It’s not long now until the shortest day of the year. While some of us count down to sunnier days, don’t forget to enjoy the crisp beauty of Victoria in winter! Foggy mornings with the fire crackling in a country b&b, evenings with a glass of something special – it’s the perfect time to get out to a regional town and enjoy the slow things in life.
Get the playlist sorted, pack your puffer jacket and point the car towards one of these hidden road trip gems we think deserve a spot on your winter list.
1. Trentham
Location: 95 km north-west of Melbourne
Time: Approx. 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD
Road conditions: Fully sealed, easy touring roads
Trentham is made for winter. Cool-climate wineries, tree-lined streets and pubs with fireplaces all make this tiny pocket of the Hepburn region a perfect cold-weather escape.
From handcrafted chocolates to local cider or the warmth of French farmhouse-style cooking at Du Fermier, Trentham is also a foodie’s delight, so book a table and keep room in the boot for all the goodies you’ll be bringing home with you.
2.Walhalla
Location: 180 km east of Melbourne
Time: Approx. 3 hours from Melbourne CBD
Road conditions: Sealed roads with winding sections
Hidden deep in the mountains of Gippsland, visiting Walhalla feels like stepping back in time. The old gold mining town is surrounded by steep hills, dense bushland and dramatic winding roads.
The final stretch into Walhalla is what makes this drive memorable. Twisting mountain roads, towering trees and sudden openings through the valley make it one of the most atmospheric drives in the state.
Take it easy through the tighter sections, especially on cold mornings when conditions can get slippery.
3. Port Fairy
Location: 290 km south-west of Melbourne
Time: Approx. 4 hours from Melbourne CBD
Road conditions: Fully sealed coastal highway
You might think the shipwreck coast is best kept for the summer months, but we’ll let you in on a secret – Port Fairy is even better in winter. There’s always something fun happening in town, be it music, art or whale-watching.
The drive towards Port Fairy combines dramatic coastline with green rolling farmland. Once you arrive, the town itself is all heritage buildings, cosy cafes and ocean views as far as the eye can see.
There’s something pretty special about standing by the water rugged up against the wind before retreating somewhere warm for lunch. Check out the great heritage walks on offer, especially if you’re a history buff.
4. Metung
Location: 320 km east of Melbourne
Distance: Approx. 4 hours from Melbourne CBD
Road conditions: Sealed highways and local roads
If your ideal winter road trip involves slowing down properly, Metung is hard to beat.
Sitting on the Gippsland Lakes, this waterside village is calm, quiet and incredibly scenic during winter. Early mornings often bring low fog across the water, while the surrounding drive through East Gippsland delivers long stretches of peaceful country roads.
This is less about chasing tourist attractions and more about settling in for a relaxed weekend away. Perfect for seafood lovers.
5. Dunkeld
Location: 260 km west of Melbourne
Distance: Approx. 3.5 hours from Melbourne CBD
Road conditions: Fully sealed highways and local country roads
Set against the southern edge of the Gariwerd (Grampians) National Park, Dunkeld is one of Victoria’s most underrated regional towns.
The drive west opens up into sweeping country landscapes before the Grampians suddenly rise out of nowhere in the distance. It’s a brilliant road for relaxed touring and family getaways alike.
Once you arrive, there’s walking trails, wineries, excellent local food and some seriously impressive views of the ‘three peaks’: Wurgarri (Mt Sturgeon), Bainggug (Piccaninny), and Mud-Dadjug (Mt Abrupt).
Before you hit the road
Before tackling a winter road trip, make sure your vehicle is ready for colder conditions. Wet roads, low temperatures and long highway drives can expose issues that don’t normally show up on your daily commute.
We recommend checking:
- Tyre pressure and tread
- Lights
- Windscreen wipers
- Coolant
- Battery condition
If your car is due for a service before your next road trip, the team at Cox Auto can help keep you road-ready for wherever winter takes you.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our guide to the best driving roads in Victoria or our favourite winter road trips in Victoria.
