The Best Time to Visit Victoria
Located in the southeastern corner of Australia, the state of Victoria is an irresistible destination for travellers seeking a blend of dynamic city life, stunning coastal drives, and serene natural escapes. Whether you’re drawn to Melbourne’s vibrant laneways and café culture, the dramatic cliffs along the Great Ocean Road, or the sprawling vineyards of the Yarra Valley, Victoria offers a tapestry of experiences that captivate every kind of adventurer. With its compact layout, this state is a gem for campervan holidays, allowing you to seamlessly weave between surf, wine country, and alpine landscapes, all within a few hours’ drive.
Victoria’s allure stems not only from its variety of sights but also its strategic location as a departure point for memorable road trips to other Australian states. Whether you venture eastward towards the rugged coastlines of New South Wales or head north across the Murray River into South Australia’s outback, Victoria serves as the ideal starting ground. Its well-connected highways, cultural richness, and campervan-friendly campgrounds make it a perfect launchpad for expansive explorers and road‑trip enthusiasts alike. Our customers like to extend their Melbourne adventures to experience epic road trips to Tasmania, Queensland and beyond.
Collect your campervan from our Melbourne branch, then explore the best of Victoria and connecting states.
[H2] The weather in Victoria
Victoria’s weather is impressively variable, making it a state where your plans, and your packing can change with any given day. Rather than a clear-cut dry season, the climate shifts from hot and semi-arid in the northwestern plains to cool and temperate along the coast. The summer months, especially around February, tend to be the warmest time of the year statewide, although coastal regions remain more moderate in temperature. Meanwhile, the High Country in the northeast often sees snowfall in winter, transforming into a prime destination for skiing and snowboarding. Just be prepared: Melbourne weather is famously unpredictable, sometimes described as experiencing “four seasons in a day,” with October typically ranking as one of its wetter months.
The busiest time for travel in Victoria
As December to February tends to be the warmest time in Victoria and, of course, hosts the summer school holidays, this is often the most popular time for travel in Victoria. If you’d rather escape the crowds, it’s a good idea to aim for spring and autumn Victoria road trip holidays as the weather tends to be cooler and slightly wetter, thus quieter. You may need to pack an extra jumper or two, but you’ll be able to enjoy your campervan road trip with less people around.
The cheapest time for travel in Victoria
If you want your dollars to stretch further, the cheapest time to travel to Victoria is in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. Winter is also a great season for the budget conscious traveller as less people around tends to equal cheaper prices. As a general rule, Victoria holiday parks are usually cheaper outside of summer and the Australian and New Zealand school holidays. Keep an eye on our regular deals on Apollo motorhome and campervan hire, including long hire discounts, as these make your holiday budget stretch even further.
Things to do in Victoria in Spring
1. Attend Cherry Hill Blossom Festival
If you’re road tripping Victoria in spring, you cannot miss the Cherry Hill Blossom Festival. Experience the Cherry Hill Blossom Festival magic with flower displays, workshops, craft stalls and food vans. Be sure not to leave without a scoop of their famous cherry ice-cream.
2. Bright’s Wildflower Trails
The alpine town of Bright comes alive in spring with trails lined by colourful wildflowers and blossoms. It’s a perfect time to take leisurely walks and capture stunning photos of the High Country in bloom.
3. Kayaking on Lake Eildon
Surrounded by rolling hills and national park, Lake Eildon is a haven for paddling enthusiasts. Whether you’re hiring a kayak for the day or joining a guided tour, the calm waters are ideal for beginners and families.
Things to do in Victoria in Summer
4. Australian Open Atmosphere in Melbourne
Melbourne begins to buzz with pre-tournament excitement as tennis fans gear up for the Australian Open. Even outside of match days, the city offers practice sessions and tennis-themed events that set a lively tone for the season.
5. Great Ocean Road Adventure
Summer is the ultimate time to drive this iconic coastal route, with long days and sunny skies highlighting the dramatic cliffs and beaches. Stop at landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge for unforgettable views.
6. Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs
Relax in naturally heated mineral pools nestled in bushland and coastal surroundings. From cave pools to panoramic hilltop baths, it’s a rejuvenating summer escape just 90 minutes from Melbourne.
Things to do in Victoria in Autumn
7. Yarra Valley Autumn Foliage & Wine
The Yarra Valley’s vineyards transform into shades of red, orange, and gold, making it one of the most scenic drives in Victoria. Pair the colours with wine tastings at award-winning cellar doors for the perfect autumn day.
8. Sovereign Hill in Ballarat
Step back into the gold rush era at this outdoor museum, complete with costumed actors and recreated mining villages. Autumn’s mild weather and evening light shows make the experience even more immersive.
9. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
These historic gardens in Melbourne showcase seasonal plants and tranquil walking paths. Autumn adds crisp air and colourful leaves, creating a calm escape right in the heart of the city.
Things to do in Victoria in Winter
10. Enjoy the snow
If you’re visiting in winter, make the most of the weather and head to the Victoria ski resorts. Victoria boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions in Australia and the popular Mount Buller Ski Resort and Falls Creek Ski Resort see thousands of visitors each winter.
11. Macedon Ranges Winter Wine Events
Regional wineries host intimate cellar-door experiences featuring bold reds and hearty local cuisine. It’s the perfect excuse to cosy up by a fireplace with a glass in hand.
12. Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Watch hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at dusk after a day at sea. Visiting in winter often means fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience beneath crisp evening skies.
Where to stay in Victoria
Campervan travellers are spoilt for choice in the state of Victoria. Travelling around Melbourne and country Victoria by campervan is easy thanks to well-equipped holiday parks that offer powered sites, clean facilities, family fun activities and convenient locations close to key attractions. Here are three fantastic options for campervan travellers.
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Inverloch
Situated just 90 minutes from Melbourne, BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Inverloch is the perfect base for exploring both the Anderson Inlet and the nearby Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory. This family friendly motorhome and camper park features an indoor heated water park (complete with tipping bucket!) and pump track for bikes and scooters.
Discovery Parks – Bright
Whether you’re into biking or hiking, fishing or skiing, Bright is a four-season wonderland. Park your campervan riverside and enjoy the great outdoors and local culinary delights. Park facilities include a tennis court, half basketball court and bouncing pillow - your family fun is guaranteed.
BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park
To tick off the best things to do and places to visit in Melbourne, you need a base and that’s where BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park comes in. With powered and unpowered sites along with a variety of cabins, this BIG4 park is located just 9km from the Melbourne CBD so you can enjoy the famous Melbourne coffee scene plus family friendly Melbourne tourist attractions like the Melbourne museum.
Ready for your next campervan adventure?
Hire a campervan with Apollo and discover the unspoilt beauty of Victoria. You can collect and drop off your campervan at our local Melbourne office. What are you waiting for?