Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Melbourne for a day? Explore the stunning destinations just a short drive away with our guide to day trips from Melbourne. From picturesque coastal towns to lush wine regions, there is no shortage of exciting places to visit within a few hours’ drive from the city. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or history buff, these day trips offer a perfect opportunity to unwind and explore the beauty of Victoria. So pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on a memorable adventure with our curated list of day trips from Melbourne.
Great Ocean Road
Travel tips
- Distance from Melbourne: Approximately 151 miles
- Time to get there: Around 2.5 to 3 hours by car
- How to get there: You can take a bus from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Geelong, then transfer to another bus that goes along the Great Ocean Road. Alternatively, you can drive or join a guided tour.
- Click for Google maps directions: Great Ocean Road
Exploring Great Ocean Road: Things to do
The Great Ocean Road is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Melbourne. Stretching along the stunning coastline of Victoria, this iconic road offers breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean and rugged cliffs. One of the top attractions along the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks standing majestically in the ocean.
Visitors can also explore the lush rainforests of the Otway Ranges, home to diverse wildlife and beautiful waterfalls. For those seeking adventure, there are opportunities for surfing, hiking, and even helicopter rides to get a bird’s eye view of the coastline.
Don’t miss the charming seaside towns dotted along the route, such as Lorne and Apollo Bay, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local art galleries. Whether you’re a nature lover, a thrill-seeker, or simply looking to unwind by the sea, the Great Ocean Road has something for everyone.
Yarra Valley
Travel tips
- Distance from Melbourne: 38 miles
- Time to get there: Approximately 1 hour drive
- To get to Yarra Valley from Melbourne, you can take the Lilydale train from Flinders Street Station to Lilydale Station. From there, you can catch a bus or taxi to reach different parts of Yarra Valley.
- Click for Google maps directions: Yarra Valley
Exploring Yarra Valley: Things to do
Yarra Valley is a renowned wine region located just a short drive away from Melbourne, making it a perfect day trip destination for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The region is famous for its world-class wineries, stunning vineyard landscapes, and a variety of outdoor activities.
One of the must-do activities in Yarra Valley is wine tasting at the numerous cellar doors scattered throughout the region. You can sample a wide range of wines, from crisp Chardonnays to robust Shirazes, while enjoying the picturesque views of the vineyards.
Apart from wine tasting, Yarra Valley offers opportunities for hot air balloon rides, where you can soar above the rolling hills and vineyards as the sun rises, providing a breathtaking panoramic view of the region. For nature lovers, a visit to the Healesville Sanctuary is a must, where you can encounter native Australian wildlife up close, including kangaroos, koalas, and colorful bird species.
Additionally, Yarra Valley is home to a vibrant food scene, with farm-to-table restaurants, artisanal cheese producers, and local markets offering fresh produce and gourmet delights. You can indulge in a culinary journey, sampling the region’s finest offerings while soaking in the relaxed countryside atmosphere.
Overall, Yarra Valley is a must-see destination for its scenic beauty, world-class wines, and diverse range of activities that cater to all interests. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, nature enthusiast, or food lover, Yarra Valley has something to offer for everyone, making it an ideal day trip from Melbourne.
Phillip Island
Travel tips
- Distance from Melbourne: Approximately 87 miles
- Time to get there: Around 2 hours by car
- How to get there: You can take a bus from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Cowes on Phillip Island. Alternatively, you can take a train from Melbourne to Stony Point and then catch a ferry to Phillip Island.
- Click for Google maps directions: Phillip Island
Exploring Phillip Island: Things to do
Phillip Island, just a short drive from Melbourne, is a must-see destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. One of the top attractions on the island is the Penguin Parade, where visitors can witness adorable little penguins waddling ashore at sunset. For those interested in marine life, the Seal Rocks offer a chance to see Australian fur seals in their natural habitat.
Nature lovers will also appreciate the stunning coastal scenery at the Nobbies Centre, where you can take a leisurely walk along the boardwalks and spot native bird species. The island is also home to the Koala Conservation Centre, where you can observe these iconic Australian animals up close in their natural habitat.
Adventure seekers can enjoy surfing at Cape Woolamai, known for its great waves, or go on a wildlife cruise to see dolphins and seabirds in the surrounding waters. For a more relaxed experience, the Churchill Island Heritage Farm provides a glimpse into the island’s agricultural history and offers farm activities for visitors of all ages.
Overall, Phillip Island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and outdoor activities, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Victoria’s coastal attractions.
Mornington Peninsula
Travel tips
- Distance from Melbourne: 47 miles
- Time to get there: Approximately 1.5 hours
- How to get there: You can reach Mornington Peninsula by taking a bus from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Frankston, and then transferring to a local bus to reach the peninsula. Alternatively, you can take a train from Flinders Street Station to Frankston and then catch a bus to Mornington Peninsula.
Exploring Mornington Peninsula: Things to do
Mornington Peninsula is a must-see destination for those seeking a perfect blend of coastal beauty and cultural experiences. The region boasts stunning beaches, charming seaside villages, and a plethora of wineries and gourmet food options.
One of the top activities in Mornington Peninsula is visiting the iconic Peninsula Hot Springs, where you can relax in natural thermal pools and indulge in spa treatments. Nature lovers will appreciate exploring the coastal trails of Cape Schanck and Point Nepean National Park, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.
For wine enthusiasts, a visit to the renowned wineries of Red Hill and Main Ridge is a must. Enjoy wine tastings, cellar door experiences, and picturesque vineyard views. Foodies will also delight in the local produce markets and farm-to-table dining options scattered throughout the region.
If you’re a history buff, don’t miss a visit to the historic seaside town of Sorrento, where you can explore heritage buildings and learn about the area’s maritime past. Adventure seekers can try their hand at water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, or kayaking along the pristine shores of Mornington Peninsula.
Overall, Mornington Peninsula offers a diverse range of activities and attractions that cater to all interests, making it a perfect day trip destination from Melbourne.
Wilsons Promontory National Park
Travel tips
- Distance from Melbourne: Approximately 130 miles
- Time to get there: Around 2.5 to 3 hours by car
- How to get there: You can take a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station to Traralgon, then transfer to a bus to Wilsons Promontory National Park. Alternatively, driving is also a popular option.
- Click for Google maps directions: Wilsons Promontory National Park
Exploring Wilsons Promontory National Park: Things to do
Wilsons Promontory National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The park boasts stunning coastal landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, making it a paradise for those seeking a getaway in nature.
One of the top activities to do in Wilsons Promontory National Park is hiking. With a variety of trails catering to different fitness levels, visitors can explore the park’s rugged terrain and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The iconic hike to the summit of Mount Oberon offers panoramic vistas of the park and its coastline.
For beach lovers, Wilsons Promontory National Park is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Victoria. Squeaky Beach, with its unique squeaky sand, is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. Norman Beach and Whisky Bay are also great options for a relaxing day by the sea.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of native animals that call the park home. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus, wombats, and a variety of bird species as you explore the park. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding in Wilsons Promontory National Park, with opportunities to spot rare and endangered species in their natural habitat.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a relaxing day at the beach, or a chance to spot unique wildlife, Wilsons Promontory National Park offers something for everyone. Plan your day trip from Melbourne and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this iconic Australian destination.
Dandenong Ranges
Travel tips
- Distance from Melbourne: Approximately 35 miles
- Time to get there: Around 1 hour by car
- How to get there: You can reach the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne by taking the Belgrave Line train from Flinders Street Station to Upper Ferntree Gully Station. From there, you can catch a bus to various locations within the Dandenong Ranges.
Exploring Dandenong Ranges: Things to do
The Dandenong Ranges, known for their lush greenery and stunning natural beauty, are a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. One of the top attractions in the area is the iconic Puffing Billy Railway, a century-old steam train that chugs through the picturesque forests and fern gullies of the region. Visitors can hop aboard the train for a scenic ride and experience a piece of history in motion.
For those seeking outdoor adventures, the Dandenong Ranges offer a plethora of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. From leisurely strolls through the tranquil Sherbrooke Forest to more challenging treks up the majestic Mount Dandenong, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Along the way, keep an eye out for native wildlife such as colorful parrots and curious wallabies that call the area home.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Dandenong Ranges are also home to charming villages and artisanal shops that showcase the region’s local arts and crafts. Visitors can explore the quaint townships of Olinda and Sassafras, where they can browse unique boutiques, sample gourmet treats, and admire handmade goods created by talented local artisans.
Whether you’re looking to relax in nature, embark on an outdoor adventure, or simply soak up the peaceful ambiance of the countryside, the Dandenong Ranges offer a diverse range of experiences that make it a destination worth exploring. Plan a day trip to this scenic region and discover the beauty and charm that await in the heart of Victoria’s stunning landscape.
Grampians National Park
Travel tips
- Distance from Melbourne: Approximately 160 miles
- Time to get there: Around 3 hours by car
- How to get there: You can reach Grampians National Park by driving along the Western Highway. Alternatively, you can take a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Ararat Station, and then catch a bus to Halls Gap, the gateway to the park.
Exploring Grampians National Park: Things to do
Grampians National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The park’s rugged landscapes, stunning lookouts, and diverse wildlife make it a paradise for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
One of the top activities in the park is hiking, with a variety of trails catering to all levels of fitness. The Pinnacle walk offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, while the Balconies lookout provides a unique perspective of the park’s iconic rock formations.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Grampians is home to a rich array of native animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, and colorful bird species. Birdwatching is a popular pastime here, with the chance to spot rare species such as the powerful owl and the wedge-tailed eagle.
Rock climbing and abseiling are also popular activities in the park, with numerous cliffs and rock faces providing thrilling challenges for climbers of all abilities. The rugged sandstone formations offer a unique playground for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
In addition to outdoor activities, the Grampians National Park is also rich in Aboriginal culture and history. Visitors can explore ancient rock art sites, learn about the traditional owners of the land, and gain a deeper appreciation for the spiritual significance of the area.
Overall, Grampians National Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Victoria’s wilderness.
