While the coastal route earns its iconic status, what surprises many visitors is how rewarding it can be to head inland. Think misty forest gullies, wide volcanic plains, winding country lanes, and hinterland roads that invite you to slow down and take it all in. These are whole adventures in themselves.
Whether you’re planning a solo escape, a weekend reset, or a longer trip through Victoria’s heartlands, these roads offer something different: quiet wonder.
Drive between Forrest and Barwon Downs
Just inland from the surf coast, the road between Forrest and Barwon Downs is a forest route that feels like an escape into another world. Tall eucalypts line the road, filtering soft light onto ferns and undergrowth, while the curve of the road encourages you to slow down and savour the silence.
The drive is short, fully sealed, and ideal for nature lovers. Forrest itself is a friendly, slow-paced town known for its mountain biking trails and nearby wildlife walks.
Don’t miss Lake Elizabeth, a short detour offering misty mornings and the rare chance to spot a platypus in the wild.
This route is a natural extension inland for anyone staying along the coast in Lorne or Apollo Bay. You won’t need special equipment, just a camera and the willingness to explore.
Plan your visit to Forrest and explore the Southern Network Trails
Drive to Red Rock Scenic Lookout (near Colac)
A quick detour from Colac leads to Red Rock Lookout, one of inland Victoria’s most breathtaking viewpoints. Set within one of the world’s largest volcanic plains, this high point looks out across a tapestry of crater lakes, farmland and distant ridgelines.
The road from Colac is sealed and accessible year-round, making this a simple but memorable stop. The views are especially striking in the late afternoon light, with Lake Coragulac and surrounding water bodies reflecting the sky.
Before or after the drive, spend time in Colac’s botanic gardens, enjoy lakeside walking tracks or sample baked goods from a country café. Whether you’re road-tripping from the coast or heading west, this spot is well worth the diversion.
Discover more by visiting Colac and the Red Rock Lookout
Drive from Camperdown to Penshurst
If you’re curious about the stories written into the landscape, this inland route is for you. Starting near Camperdown, the road takes you across lava plains, past ancient volcanic cones and through towns where history lives in the stonework.
Begin your drive near the crater lakes Bullen Merri and Gnotuk, both accessible and ideal for a roadside stop. Then continue up Mount Leura and Mount Sugarloaf for sweeping views of the Western District.
Onwards to Penshurst, you’ll pass open farmland, old homesteads, and signs pointing to places few tourists ever reach. If open, the Volcanoes Discovery Centre offers excellent context for the area’s geological past. Finish with a walk up Mount Rouse for a final elevated panorama.
This is a volcanic trail that gives more the longer you linger. It’s best taken slow, with a thermos in the boot and a good playlist on hand.
Explore the trail by visiting Volcanic Lakes & Plains and discover the Dreaming of Scotland Drive
Drive the Winchelsea to Deans Marsh Hinterland Route
This hinterland road delivers gentle beauty, the kind you only notice when you take your foot off the accelerator. From the historic township of Winchelsea, travel towards Deans Marsh through a landscape of soft hills, riverbanks and winding country roads.
The drive is sealed, uncrowded, and ideal for weekend trippers looking for a peaceful loop inland. The Barwon River picnic area in Winchelsea is a perfect starting point. As you head towards Deans Marsh, keep an eye out for seasonal farm gates, roadside honesty boxes, and distant views of the Otways.
This drive connects easily with others in the region, making it an excellent detour from the Great Ocean Road, or a gateway into deeper exploration.
Plan your escape by visiting Winchelsea and learn about Barwon River Serenity
Drive to Lorne Rainforest via Erskine Falls
For those based in Lorne, the inland loop past Erskine Falls and through Deans Marsh offers a forested escape without needing a full-day commitment. The road is sealed, the route is well-marked, and the reward is variety: dense rainforest, country roads, and a return to the sea.
Start your loop at Erskine Falls, where water tumbles into a fern-lined valley and walking trails offer options for all fitness levels. Then wind inland to Deans Marsh before circling back via Birregurra or returning directly to Lorne.
This drive is ideal for travellers who want a forest route that complements their coastal itinerary. It’s a taste of inland charm, with time left in the day for a swim or café stop back in town.
Start your loop by visiting Lorne then Erskine Falls
Planning Your Inland Scenic Drive
Before you head inland, here are a few simple tips:
- All drives listed are on sealed roads, suitable for 2WD vehicles
- Most routes take between 30 minutes and 90 minutes one way
- Fuel, food and toilets are available in towns – like Forrest, Colac, Camperdown, Winchelsea and Lorne – but prepare ahead of time and have emergency supplies
- Mobile coverage is reliable in most areas, but download maps if you’re going into forested zones or on long walks
- Weather can change quickly, especially near highland lookouts, check local conditions
Follow our official town itineraries to map your route, find accommodation, or build a multi-day escape through Victoria’s inland gems.
The Road Less Travelled is Calling
The Great Ocean Road might be the drawcard, but the true depth of the region is found beyond the coastline. These inland routes offer not only scenic beauty but quiet connection, through landscapes shaped by nature and stories kept alive in small towns.
Next time you plan a drive, go beyond the familiar. Turn inland. Take your time. Discover a side of Victoria that fewer people see, but everyone remembers.
Explore more inland inspiration with our town itineraries. Your best view yet might be just beyond the turnoff.