emu wandering about, so definitely watch where you step. Check out the last volcano trail for more views of dormant, cratered volcanoes from tens of thousands of years ago when they were spewing over the southern part of Australia!
There are nice bathrooms here too if you need to go before getting back on the road.
Warrnambool
Your next stop is the city of Warrnambool, where you can grab lunch and hit up Logan’s Whale Watching Platform, located in a bay known for being a nursery for southern right whales. Step down onto the beach if you want to feel sand between your toes, but your best chance for spotting a whale is from the platform. I hope you get luckier than we did and spot a few!
Bay of Islands
THIS is where the Great Ocean Road starts getting famous. Seriously, don’t skip this stop on your 12 day Victoria, Australia road trip. The cliffs, the ocean, the landscape at the Bay of Islands was breathtaking. Thankfully this is a pretty short walk from the carpark, so you have plenty of time to soak in the scenery from all angles without having to rush on to your next stop.
The Grotto
The Grotto
Equally as breathtaking, the Grotto has both ocean viewpoints and a long beach tucked between the cliffs. When we were there in September 2025, there was construction/renovation on the stairs down to the beach so that part was sadly closed. But it totally still worth stopping. If you stand on your tiptoes (or are taller than me LOL), you might be able to snap a few pictures of the back of the beach that has some gorgeous views. Continue on the trail and find the grotto, and be prepared for a line of people trying to snap a photo at this incredible spot!
Honestly, the whole area between the Bay of Islands and the Grotto has so many stops, it really just depends on the daylight and if you’re tired of being in the car and just want to be at your next stop, which thankfully isn’t far from the Grotto!
Where to Stay in Port Campbell
I can tell you where NOT to stay in Port Campbell, and that’s the NRMA Holiday Park. It’s more like a campground than anything, though there are standalone units. We were supposed to be here for two nights actually, but we were both so grossed out that we decided to only stay one night and modify our itinerary slightly. At least the sheets were clean? 😅
It is a pretty popular destination for people driving from Melbourne, so if you plan your trip during the school holidays, you might be limited on options to stay here. Check Peterborough for additional options!
Day 10: Drive to Lorne (approx 2.5 hours)
Like your previous day, you’ll be stopping a lot to check out viewpoints, so your drive will end up being longer than 2.5 hours! We normally have a two night minimum stay rule for our slow travels, but I’m so glad we made the exception this time (and not only because our hotel in Port Campbell was gross). It gave us a lot more ease to explore off the beaten path places along the Great Ocean Road too. Of course, I’m going to share those with you below. BUT you want to head out early today because you’re going to see the Twelve Apostles and there’s nothing like them at golden hour.
Loch and Gorge
Your first stop will be at Loch and Gorge for more breathtaking cliff views. You don’t need more than 20 minutes here to appreciate everything, but it’s gorgeous and I wouldn’t skip it.
Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles is absolutely not off the beaten path in Victoria but also an absolute must stop. It is world famous for a reason! And at golden hour? Swoon. Make sure your camera batteries are charged for this one! Going early too means you’ll beat the crowd day tripping from Melbourne as well and have the space to appreciate every angle of the sandstone apostles jutting out of the ocean.
Cape Otway
Cape Otway is another opportunity to see some wildlife if you haven’t gotten enough already on your trip, but other than that, you could totally skip. You also have to pay to see the lighthouse, so if you aren’t super interested in that, there’s no reason to make the trek down there really. But I’m including it here because it is definitely off the beaten path on the Great Ocean Road!
Apollo Bay
If you’re hungry for lunch, I recommend stopping in Apollo Bay. This adorable seaside town is the perfect backdrop for a lovely meal. You could potentially stay here too if you don’t want to stay in Lorne, but it will add time onto your return to Melbourne the following day.
Kennet River
Colorful bird at Kennet River
Yet another chance to see koalas around the Kennet River! They like to hang out in the trees along the riverbank or on Gray River Road (just watch for passing cars). There’s also an adorable Koala Cafe that will make you a flat white with a koala drawn on top. #worthit
This was the other big reason we changed up our itinerary, so we wouldn’t have to drive all the way to Kennet River and then back to Port Campbell, thereby increasing our car time for the day. Plus, the drive is so scenic, you’ll want to slow down and take it all in!
Where to Stay in Lorne
Our last minute change of plans left us with limited options, but we loved the Cumberland Resort! Honestly you could spend multiple days there with the spacious accommodation, onsite pool, walking distance from the beach, waterfall hiking trails close by, and situated right behind the main street with all the shopping and dining. It has a full kitchen if you want to stop at the store and pick up some items, but at this point I was over cooking for myself so we snagged breakfast out.
Food recommendations for Lorne: Tacos N Tequilas Lorne, Chopstix Noodle Bar, Lorne Crepes, Moons.
Day 11: Drive to Melbourne (approx 3 hours)
Say goodbye to the Great Ocean Road and the last bits of the road trip portion of your 12 day Victoria itinerary! Don’t forget to stop at the Great Ocean Road entry arch and take an exit photo. Keep your fingers crossed there’s parking too because it is a very busy spot! Once you get past there, there’s really not much to see, so focus your attention on shifting into city mode.
Where to Stay in Melbourne
Melbourne’s main attractions are located in the Docklands or South Wharf area. We stayed at the Melbourne Marriott Docklands, which was fantastic. You can find just about every chain in this area, and one of my friends was staying at the Hyatt Centric which also looked amazing. Basically, you can find anything in this zone. Just note you’ll likely have to pay for parking.
Trams
Trams are free within the tourist zone (ask your hotel for a map), but if you hop on trams 35, 70, or 86, you’re good to go. There are also posted signage for when you are exiting the free zone. Otherwise you’ll need a Myki card to continue on your journey.
Victoria State Library
The Dome at Victoria State Library
If you love books and amazing architecture, you can’t miss the Victoria State Library. The dome is the main attraction, but it’s definitely worth popping into some of the other parts of the library for history and art! We actually learned about the infamous bandit, Ned Kelly, from the display of his armor (yes, metal armor) in one of the rooms.
Queen Victoria Market
Arguably the best place to find fresh goods, local handmade products, and souvenirs, you can hop on the trams and get delivered straight to the Queen Victoria Market. If you get anxious in crowds, prepare yourself or skip this stop because chaos.
Southbank & Flinders Street
Historical Arcade in Melbourne
To discover your new favorite restaurant or soak in waterfront sights, walk around the Southbank and Flinders Street areas. Plus, the skyscrapers boast plenty of bars and restaurants to give you those sweeping city views you’re craving after over a week of the countryside!
Day 12: Explore Melbourne
Marvel Stadium
Home to many of the Aussie Football League (rugby-esque sport) teams, take a tour and learn about the sport! We actually were in Victoria while the national championship was being played in Melbourne, and we were told in the city it was a public holiday on the Friday before the game. We ended up watching some of it at a bar in Portland, and it was a lot of fun! So thankfully we missed all the crowds. But something else to be aware of when planning your 12 day Victoria, Australia road trip itinerary!
Lysterfield Park
Kangaroos in Lysterfield Park
If you haven’t seen enough kangaroos and wallabies on your trip yet, grab your car and drive out to Lysterfield Park. We saw a ton not too far from the parking lot. The lake takes approximately 90 minutes to walk around, and you can see cockatoo, kookaburra, and parrots in the trees as well.
Philip Island or St Kilda
While this will eat up most of your afternoon/evening, you can make the drive to Philip Island if you want to see fairy penguins come ashore at dusk. You can also see penguins around the St Kilda area, however while we were there, the area was closed because they’d just done construction and didn’t want to stress the animals any further for a bit. Double check both destinations before you make the trek out to them!
All of these will take up a good portion of your day, so you might not be able to do everything I have listed. We’d already seen fairy penguins in New Zealand so we decided to skip. But I wanted to give you alllllll the info just in case you wanted to go yourself!
Day 13: Departure
There are so many things to do in and around Melbourne, you could easily extend your stay if you wanted. Or if you’re not a big city person like us, brace yourself for the long, long journey home and dream of all the wine, kangaroos, and ocean cliffs you saw on your 12 day Victoria road trip itinerary.
Final Thoughts on 12 Day Off the Beaten Path Victoria, Australia Road Trip Itinerary
Have I convinced you to take a 12 day Victoria, Australia road trip yet? There are so many off the beaten path destinations along this trip, and I’m sure there is more to discover that we did not get to see. From epic landscapes, adorable wildlife, delicious wine, and a vibrant cultural city, this itinerary has something to offer every type of traveler.