Lonely Planet - Lonely Planet Coastal Victoria Road Trips

WELCOME TO COASTAL VICTORIA

Victoria is home to some of the best road trips on the planet. The four trips in this book will take you from its dramatic rugged coastline to its historic and beautiful interior.

From driving along one of the worlds most iconic and scenic coastal roads to visiting the vast, historic goldfields from which the states great wealth originates, from enjoying first-class locally grown food and wine to walking on pristine and near-deserted white-sand beaches, Victorias paved roads take you on journeys that showcase the extraordinary beauty of the southeast corner of the vast continent of Australia.

Whether your dream is criss-crossing the garden state from sea to mountains, or a more intimate loop along quiet country roads, weve got it covered.

Great Ocean Road ()
AUSTRALIAN SCENICS/GETTY IMAGES

COASTAL VICTORIA HIGHLIGHTS

These craggy rock formations are one of Victorias most vivid sights, and have come to symbolise this stunning corner of the country.

COPYRIGHT REALFEEL/GETTY IMAGES

Mainland Australias southernmost point and finest coastal national park, Wilsons Prom is heaven for bushwalkers, wildlife-watchers and surfers.

AUSTRALIAN SCENICS/GETTY IMAGES

Sacred site of the traditional Wurundjeri people, Hanging Rock also once served as a hideout for bushrangers.

RACHEL LEWIS/GETTY IMAGES

CITY GUIDE

Centre Place
DAVID HILL/GETTY IMAGES

Melbourne is one cool city. The culinary and coffee scene is widely considered to be the best and most diverse in Australia, while its arts and sporting scenes lie at the heart of its appeal. Abundant parks, a revitalised riverbank and laneways with attitude round out an irresistible package.

The city centre and Southbank areas are awash with fabulous restaurants to suit all budgets; yum cha for Sunday lunch in Chinatown is a city institution. Carltons Lygon St is famous for Italian restaurants, while Fitzroy and Brunswick have astonishing multicultural variety. () for more information.

Plenty of places in the city centre cover all price ranges and put you in the heart of the action. Other options are more far flung. () for more information.

Some freeways have well-signposted toll sections. The City Loop train line runs under the city, and the City Circle Tram in the CBD is free. Buy a myki Visitor Pack (www.myki.com.au; $14) for one days travel and discounts on various sights. The myki card can be topped up at 7-Eleven stores and myki machines at all train stations and some tram stops in the city centre.

Most street parking is metered ($3.20 to $5.50 per hour); avoid the signposted Clearway zones. There are plenty of (expensive) parking garages in the city; rates vary and some have cheaper weekend deals. () for more information on driving.

Broadsheet Melbourne (www.broadsheet.com.au) The best eating, drinking and shopping spots.

Good Food (www.goodfood.com.au) Restaurant and foodie happenings around Melbourne.

Thats Melbourne (www.thatsmelbourne.com.au) Downloadable maps, info and podcasts.

Three Thousand (www.thethousands.com.au/melbourne) A weekly round-up of local goings on.

Melbourne Visitor Centre (MVC; ; Federation Sq; 9am-6pm; ; Flinders St) has comprehensive tourist information on Melbourne and regional Victoria, including excellent resources for mobility-impaired travellers, and a travel desk for accommodation and tour bookings. There are power sockets for recharging phones, too.