Last Updated on September 7, 2020
Western Victoria Touring Route & Painted Silos
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As well as the Great Ocean Road to the west of Melbourne, Victoria also has spectacular mountains, open farmlands, semi-desert regions, and the mighty Murray River which runs along the New South Wales-Victorian border to the north.
This suggested self-drive road trip itinerary takes in the Grampian Mountains and then heads up through the Wimmera and Mallee regions of Western Victoria, following the painted silo trail and salt lakes, across to the Murray River and back down to Melbourne via the Great Dividing Range and Black Spur drive.
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Touring Route Distance – 1688 km / 10 – 14 Days approx.
Create your perfect itinerary depending on how much time you have available. This trip can easily be extended into a month or more. There is such a wide variety of landscapes and things to see in Western Victoria, take your time and soak up this special part of Australia.
Melbourne to the Grampians – 3 days
254 km / 3 hours 15 minutes
It is an easy drive to the Grampian Mountains from Melbourne, passing through Ballarat on the way. It may be worth extending your road trip with a stop in Ballarat to visit Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum depicting the life and times of settlers and miners during the gold rush days and Kryal Castle is also a fun place for families to stop.
Halls Gap is the hub of the Grampian Mountains and an ideal base to explore the area. Bushwalking and rock climbing are two of the most popular activities and a number of wineries have been established too. Stunning lookouts are easy to access as well as walking tracks to pretty waterfalls and fishing on the nearby lakes.
Accommodation in the Grampians
Hundreds of different places to stay in the Grampians means that there is a perfect spot for everyone.
- Boroka Downs is an award-winning property with luxury stays, views, and within easy reach of Halls Gap and many walking trails.
- The Halls Gap Eco YHA is another great choice of accommodation with dorms, singles, doubles, and family rooms.
- Halls Gap Caravan Park is a long established caravan and camping park right in the town and has self-contained cabins as well as camping sites.
- Find more Accommodation in the Halls Gap area on the Booking website.
- Air BnB is another awesome way to find the perfect place to stay in the Grampians. Browse some of the many listings on Air BnB
Silo Trail – 1 day (or more)
Halls Gap to Rupanyup where the trail begins – 1 hour / 80.5 km
This is an awesome section of the road trip. About 200 km long, passing through fabulous little country towns and seeing beautifully painted silos. Read more about the silos and the trail here.
Accommodation along the Silo Trail
- The Commercial Hotel in Rupanyup is a classic country hotel
- Find Accommodation around Warracknabeal on Air BnB
- Warrack Motel, situated on the banks of the Yarriambiack Creek
- Use the WikiCampsAU App to find free and low-cost campsites.
Murray Sunset National Park & Pink Lakes – 1 day
Rupanyup to Murray Sunset National Park – 3.50 hours / 290 km
The park was created in 1979, and expanded to encompass Pink Lakes State Park in 1999. The lakes are dubbed “pink” after the beta-carotene pigment that colours it in late summer, caused by the algae Dunaliella salina. This area was the site of a major salt industry from 1916 to 1975. At its peak, ten thousand tons of salt was harvested and railed from Lake Crosbie, Lake Becking and Lake Kenyon to the nearby town of Linga. For management purposes, the Murray-Sunset National Park is managed with the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, Wyperfeld National Park, Lake Albacutya Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park as part of the Victorian Mallee Parks. Source: Wikipedia
Accommodation in Patchewollock
Air BnB accommodation in Patchewollock might be a good option before heading to the Murray Sunset National Park or there is camping at the local park.
Mildura – 1 day
Murray Sunset Park to Mildura – 2 hours / 166 km
Mildura is a lovely city on the Murray River. Hire houseboats, ski and fish. Local wineries and fruit growing areas make this a great destination for a holiday.
Accommodation in Mildura
- There is so much accommodation to choose from in and around Mildura, one of our favourites is to book a family cabin at Discovery Parks. Situated on the river and within easy access of Mildura.
- Find the best price for accommodation in Mildura on Booking .com
- Browse lots of Air BnB properties around Mildura
Sea Lake & Lake Tyrrell – 1 day
Mildura to Sea Lake – 2 hours / 198 km
Sea Lake is a small country town with a big reputation. Nearby Lake Tyrrell is famed for fabulous reflections when there is water in the lake. Totally breeze free evenings with clear skies make the earth and sky combine as one. The reflections of stars in the still water are incredible. Sunrise, sunset and during the day the reflections can be seen as long as the weather is calm. Read more about Lake Tyrrell here.
Accommodation around Sea Lake / Lake Tyrrell
- How about this great ‘Glamping’ option near Sea Lake!
- The Sea Lake Motel is a good choice for singles, couples, friends, and families.
- Or browse local Air BnB stays
Boort – 1 day
Sea Lake to Boort – 1 hour 20 mins / 124 km
A Super friendly little town set beside a fabulous freshwater lake with boating & Skiing facilities. Boort is worth a visit and also the nearby Spanner Sculpture Park. The Spanner Man is a bit of a legend in the area and his works are unbelievable. Read more about John Piccoli and his sculptures.
Our stay in Boort was one of the highlights of this trip around Western Victoria, walking around the lake and visiting the Spanner Sculptures was so much fun.
Accommodation in Boort
- A number of lovely properties in Boort can be found on Air Bnb
- Boort Lakes Holiday Park has cabins, caravan, and camping sites on the water’s edge.
Echuca & The Murray River – 1 day
Boort to Echuca – 1 hour 15 mins / 109 km
Australia’s longest free camping site?
The Murray River offers dozens of fabulous free camping areas. We stayed in our caravan beside the Murray River near Echuca and another night not too far from Yarrawonga. Download the WikiCamps App to discover dozens of campsites along the Murray River.
Echuca is a gorgeous country town on the Mighty Murray River. Famous for houseboats and a playground for boating sports. The Port of Echuca Discovery Centre is worth a look and a short cruise on one of the historic paddle steamers is a must-do.
Houseboat Accommodation
The Murray River is famous for houseboat rentals, book your next unusual accommodation and enjoy life onboard. ‘Moama on Murray’ offers some fabulous boat hire options that will make any holiday extra special.
Accommodation in Echuca
- The Cock ‘N Bull is a terrific boutique hotel in Echuca and one of our favourites. It is in the Port precinct, has a solar heated pool, great in-house dining, and is beautifully decorated.
- Browse dozens more accommodation options in Echuca on Booking .com
- Air BnB! You can find a huge range of awesome places to stay in Echuca.
Lake Mulwala/Yarrawonga – 2 days
Echuca to Yarrawonga – 1 hour 30 mins / 131 km
The drive along the Murray River to Yarrawonga is pretty with little towns to stop in along the way. Yarrawonga is a lovely town close to the New South Wales border. Plenty of water activities on the lake and the river plus the town has so many choices of places to stay and eat.
Accommodation in Yarrawonga
- Free camp along the Murray River or, if you want great amenities and to be close to the lake, the Riverlands Tourist Park is a good choice for campsites or cabins.
- Air BnB will always come through when you are seeking somewhere unique to stay and Yarrawonga is no exception.
- The Yarrawonga Lakeside Landing Apartments are gorgeous, with family rooms as well as singles and doubles.
Yarrawonga to Melbourne via Yea & Healesville
This drive back to Melbourne via Benalla, Yea and Healesville is 295 km / 3hours 40 minutes.
It is a pretty route that goes over the Great Dividing Range and the Black Spur into Healesville and the famous wine-producing area of the Yarra Valley.
Marysville is a gorgeous little town that is well worth a diversion to see and has numerous walks, waterfalls, and plenty of accommodation to choose from if an overnight stop can be added in depending on your time available.
What to see in Marysville
- Stevenson’s Waterfalls and local walks
- Bruno’s Sculpture Garden – whimsical and fun sculptures.
- The Big Tree & Cumberland Walk
- Lake Mountain – great walks, winter cross-country skiing
Accommodation in Marysville
- The Vibe Hotel in the middle of the village is a sleek, modern hotel and even offers a dog-friendly room as well as doubles and family suites.
- For a more romantic stay, the Marysville Garden Cottages are lovely
- The Kerami Manor and Day Spa will appeal to anyone looking for an indulgent stay!
- Air BnB – So many amazing choices to browse through!
- Marysville Caravan and Holiday Park – Cabins, powered and un-powered sites.
Road Trip Distances
Melbourne to Halls Gap – 254 km / 3 hours 15 minutes | Find Accommodation
Halls Gap to Rupanyup (start of the Painted Silo Trail)- 1 hour / 80.5 kms| Find Accommodation
Rupanyup to Murray Sunset National Park – 3 hours 30 mins / 290 km | Find Accommodation near Patchewollock Painted Silo.
Murray Sunset NP to Mildura – 2 hours / 166 km | Find Accommodation
Mildura to Sea Lake & Lake Tyrrell – 2 hours / 198 km | Find Accommodation
Sea Lake to Boort – 1 hour 20 mins / 124 km | Find Accommodation
Boort to Echuca – 1 hour 15 mins | Find Accommodation
Echuca to Yarrawonga – 1 hour 30 mins / 131 km | Find Accommodation
Visit Marysville on the way home and stay awhile?
Yarrawonga to Melbourne – 295 km / 3hours 40 minutes | Find Accommodation in Melbourne.
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