Sometimes, we all need a little getaway. A chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy a bit of peace in the countryside. There’s so many fabulous places to discover in Victoria, so you can explore to your heart’s content. Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Melbourne, so you can go there and back again in no time. What will you discover?
1. Yarra Valley
Less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a region that will take your breath away. Amid the highs and lows of the valley, you’ll find an abundance of lush greenery and delicious food. The first vineyard in Victoria was planted here, and now, there’s plenty of top-tier wineries for you to explore. If you plan on drinking, take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour or use a personal chauffeur.
Soar over the Yarra Valley on a hot air balloon, or keep your feet on the ground and check out some local gardens or orchards. There’s so much to see and do, which means you can come back for multiple day trips from Melbourne. Start planning your journey here.
2. Daylesford
Drive 90 minutes away from Melbourne to the dreamy town of Daylesford. Soak in the region’s famous mineral waters, and let nature heal your body and mind. Take a stroll around Lake Daylesford or through Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Then, after finding peace in nature, indulge in some wine and good food from one of the remarkable restaurants and boutique cafes in the area. Get in touch with your artistic side with a visit to Convent Gallery. If the season is right, find some beautiful lavender at Sault Restaurant or Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm. See more here.
3. Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is absolutely massive, and has a whole treasure trove of interesting experiences waiting to be discovered. Choose your adventure and visit for one day or several. Explore the closest towns to Melbourne, like Torquay or Anglesea, and enjoy a day on the beach. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, there’s also national parks for you to explore, like the Otways, which is filled with forests, waterfalls and glow worms. Find out more.
4. Phillip Island
Who could resist visiting the adorable Little Penguins on Phillip Island? On top of their famous penguin parade, there’s heaps of other wildlife waiting to be discovered. Hop on a boat in search of happy seals, keep a lookout for whales and discover koalas in their natural habitat.
Then, explore the beauty of the island by going on one of their many fabulous coastal walks. Get a dose of culture by visiting one of their galleries and try fresh seafood and local produce at one of their many restaurants. If you’ve got a need for speed, go racing around a go-kart track, which is a scale replica of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Then, finish off your day by gazing at the stars. Find more ideas here.
5. Warburton
It’ll only take a 90-minute drive for you to feel as though you’ve landed in the middle of a Californian forest. Inside Warburton’s redwood forest, you’ll be surrounded by almost 1500 towering red-barked trees. Some of these trees stretch 55 metres into the sky. Meander along the walking trails and connect with nature inside this enchanting forest.
Love nature? Check out Mount Donna Buang nearby, and frolic in the snow during winter.
If you’re looking for more fairy tale locations, Blue Lotus Water Garden is a short drive away. Discover a dreamy array of waterlilies and lotus flowers, blooming gently in one of the garden’s many ponds. This whimsical garden is usually open from December to April.
Find more ideas for your next visit to Warburton here.
6. Ballarat
Ballarat is simply bursting with things to do. This historic city is easy to get to, and is about 90 minutes away by either car or train. Apart from the iconic Sovereign Hill, there’s also the beautiful Botanical Gardens, the picturesque Lake Wendouree, the adventurous Kryal Castle and more. See Australia’s oldest regional gallery, The Art Gallery of Ballarat, and check out other cool museums. Feast on regional produce at one of the amazing cafes, restaurants and bars around town.
On top of that, there’s always a festival, market event or exhibition on, so you’ll always have something new to see when you visit. Look forward to events like the Ballarat Begonia Festival, Ballarat Heritage Festival, Ballarat Winter Festival and more. See more here.
7. Dandenong Ranges
If you’re looking for a rainforest getaway, then the Dandenong Ranges is for you! Walk up the 1000 Steps, discover nearby waterfalls and see if you can spot local wildlife, like wallabies or wombats. Reconnect with your childhood on the Puffing Billy Railway, and explore beautiful gardens like the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden or the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden. Explore the quaint little towns for cafes, boutique shops and gifts. You’ll find charming seasonal events, like the Tesselaar Tulip Festival, so you can leave Melbourne on multiple day trips throughout the year. See our recommendations here.
8. Mornington Peninsula
The beautiful Mornington Peninsula offers a fantastic getaway for any Melburnian looking for a sea change. When you’re not at the beach, relax and unwind with dreamy hot springs and spas like Peninsula Hot Springs, Alba Thermal Springs & Spa and Aurora Spa & Bathhouse.
There’s also an abundance of picturesque walking trails, fantastic wineries and seasonal produce. Stroll through a sculpture park at Pt. Leo Estate, head up to Arthur’s Seat for stunning views, or visit Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve to see one of Victoria’s oldest lighthouses. See our recommendations here.
9. Hanging Rock
Take a day trip to the dramatic landscape of Hanging Rock. Located near Woodend and Mount Macedon, about an hour’s drive away from Melbourne, this legendary location was the focal point of the famous ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’. This stunning volcanic formation was formed six million years ago, and is a significant landmark to the Woi Wurrung (Wurundjeri), the Djaara and the Taungurung peoples.
Climb up to the summit and see if you can spot any native wildlife, like kangaroos or echidnas. Then, listen out for the chirps of any of the 40 species of birds that nest in the area. For something a bit unique, go for a hike with a llama by your side. Learn more about the history and geology of the area at the Hanging Rock Discover Centre. Then, enjoy a picnic on the lawn or find something delicious at the cafe. Learn more here.
10. Bendigo
A trip to Bendigo takes about 90 minutes by train and two hours by car. Learn about its heritage by visiting the gold mines that put them on the map. Then, get your fill of art and culture at places like the Bendigo Art Gallery, Golden Dragon Museum and The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, also known as the largest Buddhist stupa in the western world.
Find out why Bendigo is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy by checking out its excellent culinary scene. Visit nearby wineries, check out some breweries, visit a farmers market and more.
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. Start planning your trip here.