With our partners at Nissan, we’re highlighting a couple of inviting VIC locations that create the ideal weekend road trip from Melbourne.

Ballarat

In a sentence: This vibrant Goldfields city offers an effortless yet rewarding escape from Melbourne, mixing trendy dining options and first-rate modern attractions with visible signs of its heady gold-rush days.

The drive: It’s an easy 115km highway-dominated path that quickly trades city limits for pleasant countryside. There’s no need to stop – you’ll be at your destination in no time.

Top attractions in Ballarat

• Sovereign Hill: Retrace those golden days in style.
• Ballarat Botanical Gardens: Scenic, expansive, and neighbouring popular Lake Wendouree.
• Ballarat Aviation Museum: So much to see.
• Art Gallery of Ballarat: One of the country’s best.
• Kryal Castle: Medieval magic.

What’s nearby: Venture further north to explore the gorgeous historical township of Clunes; its streetscape seems to have been forgotten by time.

Stay at: BIG4 Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park or BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park.

Port Fairy

In a sentence: Dotted with heritage buildings, Port Fairy is an attractive seaside village with a pleasant ambience that allows visitors to unwind with ease.

The drive: There’s a choice between two direct inland paths of about 280km or a 370km route that encompasses the stunning scenery of the Great Ocean Road.

If heading inland via Colac, the town has pretty botanical gardens by the lake. If taking the scenic route, Great Otway National Park, the Twelve Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge are among a litany of must-stop sites.

Top attractions in Port Fairy

• Griffiths Island: Nice walk to a lighthouse.
• East Beach: Pretty strip of sand suited to swimming.
• Pea Soup Beach: Popular with families.
  
• The Wharf: Lovely location for an easy stroll.
• Port Fairy Golf Links: Spectacular layout and views at an excellent price.

What’s nearby: Check out the many attractions of neighbouring Warrnambool, stopping halfway at the nature lover’s playground of Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve.

Stay at: BIG4 Port Fairy Holiday Park.

Want more? All BIG4 parks in VIC are here.