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There are great day trip destinations every which way from Melbourne.
Let’s start with the sublime Great Ocean Road, wildlife wonderland Phillip Island (home to the world-famous Penguin Parade), the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, and ever popular Yarra Valley wine region. And they’re just the tip of the iceberg. You could spend weeks exploring the many memorable landscapes, bustling regional cities, and history-rich country towns within easy reach of Victoria’s capital.
Here’s a checklist of our top ten day trips from Melbourne. Tick them all off and you automatically become an honorary Victorian!
Watch our video of ten top things to do in Melbourne:
Top 10 Things to Do in MELBOURNE, Australia in 2025 (Cheap to Chic!) | Ultimate Travel Guide
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1. Great Ocean Road
A day out from Melbourne doesn’t get any more spectacular than when you spend it on the Great Ocean Road. Uber famous for the 12 Apostles sea stacks (albeit, a few less than that these days), there’s so much more to see and do along this dramatic stretch of coastline — 90 minutes’ drive south-west of the city. Visit the historic Memorial Arch, explore holiday towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay, and do stroll through an ancient tract of rainforest at Maits Rest. The Great Ocean Road officially starts at Torquay (home of the renowned surfing break at Bells Beach) and hugs the coast all the way to Port Campbell National Park (where you’ll find the Apostles).
2. Daylesford
Butting up against the magnificent Macedon Ranges, the historic township of Daylesford lies to Melbourne’s north-west (a 1.5-hour drive). Along with nearby Hepburn Springs, the area is renowned for its mineral spas (of the drinking variety). Late 19th/early-to-mid-20th century Melburnians flocked here to take advantage of the naturally carbonated water’s reputedly therapeutic effects. You can still drink it (there are several Victorian-era spas from which to draw water to the surface) — or bathe in it at the famous Hepburn Bathhouse (which heats the water to around 36 degrees).
Daylesford’s main street is jam-packed with galleries, craft shops, cafes, and restaurants; Bromley & Co is a contemporary art space worth particular mention. Up on the slopes of Wombat Hill (an extinct volcano), The Convent Gallery is another must-visit and offers access to three levels of fine art. Stop off at Wombat Hill House for the best cafe fare this side of anywhere (the ham and cheese croissants are to die for!).
3. Mount Buller
If you’re up for a winter visit to Melbourne (come on, it’s not that cold!), you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to see snow relatively close to the city. Located in eastern Victoria, Mount Buller is one of the state’s premier ski resorts and can be reached from the capital by road in around three hours. Buller is renowned for its downhill slopes, but whatever your skill level on a set of skis you’ll have a ball during your day on the mountain. Consider doing a Mount Buller snow tour and leave the driving up to someone else. All you’ll need to do is focus on having fun!
3. Dandenong Ranges
A world away from the Melbourne CBD (yet in reality just 35 kilometres), the stunning Dandenong Ranges are dotted with charming mountain villages and gentle rainforest hiking trails through the enchanting (and quite possibly enchanted) Sherbrooke Forest. You can stop for morning tea and a stroll through the arts and craftsy Sassafras and Olinda, take a step back in time on the Puffing Billy steam train at Belgrave, wander through the wonderful sculpture gardens of the William Ricketts Sanctuary (currently closed for storm remediation work), and take in sweeping views back to the city and bay area from Skyhigh Mount Dandenong.
4. Phillip Island
All the world loves a penguin — and a parade, and the two become one on Phillip Island — 90-minutes’ drive south-east of the city. The island’s colony of appropriately named little penguins (the smallest species of this flightless bird) pull a big audience every night as they return from a day of fishing in Bass Strait. The penguins ‘parade’ (aka scurry) up the beach at dusk to their rookery — a sight which has been entertaining locals and visitors alike for decades. There’s plenty more to see and do around the island, including a number of other excellent wildlife attractions.
5. Hanging Rock
Made famous by the haunting Australian book and film, Hanging Rock in the Macedon Ranges (an hour from the city) is a massive six million year old volcanic rock formation, the sacred indigenous history of which runs far deeper. You don’t need to be super fit for the 40-minute hike to the top, and the rewards are magnificent views and the chance to experience the infamous eerie ambience.
The rock is part of the Macedon Regional Park and the region is rich with flora and fauna along its network of trails. The Sanatorium Lake trail, for example, is just a couple of kilometres long and takes in some stunning scenery and great picnic spots. The Macedon Ranges Walking Trail is a more ambitious 30 kilometres. There’s an excellent Discovery Centre, for those interested in geology, but even if you didn’t think you were, learning more about the fascinating formation of this volcanic plug will soon change your mind.
6. Mornington Peninsula
Situated just 60 minutes’ drive south-east of the CBD, the Mornington Peninsula is a day trip destination of choice for most Melbourne residents. The pristine beaches, rolling rural hills and laid-back vibe are all part of the attraction, as is the fabulous food and wine scene. This is the perfect destination for couples, groups of friends, and families, and you can do as much or as little as you like. The award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs offers an opportunity to wash away your cares in thermally heated spring water.
7. The Grampians
As the continental drift continued around 400 million years ago, the Grampians mountains were the eastern shoreline of what was to become the continent of Australia. Massive forces pushed, lifted and folded the accumulated sediment, creating three spectacular west-sloping ridges that literally seem to rise from nowhere in the midst of the surrounding plains. Weathering gradually eroded the monoliths, creating the dramatic sandstone peaks and towering escarpments of the Grampians today. This is a favoured destinations for hikers, but any visitor will be wowed by the natural wonder on display here.
8. Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is the jewel in the crown of Victoria’s wine scene. There are some 300 vineyards and more than 150 wineries in operation, and you could fill several days visiting the cellar doors around Yarra Glen and Healesville (along with those nestled in the surrounding hills). Famous names include Domaine Chandon, Di Bortoli, and Yering Station, but there are plenty of boutique family-run establishments to check out as well. And let’s not forget the region’s divine gourmet food scene. All in all, this is one delicious destination!
9. Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula
Once a largely industrial centre, Victoria’s second largest city — Geelong — has been quietly transforming itself into a cultural and culinary hub. At its heart is the impressive Geelong Gallery, which holds works by many 19th-and-20th-century Australian artists of note. Geelong also offers easy access to the magnificent Bellarine Peninsula — a mash-up of stunning beaches, charming holiday towns, and a fast evolving gourmet food scene. Cool climate wines do well here and craft brewing is on the rise. Doesn’t that all sound like fun?
10. Bendigo
The regional Victorian city of Bendigo was built on the back of the gold rush of the second half of the 19th century — and it shows! Glorious period architecture lines the streets, and lavish statues and monuments pay tribute to the-great-and-the-good of the era. While Bendigo demands a longer stay, it is doable as a day trip from Melbourne by train. Highlights include the Central Deborah Gold Mine, the city’s Vintage Talking Trams, and Bendigo Art Gallery — which has hosted numerous blockbuster touring exhibitions.
This post was published thanks to Last Minute Day Tours.
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Cover image: The Grampians. Image: Visit Victoria. Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Julietta Henderson is a Melbourne-based travel writer and author. Originally planning to visit London for six months, she ended up staying for ten years and now divides her time between her home in Australia and several months of the year in the UK, Italy, and France. Julietta has travelled extensively through Europe, North America, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, and Russia, and believes the keys to a great travel experience are an open heart, an open mind, and an open-ended ticket. Her first two novels — The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman and Sincerely, Me — are now available in bookstores.
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