Where Are The Places To Take Road Trip In Melbourne?

Road trips are the best method to satisfy your wanderlust when you need a vacation from the city. The national parks in and around Melbourne are home to beautiful, diverse ecosystems.

We've all heard about the Great Ocean Road, but there's plenty more natural beauty to behold in Melbourne beyond that! There are several beautiful places to visit around Melbourne, including the Grampians National Park, Otway National Park, and the Mornington Peninsula.

The Grampians, the Otway, and Mornington are all close to Melbourne, so keep reading to learn about our top recommendations there.

Summer's coming, and that means it's time to hit the gas and escape the concrete jungle before it gets too hot. Hurry over hot highways and then out into the open, where you can hear the soothing sound of water lapping at the coast. Long or short, there are many wonderful places to spend the long summer days away from the city.

Melbourne Road Trips

You may drive a few hours and be in a completely other world, from beautiful beaches and odd species to spa towns and breathtaking wilderness locations. Less than 200 kilometres separate the city from the beautiful Grampian National Park, Wilsons Promontory's gleaming white sand beaches, and the rugged Dandenong Ranges, all of which may be seen from the world-famous Great Ocean Road.

Many of these weekend getaways are located in natural areas, making wildlife viewing a highlight. Phillip Island is where you may see penguins waddling up a white sand beach, and the national parks are where you can see wild kangaroos, colourful parrots, and wombats. Victoria's exquisite seaside resorts captivate tourists with their art galleries, charming shops, and award-winning restaurants, in addition to the region's abundant natural beauty, which can be reached in only a short drive from the city centre.

Gold rush era settlement worth visiting for history buffs. Furthermore, Mount Buller is only a three-hour journey from Melbourne, making it a popular destination for winter day visits for skiers and snowboarders. We've compiled a list of the top day trips from Melbourne so you can escape the city and see more of the region.

Grampians National Park Attractions

Grampians National Park is well-known for its fauna, including wallabies and the famous laughing kookaburra, as well as for its awe-inspiring sandstone peaks.

This park also features significant examples of Aboriginal rock art, such as paintings made with red ochre pigment, carvings, and figures in caves, boulders, and platforms, and represents an important aspect of Australia's Indigenous history.

It just takes three hours to drive from Melbourne to Halls Gaps, the largest tourist village in the middle of Grampians National Park. Halls Gaps is a great place to pick up some mementoes to remind you of your time in the Grampians, and it's also the starting point for many of the trails that go to the park's most popular attractions.

Prepare to hike across the greatest of this 67,219-hectare park, which features rugged terrain that is well connected by walking paths across the park. Those seeking adventure should drive three hours to the north-west, stopping in the quaint towns of Beaufort, Ararat, and Moyston for ice cream. The Grampians are a national park in Australia that has been designated as a World Heritage Site, and it is here that visitors can scramble up cliff wall trails and swim under gushing waterfalls.

Camping is quite affordable and can be done under a blanket of stars and in the midst of some of the world's most impressive rock formations and culturally significant indigenous rock art sites. The Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, along with the many great wineries in the area, is a destination for gourmets and wine connoisseurs.

Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance may not be the largest inland network of canals, but the town's beautiful clear waters are well worth the four-hour drive for a lovely laid-back summer vacation.

There's a tonne to do, or not do, in this area, from taking long, relaxing swims at the end of the world on Ninety Mile Beach to fishing in one of the many lakes or practising your kayaking skills. You should definitely indulge in some of the ocean's freshest seafood dishes.

Slide Around Natural Rock Slides In Venus Bath

The Halls Gap neighbourhood was home to a popular swimming place known as Venus Bath in the early 20th century. The baths are a collection of tiny ponds carved out of rock that hold water from Stony Creek.

Get in the water and slide down the rocks that separate the pools; they're Nature's own slides! Even if you're not in the mood for a slide, the refreshing waters will be welcome after a strenuous climb. It will take you between thirty minutes and an hour to travel the 2.4 kilometres one way.

The Penguin Parade On Phillip Island

A colony of the world's smallest penguins makes their home on Phillip Island, making for an excellent day trip from Melbourne.

Phillip Island has a lot to offer animal lovers, including the world-famous Penguin Parade, Wildlife Coast Cruises to see whales, seals, and dolphins, and the Koala Sanctuary, which features elevated boardwalks where you can go shoulder-to-shoulder with some very adorable koalas.

About 140 kilometres from Melbourne's central business district, Phillip Island is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Visitors at Phillip Island Nature Park assemble nightly at sunset to watch a parade of cute penguins trot up the beach.

If you want to see some animals before the "Penguin Parade," there are a few zoos and parks in the area you can check out. Visit the Koala Conservation Centre to see koalas in their native environment. Visit Phillip Island Wildlife Park to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, or take a stroll along the Nobbies, a boardwalk that offers spectacular views of the coast and borders the seabird gardens on the headland. Check this area frequently in the spring for nesting silver gulls and little penguins.

Stop visit the Nobbies Centre, located in the heart of Nobbies, and peruse the informative displays for free to learn more about the local ecosystem. We can see Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest fur seal population, across the Bass Strait. If you want to get a better look at the seals, bring binoculars or go on a tour specifically designed to see animals. With so many opportunities to learn about the local ecosystem and see native animals, this is a top day trip from Melbourne with kids.

Those in Melbourne can take the Phillip Island Penguin Highlights Day Trip to see this popular destination.This full-day trip includes visits to Maru Koala and Animal Park for wildlife viewing, the Nobbies, and the world-famous Penguin Parade.

Hop Through The Valley Of Rocks At The Grand Canyon

Seeing the Grand Canyon of the Grampians is the pinnacle of a trip to those mountains. The valley of the Grampians peak trail is formed by the steep slopes reached by hiking to one of the lowest places in the range.

This short 900m hike will take around 30 minutes one way and will allow you to marvel at the sight of fascinating rock formations as you leap from rock to rock. Popular among climbers for its stacked-up, grey-steel look, this rock formation is also suitable for the sport of bouldering.

Port Fairy

Port Fairy is the final and most important destination along the Great Ocean Road, where visitors may relax and unwind after a day of exploring the Great Ocean Road's turquoise shoreline, squinting at the Twelve Apostles, and obtaining windswept ocean hair. Port Fairy was formerly a hub for Moby Dick–style seal and whale hunters in the 19th century, but nowadays it's more of a laid-back beach town with a unique art culture where tourists can relax and unwind. You can see playful seals, dolphins, and whales while strolling along the shore. With your toes in the warm sand, nothing beats a fish and chip grease.

Mackenzie Falls: Visit This Majestic Place To See Rainbows

The Mackenzie Falls are one of the largest and most stunning waterfalls in Victoria, and they serve as an iconic symbol of the Grampians. You may see rainbow mist above this beautiful gorge at any time of year.

This 1km track takes 45 minutes one way, but it's a very steep descent. On the other hand, the view is well worth the effort!

One can also make a short detour through Open Stringybark Forest to see Broken Falls, a larger and lower alternative to Mackenzie Falls that provides a unique perspective on the gushing river below.

Bright

Excellent restaurants with delectable homemade fare and wines harvested from backyard vineyards can be found in this picturesque hamlet at the foot of the Victorian Alps. Now that winter is over, the hills are a pleasant place to go trekking, with views straight out of The Sound of Music.

When it gets too hot, you can cool off with a nice dip in the river or a kayak ride, and the Bright Brewery is the place to go for delicious local beer. Travel time is about three and a half hours via simple motorways and scenic, winding country roads.

The Yarra Valley And The Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Mountains and Yarra Valley have been popular weekend destinations for Melbourne's upper class for more than a century. There is something for everyone on this day's excursion, from wildlife viewing to charming villages to delicious food to a thrilling journey on a vintage train.

Experience the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges, located just 40 miles east of Melbourne, first thing in the morning. Hikers can explore the lush fern-filled Sherwood Area and its cascading waterfalls. The forest is dominated by mountain ash trees. At Grants Picnic Ground, you may also hand-feed native birds such crimson rosellas, cockatoos, and galahs. The William Ricketts Sanctuary and the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens are both close by and well worth a look.

Enjoy Belgrave's quaint boutiques and the historic Puffing Billy steam locomotive, which has been operating for 100 years. Villages like Olinda, which is a garden lover's paradise thanks to the nearby Botanic Gardens, Dandenong Ranges and Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens, are perfect for unwinding with a cup of Devonshire tea and a good book.

The Yarra Valley is not far away and is a paradise for foodies with its abundance of locally grown produce, top-notch dining options, and artisanal farmstead cheeses from Yarra Valley Dairy. Do you like animals? Seeing the unique Australian animals and birds at the famed Healesville Sanctuary is one of the top things to do in the area.

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road, regarded as one of the most spectacular drives in the world, can be reached from Melbourne in under two hours. Along the south-west coast of Victoria, this well-known road twists and turns past golden beaches and notable rock formations, offering breathtaking vistas around nearly every bend.

The 12 Apostles, a group of impressive limestone pillars that were originally part of the mainland but are now scattered around the ocean, are the main draw of the Great Ocean Road. You should go to the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk; the longest and highest treetop canopy walk in the world.

The Great Ocean Road, located roughly 200 kilometres from Melbourne, is one of the most breathtaking pieces of coastline in all of Australia. The Twelve Apostles are a group of remarkable rock pinnacles that rise above a churning sea, and the drive from the city winds along the park's sheer coastal cliffs and surf-battered beaches.

Two more notable stops along the Great Ocean Road are the wind- and wave-eroded rock formations. The might of Mother Nature is on full show. Take a helicopter ride for a bird's-eye perspective of the Shipwreck Coast to get the full effect of this stunning coastline. Take a stroll along the Kennett River, where koalas abound; spot kangaroos and wallabies in Great Otway National Park; and experience the forest from a new vantage point at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, home to a treetop walk and zipline tour.

Do you enjoy surfing? Visit the Surf World Museum in Torquay and then check out world-famous Bells Beach, where enormous waves are often spotted. Many of the beaches in the Torquay area welcome canine visitors, and a select few even allow off-leash playtime.

When it comes to driving excursions from Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road is hard to top. You don't need a car to get there, but if you were wondering, you're in luck. On the Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco-Tour from Melbourne, you can experience many of these activities. In addition to a trek in Great Otway National Park, koala-spotting in the Kennett River, and a visit to Apollo Bay, this full-day tour gives you plenty of time to take in the stunning coastal scenery. There is an additional cost for a 15-minute helicopter tour of the Twelve Apostles.

Mount William - Grampians' Highest Peak!

Mount William, the highest point of the Grampians, provides breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscape. To catch the sunset in all its glory, here is the area to be! The summit, at a height of 1,168 metres, is roughly 2 kilometres and 1 to 2 hours away on foot.

Keep your eyes out for a wide range of animals as you make your journey up Mount William. Some kangaroos or wallabies may even follow you up the mountain! Don't forget to bring your cameras because as you reach the top, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area.

The Twelve Apostles Are Natural Towers That Rise From The Ocean.

The Twelve Apostles should be a mandatory stop on any road trip in Victoria. Erosion of soft limestone has created this breathtaking landscape along Australia's Great Ocean Road.

There are still 8 of the original towers standing despite the fact that one was destroyed by the elements in 2005. If you want to see the Twelve Apostles before they're gone forever, you'd better hurry up and make travel plans.

French Island National Park

French Island National Park is an undiscovered paradise for campers and nature enthusiasts, boasting 15 kilometres of shoreline, a mangrove salt marsh, and koalas that feast on eucalyptus.

Driving to Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula will take you less than an hour; but, unless your vehicle possesses Chitty Bang Bang skills and can turn into a boat, to reach the island, you must board the Stony Point passenger boat, which will take approximately 15 minutes. Take a bus, ride a bike, or walk around the island. Those interested in experiencing the island way of life for a longer period can camp in a more rustic setting.

Otway Attractions

The best rainforest and coastal scenery may be seen in Melbourne Otway National Park. You may have the best of both worlds in the Otway region, since it is home to both the famous Great Ocean Road and the Otway Rainforest Treetop Adventure. Explore the woodland up close or take in the coastal air on a stroll along the world-famous Great Ocean Road. Not sure where to start while visiting Otway National Park? Here are some of the highlights you won't want to miss!

The Mornington Peninsula

The beautiful Mornington Peninsula is a popular coastal vacation from Melbourne, yet it's only a 90-minute drive away. This magnificent piece of land features serene coves, quaint villages, and rocky shoreline, and it is bookended by the ocean and Port Phillip Bay.

Sorrento, on the Mornington Peninsula, is a popular tourist destination because it was the first mainland European colony in the state. There are historic structures to visit as well as trendy restaurants and stores to peruse. Spend some time on "Millionaire's Walk," a five-kilometre cliff top walk above Port Phillip Bay that connects Sorrento and Portsea and take in the seaside landscape while gazing at the vacation mansions of Australia's upper class.

Back beach pathways and the rocky wilderness at the tip of the peninsula in Point Nepean National Park are popular destinations for hikers. Besides the opportunity to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins and seals, other attractions in the area include a ride on the gorgeous Sorrento-Queenscliff ferry, dolphin tours, Peninsula Hot Springs, and more.

Silo Art Trail

The Silo Art Trail is Australia's largest outdoor gallery, and it showcases the unlikely combination of silos and street art.

Some of Australia's best-known street artists have turned 200 kilometres of rural Victoria into a one-of-a-kind street art tour.

Massive murals in rural areas of Victoria are used to decorate wheat silos, honour local communities, and attract visitors from the city. Just to paraphrase the closing words of this video:

Loch Ard Gorge - Sparkling Waters Ideal For Swimming

Have a look at Loch Ard Gorge once you've viewed the Apostles from the peak. Walk down the steep stairway to the beach and gaze out at the glistening water below! Breathe in the sea air and go for a dip in the Great Ocean Road Coast's pristine waters.

Two granite pillars in the gorge have also been given names: Tom and Eva, after the two people who managed to escape the shipwreck in Loch Ard Gorge back in 1878. This location in Port Campbell National Park was used to shoot an episode of the TV series Journey to the Center of the Earth in 1999.

As night falls, this location becomes ideal for observing avian life. The sky around sunset is often filled with thousands of short-tailed shearwaters. An old adage states, "He who rises early seizes the day," which, in this case, refers to the beautiful cotton candy skies that can only be seen at sunrise.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory National Park, sometimes known as "The Prom" by locals, is the largest coastal wilderness region in the state and a photographers' paradise. Situated at Australia's southernmost mainland point, it's about a three-hour journey from Melbourne's central business district. The drive may be long for a day excursion, but the sights of pristine beaches, lush jungles, and jagged granite peaks more than make up for it.

Highlights include the sea-sculpted boulders of Whisky Bay, and guided treks through the bushland.  Kangaroos, Wombats, emus, and a wide variety of birds are just a few of the native animals that call the park home.

Adventurers and nature lovers will never be bored. The bushland is crisscrossed by beautiful trails, ranging from short, one-hour strolls to lengthy, multi-day hikes. Atop Mt. Oberon, which can be reached in an hour, is one of the best vantage locations in the park, with a view of the Tidal River and the ocean. The marine national park is open to divers who want to see what lies beneath the waves. Swimming, canoeing, swimming, camping, and birdwatching are some other options. In order to prevent injury during hiking, sturdy footwear is required.

Sovereign Hill In Ballarat

Ballarat's Sovereign Hill is a living museum that transports visitors back in time to the heady days of the gold rush in the 1850s. This restored gold-mining hamlet is one of Ballarat's most popular tourist destinations, located around 110 kilometres from Melbourne. You can go on a tour of an underground gold mine, try your hand at gold panning, or simply observe goldsmiths and other craftspeople at work in Victorian-era homes and stores.

All the historical merriment is rounded out by actors dressed in period garb, stagecoach rides, and a spectacular light and sound display. For those interested in the Australian Gold Rush, Ballarat was where it all started. Visit the town's museums, galleries, and historical cathedrals to learn more about this period in Australia's history.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens, located on 40 acres of land by Lake Wendouree, the Ballarat Wildlife Park, and the Art Gallery Ballarat are among must-sees. Don't forget to round off you're sightseeing with a delicious lunch at one of Ballarat's many award-winning eateries.

Conclusion

Melbourne's national parks have diverse habitats. Grampian National Park, Wilsons Promontory, and the Dandenong Ranges are within 200 km of the city. Skiers and snowboarders visit Mount Buller annually. Grampians National Park's most visited spot is Halls Gaps. Hikers can climb vertical cliffs and cool off in waterfalls.

The Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld serves gourmet and wine lovers. Phillip Island's fauna attracts Melbourne, visitors. The Phillip Island Nature Park penguin parade is world-famous. Koala Sanctuary boardwalks let you get close to koalas in their natural habitat. Phillip Island Wildlife Park offers kangaroo and wallaby feeding on the Nobbies boardwalk.

Mackenzie Falls is Victoria's most stunning waterfall. Visit Sherwood, with its lush ferns and rushing waterfalls. Melbourne's wealthy love weekend excursions to the Dandenong Mountains and Yarra Valley. Horticulturists love the Yarra Valley, with its Botanic Gardens, Dandenong Ranges, and Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens. The Great Ocean Road is Australia's most scenic coastline.

Heli-view the Shipwreck Coast. The Melbourne-based Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco-Tour offers several of these activities. Mount William in the Grampians offers world-class views. However, French Island National Park must catch up on campers and nature lovers. Otway National Park houses the Great Ocean Road and Otway Rainforest Treetop Adventure.

Explore the woods or the seaside and breathe in the sea air. Relax and admire Australia's wealthy seaside houses. Locals call Wilsons Promontory National Park "The Prom," Victoria's greatest coastal wilderness. Melbourne's downtown is a three-hour journey. Whisky Bay's sea-carved boulders and guided nature excursions are popular attractions.

Mt. Oberon offers great views of the Tidal River and the ocean. The restored gold-mining community Sovereign Hill is 110 km from Melbourne. The town's museums, galleries, and old churches make great day trips.

Content Summary

• Road trips are the best method to satisfy your wanderlust when you need a vacation from the city.
• The national parks in and around Melbourne are home to diverse ecosystems.
• We've all heard about the Great Ocean Road, but there's plenty more natural beauty to behold in Melbourne beyond that!
• There are several beautiful places around Melbourne, including the Grampians National Park, Otway National Park, and the Mornington Peninsula.
• Long or short, there are many wonderful places to spend the long summer days away from the city.
• Many of these weekend getaways are located in natural areas, making wildlife viewing a highlight.
• We've compiled a list of the top day trips from Melbourne so you can escape the city and see more of the region.
• It just takes three hours to drive from Melbourne to Halls Gaps, the largest tourist village in the middle of Grampians National Park.
• The Grampians are a national park in Australia that has been designated as a World Heritage Site, and it is here that visitors can scramble up cliff wall trails and swim under gushing waterfalls.
• Camping is quite affordable and can be done under a blanket of stars and in the midst of some of the world's most impressive rock formations and culturally significant indigenous rock art sites.
• A colony of the world's smallest penguins makes their home on Phillip Island, making for an excellent day trip from Melbourne.
• Phillip Island has a lot to offer animal lovers, including the world-famous Penguin Parade, Wildlife Coast Cruises to see whales, seals, and dolphins, and the Koala Sanctuary, which features elevated boardwalks where you can go shoulder-to-shoulder with some very adorable koalas.
• About 140 kilometres from Melbourne's central business district, Phillip Island is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
• Visit the Koala Conservation Centre to see koalas in their native environment.
• With many opportunities to learn about the local ecosystem and see native animals, this is a top-day trip from Melbourne with kids.
• Those in Melbourne can take the Phillip Island Penguin Highlights Day Trip to see this popular destination.
• This full-day trip includes visits to Maru Koala and Animal Park for wildlife viewing, the Nobbies, and the world-famous Penguin Parade.
• Seeing the Grand Canyon of the Grampians is the pinnacle of a trip to those mountains.
• Port Fairy is the final and most important destination along the Great Ocean Road. Visitors may relax and unwind after a day of exploring the Great Ocean Road's turquoise shoreline, squinting at the Twelve Apostles, and obtaining windswept ocean hair.
• Port Fairy was formerly a hub for Moby Dick–style seal and whale hunters in the 19th century, but nowadays, it's more of a laid-back beach town with a unique art culture where tourists can relax and unwind.
• While strolling along the shore, you can see playful seals, dolphins, and whales.
• The Mackenzie Falls is one of Victoria's largest and most stunning waterfalls, and they serve as an iconic symbol of the Grampians.
• The Dandenong Mountains and Yarra Valley have been popular weekend destinations for Melbourne's upper class for more than a century.
• Experience the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges, located just 40 miles east of Melbourne, first thing in the morning.
• The Yarra Valley is not far away and is a paradise for foodies with its abundance of locally grown produce, top-notch dining options, and artisanal farmstead cheeses from Yarra Valley Dairy.
• Seeing the unique Australian animals and birds at the famed Healesville Sanctuary is one of the top things to do in the area.
• The Great Ocean Road, regarded as one of the most spectacular drives in the world, can be reached from Melbourne in under two hours.
• The Great Ocean Road, located roughly 200 kilometres from Melbourne, is one of Australia's most breathtaking pieces of coastline.
• Take a helicopter ride for a birds-eye perspective of the Shipwreck Coast to get the full effect of this stunning coastline.
• Take a stroll along the Kennett River, where koalas abound; spot kangaroos and wallabies in Great Otway National Park; and experience the forest from a new vantage point at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, home to a treetop walk and zipline tour.
• Regarding driving excursions from Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road is hard to top.
• On the Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco-Tour from Melbourne, you can experience many of these activities.
• There is an additional cost for a 15-minute helicopter tour of the Twelve Apostles.
• Mount William, the highest point of the Grampians, provides breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscape.
• Keep your eyes out for many animals as you journey up Mount William.
• The Twelve Apostles should be a mandatory stop on any road trip in Victoria.
• You may have the best of both worlds in the Otway region since it is home to the famous Great Ocean Road and the Otway Rainforest Treetop Adventure.
• Explore the woodland up close or take in the coastal air on a stroll along the world-famous Great Ocean Road.
• The beautiful Mornington Peninsula is a popular coastal vacation from Melbourne, yet it's only a 90-minute drive away.
• Sorrento, on the Mornington Peninsula, is a popular tourist destination because it was the first mainland European colony in the state.
• The Silo Art Trail is Australia's largest outdoor gallery, showcasing the unlikely combination of silos and street art.
• This location in Port Campbell National Park was used to shoot an episode of Journey to the Center of the Earth in 1999.
• Wilsons Promontory National Park, sometimes known as "The Prom" by locals, is the largest coastal wilderness region in the state and a photographers' paradise.
• Situated at Australia's southernmost mainland point, it's about a three-hour journey from Melbourne's central business district.
• Highlights include the sea-sculpted boulders of Whisky Bay and guided treks through the bushland.
• Ballarat's Sovereign Hill is a living museum that transports visitors back to the heady days of the gold rush in the 1850s.
• For those interested in the Australian Gold Rush, Ballarat was where it all started.
• Visit the town's museums, galleries, and historical cathedrals to learn more about this period in Australia's history.
• Ballarat Botanical Gardens are among the must-sees, located on 40 acres of land by Lake Wendouree, the Ballarat Wildlife Park, and the Art Gallery Ballarat.