The Best Towns In Victoria That You Can Visit By Public Transport

Distance from Melbourne: 90 minutes by train and bus

For something close to home, escape to the Dandenong Ranges and explore the quaint village of Olinda. To get there, hop on either the Belgrave or Lilydale train from Southern Cross, and get off at Upper Ferntree Gully or Croydon. From there, catch the 688 bus up to Olinda.

Once you’re there, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and wander down the main street for boutique shops and cosy cafes. There’s lots of stunning gardens in the surrounding area, and the closest one is the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, which is just a ten minute walk away from town.

Distance from Melbourne: 90 minutes by train

Hop on the V/Line train from Southern Cross, and travel to the popular town of Ballarat. The train will take you to the centre of town, where you can hop off and explore the area.

Take a stroll past the picturesque Lake Wendouree and through the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, explore the Art Gallery of Ballarat, treat yourself to a drink from one of their distilleries and more. Journey back in time and check out Sovereign Hill and the Eureka Centre. For some family fun, check out Kryal Castle and Ballarat Wildlife Park.

Throughout the year, there’s plenty of festivals to check out, such as the Ballarat Begonia Festival, Ballarat Winter Festival and Ballarat Heritage Festival. If you’re staying overnight, why don’t you relax at Hotel Vera, a luxurious getaway set within a 19th century mansion? For more ideas, see here.

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour by train

The delightful village of Woodend in the Macedon Ranges is only an hour away from Melbourne by public transport. You might need to take a taxi to visit the famous Hanging Rock nearby, but if you’d prefer to stay in town, there’s lots of things to see and do on foot. Woodend has plenty of bakeries, cafes and pubs to keep you well-fed. Once you’ve had your fill of food and drink, check out the quaint bookstores and shops. Then, go for a leisurely stroll along the Five Mile Creek Walk.

Distance from Melbourne: Less than 90 minutes by train

Take the V/Line from Southern Cross to Malmsbury. From the train station, it’s about a 15 minute walk to town. Take in splendid views of the magnificent viaduct, then wander around the botanic gardens, and say hello to the resident geese. Walk through town and admire the historic buildings, and grab a bite from the bakery. Time your visit to align with the farmers market, which takes place on the third Sunday of the month.

Distance from Melbourne: 2 hours by train

The train station in Bendigo is just a few minutes walk away from the city centre, so you can explore some picturesque landmarks on foot, including Rosalind Park and the historic gold rush buildings. Hop aboard a Vintage Talking Tram for easy access to top attractions around the city, including the Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Art Gallery, Golden Dragon Museum and Sacred Heart Cathedral, Australia’s second largest church.

Bendigo is also a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, which means you can’t miss its vibrant culinary scene. Visit one of their many cafes, including the Tram Cafe, dine in heritage-listed buildings, go wine tasting, and hop into one of the bars for a taste of local craft beer. Check out their gastronomy guide here.

If you’re visiting in spring, you can’t miss the Bendigo Annual Tulip Display. Walk around Pall Mall, the Conservatory Garden and more to see thousands of tulips in a whole range of colours and sizes.

During Easter, don’t miss the Bendigo Easter Festival, a spectacular community celebration that has been running since 1871. Look forward to parades, dragon dances, markets and plenty of family-friendly attractions.

Distance from Melbourne: 90 minutes by train

There’s plenty to discover in the bustling town of Castlemaine, with heaps of gold rush architecture, museums and vintage treasures. Take a trip to the nearby town of Maldon on the Victorian Goldfields Railway, an authentic steam train.

Don’t miss The Mill, an 1870s woollen mill filled with fresh produce, a coffee house, an ice cream store, a tap room, a bakery, vintage stalls and more. If you like shopping, there’s farmers markets and artists markets to check out on a monthly basis. For something outdoors, there’s plenty of tranquil walks to try, as well as the picturesque Botanical Gardens. For a bit more art and culture, check out the Castlemaine Art Museum, or stick around for a live gig at Theatre Royal.

Distance from Melbourne: 2.5 to 3.5 hours

Need to get to Phillip Island? There’s a couple of ways for you to get to its central town of Cowes via public transport. You could take a Metro train to Dandenong Station, and from there, hop on a V/Line coach to Cowes. Or, you could take a coach from Southern Cross to Koo Wee Rup, and then take a coach from there to Cowes.

This coastal getaway is a great base for your island explorations. In the main town, you’ll find plenty to do with heaps of bustling restaurants and cafes. On a hot day, check out Cowes Beach, which was named as one of the best beaches in Australia in 2025. Wander along Cowes Jetty and hop on a boat to see wildlife like local seals.

For something inland, check out koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Reserve, have fun at A Maze’N Things and race around in go karts on the Phillip Island Circuit. Stick around at night to see the beloved Penguin Parade.

There are taxis and tours available to help you get around Phillip Island. Learn more here.

Distance from Melbourne: 2.5 hours by train

Located in the Goulburn Valley, you’ll find plenty of cafes, pubs, restaurants and local produce in Shepparton. For a bit of art and culture, check out the Shepparton Art Museum, Bangerang Cultural Centre, the Moooving Art Cows and more. Walk along the banks of the Goulburn River, and explore the Australian Botanic Gardens.

Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours by train

There’s lots of great towns to explore in Gippsland, and if you’re not sure where to start, why don’t you check out the port town of Sale? There are plenty of things to see and do, such as the Gippsland Art Gallery, the Botanic Gardens, the Sale Common wetlands and the Bataluk Cultural Trail. Grab a bite to eat from one of the many cafes and restaurants. Sale is also a short drive away from 90 Mile Beach. If you’d like to see the sea, hop on a local bus to Golden Beach and get a glimpse of this famous stretch.

Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours by train and coach

The Great Ocean Road is one of the best scenic drives in the country, but if you don’t have a car, don’t worry. You can still access some of its charming towns by public transport. To visit Lorne, for example, you will need to take a train to Geelong, followed by a coach to the coastal town.

Explore stunning natural wonders, such as the beach and nearby waterfalls, and take in the view from Teddy’s Lookout. Stroll along the pier or have a dip in the sea baths. Wander down the main strip and explore the buzzing boutique stores or eateries, like  Totti’s. For a bit of adventure, try surfing, kayaking or go ziplining at Live Wire Park. Find more ideas here.

Distance from Melbourne: Just over 3 hours by train

On the banks of the Murray River, you’ll find the timeless town of Echuca. Feel whisked away to the days of old and hop aboard one of the charming paddle steamers. You can also explore the Murray with a canoe, kayak or other kind of boat.

After spending time on the river, dive into a bit of history at the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre. Find something lovely at a boutique shop and relax with a lovely meal by the river. Then, duck across the border into New South Wales to explore the twin town, Moama.

Distance from Melbourne: 3.5 hours by train and coach

You’ll be travelling for a while, but if you’re keen to visit the Grampians, it’ll be worth it. Hop on the train from Southern Cross to Ararat, then take a connecting coach to Halls Gap.  Surrounded by stunning scenery, this small town is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure.

Swing by Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for updated tips about exploring the park, then stretch your legs on one of the hiking trails. Look out for breathtaking natural spots like MacKenzie Falls, the Pinnacle and the Grand Canyon. For some local art and culture, you can’t miss the Wama Foundation, a precinct with a gallery and sprawling gardens.

Stay overnight, then kick off the next day with a cup of coffee, while gazing at kangaroos, wallabies and native birds. For even more animals, head to the Halls Gap Zoo.

There are local tour operators who get connect you to major attractions, so you don’t have to miss out.

Distance from Melbourne: 3.5 hours by train

For more adventures along the Great Ocean Road, take the train from Southern Cross to Warrnambool. Named as a Top Tourism Town in 2025, there’s lots of exciting things for you to see and do.

Explore the town by going for a walk or riding a bike through some stunning locations, including the Botanical Gardens, around Lake Pertobe and along the beach. Take a moment to relax at the blissful Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs. Experience a bit of history at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and stick around in the evening for their spectacular Sound and Light Show. There are public buses to help you get around, as well as private bus tours to help you get to attractions further out, like Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. If you visit in winter, keep an eye out for whales!

Distance from Melbourne: 4.5 hours by train and coach

Take the V/Line to Wangaratta Station, then hop on a coach to the gold rush town of Beechworth. Located in the High Country, you’ll find over 30 carefully preserved buildings that are listed on the National Trust. Learn about their connection to the gold rush and Ned Kelly, then check out the boutique shops and find something nice to take home. Find something delicious to eat or drink in the thriving foodie scene, then head out into the great outdoors for a lovely walk or bike ride. Otherwise, pamper yourself with a spa treatment at The Benev, or slow down in the floating sauna on Lake Sambell. In autumn, the area is filled with vibrant colours.