melbourne day trips without car

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The best day trips from Melbourne without a car

No car, no problem: these excursions are all accessible by our state's regional train, ferry and coach system

Melbourne may be chock-full of things to do and see, but sometimes you crave a break from the hubbub of city life. From  national parks  and  world-class wineries  to Gold Rush towns and sandy beaches, the state of Victoria teems with things to escape to – all within a short distance of the CBD.  

While most will drive to these hotspots for a day-long sojourn, only some of us have the wheels (and license) to do so. No car? No problem. The city's backyard is no longer out of bounds thanks to the state's regional train, ferry and coach system. 

So avoid traffic, reduce your carbon footprint and be more carfree with these five driverless trips from Melbourne. 

Have access to a car? These are the best day trips from Melbourne  and the most scenic drives in Victoria.

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Five carless road trips to try in Victoria

Explore Ballarat's past and present

Time travel back to Australia's great 1850s Gold Rush and to Sovereign Hill in  Ballarat . Crowned Australia's best "Major Tourist Attraction" four times, the open-air museum portrays Ballarat's first decade after the discovery of gold in 1851, when it was considered the wealthiest city in the world. Relive the sights, sounds and smells of this mining heyday and even pan for gold in an underground mine, make sweets, or take the horse-drawn carriage through the streets. 

Before it was dammed during the gold rush, Lake Wendouree in Ballarat used to be a swamp. Now a popular spot for boating, kayaking and fishing, Lake Wendouree is well worth the six-kilometre-long gander. On the lake's western shore, there is also the  Ballarat Botanical Gardens , which boasts a remarkable 16 hectares of seasonal flower displays, mature trees and marble statues. 

Ballarat may no longer be the wealthiest city in the world, but it offers a fruitful range of restaurants and cafés that are well worth the salt. Head for a breakfast of chilli scrambled eggs at  Yellow Espresso , try Nonna's traditional meatballs at  Carboni's Italian Kitchen  or   toast to the fact you can drink and not drive with a tipple or two at  Mitchell Harris Wines.  

How to get there

Grab your Myki, hop on the V/Line train, and arrive in less than 90 minutes at the historic Ballarat Railway Station. 

Set sail to Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula

Catch a  Port Phillip Ferry  and set sail southwest of Melbourne to discover the wonders of Geelong. Victoria's second-largest city, Geelong, is often seen as the "gateway city" owing to its proximity to Ballarat, Torquay, the Great Ocean Road and Hamilton. While Geelong may be known for its prime location and AFL-winning football team, it is also worth visiting for its scenic coastline and thriving arts, culture and dining scene. 

To gain a sense of Geelong's rich history, you can walk the three-kilometre Geelong  Baywalk Bollards Trail . Artist Jan Mitchell created the bollards in the 1990s, and now over 103 bollards are installed right around the Waterfront from Limeburner's Point to Rippleside Park. Each bollard charts a story about the cast and characters who added to the making of Geelong, such as its Indigenous inhabitants, opera singers, to footballers. 

As Australia's first (and only)  UNESCO City of Design , Geelong is bursting with art and culture. Head to  Geelong Gallery , one of the oldest regional galleries in Australia, to see more than 6000 works of art. Stumble upon The Gallery's outstanding collection, which boasts many works of national significance, such as Eugène von Guérard's  View of Geelong  (1856) and Frederick McCubbin's  A Bush Burial  (1890). If museum fatigue starts settling in and you find yourself longing for fresh air, stroll through central Geelong's streets and laneways to view the countless murals and stencils that enliven the urban space. 

As well as a thriving arts scene, Geelong and the Bellarine is also home to a smorgasbord of places to eat, drink and be merry. Hit up wineries like Terindah Estate  and Jack Rabbit Vineyard , or the Whiskery to sample a variety of gins. If you're after something more low-key, head for lunch at  Eddy and Wills Café  or to microbrewery  Valhalla Brewing and Taproom  to listen to some records and neck back a few craft beers setting sail (Viking-style) back for Melbourne. 

Port Phillip Ferries  operate a twice-daily catamaran service from Melbourne Docklands to Geelong. 

Rest and rejuvenate in the spas and springs of Daylesford 

Escape the clamour of the city and take the time to recharge the body and mind with the forests, natural mineral waters and gastronomy of  Daylesford . Only around 100 kilometres northwest of Melbourne's CBD, this bohemian spa town is tucked into the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and is home to more than 80 per cent of the natural mineral springs in Victoria. 

A day trip to Victoria's "spa country" would not be complete without a visit to  Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa . Discovered by Captain Hepburn at the dawn of the 19th century and first used by the local Dja Dja Wurrung people, many have bathed in these healing waters. Drawing mineral-rich waters directly from the natural source, this iconic bathhouse offers a chance to experience the purest form of mineral wellness and spa treatments for those in need of greater reprieve. 

While Daylesford may be revered for its mineral waters, its gastronomic scene is just as rich. Kick off the day with some brunch of Turkish Eggs with smoked chilli butter and fried halloumi at  Cliffy's Emporium.  Make sure to also fill your boots (and bag) with fresh, seasonal and local produce from the local farmers' markets and provedores. Every Sunday, there is  Daylesford Sunday Market  which holds up to 110 stalls every week and offers everything from local honey, gourmet chutneys and cheeses, free-range meat, to freshly-baked sourdough. 

Head for an early dinner at  Sault , a restaurant set on a 125-acre estate against the backdrop of the Wombat State Forest with views of the Lake and rolling lavender fields. With an emphasis on seasonal farm-to-plate cooking and magnificent scenery, what better way to see off the day? 

Catch a V/Line train from Southern Cross station in central Melbourne to Daylesford: Bridport Street via Woodend. 

Learn about Chinese culture and get creative in Bendigo 

Venture northwest of Melbourne and visit  Bendigo  – regional Victoria's premier arts and cultural destination. Explore Bendigo's rich Chinese heritage and discover how the customs of 4,000 Chinese miners and merchants who arrived in the 1850s gold rush became an integral part of Bendigo. Visit the  Golden Dragon Museum  to learn more about how these traditions and stories have been kept alive and to see the ornate dragons Sun Loong, Loong and Dai Gum Loong (thought to be the longest Golden Dragon in the world). As well as the museum and its dragons, you can visit the Yi Yuan Gardens for a peaceful stroll amongst the grounds.

See why Bendigo is regional Victoria's premier arts and cultural destination with a visit to  Bendigo Art Gallery  - one of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries. Expect an impressive permanent collection of Australian artists such as works by photographer Bill Henson and artists Patricia Piccinini and Emily Kame Kngwarreye.  

If all this sightseeing has left you feeling famished, you've come to the right place. Roll up your sleeves and see why Bendigo was crowned a UNESCO City of Gastronomy with a meal at one of the region's top restaurants, such as  Masons of Bendigo  or the steakhouse  The Woodhouse . The Bendigo and Heathcote region also has over 80 local wineries where you can dine with a vantage of the vines, sample local varieties and learn how the area put the pizazz into its shiraz. 

Take the V/Line service from Melbourne's Southern Cross Station to Bendigo station. The station is just a few minutes' walk from the city centre, and from there, you can get the Bendigo Talking Tram to see many more of their attractions. 

Hop on a bus and see the Great Ocean Road

Hop on a bus and embark on a 4.5-hour ride from Melbourne along the  Great Ocean Road.  Take a day off to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the raw and rugged beauty of Victoria's windswept coastline, towering rainforests and charming seaside towns. 

There are several guided bus tours available and most stop off first at the historic Memorial Arch, the gateway to the Great Ocean Road that was built in honour of the 3,000 returned soldiers who worked on the road and its creation during World War I. Pass through the quaint coastal towns of Lorne and Wye River before stopping at Apollo Bay for lunch.  The Birdhouse  promises spectacular views alongside flavour-packed seafood dishes, such as scallop agnolotti with burnt butter and Reggiano cheese or steamed mussels with tomato, garlic and chilli. 

Once satiated, there is the guided walk through the Otway Ranges, where you can roam amongst some of the tallest eucalyptus trees in Australia and discover waterfalls, flora, and fauna. From there, the bus will meander through Port Campbell National Park to arrive at the Shipwreck Coast to learn more about Australian maritime history and see where 700 cargo and passenger vessels met their end in the 18 th century.

Finish up at the jewel in the crown of the Great Ocean Road, the world-famous 12 Apostles and see the rocks in all their jagged glory rising up out of the Southern Ocean. Aim to try and see the 12 Apostles at sunset, where the limestone rocks radiate with an awe-inspiring orange as the sun slips below the waves. 

How to get there 

Book the 1-day-long Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles bus tour with  Sightseeing Tours Australia,  leaving at 7.00 am from several spots in Melbourne and returning at 9.00 pm.

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4 Melbourne Day Trips Without a Car

Melbourne, being the second largest city in Australia can get a little hectic, particularly if you’re staying a while on a working holiday visa. Sometimes you just need a break from city life. Well look no further, here are some awesome day trips, easily accessible via public transport to provide a refreshing change from city life.

Dandenong Ranges

A perfect nature trail day out, The Dandenong Ranges are close enough to the city, in zone 2, so will only be around $8.80 return with a myki pass (2019 price) . There are lots of trails from easy to difficult. A popular but steep track is the 1000 steps trail.

I stuck to fairly easy walks, getting lost in the tall trees, even spotting a couple of wallabies which, I’m not gonna lie, scared the living daylight out of me! The pretty sounds of nature, mountain fresh air and green trees are a world away from the city.

Also don’t forget to watch out for the Puffing Billy steam train that you will see near the entrance to the park.

How to get there: From Southern Cross, Melbourne Central or Flinders St take the Belgrave line (towards Belgrave) to Upper Ferntree Gully, then you can walk from across the station, past the steam train and into the park. You can also grab a local bus to take you further into the ranges.

Journey Time: 1 hour (each way)

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Soverign hill- gold rush town.

This is a town set up exactly like it was back in the 1850’s after the discovery of gold in the area. You can walk into actual shops, bakeries and schools, all as they were back in the day.

I even saw a school group on a trip that were dressed up in old uniforms and were having a strict lesson by one of the actresses playing the teacher! You can take a gold rush tour, down in the make shift mine or watch the horse drawn carriages, or even dig for gold yourself in the stream.

It’s quite expensive at $62 (2019 price) but it’s something different, great for some quirky and interesting photos and to get an insight into life as it was back then.

How to get there: From Southern Cross Station take the V/Line to Ballarat, then walk outside to the bus terminal. There is a free bus that goes to Sovereign Hill and they will hand out 10% discount tickets if you’re lucky! If you miss the free bus then take the number 21 local bus (towards Buninyong) to Sovereign Hill.

Journey Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (each way)

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road stretches for 243 kilometres and is one of the world’s most scenic drives. There are many day tours operating from Melbourne but it’s easy to spend several days here stopping along the way.

The day tour is a long one but you get to see many sights along the way like wild koalas, coastal towns, beaches and the famous 12 apostles. You will also see Loch Ard Gorge which many say is the highlight of the trip.

How to get there: Book at any tour company or online, buses usually meet outside Federation Square.

Journey Time: Roughly 12 hours return

National Rhododendron Gardens

Now called the Dandenong Botanic Gardens, these are close to the small village of Olinda. Another nature one but it’s so pretty I had to put it in! The village is lovely, with small craft shops, cute little cafes and a traditional sweet shop.

The gardens are 500 metres from the town and completely free. Full of full of flowers, pretty scents, and several different sections to explore, this makes a lovely day trip out of the city, especially in Spring. You can stick to the well paved path or take the more ‘off track’ path where it’s much quieter. The gardens are a great place for a stroll or to sit and read a book. They also have a cafe and small shop.

How to get there: From Southern Cross, Melbourne Central or Flinders St take the Belgrave line (towards Belgrave) to Upper Ferntree Gully, walk outside along the station to the bus stop, take the 688 bus towards Croydon, getting off at Parsons Lane/Monash Ave (Olinda)

Journey Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (each way)

Hope you enjoyed this post on day trips from Melbourne, please share! 🙂

If you liked this try reading: Hosier Lane Melbourne’s Ever changing Street Art

Hi, I'm Sam, a British backpacker, solo travelling for over a decade. I aim to inspire and advise on solo female travel.

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These are such great ideas! When I worked in Melbourne we hired a car and drove the Great Ocean Road. It was incredible! I wish we had explored the Dandenong Ranges as well.

Oh wow I would have loved to see the great ocean rd that way! Really beautiful place.

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The 6 best day trips from Melbourne without a car

Oct 28, 2023 • 7 min read

A couple sit on the top of Hanging Rock in the Macedon ranges © FiledIMAGE / Shutterstock

Victoria may be perfectly suited to a good old-fashioned road trip , but visitors to Melbourne without their own set of wheels don't have to miss out on seeing the best of what this great Australian state has to offer.

Melbourne's excellent public transport connections mean travelers based in the city can hop on a train or bus to swap the buzz of busy streets for forest walking trails, spa towns and stream train rides – all without worrying about finding a parking space. Here's our guide to the best day trips from Melbourne.

1. Go for a picnic at Hanging Rock

Travel time: 1 hour

North of the city of Melbourne and a sacred site for the Wurundjeri people (the traditional custodians of the land here), enigmatic Hanging Rock  rises dramatically from the plains around it – the result of a volcanic eruption that created a multi-headed mound of lava.

Hanging Rock was made famous by Joan Lindsay’s novel describing the mysterious disappearances of Victorian-era schoolgirls on Valentine’s Day 1900. Picnic at Hanging Rock was later turned into the 1975 film by Australian director Peter Weir and the 2018 TV series starring Natalie Dormer and Yael Stone.

Hanging Rock also makes for an excellent day trip from Melbourne: it’s the perfect place for, well, a picnic. The Discovery Centre will fill you in on the area’s history and geology. After browsing its displays, climb the path to the top of the rock. For refreshments afterward, grab a snack or a beer at the popular Holgate Brewhouse in Woodend on the journey back.

How to get to Hanging Rock from Melbourne:  Hanging Rock is located to the northwest of Melbourne and trains run to Woodend from Southern Cross Station in central Melbourne. From Woodend, it’s an 8km (5 mile) walk or cycle (BYO bike) or a 10-minute cab ride to Hanging Rock Reserve.

2. Cycle or walk the Warburton Rail Trail

At its height, Victoria ’s passenger train network stretched into every nook and cranny of the state. Sadly, that reach has long since gone, but over the last decade or so many of the former rail corridors have been transformed into "rail trails" – walking and cycling paths that cut through beautiful scenery and join up towns. The resulting trails are easy to walk or cycle making them an accessible, family-friendly day out.

The easiest rail trail to access from Melbourne is the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail . Stretching from Melbourne’s eastern edge into the Upper Yarra Valley, it’s a delightful 38km (24 mile) route that winds past farmland, native forests, the Yarra River and several small towns, with plenty of food options and charming old-fashioned pubs. Bring your own snacks and water for the main trail walk.

How to get to the Warburton Rail Trail from Melbourne: The trail starts in Lilydale on the eastern edge of Melbourne. Trains run to Lilydale from the center of the city. Bus 683 from Lilydale to Warburton mostly follows the trail, meaning you can hike a smaller section of the route and hop on the bus back to the start if you get tired.

3. Go off-roading on French Island

Travel time: 2 hours

French Island lies just beyond Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs, in the center of Western Port Bay. Named by a French exploring expedition in 1802, it has maintained an air of mystery to mainlanders.

The local population and farming activities have waxed and waned over the centuries, and nowadays the islanders live largely off the grid. Considering that 70% of the island is a national park, and there’s no bridge from the mainland and no local transport services, it’s been difficult for visitors to get to grips with its history and landscapes.

Today, however, Naturaliste Tours does a regular tour of the island, with members riding aboard a chunky ex-mining vehicle that can handle the rough tracks that drive into its interior. Highlights include a visit to the Pobblebonk Swamp with its resident frogs, a drive through an abandoned chicory farm with its eerie deserted buildings and koala-spotting among the trees on the island, with the tour culminating in a visit to the  French Island General Store , the island’s only shop. Lunches, bike hire and accommodation are also available here.

How to get to French Island from Melbourne:  French Island is located southeast of Melbourne. To reach it, catch a suburban train to Frankston, then change to a V/Line train to Stony Point. From here the French Island ferry  sails at approximately two-hour intervals.

4. Step back in time at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat

Travel time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

The regional city of Ballarat was the epicenter of the Gold Rush of the 1850s – one of the greatest the world has ever seen. Over the following decades, the rough-and-tumble miners’ town grew into a graceful city, with plenty of frontier excitement along the way.

Those heady days are relived at Sovereign Hill , a historical village constructed around a former gold mine in the city’s suburbs. It’s an impressive place, with the streets lined by painstakingly researched replicas of buildings from the Gold Rush era, from pubs to Chinese temples. Many of these demonstrate crafts and trades of that period. There are several places to eat on-site, from the Hope Bakery to the dining room of the United States Hotel.

Family-friendly activities include gold panning, horse-and-carriage rides and a tour of an old mine shaft. To add to the fun, costumed actors regularly stage entertaining (and historically correct) performances throughout the site. If you have time, other local attractions worth a visit in the region are the Ballarat Wildlife Park and the acclaimed Art Gallery of Ballarat .

How to get to Ballarat from Melbourne:  Ballarat is situated to the west of Melbourne. Trains run direct from Southern Cross Station in central Melbourne to Ballarat Station.

5. Soak in mineral springs in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs

Marketed as the "spa center of Victoria," these conjoined towns are hugely popular as a weekend getaway for Melburnians. Set among the scenic hills, lakes and forests of Central Highlands, it's a fabulous year-round destination where you can soak away your troubles in warm, mineral-rich waters and dine in some of regional Victoria's best eateries. The local population is an interesting blend of New Agers, urbanites and down-to-earth farmers and it's incredibly LGBTIQ+ friendly.

The health-giving properties of the area’s mineral springs were first claimed in the 1870s, attracting droves of fashionable Melburnians. The well-preserved and restored buildings show the prosperity of these towns, as well as the lasting influence of the many Swiss-Italian miners who came to work the tunnel mines in the surrounding hills. Aside from the various springs and bathhouses, there are also picnic spots, BBQ areas, children's playgrounds and walking trails to enjoy.

How to get to Daylesford from Melbourne:  The quickest way to get to Daylesford is to catch a train from Southern Cross Station in central Melbourne to Woodend, then hop on a bus to Daylesford.

6. Tour the Dandenongs on the historic Puffing Billy steam train

Taking a train to take a train ride sounds like a strange way to spend a day, but then Puffing Billy is no ordinary train. Holding fond memories for many Melburnians, the Puffing Billy is an iconic restored steam train that toots its way through the Dandenong mountain range from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park and Gembrook on a five-hour return trip.

It's possible to hop on and hop off en route to enjoy a picnic or walk and it's a great day out for younger travelers and train enthusiasts especially. A diesel locomotive replaces the steam engine on total fire ban days (these are days in Victoria when the heat is extreme and fires are not allowed to be lit anywhere).

How to get to Puffing Billy Railway from Melbourne:  The Puffing Billy Railway is located to the east of the city. The easiest way to reach it is by train from Parliament Station in central Melbourne to Belgrave Station.

This article was first published Jan 9, 2019 and updated Oct 28, 2023.

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14 Best Day Trips from Melbourne

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If you need a break from the city, Melbourne is a fantastic base for exploring Victoria with picturesque seaside villages, historic gold rush towns, stunning beaches, and lush rainforest all easily accessible.

On these day trips from Melbourne you can go wine tasting, swim with seals, soak in hot springs, get up close with penguins and koalas, and drive one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world—the famous Great Ocean Road.

During our three months in Melbourne, we did many of these day trips ourselves and have also included suggestions from other travel bloggers.

I’ve organised these Melbourne day trips by distance from the city from easy trips like Brighton Beach to longer but worthwhile excursions to the Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park.

All prices mentioned are in AUS $ and at the end there is a handy map with everything mentioned.

Melbourne Travel Tips

Melbourne day trips within 1 hour, day trips 1–2 hours from melbourne, day trips 2+ hours from melbourne, melbourne day trips map, more australia posts.

Most of these day trips from Melbourne are best experienced with your own car.

I recommend checking Rental Cars to search for the best car rental deal.

If you aren’t renting a car for your entire stay, make sure you choose a rental from downtown Melbourne as the airport is 23km away. 

For one of our day trips, we used Uber Carshare which is a car-sharing site where you borrow a car from a local.

It was more expensive than a traditional rental and the car wasn’t as nice, but it was more convenient. 

We were able to choose a car just around the corner from our Airbnb in North Fitzroy , we didn’t have to complete any paperwork in person (it was contactless key collection), and we didn’t have to refuel before returning it.

It’s a good option if you’re not staying in the CBD and only need a car for one day.

In the listings below I’ve included approximate distances and times from Flinders Street Station in Melbourne CBD.

If you don’t want to rent a car, I’ve suggested Melbourne day tours and included public transport details where applicable.

Back to Contents

These easy day trips are within a 1 hour drive from Melbourne.

1) Heide Museum of Modern Art

As easy day trip from Melbourne is to the Heide Museum of Modern Art in the northern suburb of Bulleen .

This modern art gallery features Australian art in three exhibition buildings which were once the home of arts benefactors John and Sunday Reed who purchased an old dairy farm in 1934.

It became the gathering place of young modernist painters known as the Heide Circle.

The galleries are set within 15 acres of beautiful gardens where you can wander amongst the sculptures. There’s also a great cafe featuring produce grown in their kitchen garden.

Details: The museum is currently open from Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (and public holidays) and costs $22 for adults/ Free for children under 16. 

How to Get There: Heide is located 15km north of Melbourne CBD. The easiest way to get there is to drive or get a taxi which takes 20 minutes. There’s free parking on site. By public transport, take the train ( Hurstbridge line) to Heidelberg station and then the 903 bus (Mordialloc bound) to Heide. Disembark at the Bridge Street/Manningham Road stop and walk to Heide through Banksia Park . Alternatively, if you are feeling energetic, you could cycle or walk to Heide along the Yarra River .

2) Brighton

Contributed by Pauline from BeeLoved City

Located only 20 minutes away from Melbourne CBD, Brighton is an excellent destination for people who want to get away from the city without having to travel for too long. 

This coastal suburb is the perfect place to visit if you want to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the beach.

The Brighton Bathing boxes are the most famous landmark in the area. Not only are they beautiful and colourful but they are also a historical site. They’ve been around since the 19th century! 

From the station, it takes less than 10 minutes to reach the bathing boxes. There are quite a few of them and you will love taking beautiful photos there. 

Pro tip: the most famous beach chalet is the one with the Australian Flag. People usually queue to take photos in front of it.

If you walk further down, you will discover many other beach chalets that are just as beautiful and don’t get as much attention. 

It’s also an excellent spot to soak up the views of the Melbourne skyline.

Once you are done with the beach, roam around Brighton and discover the local shops. For the full experience, grab some fish and chips!

If you wish to explore more during your day, you can keep driving and head to the Yarra Valley , Phillip Island or Mornington Peninsula . 

How to Get There: This is one of the best short trips from Melbourne. You can easily get to Brighton by car (20 minutes drive) or by train (15 minutes from Flinders Street Station). If you opt for the train, you can either buy a ticket or use your Myki card (daily passes cost $6.70 – 9.20). Suggested Tour: This Phillip Island day trip stops at the Brighton Bathing Boxes on the way. 

3) Yarra Valley Wineries

One of the best day trips from Melbourne is to the Yarra Valley , Victoria’s oldest wine region dating back to 1838.

It’s only an hour from the city but feels far away from everything. The pretty rolling green hills and vineyards could be in Europe, except for the kangaroos—we saw dozens of them bouncing amongst the vines on our way home.

We took a wine tour so we could both sample the chardonnay and pinot noir the region is known for.

We went with Vinetrekker , which is more expensive than some of the Yarra Valley tours, but it felt worth it to us.

Our guide Paul has an excellent relationship with the wineries and we got more premium tastings (often of reserve wines). He was even able to get us into places that are usually closed on winter weekdays.

There were only six of us on our tour and we never felt rushed. We also appreciated that food pairings were provided with a couple of the wine tastings as well as a full lunch at Yering Station.

Medhurst was our favourite winery—it is small and good value and has beautiful views from the tasting room.

Domaine Chandon is the most visited winery in the area—it’s the Australian branch of Moet & Chandon—and is grand and stylish with huge windows overlooking the vines.

Paul took us on a tour of the cellar and taught us about the process of making sparkling wine before we enjoyed a glass of bubbles outside.

The only downside of the day was the windy roads on the drive home after drinking far too much wine!

How to Get There: The Yarra Valley is an hour’s drive from Melbourne. It’s best to visit with your own vehicle (if you have a designated driver) or by tour if everyone in your group wants to sample the wine. Suggested Tour: We did Vinetrekker’s Wine and Food Day tour which costs $250 for a full day trip including transport, guide, and lots of wine and food.  This Full-Day Yarra Valley Wine Experience with Lunch is a more affordable option at $165 but group sizes are larger and it doesn’t include additional food pairings. 

4) Dandenong Ranges

The forested slopes of the Dandenong Ranges are the perfect green escape just an hour from the city.

You’ll find beautiful gardens and hiking trails as well as cute villages for a delicious lunch or afternoon tea.

We started our Dandenong day trip at the 1000 Steps (officially the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk ) in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

It’s a popular local exercise spot that involves a challenging climb up steps through eucalyptus trees and ferns—we even saw a wallaby.

There’s no view at the top—it’s more about experiencing the rainforest and getting your heart pumping.

The return walk took us an hour. It’s best visited early on a weekday before it gets too busy.

Next we visited the Dandenong Ranges Botanical Gardens where we spent an hour strolling the pretty gardens, although we could have easily stayed for longer.

In early spring the rhododendrons were blooming a vibrant pink and red and the cherry blossoms had started to appear.

A short drive away in the village of Olinda we stopped at The Deli Platter for lunch—the vegetarian focaccia was delicious and they have lots of deli items you could take away for a picnic.

A few doors down is an excellent organic shop, The Organic Fanatic , where we treated ourselves to a bouquet of beautiful poppies and some locally made vegan chocolates by Medita.

Next up was our favourite stop of the day—the William Ricketts Sanctuary , a fabulous sculpture garden in the forest. The unique clay sculptures merge with the rocks beneath the towering eucalyptus trees.

From here we drove up to SkyHigh Mount Dandenong , a popular stop in the area but it felt like a tourist trap to us.

Parking costs from $5 – 10 and on our visit it was busy with kids enjoying the maze and mini golf.

The small gardens didn’t match the ones we’d seen earlier in the day and although the view of the Melbourne CBD was sweeping, we preferred the view at the Silvan Dam Lookout on the way up.

Other popular places to visit in the Dandenongs if you have more time are the Puffing Billy steam train and more gardens such as Alfred Nicholas and George Tindale .

How to Get There: The Dandenong Ranges are best visited with your own vehicle. We started in the south and worked our way north before heading back to the city. The 1000 Steps are 40km east of Melbourne CBD and take less than an hour to reach. Suggested Tour: This Puffing Billy Train Day Trip also includes a visit to Healesville Animal Sanctuary and this Dandenong Ranges Private Tour includes lunch and a forest walk. 

5) Hanging Rock

Contributed by Chris Fry, The Aquarius Traveller

While you’re visiting the Melbourne region, explore the mysteries and history of Hanging Rock .

This former volcano lies 718 metres above sea level near the small town of Woodend . 

It was created 6 million years ago by magma pouring from a narrow vent in the bedrock and is an excellent example of a mamelon mountain.

The walk up to the summit is only 1.5km long (almost one mile), but you should allow about one hour to explore all the rock formations and admire the views.

As a class 3 track, it is recommended for closed in shoes and for people with some bushwalking experience. Alternatively, in the area there are also wineries, parks, markets, and gardens to visit as well.

What makes Hanging Rock so famous in Australia is that a small group of boarding school girls mysteriously disappeared after a picnic in 1900.

There was a book written about the story in 1967 and a Peter Weir movie produced in 1975, which has ensured the story has survived more generations.

How to Get There: Hanging Rock lies about 70km north of Melbourne city and takes about one hour to get there.

Contributed by Audrey Chalmers from See Geelong

If you’re visiting Melbourne and would like to get out of the city for a while, there’s no easier (or more fun!) day trip than a visit to Geelong .

Located just 75 kilometres south of Melbourne, Geelong is Victoria’s second-largest city, but it still manages to retain a relaxed laid-back vibe that’s perfect for a short getaway from the big city.

Geelong’s biggest drawcard is its magnificent north-facing waterfront.

Offering views across the bay towards the You Yangs and Melbourne this enticing area is filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, and loads of fun activities to keep you busy all day. 

Here you’ll find the Giant Sky Wheel , helicopter and Harley Davidson rides, Segway tours, sailing lessons, and stand-up paddleboarding.

It’s a great family destination with plenty of things for kids to do. In summer head to the waterpark at Eastern Beach where they can splash and swim all day long.

Littlies love the magic of the 1892 hand-carved wooden carousel, the Thomas lookalike train, the Poppy Kettle playground, and the iconic Baywalk Bollard characters.

Geelong is also home to a host of festivals and events. Time your visit right and you can enjoy the Festival of Sails , the largest keelboat regatta in the southern hemisphere, the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival , or the Cadel Evans Road Race .

How to Get There: There are regular VLine rail services from Southern Cross Station to Geelong. Alternatively, the Port Phillip Ferry departs from the Docklands and docks at Cunningham Pier , right in the heart of the waterfront. Suggested Tour: Explore Geelong’s waterfront with this fun and unique Water Bike Coastal Tour experience.

7) Queenscliff – Swim with Dolphins and Seals

Contributed by Natalie & Steve from Curious Campers

Queenscliff is 90 minutes southwest of Melbourne. It sits on one side of the entrance to Port Phillip Bay .

Given its seaside location, when you head to Queenscliff for the day, pack your bathers and towel.

The highlight of visiting Queenscliff is the chance to swim with seals and dolphins . A Seal & Dolphin Swim Tour takes you into Port Philip Bay to meet the resident sea lion colony.

The sea lions are more than eager to come over and say hello—it is one of the most interactive wildlife experiences you’ll have. If you prefer to stay dry, you’ll still get a great view of these inquisitive creatures.

You might also get to swim with dolphins. Even if you don’t jump in the water with them, it is great watching them swim at the bow of the boat.

All your equipment for this half-day tour is included. The experience caters for swimmers of all abilities.

Back at Queenscliff, you can visit the Maritime Museum and get a sense of the town’s naval history.

The Bellarine Railway is also based at Queenscliff and gives you a chance to ride old steam locomotives between Queenscliff and neighbouring towns. The sound and smell of the trains is fantastic!

If you haven’t had enough of the water, nearby Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads have lovely beaches and coastal scenery to explore. They are great for a swim, walk or surf.

How to Get There: If you want to make the journey to Queenscliff part of the adventure, drive to Sorrento on the other side of the bay and take the car ferry across. The one-way fare for your car is $75 (free for bikes!) and $14 adults/ $10 for children 4-15 years old. Suggested Tour: This Seal & Dolphin Swim Tour will give you lots of unique snorkelling opportunities with an expert crew.

8) Point Lonsdale

Contributed by Dean and Laynni of Routinely Nomadic

Located just across Port Phillip Bay within view of Melbourne, historic Point Lonsdale seems much closer than it really is.

An hour and a half by car or two and a half by bus, this classic port town makes a terrific day trip for those who like a little history with their scenery, or a perfect stop along one of the world’s best road trips . 

Yes, Point Lonsdale has great ocean views and a nice beach, although that doesn’t exactly make it unique in Victoria.

What you don’t see every day is a century-old lighthouse that is still in use today. One of the last manned lighthouses in all of Australia, it overlooks “the Rip”, considered one of the most dangerous navigable passages in the world.

Visitors can climb the 120 steps for stunning views across the Victoria Bight to Fort Nepean and you can book a tour (from $8 adults) if you want a closer look at the inside.

Other attractions in Point Lonsdale include a pair of Victorian Heritage Registered buildings, bird-filled Lake Victoria and Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park with great diving and snorkelling.

The legendary Buckley’s Cave is also worth exploring.

Legend has it that a mentally unstable Buckley hid here for decades after escaping the prison in Sorrento. Then one day he simply walked into Melbourne and immediately received a pardon, possibly in honour of his moxie? The stories vary.

Charming little Point Lonsdale has a population of less than 3,000, making it easily explored in a few hours.

How to Get There: The most direct route is to drive down through Geelong, but you can turn it into a loop by taking the scenic ferry journey across between Queenscliff and Sorrento. Suggested Tour: This Full Day Bellarine Peninsula Sightseeing Tour includes a visit to Geelong, the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and even strawberry picking!

9) Mornington Peninsula

Contributed by Monique from Trip Anthropologist

It is only just over an hour from downtown Melbourne to the delightful wineries of the Mornington Peninsula , with their cellar doors, pizza ovens, fine dining, and sculpture parks.

Another 30 minutes further south brings you to the end of the Mornington Peninsula and the towns of Sorrento and Portsea .

The Mornington Peninsula is known for its markets, hot springs, and for snorkelling, diving and hiking.

At the far tip is the intriguing Point Nepean National Park with its Quarantine Station, forts, tunnels, wild surf beaches and quiet bathing spots.

It is free to wander through this entire abandoned town with its dormitories, morgues, cemeteries, leper colonies, and consumptives wards all within a beautiful coastal setting.

The town of Portsea straddles both the Bay and the wild Bass Strait and, like Sorrento, is full of cafes, bars, restaurants and spas. Make sure to look for weedy sea dragons off the Portsea Pier!

Sorrento has wonderful swimming beaches lined with bathing boxes and both a Millionaire’s Walk and an Artists’ Trail .

Accommodation in Portsea and Sorrento is scarce but a day trip gives plenty of time for boating, picnicking, swimming, e-biking, or exploring the shops, wineries, bars and eateries of this beautiful part of southern Victoria. 

How to Get There: The Mornington Peninsula is just over 100km from Melbourne CBD and takes about 90 minutes to drive. By public transport take the train to Frankston then the bus to Sorrento and Portsea. This route is much slower and can take three hours each way. Suggested Tour: The Mornington Peninsula & Hot Springs Tour includes an 8km coastal hike and a soak in natural hot springs. If that sounds too active, this Morning Peninsula Hot Springs and Bathing Boxes Tour visits the hot springs as well as the gondola and colourful bathing boxes. 

10) Ballarat

Contributed by Shae from The Bright Eyed Explorer

Ballarat is most famous for its place in Australian history when gold was discovered in the 1850s and people from all over the world flocked to the area to find their fortune. 

A great way of learning about the history of Ballarat is to head to Sovereign Hill .

One of the most popular attractions in Victoria, Sovereign Hill is a living history museum, presenting the story of Ballarat during the gold rush boom. 

The wealth of the gold rush era is evident today in the Victorian-era style buildings that line Ballarat’s charming streets.

I suggest spending some time walking around Sturt and Lydiard streets which is where you will find art galleries, artisan shops, and the famous Craig’s Hotel .

Food lovers will be impressed by the number and quality of restaurants and cafes that have popped up all over the city, where the focus on locally sourced produce is a highlight.

Equally impressive is the local beer and wine scene. I recommend having a bite to eat and sampling local wines at Mitchell Harris Wines . There are also plenty of great pubs worth trying too.

Lake Wendouree and the Botanical Gardens are lovely to walk around in the spring and summer months.

Worth a visit is the Ballarat Wildlife Park where you can get up close with some native Australian wildlife (yes koalas and kangaroos!).

How to Get There: Ballarat from Melbourne by car will take approximately 1.5 hours from the CBD. Alternatively, the V/Line train service from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne will get you there in just under two hours. Trains run frequently and late into the night. Suggested Tour: If you have limited time then this Sovereign Hill Gold Mining Town Day Trip that includes round-trip transport could be useful.

11) Daylesford

Contributed by Ucman from BrownBoyTravels .

Daylesford is a beautiful town that offers fresh clean air for city dwellers, mineral thermal springs that rejuvenate your skin, and amazing local wines to complement fresh locally produced cuisine.

There are multiple spas rich with mineral thermal water with plenty of options whether you prefer the balmy indoor pools and saunas to perfectly heated water outside.

The city itself features mid 19th-century cottages that have been converted into luxury accommodations giving the city its pristine, idyllic look.

For shopping head to Vincent Street , and if you like architecture, the area around the Town Hall is your spot.

If you are excited by art, head to the Convent Gallery which was described as ‘Australia’s most beautiful art gallery’.

If you prefer nature, head to the shores of Daylesford Lake for a relaxing stroll.

Daylesford has something for everyone and makes for the perfect day trip from Melbourne.

How to Get There: By car it’s 115km and takes under 90 minutes with beautiful views along the way. By public transport, there are frequent trains and buses. A train ride will cost roughly $9–14 whereas the bus will set you back $8–12 and can take up to three hours with connections. Suggested Tour: This Small Group Daylesford Wine Tour can be tailored to a half-day/ full day and includes stops at wineries, distilleries, sights and more.

12) The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is the most famous destination in Victoria and many people want to visit it during their stay in Melbourne.

If you can, I highly recommend allocating at least two or three days to drive this scenic coastal road, but it is possible on a day trip.

To make the most of your day, an early start from Melbourne is key. I recommend taking the inland road via Colac and driving directly to Port Campbell (about 3 hours from Melbourne).

Nearby is the most famous attraction on the Great Ocean Road—the dramatic Twelve Apostles rock stacks that emerge from the ocean.

There are various viewing points only a five-minute walk from the car park.

If you arrive by late morning, you’ll avoid the crowds (the tour groups usually drive the road in the other direction). You can then drive back to Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road.

Other highlights of the drive are the nearby Gibson Steps , Loch Ard Gorge (only five minutes from Twelve Apostles), the seaside town of Apollo Bay , and Kennett River where you can see koalas.

See our Great Ocean Road itinerary for more details. 

How to Get There: You’ll need to drive yourself or take a tour. Expect it to be a long day (at least 12 hours) and you’ll need to be confident driving on winding coastal roads. Suggested Tour: This Great Ocean Road Day Full Day Trip is popular and follows a typical itinerary. If you’d prefer to visit the Twelve Apostles before most of the other tour buses arrive, this Great Ocean Road Reverse Experience heads directly to the highlights via the inland route and then follows the road back to the city. 

13) Phillip Island

Contributed by Sharon from Baby Journey .

One of the most popular day trips from Melbourne is definitely one of the best – visiting Phillip Island .

Located an easy two-hour drive south-east of Melbourne, Phillip Island is most famous for its nightly penguin parade. Around sunset, many fairy penguins come ashore in groups. 

You can watch them from stands in the sand dunes and then walk around on boardwalks looking down as they waddle to their nests for the night. This should be #1 on your Phillip Island hit list.

There are many other attractions for the day time, like Nobbies Centre which is nearby. From here, you can see Australia’s largest fur seal colony or learn about Antarctica at the Antarctic Journey.

If you buy a 4 Park Pass from Phillip Island Nature Parks , you can visit these attractions plus visit the Koala Conservation Centre and spot koalas in the wild and Churchill Island to learn about the history of the place and for fun farm activities.

Adding all these attractions together will give you a fabulous day trip from Melbourne.

How to Get There: Phillip Island is connected to mainland Australia by bridge and is easy to get to by bus or car. The island itself is a reasonable size at 101 square metres and attractions are spread out, so it’s best to travel here by car so you can enjoy all the island has to offer. Suggested Tour: This Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour from Melbourn e includes the koala reserve, beautiful beaches, Nobbies, and of course, the sunset penguin parade. 

14) The Grampians National Park

Contributed by Cassie from Cassie The Hag

The Grampians National Park is a popular day trip from Melbourne, providing a feeling of the true Australian wilderness, as well as specific natural gems.

I recommend heading straight to MacKenzie Falls , one of my favourite waterfalls in Victoria.

There is a fairly steep walk down to the 35-metre waterfall which is 2km return, but then you can enjoy the scenery and relax.

Alternatively, there is a separate 2km walk to the top lookout point with no steps. This is the must-see of any visit to the Grampians National Park . 

There are also many lookout points within the Grampians, a great way to witness the endless bush and significant rocky features within the valley such as ‘ Halls Gap ’.

You can drive directly to some, such as the Boroka Lookout or view them during a trek such as The Pinnacles Hike .

The Balconies is also an easy 1km walk, making it a good option for a day trip.

The Hollow Mountain walk is only just over 2km but is more of a difficult option with rocky boulders and drops—one for the more experienced hikers. 

Most activities are free, aside from gas, though more difficult hikes may be best to do with a guide.

Despite the long drive, coming back to Melbourne at sunset is a wonderful time to spot hundreds of kangaroos who tend to graze here. I also spotted wild emus and (yikes) a brown snake.

How to Get There: At a three-hour drive from Melbourne, you’ll have to leave early, and the best way to get there is by car. Suggested Tour: This Grampians National Park Great Escape Tour from Melbourne includes MacKenzie Falls and the Boroka Lookout. 

• The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Itinerary
• The Perfect Weekend in Brisbane Itinerary
• 19 Amazing Things to Do on North Stradbroke Island
• 23 Fun Things to Do in Caloundra

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Hi, Australia is one of the best places to Explore and in Australia Melbourne is one of my favorite cities to travel, to next year I will plan a long trip to Melbourne. Thank You for sharing this information with us.

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The 8 BEST Day Trips from Melbourne (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: January 3, 2024

Planning to visit Victoria’s capital? Make sure to check out these 8 day trips from Melbourne during your stay!

From the incredible culinary delights of the Yarra Valley to the adorable penguins of Phillip Island and iconic sights like Loch Ard Gorge on the Great Ocean Road, there are some seriously awesome day trips to be done from Melbourne.

Yes, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Melbourne when it comes to culture, food, arts & so much more.

But don’t let that stop you from checking out some of the best day trips from Melbourne.

Table of Contents

What to do on the Great Ocean Road

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Having spent a bunch of time in Melbourne, and explored a lot of the state of Victoria, it’s my pleasure to bring you this list of the best day trips from Melbourne based on my personal experience.

1. The Great Ocean Road

This is perhaps one of the most iconic stretches of road in Australia and maybe even the southern hemisphere.

The Great Ocean Road is a national heritage-listed length of road that runs along the southeastern coast of Australia.

Only 2.5 hours from downtown Melbourne and stretching nearly 250km, the Great Ocean Road is a top day trip and road trip in Australia.

No matter if you opt for a tour or self-drive road trip, you’ll be seeing one of the most amazing places in all of Australia.

Want more information? Here’s our detailed Great Ocean Road drive itinerary .

What makes this such a great day trip from Melbourne is the variety of different activities along the way.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, there’s nothing to worry about.

With dozens of tour operators offering Melbourne day tours to the Great Ocean Road, you won’t miss out.

These guys are the best in my opinion , and you’ll get to experience everything there is to see (and more)!

The landscapes along the Great Ocean Road vary from one winding road to the next.

You’ll road trip along the coast, through beautiful forests and through charming seaside towns during this day trip.

If you head out on an organized tour the stops will be chosen for you, but will likely include all the must-see locations.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Bell’s Beach is a must for any surfer in the group. Made famous for its incredible swells, Bells Beach is located near the town of Torquay and makes for a great stop for an avid surfer, or those wanting to learn.

Apollo Bay is another brilliant spot for a beach walk or catch a few waves.

When it comes to spectacular landscapes, the Great Ocean Road has a few from which to choose.

Lord Arch Gorge is part of the Port Campbell National Park and is a breathtaking sight. Loch Ard Gorge and named after a ship that ran aground here in 1878.

While the arch has since collapsed leaving 2 stone pillars inside Loch Ard Gorge, the views from the lookout and within the national park are still spectacular.

This is one of the most gorgeous spots on a day trip from Melbourne!

The Twelve Apostles are a collection of limestone stacks within the same park as Lord Arch Gorge and one of the most impressive locations in Australia.

For a more unique view, there are helicopter flights that take off from here and bring people over the apostles for one of the best views possible.

Great Otway National Park is massive and covers a huge portion of the Great Ocean Road.

You’ll find beautiful waterfalls, ancient and lush rainforests, gorgeous beaches and if you’re lucky, some native Australian animals like koalas up in the trees. 

Driving the Great Ocean Road can definitely be done in a day, but if you have two days, even better!

Why not consider staying the night along the way, so you can take your time and check out all the best spots on this day trip?

The Apollo Bay Eco has a fantastic outdoor area with a bbq and has a gorgeous common area with a fireplace to relax after a day out exploring the beaches and National Parks nearby.

Right across the street from Fisherman’s beach in Torquay is the beautiful Beachfront Resort Torquay with a central location and fantastic amenities. This place is perfect for day trips from Melbourne.

2. Yarra Valley

Only 25km from central Melbourne and you’ll be immersed in some of the country’s most beautiful scenery and top-rated wine tasting.

Accessible by car, train and public bus (the number 364) this is the perfect Melbourne day trip if you’re short on time.

Home to some of the country’s best wineries, world-class restaurants, spectacular views and some fantastic activities.

Whether you’re looking for a perfect spa day getaway from the city, to get out into nature or even take up to the skies in a hot air balloon, this day trip from Melbourne has a multitude of activities for everyone.

READ MORE: Don’t miss out on this guide to spending the perfect 3 days in Melbourne !

A perfect Melbourne day tour worth taking advantage of is the Yarra Valley Wine, Cider and Chocolate day tour . Get picked up at your hotel in Melbourne and be whisked away for a day of decadence.

Visit multiple wineries for wine tasting and visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie all from the comfort of a vehicle you don’t have to drive.

If you’re travelling with your own vehicle you can still do a tour of the wineries. But you’ll need a designated driver if you’re wine tasting of course.

You can get a reliable, cheap rental car here .

With over 80 wineries in the region to choose from, here are a few must-visit stops that are worth checking out.

Zonzo Estate is a fine dining estate with spectacular views and a focus on Italian dining.

The Stables at Stones is a charming and rustic looking red brick building with a seasonal menu and fantastic wine pairings.

TarraWarra Estate boasts the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the region and also the best views from atop a lush green hill.

On top of the wine tastings, there are also several distilleries in the Yarra Valley including Four Pillars, Levantine Hill, and Domaine Chandon for all those champagne lovers. 

For an exceptionally unique experience in the area and one of the best things to do in Melbourne, take a hot air balloon flight.

Visiting Melbourne in the winter? Never fear, one of the best Melbourne day trips includes a visit to Lake Mountain .

This is the most affordable alpine ski location close to Melbourne and offers something for everyone visiting.

If skiing/snowboarding aren’t for you there are several beautiful winter walking trails at Lake Mountain to get you out into the great outdoors.

If you’re looking for a place for a little rest and relaxation Natskin Day Spa is where it’s at.

Indulge in massages, facials and even hydrotherapy treatments all in a rustic and gorgeous setting in the Yarra Valley.

Make the most of the delicious wine and food, and don’t worry about heading back to the city by staying the night amongst the natural beauty of the area!

Deville At Healesville offers lovely rooms, with views of the lush wine region with the added bonus of add on packages including incredible massages at the spa.

3. Ballarat

Ballarat is one of the biggest cities outside of Melbourne, and also a city overflowing with history.

If you love history, then you’ll absolutely love what is arguably one of the top day trips from Melbourne!

It was made famous in the 1850s for its historic gold rush, and the news spread quickly around the country of the findings.

Immerse yourself in medieval history, learn more about Australia’s history, or take a trip back into history if you fancy.

While this day trip from Melbourne is one of the most historical, there is no shortage of outdoor activities either.

Visit Lake Wendouree , stroll through the botanical gardens or maybe stop in at Black Hill Reserve .

No matter what your reason for coming to this part of Australia you’ll leave having done some of the best Melbourne sightseeing without having gone too far from the city.

One of the most popular sites in terms of Ballarat sightseeing is definitely Sovereign Hill .

Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum which depicts the gold rush of the 1850s and costumed staff in character and 60 historically modelled buildings.

You can try your hand at panning for gold, go on an underground tour of Red Hill Mine, or take in the incredible light show recounting the Eureka Uprising of 1854.

You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time in Sovereign Hill with the old trams, horse-drawn carriages and wild west vibe.

For those seeking a trip a little further back in history, Kyral Castle should be on your list in addition to Sovereign Hill.

This replica of a medieval castle is actually an adventure park with incredible exhibits, carnival games and even a jousting arena.

Test your strength as you try to remove the sword in the stone, cross the drawbridge over the moat and into a land full of dragons, princesses and knights, or check out the torture dungeon if you dare.

For nature lovers looking for something a bit more outdoorsy, make your way to Lake Wendouree , a popular spot on day trips from Melbourne.

What was once only a stream, turned swamp and now a recreational lake in Ballarat is home to multiple boating activities and walking trails.

This is also where the Ballarat Botanical Gardens are found which are beautiful for a stroll.

If you’re searching for something a little more challenging with the best reward, head out to Black Hill Reserve. This urban park has a 500-meter hill to climb with panoramic views at the top well worth the climb.

A perfect mix of history and new age, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E) is a great way to learn more about this part of Ballarat history.

Through a mix of digital technologies, historic artifacts and various art installations visitors will be able to learn more about the Eureka Rebellion of 1854.

Situated opposite to the iconic and historic Sovereign Hill, the Mercure Ballarat Hotel is equal parts iconic and charm itself.

With a lake right behind the hotel and a beautiful array of guest rooms, this is the perfect place to stop in and relax on day trips from Melbourne Day.

READ MORE: Plan your trip to Australia with our comprehensive Australia Travel Guide .

4. The Grampians National Park

This is the perfect Melbourne day trip for nature lovers looking to escape the city and head into the great outdoors.

The Grampians National Park is about 260 km west of Melbourne and can be done with your own vehicle or as part of a tour.

Proclaimed as a National Park in 1984 and listed as an Australian Heritage site in 2006 this National Park features a series of incredible sandstone mountains.

One of the richest indigenous rock art sites in South Eastern Australia, The Grampians are full of incredible natural beauty and historic Aboriginal cultural associations.

There’s more to do here than just hiking too. Take in the lookout points, visit the Cultural Center, take in the Hamilton Gallery and all its beautiful works of art, and check out the amazing waterfalls.

Check out our latest guide on the best Grampians walks !

First and foremost- hike! The Grampians offer tons of trails for every level of hiker looking to explore.

There’s the Venus Baths Loop and The Balconies walk which are both relatively flat and under 2km.

If you’re up to it, the more challenging half-day Wonderland Loop Hike takes you through Venus Baths, Silent Street, The Pinnacle and The Grand Canyon.

No matter how much time you have or what your level of fitness is there really is a trail for everyone to enjoy the park and the views.

No wonder it is known to be one of the best day trips from Melbourne!

If you want to learn a little bit more about the history of the Grampians or find out more about the Aboriginal artwork here then headfirst for The Ngamadjidj Aboriginal Art Shelter .

Here you’ll find preserved works of art stretching the decades and get a real sense for the people who once inhabited this part of the country.

The J Ward Museum was once a prison transformed into a maximum-security psychiatric facility for the criminally insane.  

Take a ghost tour and dive deep into the ever so dark history of this place.

If you’re into art then check out the Hamilton Gallery which showcases over 8000 pieces of art from Europe, Australia and Asia.

While the Grampians are made of sandstone, quite dry and golden in colour that doesn’t mean there isn’t a waterfall to be found.

Sadly, swimming is no longer permitted here (for safety reasons) but the viewing platform is perfectly positioned for a great view of the falls.

The viewing platform is accessible from the car park making it perfect for even those with limited mobility.

But if you want an even better view there is a 2km return trail that will bring you to the base of the falls and give you an even better view.

A favourite hike for photographers at sunrise or sunset would be The Balconies , which take you through rocky outcroppings and forest until you reach the top to find views out over the Victoria Valley.

While exploring nature, you may even spot some native Australian animals like kangaroos, echidnas, or wombats.

Grampians Eco YHA is a hostel that makes the perfect base to explore the Grampians National Park during a day trip. An eco-friendly and sustainable design, free parking and a veg garden for cooking make it the best budget option.

The Gariwerd Motel is the perfect hotel in the most beautiful of locations just 700 meters from the centre of Halls Gap. Communal kitchen areas, free to use bbq’s for guests, a beautiful location and even fire pits to enjoy in the evening.

5. Wilsons Promontory National Park

Also known as Wilsons Prom, this marine national park is one of Australia’s most rugged and beautiful to visit. It’s also one of the best day trips from Melbourne!

Officially opened as a national park in 1898 and stretching over 50 000 hectares this is one of Victoria’s largest coastal wilderness areas to be explored.

The massive park appeals to everyone no matter what their taste might be. From glamping to camping, spectacular viewpoints, multi-day hiking trails or just a lazy day out on the beach.

Rainforest walks in Lilly Pilly Gully . Sand dune adventures at Big Drift . Beach hopping, wildlife spotting bushwalking, hiking and so so much more.

One of the highlights of things to do in Melbourne is getting out to Wilsons Promontory National Park because of the serious amount of awesome things to do here.

Everyone needs at least one beach day during a holiday. So why not make your day trip to Wilsons Prom a beach-hopping day trip from Melbourne?

If you want a beach with an epic view, of the impressive Mt Oberon, stop in at Norman Beach .

Follow a less than picturesque trail until you hit golden sand and you’ll be there. One of the largest beaches in the national park is perfect for anyone looking to have a beach (almost) all to themselves.

Whisky Bay & Picnic Bay are perfect for catching some views as well as some waves.

Be sure to listen carefully when you set foot on Squeaky Beach . The squishy sand here sounds a lot like rain boots in the mud as you make your way across the sand, and also has a slightly marbled effect too.

Squeaky Beach is a great place to set up camp during day trips. Catch a wave or climb atop some of the massive rocks here for a better view. 

Get stuck into the sand dunes at Big Drift, just a short walk from the Stockyard campsite this is a little bit of a hidden gem too.

Grab a boogie board and sandboard down or try your luck at running up, it’s harder than it looks. These beautiful golden sand dunes are something to be marvelled at.

For those looking for something straightforward and not too strenuous set foot onto the Darby Saddle to Sparkes Lookout. Offering both coastal views and stunning rainforest sections this a great trail with a beautiful view as a reward.

The Mt.Oberon summit walk is a leg burner but trust the pain because the panoramic views at the top are more than worth the ache.

If you have the time and the equipment The South Eastern Circuit can be done in 2 days and 1 night and is the most popular for longer hikes.

When it comes to opportunities to spot wildlife in Wilsons Promontory National Park there are quite a few places to choose from.

As the world’s southernmost mangroves, Millers Point is one of the lesser-visited spots in the park but one that is home to iconic and rare black swans.

At Refuge Cove you can grab a boat tour or watch from the shoreline for dolphins, sharks, whales and even little penguins and albatross.

A short and easy walk in the park is the Wilsons Prom Wildlife Walk , which is great for spotting kangaroos, wallabies, and even emus.

Looking to grab a photo or two of an adorable wombat? Head for the Loo-Errn near Tidal River for your best chance. 

For a chance to experience a real rainforest during your day trip, look to head to Lilly Pilly Gully.

This location is perfect if you arrive at Wilsons Promontory on a day when visibility is poor and viewpoints may not be worth the climbs.

In the town of Yanakie, you’ll find The Olivi Hotel the perfect rest spot after your Melbourne day trip to Wilsons Promontory National Park.

With free bike rentals, you’ll be able to explore the town, a terrace, an onsite lounge and a restaurant plus beautiful rooms.

Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads .

6. Melbourne Day Trips – Mornington Peninsula

Pack your bags, load up the car, or grab the train from Flinders Street to Frankton and hop on the 781 bus to head to the coast. This is one of the most accessible day trips from Melbourne.

The Mornington Peninsula can also be reached as part of a Melbourne day tour so there is no reason for you to miss out on the beautiful colours of the Australian seaside.

This spot is high on the list of locals and often residents of Melbourne have holiday homes here. It encircles the Port Phillip Bay, just east of the city.

From the incredible coastline of golden beaches against the turquoise sea, beautiful wineries, and the chance to experience fantastic watersports, Mornington is really a top choice for anyone in need of a break from city life.

Hop on the gondola for spectacular views, grab a wetsuit and some fins to explore below the surf, relax at the Peninsula Hot Springs or check out the beautiful beach boxes.

No matter your reason for visiting this is one of the top Melbourne attractions that should not be missed.

If you want to make the most of your day trip to the Mornington Peninsula, book yourself into a day tour from Melbourne .

One of the most visited spots along the Mornington Peninsula is definitely the charming town of Portsea on the tip of Port Phillip Bay.

While the town itself is quite small, it’s known for its beautiful bay and the vibrant coloured beach boxes that look out on the ocean.

Other seaside destinations on the Peninsula include Rosebud, Dromana, and Mount Eliza .

No visit to the seaside is complete without a day in or on the water right?

If you’re after a fun-filled adventure in a kayak or on a paddleboard check out any number of watersport outfitters in the area to rent a board or a boat and get a whole new view of the peninsula.

Or grab some fins and dive down to see what lies under the sea.

If you’re a little more partial to being on the water instead of in the water head to the town of Sorrento and grab yourself a ticket on any number of different boat trips offered.

The Peninsula Hot Springs are a top choice if you need a little relaxation during your day trip.

At Peninsula Hot Springs, natural thermal minerals run into the pools and private baths here in the most beautiful of locations.

Choose from one of the 50 different public baths or book a private pool in a group.

For photographers and those looking to stretch their legs, be sure to stop in at the Cape Schanck Lighthouse . Dating back to 1859 this beautiful white lighthouse that visitors can walk up to get incredible views over the Bass Strait.

There is a walking trail out to the lighthouse and towards the beach where you may even get the chance to see whales if you visit during the right time of year.

Then there is the Mornington Peninsula National Park to go off and explore.

For a bit of a challenge, take on the 2-day coast walk from Cape Schanck Lighthouse to London Bridge which will take you along the entire coastline.

Shorter tracks include The FranFarnsworth Track and The Coppins Track both with beautiful views of the coastline and trails near the surrounding bushland.

Ryeback Beach is perfect for a lazy day laying in the sand and surf enthusiasts should be sure not to miss out on the swells at Gunnamatta Beach .

Anyone in your group a keener for a good view? If the answer is yes, head up to Arthur’s Seat Eagle .

After a 15-minute gondola ride you’ll be up at the summit and looking down from over 300 meters above the National Park.

Located in the beautiful area of Mount Eliza, Norwood House is not only a fabulous accommodation choice for a day trip from Melbourne, but also one with a spectacular view.

While relatively small with 15 rooms, nothing has been spared to keep guests comfortable and relaxed after a day out exploring the Peninsula.

7. Mount Buller

Just because you’re visiting Australia doesn’t mean you have to throw your love of snow out the window.

Mount Buller is a resort village in Eastern Victoria just under 3 hour’s drive from Melbourne.

If you’re looking for winter road trips from Melbourne, this day trip up the mountain is perfect.

Never fear if you are skipping winter all together because there is still a ton to do here in summer as well.

Halfway between temperate and subarctic climates, this means the summers are mild and perfect for hiking and mountain biking.

While the mild but snowy winters make for great skiing/snowboarding adventures up on the slopes.

With your own vehicle, it’s a fairly straight forward drive from Melbourne up into the mountains and it’s one of the area’s most scenic road trips.

If you’re embarking on day trips without a car, there are a few transportation options to get you up to the slopes including V Line buses which leave from the city centre daily.

A day trip from Melbourne to Mount Bueller in the winter (June – August) would not be complete without some time on the slopes.

With runs on both the North and South sides of the mountain, there are tons to choose from for everyone.

For the experts check out Slalom Gully or The FastOne .

And for those just starting out the Baldy and Bourke Street runs are the perfect starters. 

If the downhill scene isn’t for you there are some great cross country trails to explore too.

With 4 different terrain parks, this is where all adrenaline junkies should stop off first at Mount Buller.

Summit Park boasts the biggest and highest jumps in the park.

Koflers Park is perfect for those testing things out and seeing what freestyle is all about.

Skyline Park is that happy medium between the two.

Summer is a whole different experience at Mount Buller.

One of the biggest events hosted up on the mountain when the snow starts to melt is the Bike Buller Festival .

Over a 3 day weekend in March hundreds of bikes take to the trails in some amazing courses.

Several other bike events and festivals take place here over the summer months and it’s worth checking out their site for more details .

The Summit Nature Walk is a 4 km return where you’ll be able to see so many beautiful plants and flowers, as well as a spectacular view from the top of the trail too.

Little Mt Buller track might be little in name but is big on views. At 16km return, you’ll go up and over some gorgeous ridges giving you glimpses of the view below and once you make it to the top the views are even better.

Stop in at the National Alpine Museum of Australia to learn more about Australia’s alpine regions. The museum boasts over 15000 artifacts depicting winter sports in Australia, the history of how they came to be in the country plus lots of cool stories of achievement in sport.

If the spa is more your speed then The Breathtaker on High spa is ideal for a day of relaxation. Indulge in a massage, facial, body scrub or various water therapy treatments at this eco-friendly spa.

And if you still want to catch the views with minimal effort why not grab a seat on the chairlift that continues to run in the Summer to take advantage of those beautiful blue sky views.

Not too far from Mount Buller village means everything is practically on your doorstep at The Alpine Retreat This cozy hotel has a highly-rated restaurant and a pool and hot tub so you can relax and refuel after a day on the slopes.

READ MORE: Plan a trip to Tasmania with this 2-week Tasmania itinerary !

8. Phillip Island

A popular Melbourne day trip option is Philip Island, with beautiful golden beaches and adorable little penguins to be seen.

The island was named after Governor Arthur Phillip who sailed on the first open whaleboat from Sydney in the 1700s.

Phillip Island is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and a highlight for anyone looking to experience some incredible Australian wildlife, beautiful scenery and a stunning coastline.

Wicked good surf spots, the penguin parade and the Grand Prix circuit and so much more are all reasons to visit the island.

Something that has made the island famous, are adorable little penguins. Their actual name has everything to do with their size, and visitors can witness an amazing sight each night after sunset.

The Phillip Island Nature Park has an adorably named penguin parade each night where you can see these beautiful creatures return to land from a day in the water. The penguin parade itself is a highlight of day trips from Melbourne.

There are interactive and educational displays and talks at the nature park as well as VIP and guided tours to book in on if you want a more unique experience.

This conservation park prides itself on creating a safe and sustainable environment where people can come and learn about these local penguins, and the penguin parade truly is a magical sight to be seen.

If you’re a wildlife lover, also check out the Phillip Island Wildlife Park to learn more about conservation and animals.

If you opt to head out to Phillip Island on an organized day trip from Melbourne there is a good chance you’ll be taken to Nobbies Center .

At the tip of the Island, you’ll find Point Grant and Nobbies which is an eco-tourism location.

The centre is operated by the Phillip Island Nature Park and is home to some spectacular walking tracks along the coast.

Australia’s largest fur seal colony calls the rocks at Nobbies home, and during the Spring and Summer months, you can even see silver gull chicks and their nesting mothers.

Walk out to the edge of the coastline to see the impressive blowhole and just take in the sea air as you look out over the vast scene in front of you.

If you have the need for speed head over to the Phillip Island Circuit . Host to most major motorsport events including the World Superbike and Moto GP.

You can take go-karts out on the track or even go for a private race session with a driver or just tour the track. Phillip Island is one of the best, most adventurous day trips from Melbourne.

The Island Accommodation is a backpacker designed with an eco-friendly design to reduce energy and water consumption all while keeping guests happy and cozy.  Just a stone’s throw from the beaches and shops, plus the hostel has an awesome patio to soak in all the views of the island.

After finishing up an epic day trip from Melbourne, check into the Silverwater Resort .

With resort apartments with up to 3 bedrooms, multiple sports courts, a solar-heated outdoor pool and several restaurants it’s the perfect spot after a day of exploring.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Laura Oxley

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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17 Great Day Trips from Melbourne in 2024: Beaches, Bushland and Small Towns

Looking for some great day trips from Melbourne? With so much to do in Australia’s Capital of Culture, you can easily spend 3 days in Melbourne , a week, or even longer – it’ll be hard to drag yourself away. But there are also so many gorgeous places outside the city to explore, and I highly encourage you to do just that.

Within an hour you can be in one of Australia’s premier wine regions, within two hours you can be by gorgeous beaches or spotting wildlife (penguins! koalas!), and within a few more hours you can be in a heritage-listed national park.

As a Melbourne local, I’ve explored all over Victoria, and these are my favourite places to visit near Melbourne.

So, if you want to explore some of these spots, here are the best Melbourne day trips. Make sure you add a few extra days to your Melbourne itinerary so that you can squeeze one or two of these day trips in!

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

What's in this article (Click to view)

How to do these Melbourne day trips

While Melbourne has an extensive public transport network , it’s going to be difficult to do most of these day trips without your own car. There may be buses or trains that can get you to the towns listed here, but once you’re there you’ll have to rely on local public transport (which may be limited) or taxis (Ubers don’t exist in most of the smaller towns).

Because of that, I highly recommend doing day trips from Melbourne by car. Most of the well-known car rental brands have branches in the Melbourne CBD (central business district); check out DiscoverCars for options and pricing. You can rent automatic and manual cars.

Remember, if you’re visiting Melbourne from overseas, we drive on the left-hand side here in Australia!

An alternative is to rent a car for the day through Popcar . Popcar is a local car-sharing company that allows members to access cars on an hourly or daily basis.

It’s a great option for locals who want to take day trips from Melbourne but don’t have a car (and don’t want to deal with hassles like insurance, car payments and petrol). And it’s also great for people visiting Melbourne who want access to a car for just a day or two. There’s a fuel card in each car so you don’t even need to pay for petrol, and there are plenty of convenient Popcar locations around Melbourne.

Some roads to these day trip destinations will have tolls – if you’re renting a car or hiring a car through Popcar, you’ll be billed separately for these tolls (which can cost between $2 and $10 each). Alternatively, go into your Google maps settings to switch the route to avoid tolls.

However, if you’d prefer to relax and let someone else do the driving for you, I’ve also suggested some Melbourne day tours for these awesome day trip destinations (where available).

Melbourne day trips map

If you’re not familiar with Victoria, here’s a map that shows the location of each of these day trips around Melbourne.

Day trips under 1 hour from Melbourne

1. yarra valley.

Distance from CBD: 58km / 1 hour

There aren’t many cities that can boast a world-renowned wine region just under an hour from its doorstep. Well, Melbourne can. One of Australia’s best wine regions, the Yarra Valley, is just a short drive from the CBD, making it an easy day trip from Melbourne.

The Yarra Valley is known for its Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varietals. The fertile soils here have been producing award-winning wines since the first grapes were planted back in the 1830s.

But it’s not just wines that the area is famous for – the rolling hills are also home to fruit and vegetable production and cheese and dairy products.

Don’t miss:

• The wineries of course! With more than 300 wineries, you’ll have to make some difficult decisions to whittle down to a list of places to visit in one day. A few popular ones are Yering Station , Oakridge , Giant Steps and TarraWarra
• Taking a hot air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley at sunrise (book online here )
• Tasting cheeses at Yarra Valley Dairy, and ice cream and chocolates at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
• Dining in style at a winery like TarraWarra, Ezard at Levantine Hill or Yering Station, or something more casual at Innocent Bystander

Best time to visit the Yarra Valley:

Year-round, although it’s of course a little chillier in the Yarra Valley during winter. Check ahead of time to make sure wineries are open during your visit. Some only open on certain days of the week, or require reservations in advance. Do the planning ahead to avoid being disappointed!

How to get to the Yarra Valley:

You’ll need a car to get here – public transport won’t get you to the cellar doors, unfortunately. Of course, be safe and make sure someone’s the designated driver!

Guided option: Stay safe and hire a driver or join a Melbourne Yarra Valley wine tour like this one which includes visits to 4 wineries, lunch and chocolate tasting, or this day trip to 3 wineries, or this day tour to sample wine, cheese and chocolate.

2. Healesville

Distance from CBD: 65km/1.25 hours

If you want to see wildlife in Australia, then head to Healesville and the famous Healesville Sanctuary.

This renowned wildlife park is dedicated to the preservation and display of Australia’s unique fauna. Visitors can get up close and personal with iconic Australian animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats and platypuses.

Beyond the wildlife, Healesville is also home to some great pubs and distilleries, so plan your trip to the Healesville Sanctuary around lunch. Healesville is in the Yarra Valley, so you can also combine a trip here with visits to the wineries I mentioned earlier.

• Seeing wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary like kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, dingoes, platypuses and native birds (book tickets online here )
• Wandering around Healesville to get a taste of country Australia – stop in at the stores selling local produce, have lunch at a pub or check out the Four Pillars Gin Distillery
• A favourite of mine, the Healesville Hotel has recently undergone a huge reno, making this gastropub even better

Best time to visit Healesville:

Healesville is a great destination year-round. Winters are cold out here. Weekends are particularly busy, so if you want to avoid the crowds, head to the Healesville Sanctuary during the week (just check that restaurants are open).

How to get to Healesville

Healesville is an easy drive from the city. If you’re intent on public transport, you can take a train to Lilydale and then a bus, but it’ll take around 2 hours.

Guided option: Book a tour to Healesville and combine it with other Melbourne attractions like Puffing Billy. This tour combines both with air-conditioned pick-up from the CBD.

3. Dandenong Ranges

Distance from CBD: 50km / 1 hour

The Dandenong Ranges offers a quick escape to nature from the city. An hour east of the city you’ll find great hikes, city views, cute villages and gorgeous gardens to explore.

This area has something for everyone. Hiking? There’s the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Foodie experience? No problem – there are plenty of restaurants and farmgates to visit. Shopping? Check out the boutiques in towns like Olinda and Sassafras. Travelling with kids? Get them on board a historic steam train.

• Taking a ride on the century-old Puffing Billy – this steam train ride through lush temperate rainforest is one of the best things to do in Melbourne with kids (and big kids!)
• Stopping for Devonshire tea at Miss Marple’s Tea Room
• Exploring the sculptures carved into tree trunks and rocks at tranquil William Ricketts Sanctuary or wandering through the picturesque Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
• The great views of the Melbourne skyline from SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
• Hiking through the Dandenong Ranges National Park – the 1000 Steps walk is a 3-kilometre track with plaques that commemorate the soldiers who fought and died on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea (if you want to know what it’s like trekking the real Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, then read here !)
• Walking the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track between Sassafras and Emerald – this 15km hike takes 5-6 hours, so this is a day trip in itself!

Best time to visit the Dandenong Ranges:

You can visit the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding area year-round, but rug up in winter. At any time of year, it’s generally a few degrees cooler here than it will be in the city. This is where I live, so I know!

Insider tip: It’s usually very busy here on weekends, especially if the weather is nice, so plan to get here earlier in the day. You’ll find it much quieter during the week.

How to get to the Dandenong Ranges:

Depending on where you want to visit, you can catch public transport to train stations like Belgrave, Upper Ferntree Gully or Croydon, and then walk or bus from there. But if you want to really explore the area at your own pace, then having your own wheels is the best to way to visit the Dandenong Ranges.

Guided option: Although the Dandenong Ranges is just a short drive from the Melbourne CBD, you can leave the planning to someone else on this tour that covers both Puffing Billy and the incredible Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary

4. Macedon Ranges

Distance from CBD: 65km / 1 hour

Less than one hour’s drive northwest of Melbourne is the underrated region of the Macedon Ranges. I’d venture that not many tourists make it up this way when they visit Melbourne, but if you do make the effort, you’ll discover charming towns filled with wineries, restaurants serving up local produce, plenty of outdoor activities and the laidback vibe of country Victoria.

• Taking the scenic drive to the summit of Mt Macedon – especially stunning at sunset
• Exploring the almost 30 cellar doors in the region, including Hanging Rock Winery and Mount Macedon Winery
• Visiting mysterious Hanging Rock, famous for being the location where a group of schoolgirls disappeared mysteriously in 1900 (the story’s actually not true, but because of the Peter Weir movie Picnic at Hanging Rock, most Australians think it is!). You can hike to the peak, which takes about 30 minutes
• Seeing Victoria’s longest single drop waterfall at Trentham Falls – these falls are gorgeous and just a short walk to get to
• Trekking with llamas – yes really!

Best time to visit the Macedon Ranges:

You can visit the Macedon Ranges year-round, but it’s especially beautiful during autumn (Fall) when the leaves start changing colour.

How to get to the Macedon Ranges:

The Macedon Ranges is a region, so if you’re planning to visit a few of the things I’ve just mentioned, you’ll need a car to see them all. Alternatively, if you plan to visit just one town in the region – Trentham or Woodend, for example – you can reach those towns by train from Melbourne.

Melbourne day trips 1-2 hours away

5. mornington peninsula.

Distance from CBD: 75km / 1.5 hours

For such a small slice of land, there’s actually so much to do around the Mornington Peninsula – you could easily turn a visit to the region into multiple day trips or a weekend away.

The Mornington Peninsula is just 1.5 hours from Melbourne city and is a collection of seaside villages ranging from family-friendly beaches to high-end resort areas. There are wineries, art galleries, great bushwalks, and plenty of cafés, restaurants and bars.

• Taking a walk or two through the almost 3,000-hectare Mornington Peninsula National Park, or exploring the military forts and tunnels and former quarantine station of Point Nepean National Park
• Spending some time on the beach – Sorrento Back Beach, Mt Martha and Safety Beach are all good choices, but I’d actually spend the day exploring all the beaches around the peninsula if you have the time!
• Spending a day lazing about in one of the natural springs or pampering yourself with a massage at Peninsula Hot Springs or Alba
• Taking a few pics at the colourful beach bathing boxes that dot the various beaches around the peninsula
• Checking out upscale Sorrento and Portsea for some boutique shopping
• Exploring the wineries around Red Hill – Pt. Leo Estate has a spectacular sculpture garden and two great restaurants, while Montalto and Ten Minutes by Tractor are two other well-regarded wineries in the region
• Getting a great view from Arthurs Seat, either from the various roadside lookouts or from a gondola on the Arthurs Seat Eagle
• Tasting some locally made gin – or even make up your own concoction! – at Bass and Flinders Distillery

Best time to visit the Mornington Peninsula:

Year-round, but it’s very busy during the summer holidays (the week before Christmas to the end of January). Beach car parks are usually full by mid-morning and there are lines for restaurants and cafés. Traffic can bank up for kilometres, so factor traffic jams into your Mornington Peninsula day trip planning.

How to get to the Mornington Peninsula:

A car is going to be the easiest way to get to and around the Mornington Peninsula. You can catch trains from the Melbourne CBD (head to Frankston, Hastings or Stony Point) and then you’ll need to use local bus services, which makes it convoluted and time consuming.

Guided option: There are several tours of the Mornington Peninsula that include transportation from Melbourne. Here are a few that I found online:

• Sightseeing Tour with Bay Sailing – enjoy the sights of the Mornington Peninsula from land and the water
• Mornington Peninsula and Hot Springs Tour – this active day trip includes taking in the views from Arthurs Seat, an 8-kilometre hike and then a soak in the Peninsula Hot Springs 
• Mornington Peninsula Food and Wine Taste Trail – explore the Mornington Peninsula’s culinary side on this full-day tour

6. Bellarine Peninsula

Distance from CBD: 92km / 1.5 hours

On the opposite side of the bay to the Mornington Peninsula is the Bellarine Peninsula, two spits reaching out to each other like arms in a big hug. Like the Mornington Pensinsula, the Bellarine Peninsula is a popular place for summer holidays, offering surf, beaches, historic towns and wineries.

• Stopping at each of the towns around the peninsula and picking your favourite. Visit Queenscliff, Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and Portarlington, to name just a few
• Hitting up one or two of the many beaches around this coastal region
• Visiting the Queenscliff Maritime Museum to learn about the area’s marine history
• Touring Fort Queenscliff , built to defend Port Phillip (and Melbourne)
• Checking out the wineries around the Bellarine: Jack Rabbit , Oakdene (with an upside down house!) and Scotchmans Hill are top picks

Best time to visit the Bellarine Peninsula:

Like the Mornington Peninsula, you can visit the Bellarine Peninsula year-round, although it’s cold in the winter months and you won’t even want to dip a toe into the water! During summer, the beaches are packed.

How to get to the Bellarine Peninsula:

Again, a car is going to be the most efficient way to get down to the Bellarine Peninsula. For public transport, you’ll need to get to Geelong (via V/Line train) and then take a bus/es to where you want to go, limiting yourself to what you can see and do in a day.

A fun way to get down here is the ferry – jump on board at Dockalnds in Melbourne and alight at Portarlington. Check tickets here , and you can even arrange a full-day tour with transfers included.

Guided option: Here are some tours that I’ve found online:

• Around the Bay Food and Wine Taste Trail – hit both the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas on this foodie tour of the region
• Bay Sightseeing and Ferry Ride with Lunch – spend a full day exploring with stops at a brewery, scenic lookouts and the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre

7. Daylesford and Hepburn Springs

Distance from CBD: 112km / 1.5 hours

Rejuvenate yourself in the natural mineral waters that bubble up from the ground in the areas around the two towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. These two towns are a great day trip from Melbourne, offering relaxation, great food and a New Age vibe.

This is one of my favourite day trips from Melbourne – although I’ve only ever visited here on weekends away, actually!

• Soaking at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, with its historic bathhouse . If you don’t want to take a dip, you can simply fill up a bottle from one of the pumps and sip the water instead
• Checking out funky Convent Gallery , now an art gallery and café
• Nibbling on charcuterie and sipping on wine at the very funky Winespeake
• Dining at Lake House , one of Victoria’s (and Australia’s) premier restaurants
• Sipping a few local brews at Daylesford Cider
• Chowing down on an incredible breakfast at Cliffy’s Emporium (delicious!) or dinner at the Farmers Arms Hotel

Best time to visit Daylesford and Hepburn Springs:

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs can both be visited year-round. There’s a special atmosphere, however, during winter you’ll need to rug up, but it’s so cosy sitting in front of fires in cafés and restaurants.

How to get to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs:

Rent a car for the 1.5-hour drive to Daylesford. V/Line trains and buses run from Melbourne to Woodend; from there you’ll need to get a separate bus to Daylesford.

8. Torquay and Lorne

Distance from CBD: 105km / 1.5 hours (Torquay), 142km / 2 hours (Lorne)

If you don’t have enough time or energy to do a whole Great Ocean Road itinerary (see later on in this post) in one day, then plan a day trip from Melbourne to visit Torquay or Lorne – or both towns.

Torquay is the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, a surf town where it’s perfectly acceptable to wander around barefoot. Lorne is a little more sophisticated, but still charming and relaxed. While there’s a lot to do in the area, the chilled out vibe of these towns makes a visit one of the most relaxed day drives from Melbourne.

• Learning about surfing at the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay
• Hitting up the beaches along the coast – Bells Beach is world-famous and a great spot to watch surfers, Torquay Front Beach has calm waters and Lorne Beach is conveniently in the main part of town
• Exploring Erskine Falls, just outside of Lorne
• Learning to surf at Torquay Surf Academy or Go Ride a Wave
• Sipping some local brews at Blackman’s Brewery and Bells Beach Brewing (both in Torquay)
• Learning about the history of the Great Ocean Road at the Great Ocean Road Story exhibit at the visitor centre in Lorne

Best time to visit:

You can visit Torquay and Lorne year-round. You’ll find fewer crowds if you come on the edges of the summer holidays (early to mid-December and then late January) but still have great summer weather (hopefully!). Winter is colder of course, but you’ll still be able to spot surfers. If you’re brave enough to take a surf lesson in winter, surf classes are usually offered at a discount.

How to get to Torquay and Lorne:

Rent your own car so that you can plan a leisurely day of driving between the two towns and then back to Melbourne. You’ll need a car to get to places like Bells Beach.

On public transport, you can take a V/Line train to Geelong and then a bus to Torquay or Lorne.

9. Ballarat

Distance from CBD: 116km / 1.5 hours

Ballarat was built off the back of the 1850s gold rush, and you can still see the spoils in the town’s streets. Grand old buildings still stand today, and attractions that recognise the past draw thousands of visitors each year.

• Visiting Sovereign Hill , a “living museum” that immerses visitors in life in a gold rush township. This is one of the best things to do in Victoria for families. Here, you can pan for gold or dress up in Victorian costume for a photo
• Checking out the Eureka Centre and learning about the Eureka Rebellion
• Browsing the Art Gallery of Ballarat , the oldest regional art gallery in Australia
• Exploring 40 colourful hectares of flowers, gardens and trees at Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Best time to visit Ballarat:

Ballarat is fine to visit year-round, although winters can be brutally cold. My grandparents used to live nearby and I always froze when we visited them in winter. Rug up!

How to get to Ballarat:

Rent a car for the 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne to Ballarat, or take a direct V/Line train from Melbourne to Ballarat (which also takes about the same amount of time).

10. Geelong

Distance from CBD: 75km / 1 hour and 15 mins

Melburnians have often looked down their nose at Victoria’s second-largest city, but Geelong is coming into its own. It’s now filled with hip restaurants, funky galleries and street art, and there’s a beautiful waterfront that’s perfect for strolling.

• Strolling along the Geelong Waterfront and finding unique pieces of outdoor art
• Visiting the Geelong Art Gallery to see some notable Australian artworks
• Learning about the importance of wool at the National Wool Museum
• Discovering Fyansford Paper Mill , a picturesque old bluestone paper mill that’s now jammed with wineries, cafés and arts and crafts stalls
• Visiting the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn about the Aboriginal connection to land

Best time to visit Geelong:

Geelong is great to visit year-round, although summer and the warmer months mean better weather for wandering along the waterfront. As one of Victoria’s bigger cities, there are events held throughout the year.

How to get to Geelong:

As usual, the easiest way to get to Geelong is by car. The city is well connected to Melbourne via V/Line trains that run regularly every day and take around an hour.

Guided option: This tour includes the Geelong Waterfront, Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and a bay cruise.

11. Castlemaine

Distance from CBD: 129km / 1.5 hours

Located in the goldfields region in central Victoria, Castlemaine is another destination that isn’t often on the radar of visitors to Melbourne. This is country Victoria at is most charming, with 18 th century buildings mixing with funky art galleries and trendy cafés serving locally grown produce.

• Visiting the Castlemaine Art Museum , which dates back to 1913
• Seeing Castlemaine’s vibrant culture of food and arts at The Mill , a former woollen mill that’s now a hub for small businesses and foodies
• Hunting for antiques at one of Castlemaine’s many antique shops
• Exploring abandoned mines at the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park , a gold rush-era site

Best time to visit Castlemaine:

Year-round, but like many parts of central Victoria, Castlemaine can be chilly (although atmospheric) during winter.

How to get to Castlemaine:

Rent a car so you can explore the town at your leisure, or jump on a V/Line train from Melbourne to Castlemaine (1.5 hours).

12. Bendigo

Distance from CBD: 153km / just under 2 hours

Another of Victoria’s gold rush towns, Bendigo is now fast becoming renowned for its culinary scene. In fact, in 2019 it was crowned Australia’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy. So, come here to fill your belly but also learn about the town’s history.

• Browsing the award-winning Bendigo Art Gallery
• Riding the Bendigo Talking Tram , restored trams that drive the highlights of Bendigo with narrated history and information
• Going down, down, down up 228 metres underground at the Central Deborah Gold Mine , a former working mine – not an activity for you if you’re claustrophobic!
• Learning about Chinese heritage in Australia at the Golden Dragon Museum
• Getting behind the wheel or simply buying a souvenir from Bendigo Pottery
• Reflecting at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion , an almost 50-metre-high pagoda
• Sipping shiraz at the gorgeous Balgownie Estate cellar door

Best time to visit Bendigo:

Bendigo is a great city to visit year-round, although it’s cold in winter.

How to get to Bendigo:

Hire a car for the 2-hour drive to Bendigo, or there are regular V/Line trains from Melbourne to Bendigo each day.

13. Phillip Island

Distance from CBD: 142km / 2 hours

Mention Phillip Island and it’ll usually elicit awwwws for the cute little penguins that waddle up the beach each night to sleep in their burrows. But penguins aren’t the only nature you’ll see here – there are seals, koalas, birdlife and other Australian creatures.

Oh, and the Hemsworth brothers spent part of their early lives on Phillip Island – Liam apparently has a house here, so you might be lucky to spot him!

• Watching the nightly Penguin Parade
• Cruising past Seal Rock and spotting plenty of, well, seals
• Taking a virtual journey to Antarctica with the interactive and immersive experiences at the Antarctic Journey
• Wandering the tree-top boardwalks to see cuddly koalas at the Koala Conser vation Reserve
• Becoming a revhead at the Phillip Island Circuit , where you can drive a BMW around the track, mess about on Go Karts or visit the History of Motorsport Museum
• Gorging at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Best time to visit Phillip Island:

Winters are cold – even in summer the whipping wind puts quite a chill in the air, so come with a jacket. The little penguins come ashore all year around, but you’ll be able to fit more into your day trip during the summer months when the sun sets around 8.45pm.

How to get to Phillip Island:

This is a day trip from Melbourne where I’d recommend visiting by car, because getting here by public transport is fiddly and time-consuming.

Guided option: Because Phillip Island is such a popular day trip from Melbourne, there are plenty of tours that include transport from the city:

• Phillip Island Tour and Penguin Parade – this full-day tour includes penguin spotting, as well as encounters with kangaroos, wombats and echidnas
• Penguins and Wildlife Full Day Tour – this tour includes plenty of wildlife spotting as well as an extensive tour of the island
• Seal Watching Cruise – get out on the water to spot seals (note that this tour  doesn’t  include transport to and from Phillip Island)
• Phillip Island Day Tour – hike around Cape Woolamai and see koalas at the Maru Koala Wildlife Sanctuary
• French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition – take a ferry across Western Port Bay for a 4WD tour of French Island, before ferrying over to Phillip Island

Day trips 2+ hours from Melbourne

14. great ocean road.

Distance from CBD: 227km / 2 ¾ hours (to Twelve Apostles)

One of Australia’s most spectacular drives, the Great Ocean Road is famous for scenic views, charming seaside towns and villages and – of course – the Twelve Apostles. Driving the Great Ocean Road is one of the best road trips in Australia.

While I actually think you really need more time to enjoy this magical part of Victoria (take a look at my 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary for recommendations), it is possible to do a Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne in a day. Just plan ahead, get an early start – and know that you’ll probably be pretty exhausted at the end of the day.

Don’t attempt to do it all. Just pick a few things from my list of the most fun things to do on the Great Ocean Road and enjoy the day!

I’d recommend taking a guided tour (see below) or sharing the driving with someone else.

• Gazing out at the 12 Apostles of course! This the most famous landmark along the coast – if not across Victoria
• Visiting Loch Ard Gorge and learning about the tragic history of this area
• Koala spotting around Kennett River or on the road to the Cape Otway Lightstation
• Watching surfers at Bells Beach
• Snapping a few pics at Split Point Lighthouse in Airey’s Inlet or taking the stairs to the top of the Cape Otway Lightstation
• Exploring Cape Otway National Park’s rainforests and waterfalls
• Taking a helicopter tour over the 12 Apostles for a completely different view of this famed sight

Best time to visit the Great Ocean Road:

You can visit the Great Ocean Road year-round, although it’s colder in the winter months and very busy during summer, particularly when school holidays are on.

How to get to the Great Ocean Road:

The best way to visit the Great Ocean Road is to rent your own car so you stop when you want. And believe me, you’ll be pulling over frequently to take photos. You can take the Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Allansford (the official end of the Great Ocean Road), and then go inland back to Melbourne (a 3-hour drive).

Guided option: If you don’t want to drive yourself, there are full-day tours to the highlights of the Great Ocean Road:

• Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Full Day Tour – see the best of the Great Ocean Road on this 11-hour Melbourne Great Ocean Road tour
• One Day Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour – avoid the crowds by doing the opposite route that most tours and day trippers take
• Great Ocean Road Sunset and Chocolate Tour – hit the Great Ocean Road with a sweet stop at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery

15. Great Otway National Park

Distance from CBD: 211km / 2 ¾ hours

If you’re in need of nature, the Great Otway National Park will deliver in spades. This 103,000-hectare national park is stunning. It’s along the Great Ocean Road, so you can potentially squeeze both in in a very long day of travelling.

• Exploring the gorgeous Hopetoun, Beachchamp and Triplet Falls – Hopetoun is my favourite
• Exploring the rainforest on the Maits Rest rainforest walk
• Heading to the top of the Cape Otway Lightstation , Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse
• Learning about native foods during a Native Plants Talk with a First Nations guide at the Cape Otway Lightstation
• Gazing up at the huge trees in the California Redwood Forest
• Seeing glow worms at Melba Gully
• Spotting koalas on the road to the Cape Otway Lightstation. Just keep an eye out for cars parked along the side of the road, that’s how you’ll find them!

Best time to visit the Great Otway National Park:

The Great Otway National Park can be visited all year. But like the rest of Victoria it’s quite cold this way during winter. Summer holidays mean the area around the Great Ocean Road is busy. So make sure you leave Melbourne early so you can visit some of the hiking trails and waterfalls before the crowds descend.

How to get to the Great Otway National Park:

Like the Great Ocean Road, you need your own car to explore the Great Otway National Park at your own pace. There’s no public transport that goes directly to the park, nor is their transport within the park.

Guided option: 12 Apostles, Otways and Great Ocean Road – This Great Ocean Road day tour includes a drive through the Great Otway National Park, visiting Beauchamp Falls and the Californian Redwoods Forest

16. Gariwerd (Grampians National Park)

Distance from CBD: 258km / 3 hours

Heritage-listed Gariwerd (Grampians National Park) is one of Victoria’s most stunning places to visit. On a day trip here you can discover Aboriginal rock art paintings, incredible hikes with spectacular vistas, magnificent waterfalls, and maybe even spot a kangaroo or an emu.

This is another trip from Melbourne that I don’t think you should do in just a day. But if you’re short on time it is possible. You’ll need to get up early and be prepared for a long day.

• Learning about First Nations culture and history at the Brambuk Cultural Centre
• Taking in MacKenzie Falls, a 35-metre-tall waterfall that flows all year
• Hiking through the park to some incredible viewpoints. The Wonderland Loop or Balconies Lookout should be doable on a day trip
• Exploring Aboriginal rock art and shelters that are around 20,000 years old
• Eating a hard-earned, post-hike meal at the famous Royal Mail Hotel in nearby Dunkeld

Best time to visit Grampians National Park:

Visit Gariwerd year round – although expect chilly weather in winter. This is a huge national park. People do get lost here, so come prepared with plenty of water and dress appropriately for hiking.

How to get to Grampians National Park:

While you can get to Halls Gap (the nearest town to the national park) on a mix of public transport, you will need a car to get around Gariwerd.

Guided option:  Day trips from Melbourne to Grampians National Park include:

• Grampians National Park and Kangaroos – marvel at breathtaking views and spot kangaroos
• Grampians Small-Group Hiking Day Tour from Melbourne – this tour stops at the best Grampians hikes

17. Wilsons Promontory

Distance from CBD: 239km / 3 hours (to Tidal River)

Our final destination on this list of the best day trips from Melbourne goes to yet another location that I think deserves more of your time than just a day.

Wilsons Promontory – better known as Wilsons Prom or The Prom – is the southernmost point of mainland Australia. This slice of land jutting off the coast is home to white-sand beaches, impossibly blue water, great bushwalks and a plethora of wildlife.

You’ll need to set off early and have your day planned well – it’s a 3-hour trip each way by car.

• Walking over Squeaky Beach – a beach that literally squeaks underfoot
• Spotting wildlife on the 2.3-kilometre Prom Wildlife Walk
• Taking in the Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk, a 5-kilometre walk where you can usually spot plenty of wildlife
• Climbing to Mt Oberon Summit, a 7-kilometre return trip
• Swimming at Norman Bay (but note that it’s only patrolled during January)
• Seeing Skull Island by boat with Wildlife Coast Cruises
• Whale watching during the right season (May to October)

Best time to visit Wilsons Promontory:

You can take a day trip to Wilsons prom year-round, but its coastal location means that there can be brisk breezes throughout the year, but especially so during winter. Take note of fire warnings during fire season.

How to get to Wilsons Promontory:

To really explore The Prom, you’ll need a car for sure. It’s quite a remote area and there’s no transport within the park.

Guided option: A day trip to Wilsons Prom is a  long day, so leave the driving to someone else on one of these day tours:

• Wilsons Promontory Day Tour – this full-day tour includes a hike up Mount Oberon and lunch at Tidal River
• Whale Spotting Cruise with Lunch – while this tour doesn’t include transport to Wilsons Prom, it’s a spectacular chance to spot migrating humpback and southern right whales between May and October

Wrap up: Melbourne day trips

As you’ve seen, there are so many fantastic day trips from Melbourne. While I love this city, I know that there are so many places to visit outside Melbourne that are worth your while.

So, take your pick from small towns, beaches, mountains and culture. While Melbourne is an incredible city, you can also make time to see what else Victoria has to offer!

Found this article useful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Related posts

Before you go… you might like some of these Melbourne travel blog posts:

• 3 days in Melbourne itinerary
• The absolute best things to do in Melbourne
• Ultimate Melbourne bucket list
• Where to eat in Melbourne
• Where to stay in Melbourne
• Best time to visit Melbourne
• Fun things to do in Melbourne at night
• Great things to do in Melbourne with kids
• Free things to do in Melbourne

Best Melbourne resources

• Check out my Melbourne travel guide for everything you need to know about planning a trip to Melbourne
• Look for flights to Melbourne on Skyscanner .
• Book accommodation on Booking.com or Expedia for your Melbourne trip. The Ovolo Laneways Hotel is a good choice in the CBD.
• You won’t really need a car in Melbourne, but if you do want to get out of the city, then rent a car through DiscoverCars .
• Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Pocket Melbourne to help plan your trip.

PIN IT FOR LATER:

Save this guide to the best day trips to Melbourne to Pinterest for later.

About THE AUTHOR

I’m Rebecca, a Melbourne local excited to show you the best of Melbourne. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. After living abroad for 8 years, I’m back home in Melbourne, rediscovering this city that I love and have missed. My aim is to help you find the best things to do in Melbourne.

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12 Top-Rated Day Trips from Melbourne

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Sep 24, 2021 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Beautiful beaches, quirky wildlife, spa towns, and spectacular wilderness areas — you'll find all this and more within a few hours' drive of Melbourne . One of the country's most dazzling scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road, lies less than 200 kilometers from the city, as well as gorgeous Grampian National Park, the gleaming white-sand shores of Wilsons Promontory, and the rugged Dandenong Ranges.

Wildlife is a highlight at many of these city escapes. You can watch penguins parading up a pristine beach at Phillip Island, and see colorful parrots, wild kangaroos, and wombats in the national parks.

In addition to the rich natural beauty just a short drive from the CBD, Victoria's elegant seaside resorts charm visitors with their quaint shops, art galleries, and award-winning restaurants. History buffs can explore an old gold rush town. And if you're looking for Melbourne day trips in winter, skiers and snowboarders can carve up the slopes of Mount Buller less than a three-hour drive from the city.

Step outside the city limits and explore the surroundings with our list of the best day trips from Melbourne .

1. Great Ocean Road

2. phillip island's penguin parade, 3. the mornington peninsula, 4. the dandenong ranges and the yarra valley, 5. peninsula hot springs, 6. grampians national park, 7. wilsons promontory national park, 8. daylesford: day spas and mineral springs, 10. sovereign hill at ballarat, 11. mount buller skiing, 12. hanging rock reserve, the macedon ranges, map of day trips from melbourne.

About 200 kilometers from Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most spectacular stretches of coastline and a top place to visit on a road trip. The drive from the city carves along steep sea cliffs, as well as the surf-thrashed beaches of Port Campbell National Park, where the distinctive rock pinnacles, the Twelve Apostles , tower above a swirling sea.

Other Great Ocean Road highlights include the wind- and sea-sculpted rock formations of Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch.

Mother Nature's power is on dazzling display here. To fully appreciate it, hop aboard a helicopter for a bird's-eye view of this dramatic coast, also called the Shipwreck Coast . While in the area, you can take a walk near koala-rich Kennett River ; look for kangaroos and wallabies in Great Otway National Park; or enjoy a different perspective of the forest at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures , including a treetop walk and zipline tour.

Are you a surfing fan? Stop in Torquay along the way to visit the Surf World Museum , and look for huge waves at legendary Bells Beach . This is also one of the best day trips from Melbourne with dogs — many of the beaches around Torquay allow pooches, and a couple allow leash-free romps.

When it comes to Melbourne road trips by car, it's hard to beat the Great Ocean Road. But if you're wondering how to get there without a car, you're in luck. You can enjoy many of these adventures on the Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco-Tour from Melbourne . This full-day excursion includes plenty of time to soak up the beautiful coastal scenery, including a hike in Great Otway National Park, Kennett River koala spotting, and a stop at Apollo Bay. A 15-minute helicopter ride over the Twelve Apostles is an optional extra.

Phillip Island, about 140 kilometers from Melbourne's city center, is a top pick for wildlife lovers. Each night at sunset, visitors gather along the shore to watch adorable penguins waddle up the beach at the Phillip Island Nature Park .

Before the "Penguin Parade," you can visit some of the nearby wildlife parks. See koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre . Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies at Phillip Island Wildlife Park , or visit the Nobbies , a boardwalk that skirts the headland's seabird gardens with breathtaking views of the coast. Little penguins often rest along here, and in the spring, keep an eye out for silver gull chicks.

For more information on the ecology of the area, stop by the free Nobbies Centre and browse the educational displays.

Across Bass Strait from here is Seal Rocks , Australia's largest fur seal colony . Bring binoculars to see the seals, or board a wildlife cruise for close-up views. Thanks to all these educational experiences and wildlife sightings, this is one of the best Melbourne day trips for families.

An easy way to visit this top tourist attraction is on the Phillip Island Penguin Highlights Day Trip from Melbourne . This full-day excursion covers all the highlights, including wildlife viewing at Maru Koala and Animal Park, the Nobbies, and the famous Penguin Parade.

Official site: http://www.penguins.org.au/

A 90-minute drive from Melbourne, the picturesque Mornington Peninsula is a favorite seaside escape from the city. Flanked by the ocean on one side and Port Phillip Bay on the other, this prime sliver of real estate hosts tranquil coves, cute villages, and rocky shores.

One of the Mornington Peninsula's top places to visit is stylish Sorrento , site of the state's first mainland European settlement. Heritage buildings, high-end shops, boutiques, and cafés are waiting for you to explore. Soak up the seaside scenery, and see the vacation homes of Australia's posh set along " Millionaire's Walk ," a five-kilometer clifftop trail above Port Phillip Bay, between Sorrento and Portsea.

Hiking is popular on back beach trails and in the rugged bushland on the end of the peninsula at Point Nepean National Park. Other highlights of the area include a ride on the scenic Sorrento-Queenscliff ferry, dolphin cruises, Peninsula Hot Springs, and the chance to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins and seals.

The Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley have been a favorite weekend getaway for well-to-do Melburnians for more than a century. This day trip has a little something for everyone — from nature and wildlife to cute villages, fantastic food, and a fun ride on a historic train.

Start the day with a scenic drive through the Dandenong Ranges, about 40 kilometers east of Melbourne. Here, you can hike through rainforests of mountain ash trees to soothing cascades in the beautiful fern-filled Sherwood Forest. You can also hand-feed native birds, such as crimson rosellas, cockatoos, and galahs at Grants Picnic Ground . Nearby, the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens and William Ricketts Sanctuary are also worth a visit.

At Belgrave , board the 100-year-old Puffing Billy steam train and stroll around the artisan shops. You can also relax with a Devonshire tea in storybook-cute villages such as Olinda, a green thumb's delight with the excellent Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens and Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens .

Not far from here, the Yarra Valley is a haven for foodies, with fresh produce, first-class restaurants, and the chance to sample handmade farmyard cheeses at Yarra Valley Dairy . Are you an animal lover? One of the top things to do in this region is visit the popular Healesville Sanctuary to see native Australian animals and birds.

Note that in June, 2021, severe storms struck the Dandenong Ranges, impacting many local businesses. Check for any closures before you visit.

Feel like being pampered? How about a soak in steamy mineral spring pools followed by a customized massage and a nourishing organic meal? You can do this and more at Peninsula Hot Springs, just over an hour's drive from Melbourne in the Mornington Peninsula.

Turkish steam bath, anyone? Reflexology walk? You can choose from 50 bathing experiences from around the world at the Bath House here. Or you might prefer a dip in a cave pool or a soak on a hilltop with breathtaking views. Steamy mineral water seeps from underground springs into the many pools set within a forest of tea trees, creating a relaxing setting to soak your cares away, no matter where you choose to take your dip.

Peninsula Hot Springs is one of the most popular short day trips from Melbourne by car. And don't think this is just for singles and couples. Families are also welcome here.

To make your visit even easier, book the Peninsula Hot Springs Day Trip with Thermal Bathing Entry from Melbourne . This full-day excursion includes transport to and from the hot springs, bath house admission, and a local expert driver so you can sit back and relax on the journey. Luxury spa treatments are an optional extra.

After your pampering visit, save time to complement your therapeutic soak with a healthy meal at the café.

Address: Springs Lane, Fingal, Victoria

Official site: http://www.peninsulahotsprings.com/

Grampians National Park (often called "The Grampians") offers beautiful vistas of waterfalls, colorful spring wildflowers, rock formations, and rugged crags. It lies about 260 kilometers from Melbourne.

Avid hikers in particular will enjoy this park, and anyone can admire the breathtaking scenery from its many panoramic lookouts. Called "Gariwerd" by the Aboriginal people, the park also shelters traditional rock art. You can learn more about this rich history and the park's ecology at Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre .

Other top attractions in the Grampians include the beautiful MacKenzie Falls , Victoria's tallest waterfall; Beehive Falls, with its fern-fringed rock pools; Fish Falls ; and the panoramic lookouts at the Pinnacle and the Balconies. You can also drive to Reeds and Boroka lookouts.

Wildlife is abundant. Kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and echidnas, make their home here, and sightings of friendly marsupials are common.

Besides hiking, other popular outdoor activities include abseiling and rock climbing on the faces of Mt. Arapiles, fishing and canoeing at the park's lakes and rivers, quad biking, and horseback riding. If you're considering staying overnight, Halls Gap is the gateway to the park and makes a great base. Bring a camera, and be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes.

The Grampians is also a popular destination for foodies. Enjoy the excellent restaurants and fresh local produce, including olives, cheeses, and meats.

Official site: http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/grampians-national-park

Affectionately called "The Prom" by locals, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the state's largest coastal wilderness area and a nirvana for nature lovers and photographers. It lies on the southernmost point of the Australian mainland, about a three-hour drive from Melbourne's city center. It's a long drive for a day trip, but the spectacular scenery of squeaky-clean beaches, cool-climate rainforests, and rugged granite peaks is worth the trip.

Highlights include guided walks through the bushland, the granite rock formations of Giant Rock , the white quartz sands of Squeaky Beach , Lilly Pilly Gully , and the sea-sculpted boulders of Whisky Bay . The park is also known for its rich native wildlife, such as wombats, emus, kangaroos, and many birds.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do. Scenic hikes lace the bushland, from short one-hour walks to multi-day treks. The one-hour hike up Mt. Oberon summit has one of the park's best viewpoints, overlooking the Tidal River and the coast. Divers can explore the underwater world in the marine national park. Other activities include swimming, fishing, canoeing, camping, and bird-watching. Strong hiking shoes are highly recommended.

Official site: http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/wilsons-promontory-national-park

Skirting the Wombat State Forest, about 115 kilometers from Melbourne, a Daylesford day trip is perfect for a pampering city escape. Soothing mineral springs, wellness centers, and day spas are the prime draws in this quaint country town, earning it a reputation as the spa capital of Australia .

Drawn by these healing mineral springs and the gold rush, many Swiss and Italian immigrants settled here, imbuing the town with an old-world feel. A popular destination in the region is the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, in neighboring Hepburn Springs, which has been lavishing guests since 1895. Another must-see is The Convent , an enchanting 19th-century estate on six acres atop Wombat Hill, with beautiful views over town, impressive art galleries, a chapel, and museum.

Daylesford is also known for its many award-winning restaurants serving seasonal local produce. To dine at one of the town's top eateries, stroll around beautiful Lake Daylesford and enjoy a gourmet lunch at the Lake House , which is also a small luxury hotel. You can also browse the town's quaint shops, antique markets, and historic buildings.

About 138 kilometers from Melbourne's city center, Lorne, on beautiful Loutit Bay, has long been one of the country's favorite seaside resorts. Snuggled between Otway National Park and the Great Ocean Road , this pretty little town offers an intoxicating mix of Mediterranean ambience, seaside elegance, and natural beauty.

You'll never be bored here. Popular things to do include swimming and surfing at the long, golden beach, with its nearby cafés and skatepark, and casting a line off the local pier for fish like trevally and whiting. The pier also plays host to the fish co-op, where you can buy the fresh catch of the day. Tourists also love browsing the boutiques, bookstores, bakeries, and galleries.

Teddy's Lookout , a five-minute drive from town, offers beautiful views over the coast and Great Ocean Road. Another popular attraction in the area is Erskine Falls , rimmed by lush ferns and eucalyptus forest.

Insider's tip: During peak vacation times around Christmas, a torrent of tourists fills this tiny town, so you should book well in advance if you want to stay overnight.

At Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, you can experience the exciting 1850s gold rush days in a living museum. About 110 kilometers from Melbourne, this recreated gold-mining town is one of the top attractions in Ballarat . Here, you can watch goldsmiths and artisans at work in Victorian-era houses and shops, tour an underground gold mine, and even pan for the precious metal. Costumed staff, stagecoach rides, and a dazzling sound and lights show round out all the historical fun.

The town of Ballarat was the epicenter of the Australian Gold Rush. Learn all about this important chapter of Australian history by touring the historic sites, heritage buildings, and old churches around town.

Other highlights include Art Gallery Ballarat , with works from Gold Rush artists; the beautiful 40-acre Ballarat Botanical Gardens on the banks of Lake Wendouree; and Ballarat Wildlife Park . Ballarat is also home to award-winning restaurants, so don't forget to top off your tour with a memorable meal.

Don't have a car? This is one of the most popular day trips from Melbourne by train.

Official site: http://www.sovereignhill.com.au/

In winter, rain often means snow in the mountains, so if the weather is not cooperating with your outdoor activities in the city, you can play at the snowy peaks nearby. From early June through late September (depending on snowfall), avid skiers and boarders can hit the slopes of Mount Buller, one of Australia's best ski resorts , about a three-hour drive from Melbourne.

Mount Buller has the most extensive lift system of all the Victorian resorts, with 22 lifts transporting guests to 300 hectares of skiable terrain and three terrain parks. About 35 percent caters to advanced skiers, and the resort also offers plenty of runs for beginners and intermediates. Cross country skiers can explore nine kilometers of trails.

For non-skiers, the village is a fun place to hang out. Relax at the spas, browse the shops, or take the kids to the resort's toboggan parks. This is a great trip for families seeking a first-time snow experience, as well as enthusiastic skiers and boarders looking for a wintertime city escape.

Official site: http://www.mtbuller.com.au/Winter/

Rich in mystique, Hanging Rock Reserve is a wonderful wilderness escape in the Macedon Ranges. Less than an hour northwest of Melbourne, the massive 105-meter-high extinct volcano, now eroded into columns, was the location for Peter Weir's iconic film, Picnic at Hanging Rock , based on the book by Joan Lindsay.

The rock is also an important Aboriginal landmark and was reputedly a refuge for bushrangers during the Gold Rush. Even if you're not familiar with the legend that captured the imagination of many Australians, Hanging Rock Reserve is truly a beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic or a hike in the fresh eucalyptus-tinged air.

The round-trip climb to the top takes about 50 minutes, with plenty of secret nooks to slither in along the way, and beautiful views over the countryside. You can also explore the other hiking trails that weave through the reserve. Keep an eye out for wildlife like wallabies, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and wombats.

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Wineries, galleries and splendid beaches: five car-free day trips from Melbourne

With great local beer, wine and spirits at the end of every journey there’s plenty of reasons to take public transport to the country towns around Melbourne

Provided there is an excellent meal at the other end, day-tripping to a regional town isn’t out of character for Melburnians. Yet most of them drive.

Some of these day-trips do raise challenges once you disembark from the V/Line (regional train line) or ferry. But by challenges I mean a pleasant walk ranging from 20 minutes to two hours, and the same in reverse, which could be shortened by bringing a bike . The pros of going car-free are many. First, avoiding the city fringe traffic. Second, gazing out the window at the Victorian countryside. Third, each of these destinations involves great local beer and wine, usually at the winery or brewery itself. Take the train!

For art and Chinese history: Bendigo

Settled on Dja Dja Warrung and Taungurung country, Bendigo is known for its goldfields but its quality offerings these days are art, tastefully stocked mash-up stores and – if you get a tip-off – great food.

Bendigo Art Gallery strikes a pose on Mitchell Street, the centrepiece of the city’s close-knit arts precinct. The gallery is Victoria’s second most-visited and specialises in fashion, design and celebrity. Currently, it’s showing an exhibition of stunning silk batiks made by women from five Indigenous central desert communities. The exclusive Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion exhibition, meanwhile, lured so many Melburnians that impeccable local restaurant Masons made a cocktail of the same name, placed alongside its all-Victorian wine list and locally-sourced food – each dish served with an inventive herb flourish. Ghosty Toasty is part toasty joint and part film processing lab. But most of it’s all a place where a chat is a mandatory menu item too. “I see how isolation affects people when they’re not connected in their community,” says owner Nick Styles.

The Golden Dragon museum is a tad ye olde but you’ll see artefacts you can’t see in China due to the Cultural Revolution’s destruction. Bendigo’s Chinese history is enlivened by guides who’ll point to photographs of their grandparents in the displays, and the world’s oldest imperial parade dragon, Loong, is here too, as is a chariot made of jade.

Getting there: The V/Line to Bendigo takes two hours.

For a bush-walk with a winery payoff: Macedon

Given how many people I saw here (none), I’m guessing Macedon Regional Park is criminally under-hiked. Yet it’s one of the only parks close to Melbourne you can reach by train, and I spent five minutes hanging with an echidna.

Perhaps people go to nearby Hanging Rock instead? Yet the same Joan Lindsay juju permeates Macedon Regional Park too. Perhaps it’s the incessant creak of the stringybarks or the confounding six-way intersection I stalled at? Put it this way: if you’re solo, stick to Middle Gully Road from the train station. A 90-minute amble will bring you to Mount Macedon winery , previously owned by Olivia Newton-John. At 680 metres above sea level, it’s one of Australia’s highest altitude wineries, meaning hotter weather has not forced it to move to Tasmania’s Tamar Valley like many of Victoria’s cool climate wineries. Alternatively, hike early and take the V/Line six minutes to Woodend. There you’ll find 16 beers to sample at Holgate Brewhouse ’s new taproom, a homewares store called Into The Woods that will delight bird-lovers, and the sustainably run Maison Maloa cafe, which serves fresh country fare with care.

Getting there: The V/Line to Woodend or Macedon (Bendigo line) takes around one hour.

For a true country town feel: Warragul

You won’t find croissants in the big smoke better than those sold as a side hustle by a local audiologist at Warragul farmers market . Held in a lush West Gippsland park on the third Saturday of every month, growers also come to connect with community; it’s a flurry of chatter and chucking babies’ chins.

The produce ranges from the usual suspects to saffron, biodynamic lamb, white strawberries, Wild Dog gin, local beer and cider, heritage apples and wild caught seafood. The longest line is for scones cooked in onsite ovens, but no one minds because a nearby choir is belting out Bohemian Rhapsody. Walk (55 minutes) or bike (beware, it’s uphill) to Hogget Kitchen for lunch in a room so bright you’ll need sunnies. Encircled by vineyards, the artisanal butchery and restaurant opened in 2017 and while locals enjoy the view of the Strzlecki Ranges too, the clientele is mainly from Melbourne. Perhaps because chef Trevor Perkins just won a hat in the 2020 Good Food Guide.

Providers are written on a blackboard, with a shout-out to “mum’s veggie patch”, and with no perceptible pressure to turn around tables everyone seems to be long lunching. After, you can walk past the gnarled vine cuttings used to smoke and cook the meat, past the bush-tucker garden and around the lake.

Getting there: The V/Line to Warragul (Gippsland line) takes 90 minutes.

For artisanal everything: Kyneton

The heritage strip of bluestone buildings on Piper Street, Kyneton, is rather like the IRL version of Ballarat’s 1850s gold rush recreation, Sovereign Hill.

Setting the tone nicely is Lost Trades: The Artisans Store , a place you can grasp the past in your own two hands – and then buy it. Brimming with good shopping for blokes, the store stocks a range of functional items such as knives, axes, leather belts, rocking chairs and horsehair brushes. All made the “old way” by fairly paid master artisans.

Seated by the window at a table beautified by a native posy, a few hours can be happily spent at the hatted Source Dining , described by the Good Food Guide as mirroring Kyneton’s “mod country” mood, with chef Tim Foster taking inspiration from his mother’s mother.

For a splash of “edgy shit” (says sculptor and co-owner Jason Waterhouse) pop down to the old butter factory Stockroom , now a sprawl of art surprises and Victoria’s largest privately owned contemporary art space. Across the road, Animus Distillery is all natural light, happy houseplants and wickedly good gin. Cocktails are expertly handled by Iceland expat Ziggy, and chilled by long, translucent ice spear care of a boutique hand-cut ice company from Fitzroy.

Return to the station via the towering cedars, oaks and redwoods of the Kyneton Botanical Gardens, one of Victoria’s oldest. Getting there: The V/Line to Kyneton (Bendigo line) takes around 70 minutes.

For the ‘other’ Mornington Peninsula: Bellarine Peninsula

Propped on the mantelpiece of the Grand Hotel in Portarlington, the town at the tip of Bellarine Peninsula, is an article from an 1886 Geelong Advertiser that describes the area as “splendid beach and seaside walks, bold cliffs, trees, gardens and shady nooks”. Little has changed. Bar the newish Melbourne ferry. That’s changed everything, with one local saying the Bellarine is due to “take off like the Mornington did” because the ferry has wifi and comfy seats and people can commute. From the pier, turn right along the esplanade to discover protected beaches for a swim. Or arrange Bella e-bike hire to meet you and head straight for Terindah Estate for a tasting. The road is busy but Terindah’s sparkling wine is worth it. Ten minutes further is The Whiskery – a misleading word, as it’s a gin distillery – with its signature gin Teddy and the Fox. Depending on the season, choose a fire, the gardens or the patio of the old farm shed to linger on with your cocktail. Getting there: From Harbour Esplanade, walk five minutes to central pier, Docklands. The Port Philip Ferry to Portarlington takes 80 minutes, is wheelchair accessible and has bike racks.

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Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove, Red Hill South, Victoria © Robyn Lea, Brand Victoria

6 great day trips from Melbourne

World-class wineries, grand ocean road trips, mineral-rich hot springs – discover them all easily within a day’s drive of Melbourne.

  By Ute Junker

Few cities are as perfectly positioned for day tripping as Melbourne. Just an hour or two out of town, you can find yourself walking through ancient rainforests, watching wild penguins and koalas, or admiring world-class art. Throw in pretty seaside towns, a 100-year-old steam train and some of the best restaurants in the country, and you have plenty of reasons to get out of town.

Soak up the delights of Daylesford

Lake House, Daylesford, Victoria © Andrew Vukosav, Visit Victoria

Where: a 90-minute drive north-west of Melbourne.

With a scenic Central Highland setting and a healthy dose of style,  Daylesford  makes for an easy day out. Spend the morning browsing the enticing shops and galleries. Highlights include the sprawling Paradise Bookshop, the atmospheric  Convent Gallery  and artist David Bromley’s spectacular studio and gallery, Bromley and Co . Follow that with an indulgent lunch at  Lake House , one of Australia’s best regional restaurants. Another good choice is  Frank and Connie's Kitchen  down the road in Hepburn Springs where you will also find the Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa . Finish the day with a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich waters, and perhaps a massage, before heading back to Melbourne.

Get a taste of the Great Ocean Road

Lorne, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Rob Blackburn, Visit Victoria

Unmissable experience

In the heart of the Otways is a spectacular forest of Californian Redwoods . Stroll through towering trees, visit nearby waterfalls and enjoy a picnic before continuing your journey.

Where: The Great Ocean Road begins 90 minutes south-west of the city, in Torquay.

The  Great Ocean Road  is best explored over a couple of days; however, if you only have a day, you can still take in the highlights of the eastern end of the route. Start your journey from Torquay, one of Australia’s best-known surf towns and home to both the Rip Curl and Quiksilver surfwear labels. A further 45 minutes down the road,  Lorne  is another charming seaside town, known for its lively arts scene (don’t miss  Qdos Arts ) and its one-kilometre (0.6-mile) long beach. You might like to grab some lunch here before continuing on to the Great Ocean Road's most famous sight the  12 Apostles . Nearby, the striking Loch Ard Gorge is also worth visiting before you head back to Melbourne.

Savour the Yarra Valley's wine and wildlife

Domaine Chandon Winery, Yarra Valley, Victoria © Adrian Brown, Tourism Australia

Where: about an hour drive north-east of the city.

Wineries aren’t the only attraction in the  Yarra Valley . Your first stop,  Coombe , is a historic house with heritage gardens that belonged to Australia’s first international opera star, Dame Nellie Melba. From here, it’s a quick drive to  Domaine Chandon , one of Australia’s premier producers of sparkling wine. After sampling the bubbles, head on to  Healesville Sanctuary  to encounter kangaroos, koalas, wombats, dingoes, lyrebirds, platypus and Tasmanian devils. Ready for some more wine tasting?  Innocent Bystander  and  TarraWarra Estate  are both recommended, and each has an excellent restaurant. Stop in at the  TarraWarra Museum of Art , which has a fabulous collection of acclaimed Australian artists such as Brett Whiteley, before heading back to Melbourne.

Green up in the Dandenongs

National Rhododendron Gardens, Olinda, Victoria © Parks Victoria

Where: a one-hour drive east of Melbourne.

The  Dandenongs’  tall forests and glorious gardens are a perfect escape from the city. Start your adventures at  National Rhododendron Gardens . Its 42 hectares (104 acres) are filled with azaleas, camellias and cherries as well as rhododendrons. From here, it’s a short drive to Kallista, where Grants Picnic Ground is the start of a beautiful 6.6-kilometre (four-mile) circular walk in Sherbrooke Forest through fern-filled gullies where kookaburras and cockatoos make their homes. Continue on to another of the area’s charming villages, Belgrave, to take a trip into the past on a 100-year-old steam train known as  Puffing Billy . Book in for an on-board lunch and enjoy the return journey through the area’s towering forests before making your way back to Melbourne. 

Discover the natural beauty of Phillip Island

Forest Caves Beach, Phillip Island, Victoria © David Hannah, Visit Victoria

Where: about a two-hour drive south of the city.

Aim to reach the fishing village of San Remo before midday to watch the daily feeding of the pelicans and stingrays. From here, a bridge takes you to  Phillip Island . Take a walk around rugged Cape Woolamai with its striking pink granite cliffs and golden sweep of sand. Next stop for motor sport fans will be the  Grand Prix Circuit  that hosts the Motorcycle Grand Prix each October; take a guided tour or do laps with a professional driver. After lunch take an  eco-cruise  to admire one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies. Finish the day at the  Penguin Parade , when hundreds of little penguins come ashore at Summerland Beach after a day swimming at sea. The island is also home to a koala reserve where you can walk along an elevated boardwalk to see koalas close up in their natural habitat.

Where to meet Australia's cutest animals

Go coastal on the Mornington Peninsula

Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, Red Hill South, Victoria © Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove

Where: about an hour south of the city.

Its pretty seaside villages, superb wineries and restaurants make the  Mornington Peninsula  a wonderful year-round destination. Take the inland route to reach the  McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery  at Langwarrin which showcases more than 100 works by well-known Australian artists. From here, start exploring the area’s celebrated wineries known for pinot noir and cool-climate chardonnay. Many of the best wineries, such as  Montalto  and  Ten Minutes by Tractor , also have acclaimed restaurants that are a great choice for lunch. After lunch, head to Peninsula Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in their thermal mineral baths before exploring historic seaside towns such as Portsea and Sorrento, which both feature well-preserved heritage buildings and beautiful beaches with great snorkelling. From Sorrento, enjoy the car ferry trip to the equally inviting town of Queenscliff, before heading back to Melbourne.

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10 excellent day trips from Melbourne by train

Horrified by rising petrol prices but keen to get out of the city? Here are some fun day trips from Melbourne by train. Sit back, relax and watch the world slip by as you travel onward for a new adventure.

While nothing beats an Australian road trip, the price of petrol is definitely a hot contender.

Fortunately, here in Victoria, there are plenty of options for day trips from Melbourne by train.

To sweeten the deal, V/Line (our country link trains) tickets have been massively reduced.

This makes train travel in Victoria not only the most eco-friendly option for getting around – it’s currently the cheapest.

Read on to discover the best train journeys from Melbourne and start planning your own adventure.

Day trips from Melbourne by train

This guide to Melbourne’s best day trips by train contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may make small commission, at no extra cost to you.

What you need to know about catching trains in Victoria

To access train travel across Victoria you will need a myki travel card .

You can purchase these directly from:

• myki machines at selected stations and stops
• some shops, including 7-Elevens
• online (your myki may take up to two weeks to arrive).

See a full list of locations where you can buy and top up a mykI .

How much does a myki cost, you might ask? Annoyingly, the physical card does have a price:

• Full-fare: $6
• Concession/child/senior: $3.

These cards also expire, unless you keep them regularly topped up with ‘myki money’. This is simply money you add to your card via cash or debit/credit card payment.

Note: myki cards are valid for train travel in Victoria only . Public transport is managed by state governments in Australia, so each separate state and territory has their own cards, fares and system.

Now, let’s explore some of the best day trips from Melbourne without a car.

Ballarat is an excellent choice for a day trip from Melbourne by train.

For starters, it’s a quick journey. You can hop on the V/Line train from Southern Cross or Footscray and be stepping off onto the platform of Ballarat station in around 1.5 hours later.

The station is located centrally, so you’re a stone’s throw from many of the regional city’s best sites, such as the Art Gallery and the gorgeous gold rush-era architecture along its main streets.

Sovereign Hill, another main attraction is a little bit of a walk, along with the Botanic Gardens. Buy a ticket for Sovereign Hill in advance .

If the gardens are indeed your destination, I recommend getting off one stop later at Wendouree.

Belly rumbling? I recommend heading to Armstrong Street. There are plenty of food options there. The Spanish tapas at Meigas are excellent. If you fancy a wee stroll, Clothesline Cafe put on a great spread too.

For the perfect day trip, check out this extensive list of things to do in Ballarat .

Bendigo is another great place in Victoria to visit by train.

It’s around a two hour trip, departing from Southern Cross or Footscray.

There are plenty of things to do in Bendigo once you get there. Drop into another great regional art gallery or ride the talking tram .

Learn about the town’s gold rush history at Golden Dragon Museum and Central Deborah Gold Mine .

For food, you’re spoiled for choice. Bendigo was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2019 and the eating options are certainly next level. Grab delicious croissants at Harvest . Settle in for lunch at Hoo-gah , or Old Green Bean . If you’re vego or vegan, you’ll love Adam & Eve , the city’s only vegan cafe.

How to spend a week in Melbourne

The best places to visit in Victoria

Amazing day hikes near Melbourne

Dandenong Ranges (via Belgrave)

The Dandenongs as they’re known, are an excellent spot for a day trip from the city, particularly by train.

There are some excellent walks to do, gardens to explore and places to eat, such as the Pig & Whistle Tavern , Cognoscenti and Olinda Tea House .

To get to the Dandenong Ranges by train, catch a metro train from Flinders Street Station to Belgrave.

Popular attraction Puffing Billy departs from Belgrave Station, so if that’s what you want to do, you’re right where you need to be. Buy a ticket in advance for Puffing Billy .

From Belgrave, hop on bus 694 to travel further into the ranges, to townships like Olinda and Sassafras.

Just make sure you don’t catch a train to the suburb Dandenong, which confusingly has the same name as the mountain range while being a good half hour drive away from them.

Discover more things to do in the Dandenong Ranges .

Warburton (via Lilydale)

This is a day trip from Melbourne by train and bus which takes a bit of time, but can be very rewarding.

Warburton is a township, a village really on the edge of Melbourne. It’s close to some beautiful nature trails, a waterfall and home to an interesting range of boutique stores.

It’s also a great spot to visit for autumn leaf chasing in Victoria .

To get there, catch a train from Flinders to Lilydale. Hop on bus 683 to travel onward to Warburton.

Alternatively, bring your bike and ride from Lilydale to the village, via the Lilydale to Warburton rail trail.

Once you’re there, grab a cup of joe at Silva Coffee Roasters , poke around town, then hike to La La Falls.

Let’s get back to the basics now. Train journeys from Melbourne, where you travel from A to B and you’re there.

Geelong is a very easy train ride out from Southern Cross, taking around an hour on the V/Line.

There’s a ton of stuff to do in this beachside city. Indeed, if the weather is fine, go to Eastern Beach, admiring the quirky bollards along the way.

It’s a great destination for kids, with a dedicated pool, fun fair activities and a hop on, hop off train.

Adults can head into town to grab Asian-fusion dumplings at Bahjong or southern American cuisine at Pistol Pete’s .

For a cheeky tipple, check out Geelong Cellar Door .

For more, check out the local art gallery , or perhaps pay a spooky visit to Geelong Gaol , now a museum.

You can have a great day out in Werribee, especially with the kids.

To get to Werribee, simply jump on a metro train. Most are express to the area.

From there, you can catch buses out to most destinations. Werribee Park Mansion feels very ‘two for the price of one’, as it is right next to the State Rose Garden .

Werribee Zoo is a day trip in itself. Catch bus 439 straight there from the train station. Spend the day, or perhaps even stay overnight .

Buy a zoo ticket in advance .

Things to do in the Yarra Valley

Small towns in Victoria worth visiting

An in-depth guide to the Great Ocean Road

Daylesford (via Woodend)

While I’d recommend Daylesford as a weekend getaway , it is possible to travel there by train and bus, for an ambitious day trip.

To get to Daylesford, travel along the V/Line to the town of Woodend.

From there, you can board a bus to Daylesford. The journey takes around two hours.

Daylesford’s town centre has plenty of interesting stores to poke around in, containing boutiques, books and antiques. Manteau Noir and Eclectic Notions are both delightful to have a rummage through for the latter.

If the weather is nice, head out to Lake Daylesford. For something very special, have a meal at renowned restaurant Lake House .

In town, Larder does a decent coffee and I like Cliffy’s Emporium for lunch.

Wombat Hill House is also rather lovely. And Daylesford Cider Co does great, well, cider and woodfire pizzas.

Discover more things to do in Daylesford and surrounds .

Day trips from Melbourne by train: Kyneton

Kyneton is another very easy day trip from Melbourne by train. Jump on the V/Line at Southern Cross or Footscray and you’ll be there in just over an hour.

Once there, there are plenty of things to get up to .

If you like the finer culinary things in life, stroll on to Piper Street. Feast at Fook Shing , Home Grown on Piper , or drop into Miss M’s Lounge for Spanish tapas.

Head to Animus Distillery for a gin masterclass or grab a vino from Musk Lane .

Castlemaine

Castlemaine is a very underrated destination in Victoria, which is also accessible via train journey from Melbourne.

Hop on the V/Line at Southern Cross and travel straight to the town. It’s around 1.5 hours.

Once there, ramble through secondhand wares at The Mill . Order pastries and pies from Johnny Baker .

For something special, head to Wild Food and Wine or Bar Midland for a menu focused on local produce.

If independent cinemas are your jam, catch a flick at the Theatre Royal . It’s also a bar, and live music venue.

French Island

French Island is a largely forgotten destination in Victoria.

A national park, it’s a sanctuary for both koalas and birdlife. The island is also completely off-grid, has no local council and is home to less than 150 people.

Once there, you can go say hi to the koalas (many of them hang about in the trees up the road from the General Store), or go for a cycle or a hike.

I do thoroughly recommend taking a set of two wheels with you to the island. Alternatively, you can rent a bike for the day from the General Store.

To get to French Island, catch a train from Melbourne’s CBD to Frankston. Once there, swap onto the train to Stony Point. The train journey takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.

The island itself is only accessible by ferry, which leaves from Stony Point and travels across to Tankerton jetty, a journey of around 15 minutes.

It costs around $30 per person (plus if you’re a Senior Card holder, you can travel on the weekend or on public holidays for free). This can be booked in advance or on the day.

This same ferry heads on to Cowes on Phillip Island.

You can take your bike on both the train and then, the ferry (for a few dollars more).

Discover more things to do on French Island .

What should you pack for a day trip from Melbourne by train?

Here’s what I recommend packing for a train journey from Melbourne:

• reusable drink bottle filled with water
• snacks for the train (none are sold onboard)
• sunscreen and hat
• something to read
• a light jumper
• spare emergency cash (most places accept card but just in case, it’s always smart to have a spare $20 in cash on your person).

See a full list of Australian travel essentials .

In conclusion: is it easy to take a day trip from Melbourne by train?

With petrol prices being quite frankly, through the roof, taking a train for a day trip from Melbourne is a much more economical alternative for travel.

And with so much of the state being accessible by public transport, well – why wouldn’t you?

What are your favourite destinations by train in Victoria?

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This guide to the best day trips from Melbourne by train may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may make small commission, at no extra cost to you. This goes towards the cost of running this blog. I only recommend goods and services I think are helpful and use myself. Thank you – I absolutely appreciate the support!

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31 Best Day Trips from Melbourne Victoria (+ Weekend Getaways!)

By: Author The Aussie Tourist

Posted on Last updated: 09/27/2023

Categories Victoria (Vic)

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If you are looking for the best day trips from Melbourne look no further!

We have you covered with the best places to go near Melbourne (within a 3 hour drive) and also places that are up to a 4 hour drive that you can take on weekend trips from Melbourne.

We have done the hard research for you! 31 TOP places to visit near Melbourne right here.

While in Melbs, see also:

• Things to do in Melbourne at Night
• Romantic Things to do in Melbourne
• Best Breakfast Melbourne CBD
• Romantic Restaurants in Melbourne
• Melbourne bucket list
• Best Day Spas in Melbourne

Need Melbourne Car Rental? We have secured a further 5% discount code with Bargain Car Rentals for our readers off their lowest rates!

31 Day Trips from Melbourne (+ a few Weekend Trips from Melbourne)

Williamstown (25 minutes from melbourne cbd).

Located 25 minutes from Melbourne on Port Phillip Bay, Williamstown is a nice relaxing place for a quick getaway. The first port settlement is teeming with museums, historical landmarks, quaint shops, and restaurants, providing a little for everyone!

If city life is not your cup of tea, there are plenty of parks for a walk or relaxing at the Williamstown Beach. This port side town is a perfect place for a day trip along the water, but not straying too far from home. One of the best attractions near Melbourne to visit.

Want to stay overnight? Quest Williamstown is a nice spot!

Image credit: Visit Melbourne

Queenscliff (1 hour, 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD)

The small seaside resort town of Queenscliff, has a lot to offer. The picturesque views can be seen from every part of the peninsula, creating a very serene and relaxing atmosphere.  Victorian architecture, wide boulevards, and museums make Queenscliff a haven for new and established history buffs.

Family friendly activities, are also in abundance, such as the Queenscliff Music Festival, snorkelling, surfing and various river cruises. This day trip will surely be one to remember!

Fancy an overnight hotel with spa bath? Why not stay and make it a romantic getaway from Melbourne at Vue Grand Hotel 

Lake Mountain (2 hours north from Melbourne CBD)

Snow sports are the main attracting at Lake Mountain. Located two hours north of Melbourne, Lake Mountain is home to the most popular cross country ski resort in Australia. There are plenty of snow related activities such as a tube run, tobogganing, and even snowboard lessons for kids.

Playing in the snow, is just one of the benefits to this mountain, because there are also bushwalks, mountain bike trails, and a zip line, if warm activities are more your speed! This family friendly place, brings a little something for everyone and is sure to make everyone happy.

Geelong (1 hour south west from Melbourne CBD)

Geelong is a small city southwest of Melbourne. This small port city has many attractions along its bay side area including the Waterfront esplanade, the 19 th century carousel, and the art deco boardwalk. The vibrant artistic scene ensures a historic and unique experience for all visitors.

The Geelong Botanic Garden and Eastern Beach provide opportunities to explore nature close to home! A day trip to Geelong, will leave visitors entranced by the vibrant life and history of this port city! One of the best easy day trips from Melbourne!

Hanging Rock Reserve, The Macedon Ranges (1 hour from Melbourne CBD)

Sacred pre-historic volcanic rocks are the main attraction at Hanging Rock Reserve. Home to some of the best food and wine places in the areas, Hanging Rock is not just home to outdoor activities. There are opportunities to explore the artistic mediums of the people who live here, along with cultural experiences, such as plays, musicals, and even concerts!

Each of these activities use the Hanging Rock Reserve as its background, where adventurers can experience hiking trails and opportunities to learn the history of the volcanic rock formation. The Macedon Ranges has something for everyone!

Lorne (2 hours from Melbourne CBD)

There are plenty of popular tourist activities in Lorne to make any family day trip memorable. Many outdoor adventure activities populate the town, such as, swimming, surfing, pier fishing, and even some hiking. All of these activities provide splendid views of the Great Ocean Road and picturesque nature views.

Lorne is host to many cultural festivals that make it an appealing artistic venue for locals. Any trip to Lorne will be sure to leave you excited and awe inspired by the many opportunities this place has.

Wilsons Promontory National Park (3 hours from Melbourne CBD)

Reconnecting with nature and experiencing wildlife in its natural habitat, are just a few of the unique opportunities Wilsons Promontory National Park offers. The winding trails lead hikers from the Tidal River to the beautiful white quartz sand of Squeaky Beach, ensuring you will feel rejuvenated.

The nearby Mount Oberon, provides scenic views of the Bass Straight and nearby islands; while the Lightstation provides a unique historic glimpse back to the 19 th century.

Bendigo (1 hour, 50 minutes north from Melbourne CBD)

The historic gold rush town of Bendigo lies an hour and 50 minutes from Melbourne. Each unique tourist experience, such as the tour of the Central Deborah Mine or the Golden Dragon Museum, allows you to learn and appreciate the history of Bendigo.

The award winning wine region offers a wide variety of food and drink, and are heralded for their Shiraz. So no matter what your poison, Bendigo offers experiences for everyone!

Grampians National Park (3 hours from Melbourne CBD)

Grampians National Park is home to the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, bringing to light the local Aboriginal history and rock art. Around the centre is a sprawling nature reserve, home to echidnas and wallabies. The winding trails lead to waterfalls and scenic overlooks of the Victoria Mountain Range. While, Halls Gap Zoo, the largest regional zoo in Victoria, exhibits over 160 native and exotic animals.

This unique park, even offers an award winning wine village and glamping experiences. Each activity will be sure to keep you and your family engaged with all aspects of nature.

Ballarat (1 hour, 30 minutes from  Melbourne CBD)

As the third largest city in Victoria, Ballarat is home to a diverse tourist market. Each award winning attraction and unique experience provides a day trip visitor an experience they will never forget. The Ballarat Wildlife Park offers a relaxing atmosphere allowing humans and animals to interact one on one to create memorable moments.

Kyral Castle offers kids the opportunity to experience medieval activities and broaden their imagination. Kids and adults alike will be clamouring to go back!

Yarra Valley (1 hour from Melbourne CBD)

The wine region of the Yarra Valley, boasts a cool climate known for producing Chardonnay. But there are family friendly activities for all day trippers! Many wineries in the area provide activities for children, while adults experience the luxury of the wineries. Along with wine, a unique experience that is a must do in the Yarra Valley, is the sunrise hot air balloon experience with Global Ballooning Australia. The spectacular views of the Yarra Valley are on display as you gaze at the beautiful sunrise.

Great Ocean Road (1 hour and 20 minutes from Melbourne CBD)

The 664 kilometre stretch of The Great Ocean Road, provides spectacular views of the coast of Australia, along with plenty of new experiences. The Great Ocean road can be a multiple day trip, or be shortened to one day. All along this winding war memorial, are surfing spots and spectacular sights, such as the 12 Apostles. These iconic rock formations dot the coastline, and ensure a unique experience for any traveller.

Each town The Great Ocean Road passes through, there are award winning and unique food destinations any foody will love! No matter how long or short your trip is on The Great Ocean Road, you will make memorable moments!

The Dandenong Ranges (1 hour from Melbourne CBD)

Adventure awaits at The Dandenong Ranges. The vibrant and exotic fauna and flora of the ranges, provide a magical and magnificent adventure away from the city. The cool Climate Garden offers visitors the ability to learn and study a wide collection of rare plants. Gumbuya World, Melbourne’s largest theme park, boasts an assortment of wildlife along with adventures for all types of thrill seekers. The Dandenong Ranges provide something for everyone to explore the wonders and joys of nature.

Mornington Peninsula (1 hour, 10 minutes from Melbourne CBD)

Home to the Wine Food Farmgate Trail, Mornington Peninsula is a treasure trove of wonderful food and wine. Between food/wine stops, visitors enjoy the activities and attractions that populate the area. Historic garden hedges and mazes provide inspiration for the visitor, while activities, such as paddle boarding, at the beach provide relaxation. Each attraction on the peninsula provides something for everyone, leaving the entire family begging for more.

Daylesford (1 hour, 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD)

The unique landscape of Daylesford provides an opportunity to explore the area of an extinct volcano. Utilizing the mineral springs in the area, the town is home to many natural healing therapies and spas, helping a weary traveller to find relaxation and peace. The region is also home to many walking trails and camp grounds, allowing any visitor the opportunity to explore the lush greenery of the area.

Phillip Island (2 hours south of Melbourne CBD)

Philip’s Island is best known for its Little Penguins that come into shore around sunset. Spectators gather for this unique opportunity once a day at Summerland Beach to see this ‘Penguin Parade.’ The wildlife residing on Philip’s Island makes each day a new opportunity to see something new. If wildlife is not your interest, then there are also beaches, fantastic eateries, and the Philip Island Circuit (a legendary track for racing).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyVRl1owBXw

Pentridge Prison (30 mins from of Melbourne CBD)

The Victorian Heritage Register has protected many of the buildings located at Pentridge Prison. The prison is home to various art exhibits as well as some spooky ghost tours. Some of the buildings are currently under restoration to be made into housing, retail, and open spaces for the public. Today, you can go to Pentridge and visit the prison and learn about its historic nature.

St Kilda (20 mins from of Melbourne CBD)

Excitement and adventure can be found at nearly every corner in St Kilda. The beachside town is known for its beachside activities and promenade. Only being twenty minutes from Melbourne, windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing is abound. Each shopping and eating experience holds new opportunities and experiences to explore St Kilda’s diverse culture. A vibrant culture teeming with artistic talent makes this beachside town a perfect day trip.

Bellarine Peninsula (1 hour, 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD)

The abundance of food and wine located on the Bellarine Peninsula is a foodie’s paradise. The fresh bounty along the Bellarine Peninsula Taste Trail, ensures you and your car will not go home empty. The serene views and distinctive landscape allow for adventures of both the land and sea variety. Art galleries, festivals, and eco-adventures populate the area ensuring each person will find something amazing to do on this day trip adventure.

Healesville (1 hour from Melbourne CBD)

Healesville lies close to the Yarra Valley making this a nice day trip for those interested in a variety of activities. The boutique shops and art galleries provide new inspiration for budding artistes; while the Glassblowing Studio gives visitors the opportunity to witness the historic art of glassblowing. An Animal Sanctuary and park walks allow you to experience nature one on one and explore the lush greenery of the region.

Flinders (1 hour, 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD)

Flinders offers a unique architectural experience, with a preserved streetscape and historic shops. Lying on the coast of the Bass Strait and Westernport Bay, Flanders is home to Cape Schanck and the cleanest air in the world. The coastal walk among the bluestone boulders along the Flinders Blowhole Walk, ensure a beautiful view of the ocean coastlines and native animals.

Kyneton (1 hour from Melbourne CBD)

The gold rush brought the thriving village of Kyneton to life. If you enjoy history and picturesque views, Kyneton may be the place for you. Adventurous wine tastings, are sure to leave you raving about the wine of the region; while the bushwalks and village tours allow you to experience the history and natural beauty of the region.

The festivals and other artistic events held here every year are vibrant and diverse, allowing for new interests and activity to excite visitors!

Marysville (1 hour, 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD)

The beautiful town of Marysville is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. The distinct Yarra Ranges National Park is located here, and provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the beauty of nature.

After rebuilding from a raging bushfire, Marysville is a picturesque town rebuilt from the ashes. This small town serves as a launch pad for people who would like to visit the Alpine Resort in winter or a place for hungry hikers to get a bite to eat.

Image credit: Visit Victoria

Weekend Trips from Melbourne Getaways

Bright (3 hours, 30 min from melbourne cbd).

Lying at the base of Mount Buffalo National Park and Alpine National Park, Bright is a region known for its fall foliage and unique experiences. Bright is a place to visit during warm and cold times of year. There are plenty of biking and hiking trails in Bright, along with skiing and snowboarding on Victoria’s Alps. Not only are there plenty activities but they have a world class foodie scene. Boutique restaurants and wineries line the streets, making this the perfect place for a long weekend getaway.

Mount Buller (3 hours from Melbourne CBD)

Mount Buller is a winter resort village situated three hours from Melbourne. The snowy ski slopes and terrain parks, make this an opportunity you cannot miss. Mount Buller is also home to the National Alpine Museum, chronicling the history of Australian’s winter sports.  A sports lover’s paradise, Mount Buller, ensures all adrenaline junkies will find an activity that suits them no matter the time of year.

Beechworth (3 hours from of Melbourne CBD)

A historic and charming town, Beechworth is home to many natural experiences. The hiking and biking trails around the area provide serene views of the valley and historical knowledge.  This once gold rush town, now has an artistic scene connected to nature, along with historic buildings. This long weekend getaway is made for those who like to enjoy nature, while also experiencing life in a small town.

Rutherglen (3 hours from of Melbourne CBD)

Along the Murray River, Rutherglen is known as one of premier wine regions in Victoria. Populated with wineries, this popular place makes for a great long weekend getaway. Along with winery tours, there are plenty of biking and hiking trails. This little slice of paradise, will appeal to the wine lovers and adventure seekers allowing you to have a weekend you will never forget!

Metung (3 hours, 30 min from of Melbourne CBD)

If an escape to the coast is your wish, Metung may be the destination for you! The relaxed village atmosphere is perfect for all the water sport activities and experiences any adventurer will love. Fresh seafood and farm to table restaurants create a unique dining experience. At the foot of the Great Alpine Road, this vacation village is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the road and allows you to explore the Gippsland Lakes from land and water!

King Valley (3 hours from Melbourne CBD)

A slice of Italy in Victoria, awaits you in King Valley. Wineries and Italian eateries line the valley and create the Prosecco Road. Festivals in June have local wineries open their doors to visitors and do winery walkabouts. Liking wine is a must, when visiting this area. The locally grown grapes and ingredients make the food and dining experience different from any other area of Australia.

Apollo Bay (3 hours from of Melbourne CBD)

On the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay is a well-known surfing spot for the surfing aficionado. The pristine coastal waters allow for any water sport fanatic to find something to do. Art, farmers markets, and pristine hikes, allow for fantastic views of the Great Ocean Road, while celebrating the culture of Apollo Bay. This getaway is certain to provide diverse experiences and have something for everyone!

Mildura (6 hours from of Melbourne CBD)

Mildura is the centre of Victoria’s Food Bowl, growing most of the citrus fruits in the region. The beautiful sunsets and clear night skies make Mildura a nice relaxing getaway. There are activities for the whole family, including an Aquacoaster and various biking activities. This historical region even has a vibrant art scene and boutique retail stores, making the region a unique and interesting place for the long getaway!

Don’t forget to end your trip with some epic Australian Quotes !

Tip: If you bring a kid on the trip don’t forget safety first! If you need a new carseat, check out our guide one the best narrow carseats Australia

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The best day trips from Melbourne

Posted April 24, 2024

Planning a day trip? Hit the road and escape to one of these must-see day trip destinations in Victoria, all within three hour’s drive from Melbourne.

For those looking to travel for just the day, Victoria is a state where you can head out on a weekend and find snow, forest, mountains, bush, beaches, villages, lakes and towns; all just under a few hours' drive from Melbourne.

So, pack the car, pump up the tyres and get ready for fun-filled day trips to Victoria’s best bucket-list day trip destinations. And remember, when heading on your own adventure, stay road trip happy by updating your  emergency roadside assistance  before you leave.

The Dandenongs

• Yarra Valley and Healesville

The Grampians

The great ocean road, mornington peninsula, phillip island, best day trips from melbourne.

Head for the hills and spend a day in the stunning Dandenong Ranges . The lush rainforest, less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne, is the perfect place to relax, unwind and get back to nature.

With more than 200 walks and trails, there are hikes aplenty if you want to explore by foot or, if you prefer the scenic route, hop aboard the historic  Puffing Billy steam train  as it glides its way through glistening gullies and towering mountain ash forests.

For something a little more indulgent, drop into the Olinda Tea House for an Asian-influenced high tea in a fairy-tale setting. With ceiling-to-floor windows and 360-degree rainforest views, this charming architectural gem is as close to treehouse chic as it gets.

Puffing Billy is a popular day trip attraction in the Dandenongs. Image: Visit Victoria

Bendigo is an award-winning regional city two hours north-west of Melbourne that is built upon a rich gold mining legacy.

Established during the 1850s gold rush, Bendigo's streets still echo with the tales of fortune seekers who flocked here in search of riches. Grand Victorian architecture like the Bendigo Post Office still lines its streets.

The Central Deborah Gold Mine provides a fascinating insight into the hardships and triumphs of Bendigo's gold mining days, allowing visitors to descend into the depths of the earth and experience life as a miner.

But Bendigo isn't just about its history; it's also a vibrant hub of contemporary culture and creativity. The Bendigo Art Gallery regularly hosts captivating exhibitions that draw visitors from far and wide. Meanwhile, the city's thriving food and wine scene showcases the best of regional produce, with bustling cafes, restaurants, and wineries offering delectable treats for every palate. The Bendigo Botanic Gardens, with its diverse collection of plants from around the world, provides the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic.

More: Everything to see, eat and do in Bendigo

The Central Deborah Gold Mine is one of Bendigo's historical highlights. Image: Anne Morely

The Yarra Valley and Healesville

There’s nothing like spending a day in wine country to help replenish the soul. And where better to get your fill of gourmet goodies and gastronomic pleasures than Victoria’s oldest wine region?

Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley offers a world of sensory indulgence , with award-winning cellar doors, world-class distilleries to try , hatted restaurants and incredible encounters.

Love wine? Sip your way through some of the state’s best with a  Yarra Valley wine tour , where you'll be treated to three premium tasting experiences at some of the Yarra Valley region's most impressive cellar doors - plus indulge in some behind-the-scenes chocolate tasting at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamery.

Nestled in the Yarra Valley, Healesville is a charming town that beckons visitors with its picturesque landscapes and bevy of food and drink options. Make your way to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close and personal with some of your favourite furry friends, including koalas, kangaroos, echidnas and - if you’re lucky - even a platypus. More: The best free things to do in the Yarra Valley

Healesville is a picturesque town with plenty of tasty food and drink options. Image: Visit Victoria

Tick off a bucket-list Victorian adventure with a day trip to the Grampians National Park , part of the Greater Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural landscape three hours west of Melbourne.

This rugged hinterland is a haven for weekenders and serious escape artists alike, offering everything from incredible hikes and majestic mountain panoramas, to epicurean banquets, wildlife encounters, hot springs , and the largest number of significant and ancient Indigenous rock-art paintings and shelters in southern Australia. Keep your camera handy on hike or scenic drive to the photogenic MacKenzie Falls, Halls Gap, Boroka Lookout and the Grand Canyon, where your and Grampians highlights reel will feature one picture-perfect location after the other.

Don’t forget a visit to the Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre to help you get the most out of your visit to this stunning and culturally important corner of the state. You might even find time for a round of mini golf.

Tip: On the way, stop in at the country town of Warrak, which has become mysteriously overrun by a secret mastermind who keeps making Minions -themed statues pop up left, right, and centre.

The Grampians are full of amazing sights. Image: Visit Victoria

Geelong is Victoria's second-largest city, and it has the sights to match, including a beautiful beach waterfront esplanade with a ferris wheel, a sea bath (at Eastern Beach), and an art deco boardwalk. Look out for the colourful Baywalk Bollards on the esplanade: these sculptures chronicle the city's history in a cute and quirky way.

The Geelong Botanic Gardens make for a beautiful (and free) day out, and there's a quaint teahouse onsite for morning tea. Geelong Gallery is a fantastic regional art gallery, if you want to follow up your nature walk with some art appreciation.

Finally, if you're a history fan, you can't miss the Geelong Gaol and the National Wool Museum. Both are old buildings full of rich history and interesting exhibitions.

There are plenty of free things to do in Geelong , too, for a budget-friendly day trip or weekend getaway. More: The best things to see and do in Torquay , just 30 minutes by car from Geelong.

Geelong's waterfront features a calm sea bath area. Image: Visit Victoria

When it comes to world-class day-trip destinations, Victoria’s  Great Ocean Road  is often top of the list. As well as being a culinary cornucopia , this famously craggy coastline boasts a bounty of brilliant activities and playful pit-stops to tick off the local tourism bucket list. Must-see wonders of the Great Ocean Road include a stop in the surfside town of Torquay, the quaint town of Lorne, Twelve Apostles National Park, Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell and the Otway Ranges, where thrill seekers can even strap themselves in for a high-flying scenic adventure through the lush rainforest on an  Otway Fly Zipline Tour . You’ll literally see the forest from the trees as you swing your way through the towering canopy 30 metres above ground level.

Tip: It's around a two hour drive from Melbourne to Lorne, but you can explore the Great Ocean Road over many days, or even use the journey as part of a longer road trip to Adelaide.

The Otway Fly canopy bridge allows you to experience the true wonder of the Otways. Image: Visit Victoria

Heathcote is a hidden gem around 90 minutes from Melbourne that offers a unique blend of history, nature, culture and vineyards aplenty. Also accessible by public transport, it makes for a popular road trip in the autumn when the famed Valley of Liquid Ambers turn for the brilliant hues of the foliage season.

The beloved wine region, which produces some of the best shiraz in the world, is home to more than 40 vineyards and wineries, offering visitors a chance to indulge in a wine tasting or two, as well as myriad culinary experiences from gourmet restaurants to artisan breweries .

The town, which has a rich history dating back to the gold rush era, has preserved many of its historic buildings and sites, including the courthouse, railway station, and Chinese Joss House Museum. Visitors can also take guided tours to learn more about the town's fascinating past.

If nature is more your thing, get out and explore the local walking and hiking tracks, including the striking Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve.

Soak up the serenity at Peregrine Ridge Winery in Heathcote. Image: Visit Victoria

Ballarat beckons with a bounty of family friendly activities. As part of the  Goldfields region, it is a veritable  adventure playground  for families, friends and  foodies  alike. Take a step back in time at Ballarat ’s celebrated  Sovereign Hill , where panning for gold and gorging on raspberry drops are a rite of passage for Victorian children looking to step back in time. You can also take a visit to medieval times at Kryal Castle  or get up close with Australian animals at Ballarat Wildlife Park . There are plenty of free activities in Ballarat , too, like  a lovely stroll  by the lakes and historical monuments around the Creswick area or seeing the arts destination ArtHouse .

All ages can enjoy the historic charms of Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. Image: Visit Victoria

If you’re in need of some sea breeze, a day trip to the  Mornington Peninsula  is just what the doctor prescribed.

For the ultimate in relaxation, head to the  Peninsula Hot Springs  and bathe your way to the top, soaking up the spectacular panoramic views of the peninsula, or enjoy art with a vino on the Mornington Art Trail . There's plenty of local  restaurants  and  wineries  to try out.

If you're looking for a more whimsical adventure with kids, lose yourself among 10 acres of gorgeous gardens, including a year-round lavender labyrinth at  Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens , or cuddle a koala at the Moonlit Sanctuary .

And if you're after free activities on the Mornington Peninsula , there are plenty of those too. The area is filled with a plethora of local beaches, walks and galleries to enjoy at your own leisure.

Mornington Peninsula is one of the prettiest places in Victoria for a day trip. Image: Visit Victoria

Get ready for adventure with a day trip to Phillip Island. Enjoy an action-packed day of discovery at the famous Phillip Island Nature Parks , from an Antarctic journey at the Nobbies Centre to farm-style experiences on Churchill Island to seeing koalas in their natural habitat, or on a majestic whale watching cruise .

Come sunset, get a good spot at the  Phillip Island Penguin Parade  to witness the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins waddle their way across the sand from the sea to their burrows in and up close and personal experience like no other.

The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is a must-do on a day trip to the island. Image: Visit Victoria

The charming Goulburn Valley town situated on the banks of Lake Nagambie, is known for its scenic beauty, water sports and wineries. At around two hours' drive from Melbourne, Nagambie is an idyllic spot to escape to for a day, or even the weekend.

Lake Nagambie is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The area is also famous for its  breweries  and  wineries , with several acclaimed vineyards and cellar doors, including Tahbilk and  Mitchelton that call the region home.

Lake Daylesford is a great place to enjoy a picnic and a relaxing day out. Image: Getty

A favourite amongst day trippers, wellness lovers and weekenders looking to explore, the spa town of Daylesford is a great way to relax on a day trip from Melbourne and only 25 minutes from the  RACV Goldfields Resort .

Bathe in the mineral waters of Hepburn Springs , enjoy a picnic by Lake Daylesford, indulge in a spa treatment at Daylesford Day Spa , shop for unique antiques at the famed Amazing Mill Markets and satisfy your sweet tooth at The Chocolate Mill before a relaxing drive home.

Being road trip happy is the best. Sign up to RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance before you leave →

More local guides

7 of Victoria’s most underrated travel destinations

The best Victorian holiday destinations for food lovers

Best walks, hikes and trails near RACV Resorts

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Day trip to Suzdal from Moscow: transport, sights, maps and tips

 DAY TRIP TO SUZDAL

  Suzdal is one of the most popular destinations on the Golden Ring and the whole city is often described as an open-air museum.  The city has no railway station and practically no heavy industry, meaning that is has preserved its provincial charm and a great deal of architectural monuments.

  From Moscow, Suzdal is not as easy to get to as Sergiev Posad (the closest Golden Ring city to the capital) but it is worth going the extra distance as Suzdal provides more of a contrast from Moscow.  If you make use of high-speed trains it is possible and not too demanding to visit for even just a day, but of course spending the night there is recommended to soak in the atmosphere or to combine it with a visit to neighbouring Vladimir.  As the city is a very popular tourist destination you will have no problem finding a cafe or guesthouse there.  There is practically no public transport in the city, but the city is small and most sights are located relatively close to each other.

Getting There and Back

Via Vladimir

Direct to Suzdal

  Buses directly to Suzdal leave from Moscow’s Schyolkovsky Bus Station.  There are about 9 buses a day and it takes around 4½ hours depending on traffic.  The buses stop at Vladimir too.  Using this option will mean a rather exhausting day trip.

Orientation and Main Sights

  Suzdal is a relatively small city and it is not difficult to walk around the city to see most of the sights.  

  The main road in the city is Ulitsa Lenina which runs north across the whole city.  

  The main sights of Suzdal are located either on or just off this road, including the two main sights: the Suzdal Kremlin in the south and the Spaso-Yevfimiev Monastery in the north.

  More information about Suzdal can be found on our Suzdal  pages.

  Suzdal is famous for its medovukha (mead) which is an alcoholic drink made out of honey.  It can be drunk either hot or cold, meaning it perfect in both summer and winter, and you will find it on practically every menu in the city.  There are various flavours of the drink available and even a non-alcoholic version.  In addition to medovukha, you can find all traditional Russian souvenirs in the city and there is a big souvenir market on Torgovaya Ploschad.

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Best Resorts Near Museum of Labor Glory, Elektrostal, Russia

Resorts near museum of labor glory, property types, distance from, traveller rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance from Museum of Labor Glory See properties located closest to the place of interest first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners.