With six RACV Resorts across Victoria, you’re spoilt for choice. Use this guide to the best things to do near each resort to help plan your perfect Victorian holiday.
Victoria
The ultimate Melbourne to Mildura road trip guide
Use this handy guide to discover the best road trip highlights from Victoria's capital city Melbourne to Mildura on the New South Wales border. It’s a fascinating road trip filled with surprises, delights and even a ‘world’s largest' landmark.
While many Victoria travellers revel in Melbourne’s vibrancy, soak up the Great Ocean Road’s laidback atmosphere or head east to uncover Gippsland’s natural wonders, far fewer travel inland to Victoria's rural heart.
Yet it's here, on a drive from Melbourne to Mildura, that travellers can discover charming historical towns, taste the wares of artisanal producers, and say g’day to the creative communities that prosper in rural Victoria.
Before you set off on the road, check your emergency car kit is in the boot and ensure your emergency roadside assistance is up to date.
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Best stops on a drive from Melbourne to Mildura
Melbourne to Bendigo
- Distance: 158km
- Time: 2 hours
- Because: It's the 'capital' of Victoria's Goldfields region
Under two hours from Melbourne, Bendigo is a regional standout in the heart of Victorian Goldfields country, with plenty of both paid and free activities.
The Vintage Talking Tram is a must-do, providing a nostalgic journey through Bendigo’s historic precincts while narrating tales of yesteryears. It's also worth riding the Goldfields Railway, a heritage railway that offers scenic rides through the picturesque Bendigo countryside.
The Central Deborah Gold Mine is another can't-miss attraction, taking visitors deep underground to explore a real gold mine.
Travellers to Bendigo can step back in time at Fortuna Villa, a grand 19th-century estate showcasing the opulent lifestyle of the gold rush era. Another historic building you can explore is the Sandhurst Gaol, once a formidable prison.
A touch of cultural diversity is found at the Bendigo Joss House Temple, a rare example of a Chinese temple in Australia. Finally, the Golden Dragon Museum celebrates the city’s Chinese heritage with fascinating exhibits and a magnificent collection of ceremonial dragon costumes.
Then there’s Bendigo’s culinary creativity, with plenty of distinct flavours and memorable dining experiences. Bendigo boasts several award-winning restaurants, plus a wealth of artisanal producers.
Bendigo's Talking Tram is a popular attraction. Image: Getty
Bendigo to Echuca
- Distance: 89km
- Time: 1 hour
- Because: It's an ideal introduction to the Murray River region
Echuca is a charming port town on the banks of the Murray River, one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Echuca’s twin town, Moama, is on the New South Wales side of the Murray River: a bridge connects them both.
The Port of Echuca Discovery Centre invites visitors to delve into the history of this bustling port town, with its well-preserved exhibits and informative displays. Don't miss the Murray River Paddlesteamer cruise, which offers a nostalgic voyage along the river, providing a glimpse into the region's rich maritime heritage. For a more active experience, Echuca Boat & Canoe Hire allows visitors to explore the Murray River at their own pace.
Families will enjoy Twisted Science, an interactive museum that turns learning into a fun, hands-on experience with its array of intriguing exhibits. Pop in to the Echuca Heritage Sweet Co. afterwards for classic confectioneries to refuel curious minds.
For the horse lovers, Billabong Trail Rides offer exhilarating horseback experiences through scenic landscapes, while Billabong Carriages provide a charming, horse-drawn journey that echoes the past.
The Great Aussie Beer Shed, a quirky museum, showcases an impressive collection of beer memorabilia and offers a taste of local brews. Meanwhile, The Big Strawberry is a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth, featuring delicious strawberry-themed treats and an opportunity to explore the region’s fruit-growing heritage.
For nature lovers, the native wildlife and red river gum bushland at Banyule State Forest in the heart of town is a joy - as is the Koondrook Red Gum Forest and the Horseshoe Lagoon trails in Moama.
The town has a contemporary side, too. Explore High Street for quaint boutiques, galleries and antique stores before savouring local flavours at the riverside cafés, restaurants and pubs.
Ride on a paddle steamer on the Murray River at Echuca. Image: Visit Victoria
Echuca to Gunbower Island
- Distance: 81km
- Time: 1 hour
- Because: It boasts amazing wetlands biodiversity
To tick off a ‘world’s largest’ attraction off, head an hour south-east to Gunbower Island: the world’s largest inland island. The rich biodiversity of the surrounding wetlands attracts numerous bird and wetland species.
While access to the interior of Gunbower Island is limited to protect its fragile ecosystem, there is ample to do nearby. Bird watchers and photographers flock to the area, with many getting out on the waterways by boat or canoe to maximise their wildlife spotting opportunities. Fishing is also popular thanks to the Murray cod, yellowbelly, and silver perch that swim here.
Gunbower’s nature trails are fun to explore, with kangaroos, wallabies, and reptiles keeping you company. Many have interpretive signs to highlight the local flora, fauna, and sites of ecological note.
The Gunbower Island Forest Drive journeys through the Gunbower Island National Park and Gunbower State Forest. The drive starts in Cohuna (grab a map at the visitor centre), linking several cultural, historical, and ecological points of interest. Allow half a day and pack a picnic before you leave Echuca for Gunbower’s picturesque stops.
You might spot a wallaby at Gunbower Island. Image: Visit Victoria
Gunbower Island to Swan Hill
- Distance: 94km
- Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Because: It's like travelling back in time to the pioneer days
Swan Hill invites travellers to enjoy their sun-soaked days (Swan Hill boasts more sunshine days than the Gold Coast) with good food and wine, and abundant outdoor and water-based activities.
At the heart of its allure is the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement, an immersive living history museum where visitors can step back in time and experience life in the 19th century. This interactive village features restored buildings, period costumes, and engaging demonstrations that vividly illustrate the early settler experience. There's even laser shows at night over the river.
The PS Pyap, a historic paddle steamer moored at Swan Hill, offers a nostalgic cruise along the Murray River, providing scenic views and a taste of riverboat life from the past.
For natural beauty, you can't beat a trip out to Lake Tyrrell: a stunning salt lake known for its shimmering white surface and striking reflections, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Lake Boga is much closer, just 15 minutes south of Swan Hill, and offers lots of water-based activities. Visit the Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum to learn about the WWII Catalina Flying Boats.
The nearby Nyah Vinifera State Forest is perfect for bushwalking and observing local wildlife. Wander the century-old red gums on a hiking trail, discovering historical sites of interest like middens and canoe trees from the Wadi Wadi people as you go.
For fisherfolk, landing a coveted Murray cod is a Swan Hill fishing rite of passage. Local bait and tackle shops have everything you need. Other Murray River activities include canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterskiing.
The Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement is Australia's first open-air museum. Image: Visit Victoria
Swan Hill to Mildura
- Distance: 226km
- Time: 2.5 hours
- Because: It has amazing local produce and fun river activities
Mildura is an idyllic end to your road trip. With a Mediterranean-like climate, Mildura offers the perfect blend of relaxing activities, historical gems, and delectable produce from its fertile land – it's known as the Food Bowl of Australia, after all.
The Mildura City Heart is the town’s vibrant hub, brimming with shops, cafes, and local markets. For a dose of local culture, the Mildura Arts Centre showcases a dynamic range of visual and performing arts, with engaging exhibitions and performances. The At the Mildura Dockside Marina, visitors can enjoy waterfront dining and leisure activities, enhancing their riverfront experience.
Car enthusiasts will find the Holden Motor Museum fascinating, with its impressive collection of classic vehicles reflecting Australia’s automotive heritage. Orange World offers a unique agritourism experience with its citrus orchards and interactive tours. For another whimsical experience, Ye Olde Lolly Shop delights with its nostalgic array of confectioneries. It's Mildura's original lolly shop, operating with all its original fittings since 1938.
Nature lovers will be captivated by the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, showcasing a diverse array of plant species in beautifully landscaped settings.
It's well worth taking a day trip out to Mungo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient landscapes and rich Aboriginal heritage, or Murray-Sunset National Park with its stunning Pink Lakes region.
Mildura’s verdant pastures and quality produce inspire creative dishes, from farm-to-table fare to cosy cafés to artisanal treats that you’ll want to take home. There are also 250 wineries and cellar doors to explore in the area.
The Mildura Farmers Market is a great place to find local produce. Image: Visit Victoria
Returning to Melbourne? Check out the Calder Highway road trip route to uncover more rural Victoria highlights.
