The scenic route: Where to find all the most stunning views in Victoria

Ever heard the phrase "go bush"? It's basically Aussie slang for ditching the city, slowing down, and ing to breathe a bit. And Victoria is packed with places that make you want to pull over and stay a while.

From quiet lookouts to dramatic coastlines and misty forest trails, this state really shows off when it comes to views. And the best part? You don't have to go far to find them - some are just a short drive from Melbourne, others are perfect for a weekend wander.

So if you're ready to swap screen time for green time, we've rounded up some of the most stunning spots to help you hit the scenic route in style.

The Great River Road Scenic Lookout is one of those stops that makes the whole drive worth it. Perched above the township of Bellbridge, this lookout gives you a panoramic view over Lake Hume and the surrounding countryside.

It's an easy pull-over spot with a well-maintained viewing area and signage that helps you get your bearings. On a clear day, you'll spot rolling hills, shimmering water, and maybe even a pelican or two gliding by. It's peaceful, photogenic, and perfectly placed for a stretch and snack break.

But that's just the beginning. And that's just one of many - the GRR's packed with lookouts like Mount Mitta Mitta, Old Tallangatta, and more spots worth pulling over for. If you've got time to wander off the beaten path, the views from Mount Lawson State Park are absolutely worth the detour.

So, whether you're road-tripping for the weekend or just out for a scenic drive, keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready. The views along the GRR are some of the most stunning in Victoria.

If jaw-dropping views are your thing, you'll want to make a slight detour off Bogong High Plains Road near Falls Creek and head up towards Mount McKay. Trust us, it's worth the drive. Winding past the sparkling Rocky Valley Dam and climbing skyward, the road leads you to something pretty special.

At a whopping 1,849 metres above sea level, Mount McKay holds the title of the highest drivable point in Australia. Yep, you can literally drive to the top of the world (well, sort of) without hiking boots or a packed lunch. Just a heads-up tho, the road is closed in winter thanks to all that glorious snow, so plan your visit during the warmer months if you want to soak in the scenery from the summit.

Towering out of the Southern Ocean along the Great Ocean Road, these limestone stacks are the kind of thing you'll want at least a dozen photos of, even if only eight still stand today (yep, erosion is a ruthless sculptor).

These dramatic cliffs weren't always this Insta-famous. In fact, they were originally called the Sow and Piglets - not quite as majestic, right? It wasn't until the 1920s that they got their more biblical (and frankly, more photogenic) name: the Twelve Apostles. No one's really sure why, especially since there were never twelve, but let's be honest, it sounds way cooler.

Formed over millions of years by wild winds and crashing waves, the Apostles are a stunning reminder of how powerful nature can be. The best time to catch them? Sunrise or sunset. The golden light hits the cliffs just right, turning them shades of amber and gold.

Start at the picnic area (perfect for a snack before or after your adventure) and follow the well-marked Horn Track. It's about a 45-minute walk (not too long, not too hard), just enough to feel like you've accomplished something by the time you hit the top.

And what a top it is. The Horn is the highest point on Mount Buffalo, and when you reach the lookout, you'll be rewarded with absolutely spectacular 360-degree views. Think rolling alpine plains, rugged cliffs, and the endless expanse of the Australian Alps stretching out in every direction.

Bonus: on a clear day, you can see forever. Just don't forget your jacket because even in warmer months, the breeze up there likes to remind you who's boss.

Perched 314 metres above sea level, Arthurs Seat offers sweeping views over Port Phillip Bay and on a clear day, you can even spot the city skyline in the distance, along with the You Yangs and Mount Macedon.

And here's the best part: you don't even have to hike to the top. Just hop aboard the Arthurs Seat Eagle, a state-of-the-art gondola that glides smoothly from the base all the way to the summit. It's the kind of ride that makes kids wide-eyed and adults quietly thrilled - floating above the treetops while the world slowly unfolds beneath you.

At the top, there's a viewing platform perfect for soaking it all in, plus nearby trails and gardens if you're in the mood to explore on foot.

Sitting proudly at the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, the Cape Schanck Lighthouse itself has been guiding ships since the 1850s. These days, it's guiding visitors straight to some of the most dramatic views in the state. From the top, you'll get sweeping sights of Bass Strait and the rugged cliffs below, and if you follow the boardwalks, you'll spot famous formations like Pulpit Rock crashing into the ocean spray.

But it's not just about the scenery - Cape Schanck also offers some truly memorable wildlife experiences. Keep your eyes peeled for seabirds like albatrosses, gannets, and shearwaters soaring overhead, or listen out for singing honeyeaters and thornbills chirping from the coastal scrub. If you're lucky, you might even spot seals sunbathing on the rocks below or dolphins playing offshore.

In just 38 seconds, a super-speedy elevator whisks you from ground to sky, and before you know it, you're 285 metres above the city with sweeping views stretching from the Dandenong Ranges to Port Phillip Bay. It's the kind of travel experience that makes you pause and say, "Whoa."

Step into The Edge, a glass cube that slides out from the building and suspends you in mid-air. Or test your nerves on the VR Plank experience, where you "walk the plank" in virtual reality, high above Melbourne's skyline (don't worry, no actual balance required). Once your heart rate settles, grab a drink at Bar 88 and soak up the views with a glass in hand - it's the perfect mix of chill and wow.

You're looking at around $30 for adults and $20 for kids to get up there, not bad for the best view in the city. Extras cost a bit more, but they're worth it if you're feeling adventurous.

And honestly? This list barely scratches the surface. If you randomly selected a location on a map of Victoria you would still find yourself in a picturesque setting. Envision the Grampians which showcase rugged escarpments alongside ancient rock art, together with Wilsons Prom where mountains meet the beach and the mysterious Otways forests with fairy tale waterfalls.

Both Lake Eildon and Hanging Rock, along with Cape Bridgewater's windswept cliffs should receive their own dedicated spotlight. People travel from every corner of the world to see what our backyard offers. These landscapes leave lasting impressions on all who see them.

No matter which path you follow, expect to discover a unique experience. Victoria showcases her greatest hits with outstanding flair.