The two-metre long python was in a backpack during a bus trip from Melbourne to Adelaide when it escaped about midnight on Tuesday.

The bus stopped near Burrumbeet and the driver refused to continue with the python and the man who was carrying it.

The passenger then threw the python to the side of the road.

Ballarat Police and the Department of Sustainability and Environment attended the scene.

Sergeant Heather Morris said police were concerned about the python's welfare.

She said while the python "disturbed other passengers" there were no injuries.

"The snake's well," she said.

"There were no injuries, just a bit of panic."

Senior Constable Paul Covey found the python on the side of the road and brought it back to the station.

Sgt Morris said the python was dubbed "Monty" while it stayed at the station on Wednesday.

It has now been taken to the Ballarat Wildlife Park.

DSE is conducting an investigation, and the man is likely to be charged with offences for transporting a reptile without a permit.

DSE senior wildlife officer for south-west Victoria, Jim O'Brien, said transporting the python in a confined space, like the backpack, was cruel.

"They are very dependant on temperature and it certainly isn't a healthy thing," Mr O'Brien said.

He said the python was probably as scared as passengers during the ordeal.

He said there was a chance someone could have been injured.

"Pythons are not venomous but they certainly can have a nasty bite," he said.