Victoria’s dream coastal road trip
Golden beaches, ferny forests, FABULOUS FOOD and amazing WILDLIFE are all par for the course on this EPIC trip from Melbourne to Mallacoota.
Wilsons Promontory 226KM FROM MELBOURNE There are a hundred reasons why Wilsons Promontory (aka The Prom) is Victoria’s favourite national park (family-friendly camping and cosy cabins, granite peaks, wild walks, secluded beaches, wildflowers, wombats and whales leap to mind), but for sheer wow factor take a half-day Promontory Cruise with PENNICOTT WILDERNESS JOURNEYS. A highlight is a visit to giant Skull Rock, where fewer people (nine) have trod than have walked on the moon (12).
PAYNESVILLE 260KM FROM THE PROM Pretty Paynesville is the type of place you won’t want to leave, so think about spending an extra day or two. Hop on the free ferry to Raymond Island and wander through the koala colony, take a walk on Ninety Mile Beach and treat yourself to lunch at DINING. SARDINE
Metung 44KM FROM PAYNESVILLE Life here is all about strolling on boardwalks, dropping a line from a jetty, and enjoying water views from one of the restaurants – overlooking Bancroft METUNG HOTEL, Bay, is hard to beat. It won’t be long before opens, making getting METUNG HOT SPRINGS wet in winter something to look forward to.
LAKES ENTRANCE 20KM FROM METUNG Lakes Entrance might be known for its watery wonders – it’s the largest lake system in the southern hemisphere – but it’s even better in cooler weather, when you can curl up with a glass of something local in a cosy restaurant, admiring the water views from the inside out. Try a craft beer at before RED BLUFF BREWERS tucking into very special seafood at SODAFISH.
Mallacoota 202KM FROM LAKES ENTRANCE Surrounded by Croajingolong National Park, Mallacoota is a secluded paradise. What’s not to love about a place that offers wild beaches, expansive lakes, forested wilderness and fabulous seafood? Don’t leave town without trying the dumplings and handmade noodles from LUCY’S. It may be the end of the road trip, but as far as endings go it’s a happy one.