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.

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.

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