Our 5 Best Weekend Trips from Melbourne…
Melbourne is in my opinion, Australia’s greatest city to live. Not just because the people are friendly. All around Melbourne there are incredible things to see – all within a few hours reach. So hire a campervan and hit the road, you need to see these top Melbourne Weekend Getaways…
Here at Compare Campervan Hire, we’re not just great at finding you the best campervan – we also know a lot about travelling Australia. We’ve just about covered every inch of Australia in a campervan or 4WD camper, so it is our pleasure to share these experiences with you…
#1. Raymond Island & Lakes Entrance:
How Far from Melbourne? Approximately 300kms East of Melbourne.
Lakes Entrance is a perfect little weekend getaway town, particularly over the summer months. There’s less crowds than nearby Phillip Island and so much long, perfect empty beach to explore!
Raymond Island is about 25 minutes from Lakes Entrance and in my opinion, one of Australia’s best kept secrets. The island is a natural koala habitat, home to dozens of koalas and very few residents. To get to Raymond Island, you’ll need to drive your campervan onto a small ferry, which takes only 10 minutes and costs around $15. This is a great little weekender trip and the perfect spot to see koalas in their natural surroundings.
#2. Cactus Country:
How Far from Melbourne? Cactus Country is located at 4986 Murray Valley Hwy, Strathmerton VIC 3641. Approximately 3hrs north of Melbourne.
Not far from Shepparton, Victoria, Cactus Country is a succulent-lover’s delight! This amazing cactus plantation is home to Australia’s largest collection of Cacti.
There’s plants from around the world and the owners here have done an amazing job. Photo opportunities abound and while you’re in the area, stop by and checkout Australia’s iconic Murray River and Barmah National Park (more koalas!). This is another great little weekend campervan getaway from Melbourne – away from the crowds and completely off the tourist trail.
#3. Wilson’s Promontory National Park:
How Far from Melbourne? Approximately 220kms South-East of Melbourne.
This truly one of the BEST National Parks in Australia. Only 2.5hrs from Melbourne lies Wilson’s Promontory National Park, a natural wonderland on the coast. Home to hundreds of wild wombats, kangaroos, emu’s and echidna, this place is a MUST-SEE destination for anyone living or visiting Melbourne.
Hire a campervan and explore Wilson’s Promontory, the Australian mainland’s most-southerly point – you seriously won’t regret it. It can get a little busy at certain times of the year, particularly over school holidays and summer, so be sure to book your camping space in the park ahead of time to avoid disappointment. That goes for renting a campervan in Melbourne too, be sure to book your van well in advance if travelling over Summer.
#4. The Great Ocean Road:
How Far from Melbourne? The start of the Great Ocean Road is in Lorne, approximately 110kms from Melbourne.
There’s not much to say really, the Great Ocean Road is an absolute Bucket-List destination for most tourists and locals in Australia. It’s long, winding roads bend and twist along the contour of the Southern Ocean, making for a simply amazing driving experience.
Best spots to see – Bells Beach Surfing Reserve, Kennett River Caravan Park (koalas…sshhh!), Cape Otway Lighthouse and of course…the 12 Apostles!
#5. The Dandenong Ranges & Mount Baw Baw:
How Far from Melbourne? Mount Baw Baw is about 180kms east of Melbourne.
This spectacular drive through the hills and low-lying ski fields demonstrate just how diverse and beautiful the landscapes of Victoria truly are. Winding through lush tropical rainforest, you’ll reach Mount Baw Baw in about 2.5hrs if travelling from Melbourne.
In Winter, there’s snow and ski facilities (great for beginners), but you’ll find this region fascinating year-round. Giant trees reach upward towards the sky and over the Autumn months, fog shrouds the road, adding to the mystique of this awesome little patch of Victoria. Rent a Campervan or Motorhome and head east, you won’t be disappointed!
Want to Hire a Campervan or Motorhome in Melbourne? We’ve got you covered…
Compare Campervan Hire offer the best prices from all leading-brand campervan hire companies in Melbourne. So whether you want to grab a camper from Melbourne Airport or jump in one from the CBD, we have dozens of rental locations. Book your Campervan online today and of course if you want travel tips around Melbourne, give us a call.