Melbourne to Brisbane road trip: 7 places to stop

It’s an unwritten rule that as temperatures drop, south-east based holidaymakers migrate north to the Sunshine State. Those who travel by road have even more opportunities for winter fun along the way – from waterfall walks to whale-watching adventures. Here are seven worthy detours between Melbourne and Brisbane: pick and choose to create your perfect driving itinerary.

Distance from Melbourne: 280km

A three-hour drive from Melbourne and a short detour from the highway leads you to Victoria’s ‘Little Italy’ wine region, famed for its production of prosecco. If you’re yet to visit this picturesque pocket of North East Victoria, a road trip is the perfect way to preview its charming villages and pick up some gourmet groceries or a special bottle of local wine to enjoy at your destination. If the timing works, book a table for lunch at Brown Brothers

 – the restaurant’s produce-driven fare recently earned a Good Food Guide Chef’s Hat. Remember to always drink responsibly, especially when driving.

Distance from Melbourne: 660km

The country’s capital offers more than enough attractions to warrant an extended stopover. Kids will love the interactive exhibits at Questacon

, the fearsome fossils of The National Dinosaur Museum

 and the icy toboggan run at Corin Forest

 (a small artificial snow field a 45-minute drive out of the city). Be sure to book ahead, especially during school holidays. Alternatively, you could easily spend a day wandering The National Gallery of Australia

 and The Australian Museum

, or hire a bike and explore this surprisingly scenic city on two wheels instead of four.

Distance from Melbourne: 770km

If you’re looking for a pit-stop where you can stretch your legs, the Southern Highlands has a walking trail waiting for you. For a quick stop, take a stroll (you can do a lap in 15 minutes) around Lake Alexandra Park’s

 walking track and say hello to the resident duck family. There’s a playground for kids to burn off some energy, too. Have a couple of hours to spare? Check out the Forty Foot Falls trail, which is about 7km long and offers a photogenic opportunity to stand directly underneath a waterfall (if you don’t mind a wet walk back).

Distance from Melbourne: 1000km

Not far off the Pacific Motorway is an attraction that promises to get your muscles moving and fill your lungs with fresh air: Treetops Adventure Newcastle

. Here you can climb and fly your way through the native Blue Gums on a range of adrenaline-inducting aerial rope and zipline courses tailored for ages three and up. More adventures await in Newcastle itself: get a culture hit at “The Lock-Up” (a contemporary arts space in the city’s heritage-listed former police station); take a revitalising dip in Merewether Baths

; or book a room for the night at Crystalbrook Kingsley

 and get a taste of the city’s craft brewing scene at Foghorn Brewery

.

Distance from Melbourne: 1250km

Port’s laidback beaches are sure to get you in the holiday mood, and there are plenty of ways to experience them – from kitesurfing and stand-up paddle boarding to sailing and fishing (winter water temperatures still reach 23℃). But it’s the resident wildlife that often gets top billing in this coastal town. You can meet some of the furry locals at Billabong Zoo

, a renowned koala breeding centre that is also home to lions, leopards, monkeys, crocodiles and more. The wildlife park is open every day of the year except Christmas. On the way out of town, call into the Farm Gate at Ricardoes

 and pick some fresh strawberries to enjoy on your drive.

Distance from Melbourne: 1400km

One of the wonderful things about driving up the East Coast during the winter months is the opportunity to cross paths with migrating Humpback and Southern Right whales – and Coffs Harbour is one of the best places to get a closer look thanks to its proximity to the Solitary Islands Marine Park (where these colossal creatures often congregate). Local whale-watching operators include Jetty Dive

, which offers fast boat rides from June to October plus whale swims in August and September; and Whale Watch Experience

, which operates small-group tours aboard a custom-built vessel.

Distance from Melbourne: 1600km

The bohemian beachside paradise needs no introduction but is perhaps best explored in the cooler months of the year when its restaurants, breweries, boutiques and day spas can be enjoyed without the crowds. Don’t mind a crowd? Then time your trip to coincide with one of the region’s famed festivals, including the Byron Music Festival

 in June, Splendour in the Grass

 in July or Byron Writers Festival

 in August. From here it’s less than two hours’ drive to Brisbane, where more sunny shores await.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}