Getting Around Victoria
Compact and well connected — iconic trams in Melbourne, V/Line to the regional centres, and the open road for the coast, the ranges and the parks.
Trams, Trains & the Open Road
Victoria is compact and well connected. In Melbourne, iconic trams and a spoke-and-hub train network make a car unnecessary; beyond the city, V/Line reaches the big regional centres, but the coast, the ranges and the parks are best with your own wheels — or with someone else doing the driving. Here’s how to move around the state.
How to Move
Trams & Trains
Melbourne’s trams (with a free CBD zone) and trains run on the myki card — no car needed in town.
V/Line
Trains and coaches to Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Gippsland and coach links to Halls Gap and beyond.
Self-Drive
A car unlocks the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians, the High Country and Gippsland at your own pace.
Let Us Drive
Guided day tours and multi-day trips handle the driving, timing and bookings for you.
On the Road
- Coastal and alpine roads are winding — allow more time than the map suggests
- Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk, especially in the ranges and Gippsland
- Alpine roads may require wheel chains in winter — check current conditions
- Melbourne has some hook turns and tram rules — see getting around Melbourne
- For the coast, read the Great Ocean Road guide before you set off
- Prefer not to drive? Ask about our guided Victoria tours
Getting Around — FAQ
Do you need a car in Victoria?
In Melbourne, no — trams and trains cover the city well. But a car unlocks the regions: the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians, the High Country and Gippsland are far easier to explore with one, or on a guided tour.
How does Melbourne public transport work?
Melbourne uses the myki card across trams, trains and buses. The City Circle tram and the central Free Tram Zone are free. See our getting around Melbourne guide and the Melbourne transport blog.
Can you reach the regions by public transport?
Partly — V/Line trains and coaches serve regional centres like Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, the Grampians (Halls Gap by coach) and Gippsland. But the Great Ocean Road and remote parks really need a car or a tour.
How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?
Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles is roughly 3–4 hours direct, but the coastal drive rewards a full day or an overnight. See the Great Ocean Road guide and the 3-day itinerary.
Is it easy to drive in Victoria?
Yes on sealed roads and freeways; take care on winding coastal and alpine roads, watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk, and check conditions in winter when alpine roads may need chains.
Victoria, Planned Around You
Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, the wine country and the penguins — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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