Summer in Victoria is made for road trips. Long days, warm nights, coastal sunsets and cool-climate wineries all sit within a few hours’ drive of Melbourne. Whether you’re flying in for a holiday, visiting family, or just desperate to escape the city for a while, a good route and the right car can turn a simple break into a trip you’ll keep talking about all year.

That’s where a Karmo subscription comes in handy. Instead of committing to owning or leasing a car, you can subscribe to the kind of vehicle that specifically suits your summer plans. An SUV for coast-hopping, a zippy hatch for winery days or something comfortable for longer country drives – and keep it for as long as you need.

Use this guide to map out your next Victorian summer road trip, then sort the wheels to match.

Most of these trips can start from Melbourne, where you can choose from a wide range of Karmo vehicles.

1. Great Ocean Road: Cliffs, surf and sunset towns

Drive time from Melbourne: ~1.5 hours to Torquay

Ideal trip length: 2-4 days

Best for: First-time visitors, couples, photography lovers

If you only do one Victorian road trip, make it the Great Ocean Road. Winding from Torquay through coastal towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay and out towards Port Campbell, this route delivers towering cliffs, wild surf and some of the most famous ocean views in Australia.

In summer, the beaches are at their best, the days are long, and there are plenty of chances to jump between lookouts, swimming spots and bakeries.

Don’t miss:

• The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge at golden hour
• A detour into the Otways for rainforest walks, and waterfalls
• Kennett River koala walk for spotting some cute locals
• A quick stop at Bells Beach to watch the surfers in action

Car tip: Choose something comfortable with decent boot space, a mid-size family SUV

is ideal. You’ll want room for beach gear, snacks and the “we’ll just grab a few things” shopping you absolutely will do along the way.

2. Mornington Peninsula: Beaches, hot springs and wineries

Drive time from Melbourne: 1-1.5 hours

Ideal trip length: Day trip or weekend

Best for: Families, foodies, golfers, relaxed escapes

The Mornington Peninsula is Melbourne’s backyard playground. Think calm bay beaches, coastal walks, wineries, olive groves and farm gates – all close enough to do in a day, but varied enough to easily fill a long weekend.

Summer is when the peninsula really wakes up. Cafés spill onto pavements, beaches fill with umbrellas and there’s always somewhere to grab fish and chips as the sun sets.

Summer ideas:

• Swim or paddleboard at one of the sheltered bay beaches
• Book a session at the hot springs (go early or late to avoid the heat)
• Explore wineries and farm gates inland, then end up at a coastal lookout

Car tip: A small compact car is ideal, easy to park in busy beach towns but roomy enough for eskies, beach gear and maybe a set of golf clubs.

3. Phillip Island: Penguins and coastal roads

Drive time from Melbourne: ~2 hours

Ideal trip length: 1-3 days

Best for: Families, wildlife lovers, motorsport fans

Phillip Island is an easy summer classic. Drive across the bridge and you’ll find coastal roads, rugged cliffs, calm swimming beaches and, of course, the famous penguin parade at dusk.

Beyond the penguins, there are seal cruises, surf beaches, walking tracks and the energy of the Grand Prix circuit where, if there isn’t an event on, you can make your own on their go-kart track!.

Summer ideas:

• Book penguin parade tickets in advance – peak summer sessions sell quickly
• Hit Woolamai Beach for a rugged coastal walk in the morning, you may spot some wallabies on the cape
• Take a scenic drive around the island to discover the thriving small businesses – cafes, wineries, restaurants, farm gates…

Car tip: Any comfortable car works here, but if you’ve got kids and beach gear, a mid-size or family SUV makes life easier.

4. Wilsons Promontory: Beaches, bushwalks and clear water

Drive time from Melbourne: ~3 hours

Ideal trip length: 2-4 days

Best for: Walkers, campers, beach lovers

Wilsons Promontory (the Prom) is one of Victoria’s most loved coastal national parks. Summer here means clear water, white-sand beaches and walking tracks that range from easy strolls to full-day hikes. It feels remote without being impossible to reach.

Summer ideas:

• Swim at Squeaky Beach or Norman Beach
• Do one of the shorter coastal or lookout walks if you don’t want a full hiking day
• Pack a picnic and settle in for a long afternoon by the water

Car tip: Getting to the Prom means a decent highway stretch plus some winding local roads. These are perfect for smooth drives in your prestige vehicle.

5. Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges: Wineries and cool forest air

Drive time from Melbourne: 1-1.5 hours

Ideal trip length: Day trip or weekend

Best for: Wine lovers, couples, relaxed friend trips

When you need a break from the heat, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges deliver a cooler change without a huge drive. You can start your morning in the hills among tall trees and fern gullies, then drift down into the valley for wineries and long lunches.

Summer ideas:

• Take a scenic drive through the Dandenongs, stopping for short walks and views. Sherbrooke is one of our favourites, for spotting the expert mimic, the lyre bird.
• Book a winery lunch in the Yarra Valley and a designated driver
• Wander through small towns, bakeries and farm shops

Car tip: This is prime Hybrid & EV or compact car territory, shorter distances, plenty of stops, and lots of winding roads where a compact, responsive car shines.

6. The Grampians: Waterfalls, hikes and starry skies

Drive time from Melbourne: ~3 hours to Halls Gap

Ideal trip length: 2-4 days

Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, anyone who needs to unplug

The Grampians (Gariwerd) feel like a different world, sandstone mountains, wildlife, waterfalls and lookouts that make the drive absolutely worth it. In late summer, you’ll get warm days for hikes and cool nights for sitting outside under the stars.

Summer ideas:

• Base yourself in or near Halls Gap and use the car to reach different trailheads
• Visit Mackenzie Falls and lookouts like Reed Lookout and the Balconies
• Keep an eye out for kangaroos and birdlife at dusk

Car tip: Choose something comfortable for a longer highway drive with good fuel efficiency and enough room for hiking. A 4×4 would be a great choice for this adventure. 

7. Great Alpine Road: Mountains and fresh air

Drive time from Melbourne: Allow 3.5-4 hours to reach key alpine towns

Ideal trip length: 3–5 days

Best for: Road-trip lovers, hikers, those escaping the heat

The Great Alpine Road is often seen as a snow-season destination, but in summer it’s quieter and just as impressive. Think mountain villages, lookouts, river swims and cooler nights, perfect if you overheat just thinking about another 35-degree day.

Summer ideas:

• Plan a loop that takes in alpine towns and lower-valley villages
• Milawa is a gastronomic delight with cheese, olives and cellar doors 
• Beechworth is a great base for cafes, shopping, and a water play area for the kids
• Finish your days with a slow drive at dusk – the light up there is unreal

Car tip: A comfortable, capable car is a must. If you’re doing longer days of driving, consider something with good seats, cruise control and space for bags, check out Karmo’s prestige vehicles.

Choosing the right car for your Victoria summer road trip

A great route is only half the story. The other half is driving something that actually suits your plans.

With a Karmo subscription, you can:

• Pick a vehicle that fits your trip: Karmo has a wide selection of family, compact, 4×4, prestige, Hybrid & EV options to choose from. 
• Keep it for the summer
• Avoid the long-term commitment  by choosing a smarter alternative to buying or traditional leasing
• Swap into something different later if your plans change

Whether you’re chasing coastal sunsets, winery weekends or mountain air, there’s a Victorian road trip that fits your style and a car that fits it too.