BUDGET-FRIENDLY ESCAPES NEAR MELBOURNE

Victoria takes outdoor adventures to a whole new level. In every corner of the state, you’ll find mountainous national parks, most of which are home to 4WD tracks, water sports and laid-back campsites. Swap long-haul with a low-cost escape to nature. Here are four awesome trips to add to your travel calendar.

HANG OUT IN HALLS GAP

Whether you’re after a weekend escape or a five-day getaway, it won’t take long to feel worlds away from the city amid the mountains of the Grampians. Head off with the family to the northern corner where you’ll find the small village of Halls Gap. Set up camp at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park or opt for one of their cosy family cabins. While there’s plenty to do at the park – trampolines, heated pools, campfires, playgrounds and wildlife spotting – don’t miss the epic array of activities just moments away from the park.

Tick off the state’s largest zoo from your bucket list; at Halls Gap Zoo you can hand-feed kangaroos, hold a reptile or meet a dingo. Another family favourite is the 2.5-kilometre Venus Baths Loop Walk which winds past naturally formed rock pools.

TACKLE TOOLANGI’S 4WD TRACKS

You’ll find Toolangi State Forest in Victoria’s Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges region, just over a one-hour drive from Melbourne. Toolangi’s scenery, which blends towering trees and surreal lookouts, attracts hikers, campers and wildlife enthusiasts – but the real drawcard has to be the park’s 4WD tracks.

Pitch a tent by the river at Murrindini Reserve (only $7 per vehicle) and hit the tracks. For stimulating descents, tackle the short but steep Rockey Track. Challenge yourself with mud and clay galore along the Aeroplane Track, or if you love a fun bog hole, Marginal Road is the one for you.

HIT UP LAKE EILDON’S WATERSPORTS

Lake Eildon National Park, perched on the edge of the Victorian Alps, is an awesome camping spot and a water sports lover’s haven. Drive just two hours from Melbourne to Fraser Block to set up camp at one of the three camping grounds: Candlebark, Lakeside and Devil Cove.

The flat, serene Lake Eildon is well-known for its water activities, including water skiing, kayaking, canoeing and fishing (be sure to bring your own gear). If you’re looking for land-based activities, the park is dotted with up to 70 kilometres worth of scenic nature trails, perfect for hikes or mountain biking adventures.

DRIVE THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Stretching 243 kilometres from Victoria’s Torquay to the South Australian border, the Great Ocean Road is no doubt one of Australia’s best road trips. It really does have it all, from gnarly waves to dense forest and everything in between. Jump in the car with your mates and set off for a low-cost getaway, stopping overnight at your pick of campsites – most of which are just a stone’s throw away from the beach.