Best Backpacking Destinations in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
1. Grampians National Park
An expansive wilderness area with stunning sandstone mountains, waterfalls, and ancient Aboriginal rock art.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking landscapes for hiking and photography
- Cultural Significance: Rich in Aboriginal history and rock art, providing a unique cultural experience.
- Accessibility: Easy to reach by car from Melbourne, with several campsites within the park.
2. Great Ocean Road
A scenic coastal drive featuring rock formations, beaches, and wildlife-rich forests.
- Scenic Drive: Provides stunning ocean views and opportunities for photography.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers chances to see koalas, kangaroos, and various bird species.
- Hiking Opportunities: Features trails for hikers of all levels, including the Great Otway Trail.
3. Wilson's Promontory National Park
A coastal and marine park with pristine beaches, forests, and abundant wildlife.
- Marine Life: Offers snorkeling and diving opportunities to see marine life.
- Beach Lovers: Features beautiful, secluded beaches perfect for relaxation.
- Night Sky Viewing: Known for its dark sky policy, providing excellent stargazing opportunities.
4. Dandenong Ranges
A mountain range with forests, waterfalls, and charming villages.
- Forest Walks: Features walking trails through lush fern gullies.
- Village Charm: Home to picturesque villages offering local food and craft shops.
- Easy Day Trip: Close to Melbourne, making it a convenient day trip destination.
5. Mornington Peninsula
A peninsula with coastal towns, vineyards, and hot springs.
- Beach Relaxation: Offers a variety of beaches for sunbathing and swimming.
- Wine Tasting: Features numerous vineyards for wine tastings and cellar door sales.
- Natural Hot Springs: Provides hot spring bathing experiences at Peninsula Hot Springs.
6. Yarra Valley
A picturesque region known for its vineyards, wineries, and farm-to-table dining.
- Wine Lovers: Offers wine tastings at over 80 wineries.
- Gourmet Dining: Features excellent farm-to-table restaurants and cafes.
- Scenic Landscapes: Provides stunning views of rolling hills and vineyards.
7. Phillip Island
An island with penguin parades, wildlife parks, and coastal walks.
- Penguin Parade: Famous for its nightly penguin parade on Summerland Beach.
- Wildlife Encounters: Home to a koala conservation center and other wildlife parks.
- Coastal Walks: Offers beautiful coastal walks with scenic views.
8. Bright and Surrounding Alpine Region
A town in the High Country region known for its winter sports, hiking trails, and vineyards.
- Winter Sports: Offers skiing and snowboarding during winter.
- Hiking Trails: Features the renowned Alpine National Park with numerous hiking trails.
- Wine Tasting: Home to several vineyards and wineries for tastings and tours.
9. Lake Mountain Alpine Resort
A winter resort with cross-country skiing, snow play, and scenic views.
- Cross-Country Skiing: Provides over 20 kilometers of cross-country ski trails.
- Snow Play: Offers snow play areas for families and children.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
10. Warrnambool
A coastal city known for its Great Ocean Road, Lake Pertobe, and whale nursery.
- Great Ocean Road: Features a section of the famous Great Ocean Road.
- Lake Pertobe: Offers family-friendly recreation areas, boat ramps, and picnic spots.
- Whale Nursery: Known as a nursery for southern right whales during the breeding season.
11. Torquay
A coastal town known for surfing, the Great Ocean Road, and local arts.
- Surfing Spots: Features numerous beaches suitable for surfers of all levels.
- Great Ocean Road: Provides a section of the famous Great Ocean Road.
- Arts and Culture: Home to several art galleries, studios, and workshops.
12. Apollo Bay
A coastal town known for its beaches, rainforests, and foodie scene.
- Beaches: Offers beautiful beaches for swimming, surfing, and fishing.
- Rainforests: Features the Great Otway National Park with its rainforests.
- Foodie Destination: Known for its fresh seafood, cafes, and restaurants.
13. Twelve Apostles
A collection of limestone stacks along the Great Ocean Road, offering stunning views.
- Natural Wonders: Provides awe-inspiring views of the iconic rock formations.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers numerous photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset.
- Hiking Trails: Features trails for exploring the area and learning about its history.
14. Lorne
A seaside town with beaches, rainforests, and scenic coastal walks.
- Beaches: Offers beautiful beaches for swimming, surfing, and fishing.
- Rainforests: Features the Great Otway National Park with its rainforests.
- Scenic Walks: Provides coastal walks offering stunning views of the ocean and cliffs.
15. Falls Creek
A winter resort known for its skiing, snowboarding, and scenic beauty.
- Winter Sports: Offers skiing and snowboarding during winter.
- Scenic Beauty: Provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Snow Play: Offers snow play areas for families and children.