Heading to Melbourne, Australia, and looking for something different to do? We love this list of fabulous day trips from Melbourne contributed by travel expert Kate Rae.
Day trips from Melbourne are easy to plan and a fun way to see all that regional Victoria has to offer. Whether you prefer wineries, hiking, or swimming in beautiful rivers or beaches, there is something for everyone in Victoria in all seasons.
Wilsons Promontory
Wilsons Promontory, affectionately known as “The Prom” is a beautiful and protected national park at the southern tip of Victoria. There’s plenty to do at The Prom, including short and long hikes, camping, and swimming in one of the many beaches and bays.
As you drive through the national park, you can stop for the sweeping views of sparkling blue seas, iconic mountains, and wildlife spotting. Many day trippers head towards the main carpark at Tidal River, for easy beach access to where the river meets the sea.
Hepburn Springs
Hepburn Springs is famous for its natural mineral springs to drink and bathe in. At only 90 minutes from Melbourne, Hepburn and the nearby popular town, Daylesford are both the perfect day trips to take in some country scenery and make the most of the healing mineral springs.
There are plenty of relaxing things to do in Hepburn Springs. These range from spa retreats, food and wine, or nature hikes and wildlife trails.
Werribee Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo is for you if you love African animals. These including giraffes, hippos, lions to monkeys roaming in an open range savannah. Take the safari bus to get up close to the animals for the ultimate experience. Werribee Zoo is only a 40-minute drive from Melbourne CBD.
Yarra Valley
Take a tour bus or drive yourself to the Yarra Valley, only 60 minutes from Melbourne. A group tour will take you to the most popular wineries in the Yarra Valley, paired with epic scenery and delicious produce.
Well-known wineries in the Yarra Valley include Seville Estate, Domain Chandon, Yering Station, and Punt Road Winery but the full list is endless.
Noojee
Noojee in West Gippsland (Baw Baw Shire) is a very small historic town with the iconic pub, the Noojee Hotel. Order a top-rated pub meal and take in the scenery by the river, or kick back and listen to live acoustic country artists.
If you have time, take a drive 5 minutes up the road to Toorongo Falls for a hike and viewing of the waterfalls within the lush forest.
Montsalvat in Eltham
Montsalvat in Eltham is located half an hour from Melbourne CBD. The historical buildings and arts community are perfect for a day trip to step back in time, surrounded by French-inspired buildings, built with stone and clay, with added special features from Australian history. Take a guided tour or have lunch or a drink in the cafe and bar.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is a very popular day trip from Melbourne and is one of the most famous road trips in Australia. The Great Ocean Road scenic drive begins in Torquay, which is 90 minutes from Melbourne.
On an easy day trip from Melbourne, visiting the closer towns of Torquay, Anglesea, Airies Inlet, or further along to Lorne is recommended. Lorne is just over 2 hours drive from Melbourne.
Geelong
Geelong is an hour from Melbourne. It’s an easy option for a day trip from Melbourne, straight up the Princes Freeway. The city of Geelong is much quieter than Melbourne CBD, and is set alongside the beautiful Eastern Beach.
The large older-style houses and wide streets make driving through the small city picturesque and easy. Highlights in Geelong include visiting the sparkling bayside or shopping at the Westfield shopping mall.
Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula spans over 700 kilometers, covering many popular beach-side towns, including Portsea, Sorrento, Red Hill, and Somers. Day trips to the Mornington Peninsula are popular and easy, whether you are heading to the surf beaches at Rye or prefer a shorter trip to the bay in Mornington, there is something for everyone on the Mornington Peninsula.
There are renowned wineries inland, countless beaches and bays, and top-quality food and produce options in all towns. The beginning of Mornington Peninsula begins north of Frankston, only 50 minutes from Melbourne.
Castlemaine
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Castlemaine is a historic town 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne. The small town has become increasingly popular over the last 10 years, particularly with artists and musicians. The Art Museum, Botanic Gardens, and The Mill – a hub for artist stalls, local food, and collectibles – are all fun things to do in Castlemaine on a day trip from Melbourne.
Read next: Fun Things to Do in Melbourne for Couples
Final thoughts on these day trips from Melbourne
There are many day trips from Melbourne to discover the beaches, wildlife, produce, and beautiful scenery of Victoria. Remember to check the weather beforehand, as Melbourne and Victorian weather can change in a heartbeat. Also keep in mind if you are booking a group tour to book in advance, especially in peak seasons like school holidays.
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Which do you think are the best day trips from Melbourne?
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All photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such or stock images from Dreamstime.com.
About the author
Kate is a travel blogger at She Travels Australia, providing alternative and unique travel tips for Australia. She Travels Australia is a go-to place for Australian travel tips and secrets, written by a local. Think budgeting, organisation, and off-the-grid advice.
Alex+J.+Cavanaugh
That is indeed a very lush forest!