Using this handy guide, take in the best historical, geological, and cultural stops along the Calder Highway to Melbourne.

For a road trip from the heart of Victoria to cosmopolitan Melbourne, a journey along the 558-kilometre Calder Highway (including the Calder Freeway) reveals a fascinating blend of natural beauty, historic sites of interest, and culinary treats.

While not Victoria’s most well-known road trip route – that goes to the Great Ocean Road – the Calder Highway showcases a different side of the Garden State. As you drive from Mildura to Melbourne, the landscape shifts from Northern Victoria’s arid plains to lush undulating hills to the urban streets of our state capital.

As with any road trip, a little planning goes a long way for a happy journey. Before you depart, ensure that you’ve packed an emergency car kit, and that your emergency roadside assistance is up to date.