The Victorian towns to visit now that public transport is free

No fuel, no fares – this month, these regional escapes won’t cost a cent to reach.

In recent weeks, fuel prices across Australia have skyrocketed as the global oil supply crisis continues. To help ease the strain, select state governments are starting to introduce free public transport periods.

Victoria is the second state to offer its residents some much-needed relief, following Tasmania’s lead back in March. So if there was ever a time to swap the road for the railway tracks, it’s now. Next stop? A spontaneous weekend getaway.

How it works

Melbourne trains — Victoria’s metropolitan and V/Line networks will be free of charge throughout April.

After mounting pressure and a push from the Greens, the Victorian government has rolled out a month of free public transport, running from 31 March to 30 April.

“With fuel prices rising, free public transport for a month takes pressure off the pump," says Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan. “This won’t solve every problem, but it is an immediate step to help Victorians right now."

The initiative covers all metropolitan and V/Line services, including trains, trams and coaches. Barrier gates at stations will remain open throughout the month, so passengers no longer need to tap their Myki card or buy a ticket for V/Line trains. However, this does mean seat reservations will be unavailable.

Myki Card, Melbourne — Those using public transport will no longer need to tap on with a Myki card.

All yearly Myki passes have also been paused, with some cardholders eligible to request a refund through Transport Victoria . Tickets are still required for V/Line coaches to secure a seat before boarding, but are free to obtain.

Passengers with accessibility needs are encouraged to arrive early for their service and reach out prior to travelling. Staff will be on hand to assist and support priority passengers, ensuring everyone has a safe and comfortable journey.

Where should you go in Victoria to make the most of free train travel?

Melbourne train — Skip the fuel bill and jump on a V/Line train or coach for free.

While restricted to the state border, Victorians are spoilt for choice. From coast to country, Victoria is brimming with beautiful destinations – and the V/Line connects to many of them. If you’re one to look for silver linings, this is it.

So instead of fuelling up the car or splashing cash on train tickets, consider this your sign to escape the city – without spending a cent on travel. We’ve even done the hard work for you, so all that’s left to do is pick a train line, pack a bag and hop on board*.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Gippsland Line (East)

Bairnsdale, Victoria — Bairnsdale is tucked into the rolling hills of Gippsland Lakes.

Your stop: Bairnsdale
Travel time: 4 hours
Best for: Nature enthusiasts

Stretching east from the city, this line quickly opens up to the Gippsland region’s verdant rolling landscapes. Those seeking an outdoor escape should disembark at the end of the line in Bairnsdale.

Mitchell River silt jetties, Victoria — The region is home to the longest silt jetties in the Southern Hemisphere.

The historic town acts as a gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, home to the longest silt jetties in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you cosy up at a cafe on the main strip or opt to explore the surrounding forests, it’s an easy way to swap city life for country living.

Geelong Line (South West)

Geelong, Victoria — For lovers of the ocean, Geelong is a natural playground.

Your stop: Geelong
Travel time: 1 hour
Best for: Beach lovers

Tracing Victoria’s picturesque south-west coast, this line is great for a seaside escape. Jump off in Geelong, around an hour from Melbourne, where days are shaped around the tides and life follows the rhythm of the waves.

Quest Geelong, Victoria — Quest Geelong is a short stroll from the train station.

Spend your weekend hopping between the city’s bountiful beaches, hiking scenic coastal trails or hanging ten at famous surf spot, Bells Beach. Base yourself at Quest Geelong , just a 10-minute walk from the station, so the waterfront is always just a moment away.

Ballarat Line (West)

Ballarat, Victoria — The streets of Ballarat are alive with colour and creativity.

Your stop: Ballarat
Travel time: 90 minutes
Best for: Culture vultures

Don’t let its gold-rush heritage and grand architecture fool you. The regional hub of Ballarat is home to a thriving arts scene – hidden in plain sight just 90 minutes out of Melbourne.

While its history is undoubtedly rich, the city’s creative community has sparked a contemporary buzz that’s hard to ignore. Spend the weekend browsing local galleries, artisan workshops, record stores and antique emporiums to meet the makers behind Ballarat’s artistic boom.

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Bendigo Line (North)

Echuca, Victoria — Wander the vibrant laneways of Echuca’s historic port.

Your stop: Echuca
Travel time: 3 hours
Best for: History buffs

Echuca may mark the end of the Bendigo Line, but it is definitely worth the journey. Just below the NSW border on the banks of the Murray, life here matches the rhythm of the river, which has moved at its own quiet pace for centuries.

At Echuca’s core is its historic port, the beating heart of the settlement since its establishment in 1850. Today, visitors can either step back in time on board a restored Echuca Paddlesteamers vessel or embrace modern river life with a houseboat stay.

Seymour/North East Line

Albury, Victoria — Albury is surrounded by cellar doors pouring local drops.

Your stop: Albury
Travel time: 3.5 hours
Best for: Foodies

Cutting a path north-east from Melbourne, this line is all about enjoying the journey and the destination. Spend the morning watching pastoral scenes pass you by before arriving in Albury, which shares twin-city status with nearby Wodonga.

Described as a gourmet goldmine, it delivers a masterclass in food and flavour, with long lunches and local wines setting the tone. Base yourself at Quest Albury so you can fully lean into the dining scene – and an easy stroll to bed at the end of it, too.

*All outbound V/Line services listed depart from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station. Travel times are approximate – check Transport Victoria for the latest timetables.

The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants.

Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.

A creative trail through the Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls.

Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery — Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.

food at Pt Estate — Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.

Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.

A feast for food and wine lovers

With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.

The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool.

Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.

Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

From golf days to spa stays

Kingswood CountryGolf Club — Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.

Alba Thermal Springs& Spa — Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments.

After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery  is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.

The Victorian towns to visit now that public transport is free

No fuel, no fares – this month, these regional escapes won’t cost a cent to reach.

How it works