Where Should I Go For A Day Trip In Melbourne?

Best Day Trips From Melbourne

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road, located roughly 200 km from Melbourne, is one of the most beautiful pieces of coastline in all of Australia. From the city, you may see the Twelve Apostles, a group of remarkable rock pinnacles that rise above a churning sea, as you wind along the coast and into Port Campbell National Park.

Other than the Twelve Apostles, the Great Ocean Road is also known for Loch Ard Gorge & London Arch, two impressive rock structures formed by the wind and the water.

In this place, the might of Mother Nature is on full displayThis breathtaking shoreline, also called as the Shipwreck Coast, is best viewed from above. Walking along the koala-populated Kennett River, spotting kangaroos and waratahs in Great Otway Nature Reserve, or experiencing the forest from above on a treetop walk or zipline tour at Otway Fly Forest Adventures are all great things to do in the area.

Would you consider yourself a surfer? Check out Torquay's Surf World Museum & keep an eye out for giant waves at world-famous Bells Beach. Many of the beaches in the Torquay area are dog-friendly, and a select few even permit leash-free playtime, making this an ideal destination for a day trip from Melbourne with your canine companion.

When planning a road journey out of Melbourne, along Great Ocean Road is a must-drive. No need to stress if you don't have a car, though; there are alternative routes you can take to get there. The Great Ocean Road Tiny Eco-Tour from Melbourne is a great way to experience several of these activities.

There will be ample time to take in the stunning coastal scenery on this full-day tour, which includes a walk in Great Otago National Park, koala-spotting along the Kennett River, and a visit to Apollo Bay. You can add on a 15-minute helicopter tour of the Twelve Apostles if you like.

Phillip Island's Penguin Parade

About 140 km from Melbourne's CBD, Phillip Island is a popular destination for those interested in seeing native animals. Sunset is the most popular time of day for visitors to Phillip Island Nature Park to observe the park's resident penguins waddle up the beach.

In the time well before "Penguin Parade," you might enjoy a trip to one of the local zoos or wildlife preserves. The Koala Preservation Centre is the place to go to see wombats 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. Keep a close eye out for little penguins resting along here, and for silver gull babies in the spring.

If you're interested in learning more about the local ecosystem, the Nobbies Centre is a great resource that won't break the bank.

The largest fur seals colony in Australia can be found at Seal Rocks, which is located across the Bering Strait from here. If you want to get a better look at the seals, grab a pair of binoculars or get on a cruise dedicated to seeing wildlife. One of the greatest family-friendly day trips from Melbourne, thanks to the abundance of educational opportunities and wildlife encounters.

Our Phillip Island Penguin Highlight Day Trip from Melbourne is a convenient way to see this famous sight. The day trip includes visits to the Nobbies, the famed Penguin Parade, and the Maru Koala & Animal Park for wildlife viewing.

The Mornington Peninsula

The beautiful Mornington Peninsula is indeed a popular coastal vacation from Melbourne, yet it's only a 90-minute drive away. Beautiful beaches, small towns, and craggy cliffs can be found on this stunning strip of land that juts out into 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. In this historic district, you will find a plethora of unique boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Take a stroll on "Millionaire's Walk," a five-kilometre cliff top walk above Port Phillip Bay, connecting Sorrento and Portsea, to take in the seaside views and view the vacation houses of Australia's rich set.

Back beach pathways and the rugged bushland at Point Nepean Nature Reserve are popular destinations for hikers. The Peninsula Hot Springs, dolphin tours, and swimming with wild dolphins and seals are among popular activities in the area.

The Yarra Valley And The Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley are popular weekend getaways for the wealthy of Melbourne and have been for nearly 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.

A picturesque drive through the Dandenong Ranges, located about 40 km from Melbourne, is a great way to kick off the day. Here you can go on a trek through fern-filled Sherwood Forest, past mountain ash trees, and to calming streams. At Grants Picnic Ground, you may also feed native birds like crimson rosellas, macaws, and galahs right from your own hands. Both locals and visitors enjoy the William Ricketts Sanctuary and the Alfred Nicky Memorial Gardens.

A short drive away, in the Lake Yarra Valley, you'll find a variety of locally grown veggies, excellent eating options, and Yarra Valley Dairy's handmade farmstead cheeses. Are you a pet lover? One of the best things to do in the region is to visit the Healesville Sanctuary, which is home to many species of native Australian animals and birds.

Keep in mind that many local businesses were impacted by the strong storms that hit the Dandenong Ranges in June 2021. Find out if there are any planned closures before you go.

Peninsula Hot Springs

Wish to indulge in some luxurious pampering? How about a relaxing dip in hot mineral spring waters, accompanied by a therapeutic massage and a plate of healthy organic food? Just an hour and a half from Melbourne, on the Mornington Peninsula, is the Peninsula Hot Springs, where you can experience all of this and more.

A Turkish steam shower, anyone? Walking reflexology? The Bath House offers 50 different types of bathing rituals from all over the world. You may also take a plunge in a cave spring or relax in a hot tub while overlooking the city below. In any of the many pools scattered throughout a tea tree grove, you can relax in the hot mineral water that seeps from the earth and into the pools below.

One of the most well-liked day outings in the vehicle from Melbourne is to the Peninsula Hot Springs. Also, don't assume this is only for people in relationships. Individuals travelling with their families are also welcome.

Get the most out of your trip by booking the Peninsula Springs Day Trip from Melbourne, which includes entry to the thermal pools. Travel from and to the hot springs, as well as use of the bathhouse, and the services of a knowledgeable local driver are all part of this full-day tour. Spa treatments at a five-star establishment cost extra.

Don't forget to schedule some time for a nutritious supper in the café after your spa session.

Grampians National Park

The Grampians, also known as Grampians National Park, is a beautiful place to explore in Australia, with its waterfalls, colourful spring wildflowers, rocky outcrops, and rough crags. Distance from Melbourne: roughly 260 kilometres.

While the park's breathtaking vistas are sure to impress hikers of all ages, they'll be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. The park, called Gariwerd by the indigenous people who live there, serves as a repository for priceless examples of Australian rock art. To learn more about the rich history and unique ecosystem of Brambuk, plan a trip to its Cultural Centre and National Park.

Amazing sights may be seen from the Pinnacle and the Balconies in the Grampians, as well as the fern-lined rock pools of Beehive Falls and Fish Falls, and the sheer plummet of MacKenzie Falls, Victoria's largest waterfall. You can drive to the lookouts at Reeds and Boroka, as well.

There is an abundance of wildlife. The area is home to numerous marsupials like kangaroos, waratahs, emus, and echidnas, all of which are quite sociable and frequently spotted.

Other common outdoor pursuits include fishing and canoeing in the park's rivers and lakes quad biking and horseback riding, and abseiling and mountain climbing on Mt. Arapiles' faces. You can't get much closer to the park than Halls Gap, so it's a good place to set up camp for the night. Don't forget your camera and a good pair of hiking boots.

Visitors looking to satisfy their stomachs also flock to the Grampians. Experience the delicious local olives, cheeses, & meats at some of the many fantastic restaurants.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory National Park, or "The Prom" as it is affectionately known by locals, is the fourth biggest wilderness area in the state and a photographer's paradise. Located at Australia's southernmost tip,It was about a three-hour journey from Melbourne. Even though it's a long way to travel in a day, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of nature along the way.

Highlights of your guided walk into the bush include the sea-sculpted cliffs of Whisky Bay, the white quartz sands of Squeaky Beach, the granite metamorphic boulders of Giant Rock, and the Lilly Pilly Gully. The park is home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna, with marsupials, emus, kangaroos, and birds of all shapes and sizes being typical sights.

There is a wide variety of activities available for those who enjoy being outside. The bushland is laced with hikes ranging in length from an hour to several days. One of the best views in the park can be had at the summit of Mt. Oberon, which is reached after an hour-long hike.

This same marine national park is a great place for scuba divers to check out the seafloor. Swimming, fishing, white water rafting, camping, and watching birds are some other options. Tough hiking shoes are strongly recommended.

Day Spas And Mineral Springs In Daylesford

Located around 115 km from Melbourne, along the edge of the Wattle State Forest, Daylesford is an ideal destination for a relaxing day trip. This picturesque agricultural town is well known as Australia's "spa capital" due to its abundance of rejuvenating mineral springs, health resorts, and day spas.

Swiss and Italian immigrants, attracted by the town's natural springs as well as the gold rush, gave it an air of antiquity.The Hepburn Sauna & Spa in neighbouring Hepburn Springs has been a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike since it opened in 1895.The Convent, a charming 19th-century mansion on six acres at the summit of Wombat Hill, is also highly recommended. It features breathtaking vistas of the city, outstanding art galleries, a church, and a museum.

The many award-winning restaurants in Daylesford are well-known for their use of seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Summer Cottage, which is also a tiny luxury hotel, and then take a stroll around picturesque Lake Daylesford. The town's antique stores, flea markets, and historic sites are all worth exploring.

Lorne

Lorne, located on picturesque Loutit Bay about 138 km from Melbourne, has been a popular Australian beach destination for many years. This picturesque hamlet, situated amid Otway National Park as well as the Sea Road, boasts a heady amalgam of Mediterranean charm, coastal elegance, and unspoilt natural beauty.

You won't have a dull moment in this city. Swimming and surfing on the long, golden beach with its neighbouring cafés and playgrounds, and fishing for trevally and whiting off the local pier, are popular pastimes. You may also find the fish co-op right there on the pier, where they sell all the day's fresh catch. Shops, bookstores, bakeries, and art galleries all attract curious sightseers.

Beautiful views of the shore and Sea Road may be seen from Teddy's Lookout, which is only a five-minute trip from the centre of town. Erskine Falls is another local favourite, and it's surrounded by a fern and eucalyptus forest that makes for a beautiful backdrop.

Insightful locals will tell you that if you wish to spend the night in this tiny village during the Christmas holiday season, you had better make your reservations as far in advance as possible.

Sovereign Hill At 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 km from Melbourne.

There's a gold mine you can explore and you can even try your hand at panning for gold in these restored Victorian-era homes and workshops. All the historical merriment is rounded out with a staff in period garb, wagon rides, and a spectacular sound and light show.

When the gold rush hit Australia, everyone headed to Ballarat. Explore the museums, galleries, and historical churches in the area to find out more about this pivotal period in Australia's past.

The Gold Rush-era artworks at Art Gallery Ballarat, the picturesque 40-acre Ballarat Botanic Gardens on the shores of Lake Wendouree, and the Ballarat Wildlife Park are also noteworthy. Stop for lunch at one of Ballarat's numerous award-winning restaurants after a morning of sightseeing.

Lack of a vehicle? One of the best ways to spend a day from Melbourne is taking the train here.

Mount Buller Skiing

If the weather doesn't agree with your outdoor activities within the city, you may always head to the neighbouring snowy peaks to enjoy the winter weather. One of Australia's top ski resorts, Mount Buller, is about a three-hour journey from Melbourne and is open to snowsport enthusiasts from early June until late September (dependent on snowfall).

Mount Buller's 22 lifts, the most of any Victorian resort, take skiers and snowboarders to the mountain's 300 hectares of groomed slopes and its three terrain parks. The resort features a wide variety of terrain, with about 35% suited for more experienced skiers. The paths for cross-country skiers span a total of 9 km.

The town is a great spot to hang out, even if you don't ski. Take use of the resort's spas, boutiques, and toboggan parks for a well-deserved break. Any group looking to get out of the city during the winter will benefit from this vacation, whether it be a family looking for their first time in the snow or an avid skier or boarder looking for a change of scenery.

Hanging Rock Reserve, The Macedon Ranges

The Macedon Ranges' Hang Rock Park is a beautiful natural area steeped in legend. Picnic on Hanging Rock, directed by Peter Weir and based on the novel by Joan Lindsay, was shot less than an hour's drive from Melbourne, at a large extinct volcano that has since been eroded into columns.

Also known as a haven for bushrangers during the Gold Rush era, the rock is a significant Aboriginal monument. Hanging Rocks Reserve is a lovely place for a picnic or a trek in the eucalyptus-scented air, and that's true even if you've never heard the mythology that captivated the imaginations of so many Australians.

The ascent takes approximately 50 minutes in total, and once at the summit, you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramas of the surrounding area. Several more hiking trails wind through the nature preserve, and you're welcome to check them out as well. Frogs, kangaroos, koalas, armadillos, and wombats are just a few of the native animals you might see. 

Conclusion

Beautiful beaches, unique fauna, relaxing spa towns, and stunning natural landscapes are all within a day's drive of Melbourne. The Grand Ocean Road, Aberdeenshire National Park, and Wilson's Head beaches are almost 200 km from the city. Melbourne-Torquay dog-friendly day outings are great. Many visit Phillip Island to see native animals. Take the Great Ocean Road Tiny Eco-Tour from Melbourne to sample Great Otago National Park.

Tourists appreciate Mornington Peninsula's Sorrento. The five-kilometre "Millionaire's Walk" overlooks Port Phillip Bay. Weekends bring wealthy people to the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley. Grampians National Park is one of Australia's top tourist destinations. Peninsula Springs has a sauna and springs for day trips.

Luxury hotel spas charge extra. Wilsons Promontory National Park is Australia's fourth-largest. Daylesford, Victoria, is known as "Australia's spa capital" for its mineral springs, health spas, and day spas. In addition, the Grampians produce top-notch olives, cheeses, and meats. Near Loutit Bay, Lorne is 138 miles from Melbourne.

Visit flea markets, antique shops, and museums. Erskine Falls is another popular local attraction. Hang Rock Park in the Macedon Ranges has a rich mythology and natural beauty. Picnicking or trekking at Hanging Rocks Reserve in the fresh eucalyptus air is a great day. Picnic at Hanging Rock was shot one hour from Melbourne.

Content Summary

• Within a day's drive of Melbourne, you may see stunning beaches, unique animals, relaxing spa towns, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
• Many of these suburban getaways boast abundant wildlife.
• A day excursion from Melbourne is the best way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Get out of Melbourne for the day and see the surrounding area by checking out some of the places on our recommended day trip itineraries.
• The Great Ocean Road, located roughly 200 km from Melbourne, is one of Australia's most beautiful pieces of coastline.
• Check out Torquay's Surf World Museum & keep an eye out for giant waves at world-famous Bells Beach.
• Along Great Ocean Road is a must-drive when planning a road journey out of Melbourne.
• The Great Ocean Road Tiny Eco-Tour from Melbourne is a great way to experience several of these activities.
• About 140 km from Melbourne's CBD, Phillip Island is a popular destination for those interested in seeing native animals.
• Visit Phillip Island Wildlife Park to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, or take a stroll along the Nobbies, a boardwalk that offers spectacular coast views and borders the seabird gardens on the headland.
• The largest fur seal colony in Australia can be found at Seal Rocks, located across the Bering Strait from here.
• 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 Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley are popular weekend getaways for the wealthy of Melbourne and have been for nearly a century.
• A picturesque drive through the Dandenong Ranges, located about 40 km from Melbourne, is a great way to kick off the day.
• Just an hour and a half from Melbourne, on the Mornington Peninsula, is the Peninsula Hot Springs, where you can experience all this and more.
• The Bath House offers 50 different types of bathing rituals from all over the world.
• One of the most well-liked day outings in the vehicle from Melbourne is to the Peninsula Hot Springs.
• Get the most out of your trip by booking the Peninsula Springs Day Trip from Melbourne, which includes entry to the thermal pools.
• Travel from and to the hot springs, as well as the use of the bathhouse and the services of a knowledgeable local driver, are all part of this full-day tour.
• The Grampians, also known as Grampians National Park, is a beautiful place to explore in Australia, with its waterfalls, colourful spring wildflowers, rocky outcrops, and rough crags.
• Wilsons Promontory National Park, or "The Prom" as locals affectionately know it, is the fourth biggest wilderness area in the state and a photographer's paradise.
• This picturesque agricultural town is well known as Australia's "spa capital" due to its abundance of rejuvenating mineral springs, health resorts, and day spas.
• Lorne, located on picturesque Loutit Bay about 138 km from Melbourne, has been a popular Australian beach destination for many years.
• Ballarat's Sovereign Hill is a living museum that transports visitors back 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 km from Melbourne.
• When the gold rush hit Australia, everyone headed to Ballarat.
• Explore the area's museums, galleries, and historical churches to learn more about this pivotal period in Australia's past.
• The Gold Rush-era artworks at Art Gallery Ballarat, the picturesque 40-acre Ballarat Botanic Gardens on the shores of Lake Wendouree, and the Ballarat Wildlife Park are also noteworthy.
• One of Australia's top ski resorts, Mount Buller, is about a three-hour journey from Melbourne and is open to snowsport enthusiasts from early June until late September (dependent on snowfall).
• Mount Buller's 22 lifts, the most of any Victorian resort, take skiers and snowboarders to the mountain's 300 hectares of groomed slopes and its three terrain parks.
• The Macedon Ranges' Hang Rock Park is a beautiful natural area steeped in legend.