Sergeant Martin Flannery, of the Warrnambool police highway patrol unit, said a 46-year-old Warrnambool man was travelling north on the Hopkins Highway, between Philmore Road and Bridge Road, when he collided with a Holden Rodeo utility at 7am.

"The motorcycle collided with the ute which came out of a driveway," he said.

"The 22-year-old male driver of the utility immediately stopped and rendered assistance. Several members of the public also stopped and assisted with CPR and first aid.

"Unfortunately the rider was unable to be saved and died at the scene."

It is understood the motorcyclist was travelling to work at a construction site.

The driver of the utility was not injured and is assisting police with inquiries.

The air ambulance was initially dispatched to the crash but did not attend.

The Hopkins Highway remained closed in both directions near Philmore Road until 5.45pm on Monday evening.

Sergeant Flannery said detectives from the Victoria Police major collision investigation unit were at the scene and investigating the cause of the incident.

The 22-year-old male driver was interviewed and released pending further inquiries.

Sergeant Flannery said it was the seventh person to die on south-west roads this year after accidents at Woorndoo, Allansford, Macarthur, Noorat, Dennington and Southern Grampians.

He said the tragedy served as a timely remember for drivers and motorcyclists to heed the road safety message.

"We are all vulnerable on the roads," Sergeant Flannery said.

"It is important we remember to look after each other, drive to the rules and conditions, and stay safe on the roads."

Provisional lives lost in Victoria:

2020: 66

2019: 76

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