What is Victoria known for?
Situated in the southeast, Victoria is one of Australia’s most well-known and coveted regions. Australia’s second smallest state, Victoria packs a lot into its 227,444 km2. From its lively capital, Melbourne, a hub of arts, culture, and culinary specialities, to its awe-inspiring natural landmarks like the world famous Twelve Apostles, iconic Great Ocean Road and inspiring Grampians and Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria is a must do for all on an Australia road trip.
The best way to explore Victoria
With so much on offer in Victoria, you’ll want to ensure your mode of travel enables you to take advantage of every opportunity and a Victoria road trip is the perfect way to do so. With a campervan or motorhome, you can create your own travel itinerary and explore at your own pace.
Campervan hire equals freedom. Gone are the holidays of watching the clock, waiting for check in, packing and unpacking at each new location. With maui motorhomes, you decide your own itinerary, and it’s as flexible as you’d like it. Want to admire the sunrise from the beach or watch it set over the ocean? Pull your camper up to the nearest carpark or camp spot (please note: maui vehicles are not allowed to drive on the actual beach) and sit back and enjoy – it’s your holiday, your way.
Plus, maui campervans and motorhomes are fully equipped and self-contained, so not only is there no need to scrimp on the creature comforts as you take on your epic road trip, but your holiday expenses are also combined mostly into one – accommodation, travel, and dining? Sorted.
Looking to explore more of the state after ticking off the most breathtaking beaches in Victoria? Check out these travel itineraries:
Image: Visit Victoria
The most breathtaking beaches in Victoria
So, you’re looking for the best beaches in Victoria? From cityside beaches to the wild and untamed, iconic Great Ocean Road landmarks, and everything in between, discover not only the prettiest beaches in Victoria but how you can craft your own perfect Victoria road trip travel itinerary. A word of caution for the adventurous. No matter how confident of a swimmer you are, remember to always swim between the flags in Australia and pay attention to all signs.
Squeaky Beach, Wilson’s Promontory
Like name like nature, Squeaky Beach is so called for its pristine, white sand that literally ‘squeaks’ underfoot. Nestled within the Wilson’s Promontory National Park, Squeaky Beach is found just a 3-hour drive south-east of Melbourne. One of the ultra-popular Victoria beaches, it’s advisable to visit Squeaky Beach on weekdays and outside of peak season (which is summer and public holidays) to have a greater chance of having this impressive span of white sand to yourself.
Access Squeaky Beach from the dedicated carpark, or if that is full you can arrive via a short walk from Picnic Bay, Tidal River, or Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark. While you can’t camp at Squeaky Beach itself, you can stay at the Tidal River Campground, only a 7 minute drive away.
Bells Beach, Torquay
If there’s one word to describe Bells Beach in Torquay, it is iconic. Famous for its powerful surf breaks, Bells Beach is one of the best surf beaches in Victoria and this isn’t just us saying it: Time your Victoria road trip with Easter to watch the world’s best surfers show their stuff at the Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition.
Bells Beach is also known for its breathtaking coastal views, with incredible vantage points overlooking the beach from along the cliff. This Victoria beach is found just 35 minutes from Geelong. Park at either the Bells Beach carpark, or if you’d prefer, park at the Little Bird Rock lookout at Jan Juc and walk the 3.2km Surfer’s Trail along the coast. Stay at the nearby Torquay Caravan Park, which comes equipped with a large camp kitchen, playground, TV room and BBQs.
London Bridge Beach, Portsea
Not to be confused with the London Bridge viewpoint on the Great Ocean Road, the London Bridge Beach in Portsea is nestled within the Mornington Peninsula. This Victoria beach is less than a 2-hour drive south from Melbourne and has dedicated parking. London Bridge Beach boasts golden sands, clear water, and unique rock formations, with its namesake showing off nature’s engineering at its best. Enjoy sunset at this picturesque coastal setting, before staying at the nearby Kangerong Holiday Park.
Brighton Beach, Melbourne
Known for its colourful bathing boxes, Brighton Beach is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in Melbourne and draws flocks of visitors every year. Its proximity to the maui Motorhomes Melbourne branch, makes it an ideal first stop on a Victoria road trip. Wander the stretch of sandy shores before hopping back into your camper and heading onto your next road trip destination. Rather stay overnight? The Melbourne BIG4 Holiday Park is the answer.
Johanna Beach, Great Ocean Road
Known for its dramatic cliffs, rolling waves and stunning coastal scenery, the wild and remote Johanna Beach is a must do for those looking for Victoria’s hidden and quiet beaches. Found on the Great Ocean Road, this Victoria beach is a wildlife haven with humpback whales spotted between July and September and the Hooded Plover nesting between August and February. You can park and stay at the Johanna Beach Campground, where there are 25 non-powered basic sites available.
Princetown Beach, Great Ocean Road
Near the Twelve Apostles, Princetown Beach is a serene Victoria beach. Enjoy the backdrop of towering limestone stacks, without the crowds the famous Twelve Apostles bring. Due to strong currents, this beach is not suitable for swimming, but photographers will admire the striking landscape that frames this Victoria beach. There is ample parking available, and the nearby Princetown Recreation Reserve & Camping is found just around the corner (please note, this camper site is cash only and pre-booking is essential).
Image: Visit Victoria
Lorne Beach, Lorne
Situated on the Great Ocean Road, Lorne Beach is a popular Victoria beach with golden sands, clear waters, and a charming coastal town nearby. You can find Lorne Beach just a 15-minute drive from the famous Great Ocean Road sign, in the centre of Lorne. Explore for a while or stay overnight at the Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park, which has five different sites to suit a range of travellers.
St Kilda Beach, Melbourne
Another strong contender for not only the most beautiful beach in Melbourne, but one of the best swimming beaches in Victoria, is St Kildas Beach. You may already recognise its famous pier, but you’ll enjoy soaking in the lively atmosphere that comes from the many restaurants and cafes in the area. Don your togs (that’s Australian for bathers) and head in for a dip. Like Brighton Beach, St Kilda Beach is best accessed while staying at the Melbourne BIG4 Holiday Park and you can find ample parking around the pier.
Where to stay in Victoria.
Melbourne BIG4 Holiday Park
Start and end your Victoria road trip in Victoria’s thriving capital. The Melbourne BIG4 Holiday Park is found just 30 minutes’ drive from the maui Motorhomes Melbourne branch, and only 9km from the CBD, meaning you can enjoy the world-famous coffee scene, Melbourne markets and many graffiti lanes while you’re here. Enjoy powered and unpowered sites, some with ensuites available as well.
Discovery Parks, Geelong
Discovery Parks is a popular motorhome accommodation in Geelong, with powered grass and paved sites available for your camper. This park has all you need with BBQs, a camp kitchen, a café, and laundry as well as a playground and indoor heated swimming pool. Found only 15 minutes from the Geelong Waterfront, Discovery Parks is a great place to base yourself before exploring the famous Bells Beach in nearby Torquay.
BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park
If you’re looking for beach views, you can’t get much better than BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park. With powered concrete, grass and ensuite sites available, this BIG4 Park is found just off the Great Ocean Road, making it not only easily accessible for motorhomes but one of the best bases for exploring the Great Ocean Road and nearby Great Otway National Park.
Ready for your next adventure?
Hire a maui motorhome and discover the most breathtaking beaches in Victoria. Choose your dates, browse for your favourite camper and book online. With easy pick up at the maui Melbourne branch, your next great Victoria road trip is closer than you think.