It has been five years since COVID-19 stalled Victoria’s tourism sector. With borders shut and lockdowns dragging on, once-bustling regions like the Great Ocean Road saw visitor numbers plummet. But the rebound has been remarkable: 2.6 million visitors made the trip in 2023, climbing to 3.3 million in 2024, the highest on record.
To see how the resurgence feels on the ground—and to test-drive MG’s brand-new MG4 Electric—we set off on a two-day journey that blended spa-country indulgence with coastal grandeur. What we found was equal parts culinary delight, scenic immersion, and a promising glimpse of EV-friendly travel.
The MG4 Electric: Accessible Tech with Everyday Practicality
The MG4 Electric is an affordable, compact hatchback with a range of around 400km. It offers regenerative braking, four driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow), and one-pedal driving that’s intuitive for anyone familiar with Tesla.
Inside, two digital displays keep things simple: a slim driver panel for essentials, and a 10.5-inch touchscreen for entertainment and controls. While the screen is well-positioned, it’s less responsive than premium rivals—switching playlists or adjusting air con occasionally felt clunky. Still, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (via USB 3.0) worked seamlessly.
On the road, the MG4 is nimble and adaptable. In Sport mode, it handled winding coastal curves with surprising punch, while Eco mode stretched the battery during longer highway runs.
Day One: Melbourne → Daylesford – Books, Springs, and Cider
We began in Melbourne with a stop at St Ali & The Queen near Queen Victoria Market—bacon and egg rolls washed down with their signature “Orthodox” coffee blend set the tone for the weekend.
The two-hour drive to Daylesford was smooth sailing, the MG4 gliding easily through long straights. Once there, we explored:
- Paradise Bookshop: A sprawling, multi-level temple of books, comics, and vinyl.
- Old Collectables: Packed with toys and memorabilia from every era.
- Hepburn Springs Reserve: A forest circuit walk with towering gums, wooden bridges, and natural mineral springs.
For lunch, we headed beyond the crowded main street to Daylesford Cider, where charcuterie boards, woodfired pizzas, and cider paddles recharged us. The watermelon cider was a standout—refreshing and playful—while the spiced apple variety inspired thoughts of baking it into an apple crumble later.
The afternoon closed at Passing Clouds Vineyard, where intimate tastings and storytelling from the cellar master tempted us into buying more bottles than intended.
Day Two: Daylesford → Great Ocean Road – Cliffs and Coastal Curves
The following morning, we turned the MG4 southwest toward Victoria’s most iconic drive: the Great Ocean Road.
The car thrived here. In Sport mode, it hugged cliffside bends with confidence, while regenerative braking eased descents into seaside towns. Highlights included:
- Lorne: Bustling with cafés and beach crowds.
- Apollo Bay: The ideal halfway recharge point (for both car and driver) It is important to note there is a EV charging station conveniently located right behind the Apollo Bay hotel – a perfect waterfront spot for lunch.
- The Twelve Apostles: Still breathtaking, though now extremely crowded again—a clear sign of tourism’s full recovery.
- Port Campbell – Feels like the perfect bookend to this trip. There is a high-powered charging station here, including the superfast Tesla-backed charger that took the MG4 from 10% to 100% in 20 minutes of charging time. The coastal town is full of cafes, pubs and picturesque swimming spots. It’s also a great place to stay the night if you are wanting to explore the 12 Apostles and surrounds at a leisurely pace.
While charging stations are available along the coast, their availability varies. Many sites only host one CCS2 fast charger, often occupied, so flexibility is essential. Thankfully, the MG4’s 400km range meant a single planned stop was enough for the day’s drive.
Practical Tips for EV Road Trippers
- Plan charging stops ahead: Use apps like PlugShare or Chargefox to check charger availability and compatibility.
- Prioritise CCS2 chargers: They’re faster and standard for new EVs, but limited in number. Arrive with patience and a backup plan.
- Mix country and coast: Pairing Daylesford with the Great Ocean Road made for a balanced trip—spa-country calm meets rugged coastal drama.
- Book popular spots: Cellar doors and restaurants in Daylesford fill fast. Walk-ins are possible but not guaranteed.
- Travel midweek if possible: Both Daylesford and the Great Ocean Road can get packed on weekends. Midweek means quieter roads and easier charging.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Pairing of Car and Country
The MG4 Electric isn’t flawless—the infotainment could be faster, and Australia’s charging infrastructure still has gaps—but it proved itself as a capable, enjoyable companion for regional travel.
More importantly, the trip underscored Victoria’s remarkable tourism revival. From packed lookouts at the Apostles to thriving cellar doors in Daylesford, the state is buzzing again. And doing it all with the quiet hum of an EV feels like the future arriving just in time.
