The quintessential road trip needs great company, singalong music, car snacks and an amazing destination. These drives in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges will get you outside the city limits to explore and discover, new places and all types of experiences.

With pretty villages to stop at along the way, ever-changing vistas that blend effortlessly from perfectly aligned vineyards to open pastures, from rolling hills with uninterrupted views to cathedral-like towering Mountain ash and forest ferns, these drives will show you the ‘real’ countryside of Victoria and are all within an hour of Melbourne.

Whether you're travelling with children, looking for an adventure or simply in need of a nature fix, queue up your playlist and hit the road. In theory, you'll be out and back in 3 hours return drive from Melbourne, but be prepared for plenty of stops – these road trips have loads to enjoy along the way.