There’s something uniquely satisfying about getting behind the wheel and exploring Australia the old-fashioned way—road dust, unpredictable weather, and all. If you’re headed to Victoria, a 4WD isn’t just a vehicle, it’s your passport to places regular cars simply can’t reach.
My trip started in Melbourne, and after stocking up on snacks and checking the maps (yes, physical ones—call me old school), I hit the road toward the Great Ocean Road. Everyone raves about it, but honestly, it still caught me off guard. The cliffs, the ocean spray, the shifting light near the Twelve Apostles—it’s cinematic. With a 4WD, I wasn’t limited to highway viewpoints either. Some lesser-known stops just off the main road felt like secret beaches.
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Photo by After soaking in the coast, I veered inland toward Grampians National Park. If you’ve never seen kangaroos at sunrise from a mountain lookout, you’re missing out. The Pinnacle is popular for a reason, but with a 4WD, I found a few trails where I didn’t see another person for hours. Just birds, breeze, and the occasional startled wallaby.
A few days later, I found myself at Wilsons Promontory—locals call it “The Prom”. It felt like walking into another world. The terrain shifted again: thick forests, remote beaches, and more wildlife than you can count. I remember pulling over and watching a wombat shuffle by like it had somewhere important to be. Mount Oberon was a short but steep hike, and totally worth it for the coastal view alone.
Heading north, the scenery changed again. The High Country is rougher, colder, and wilder. Rivers to cross, switchbacks to climb, and misty alpine tracks that made me wish I had a co-driver (or at least someone to share the snacks with). Villages like Bright and Dinner Plain were perfect for a warm meal and a soft bed after days on the track. At one point, I found myself chatting with an old guy who’d lived in the hills all his life. He gave me a shortcut I still can’t find on Google Maps.
Photo by Christian Bass on Unsplash
The final leg? The Great Alpine Road—easily one of the most scenic drives I’ve done anywhere. Vineyards, snow-dusted peaks, and roadside cafes that served pie like my grandma used to make. I didn’t plan every stop, but that was part of the magic. That’s the thing about road trips—if everything goes as planned, you’re probably doing it wrong.
Before setting out, check weather reports (some tracks are closed after rain), carry recovery gear, and maybe let someone know your route. These parts of Victoria are beautiful, but they don’t always have phone signal—and that’s kind of the point.