Best Day Trips from Melbourne 2026 — 25+ Destinations Within 2 Hours
Melbourne is one of Australia's greatest cities — but some of the most spectacular experiences in Victoria are waiting just beyond the city limits. From world-class wineries and ancient rainforests to gold rush towns, geothermal hot springs, and penguin parades, you're spoiled for choice when it ...
Best Day Trips from Melbourne 2026 — 25+ Destinations Within 2 Hours
Last updated: February 2026
Melbourne is one of Australia's greatest cities — but some of the most spectacular experiences in Victoria are waiting just beyond the city limits. From world-class wineries and ancient rainforests to gold rush towns, geothermal hot springs, and penguin parades, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to incredible day trips.
Whether you've got a lazy Sunday to fill, want to impress a date, or need to burn off some kid energy, this guide covers 25+ of the best day trips from Melbourne — all reachable within about two hours (or a little more for the truly epic ones).
Grab the keys. Fill the tank. Let's go.
Table of Contents
- How to Use This Guide
- East of Melbourne
- South of Melbourne
- West of Melbourne
- North of Melbourne
- Further Afield (But Absolutely Worth It)
- Seasonal Guide: When to Go Where
- Practical Info: Getting Around Victoria
- FAQ
How to Use This Guide
Every destination includes:
- 🚗 Drive time from Melbourne CBD
- ✨ Highlights — the must-do experiences
- 👥 Best for — couples, families, adventure seekers, or solo travellers
- 💰 Cost guide — budget expectations
- 🤫 Insider tip — the stuff locals know
Destinations are organised by direction from Melbourne (east, south, west, north) so you can easily plan a route or combine nearby stops.
East of Melbourne
1. Yarra Valley
🚗 Drive time: 1 hour (60–75 km via the Eastern Freeway and Maroondah Highway)
The Yarra Valley is Melbourne's backyard wine country and one of Australia's premier food and wine regions. With over 70 wineries, rolling green hills, and a food scene that rivals the city itself, it's the kind of place where a "quick day trip" turns into you Googling property prices by lunchtime.
✨ Highlights:
- Wineries & cellar doors: The Yarra Valley is famous for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines. Don't miss Domaine Chandon (stunning sparkling wine and a gorgeous terrace), Yering Station (Victoria's first vineyard, est. 1838), De Bortoli (incredible cheese room), and Oakridge Wines (consistently award-winning). For something intimate, seek out smaller producers like Punt Road, Helen's Hill, and Maddens Rise.
- Healesville Sanctuary: Part of Zoos Victoria, this wildlife park is home to platypus, wombats, koalas, echidnas, and a breathtaking Birds of Prey show. One of the best places in Australia to see native wildlife up close.
- TarraWarra Museum of Art: A stunning gallery set into the hillside showcasing contemporary Australian art. The architecture alone is worth the visit.
- Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: Free chocolate tastings (yes, really) and an enormous range of handmade chocolates. Arrive early — it gets packed on weekends.
- Yarra Valley Dairy: Artisan cheeses made on-site. The Persian fetta is legendary.
- Hot air ballooning: Drift over the valley at sunrise for an unforgettable experience. Operators like Go Wild Ballooning offer flights year-round, weather permitting.
👥 Best for: Couples (romance central), foodies, wine lovers, families (Healesville Sanctuary is a winner with kids)
💰 Cost guide: Cellar door tastings typically $5–$15 (often waived with purchase). Healesville Sanctuary adults ~$44, kids ~$22. Hot air ballooning from ~$350 per person. Budget-friendly option: BYO picnic at a winery with a bottle from the cellar door.
🤫 Insider tip: Skip the big-name wineries on weekends if you hate crowds. Instead, drive the quieter Warramate Hills stretch between Healesville and Yarra Glen — smaller cellar doors with fewer people and often better conversations with the winemakers. Also, check if Innocent Bystander in Healesville has live music on — it's a fantastic spot for pizza and wine.
2. Dandenong Ranges
🚗 Drive time: 45 minutes – 1 hour (35–50 km via the Burwood Highway or Monash Freeway)
The Dandenong Ranges — "the Dandenongs" to locals — feel like stepping into a temperate rainforest just minutes from the city. Towering mountain ash trees, lush fern gullies, charming village streets, and some of Melbourne's most-loved attractions make this a day trip that delivers every single time.
✨ Highlights:
- Puffing Billy Railway: Australia's favourite steam train. The heritage railway chugs through the ranges from Belgrave to Gembrook (or shorter routes to Lakeside or Menzies Creek), with the iconic tradition of passengers dangling their legs over the carriage sides now restored. The new Lakeside Visitor Centre has excellent café facilities. Pre-booking is essential — tickets sell out fast, especially weekends and school holidays.
- Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens: Hidden in a valley surrounded by mountain ash, with a photogenic lake and boathouse. Absolutely magical in autumn.
- National Rhododendron Gardens (Olinda): Best in spring (October–November) when the rhododendrons and azaleas explode into colour, but beautiful year-round.
- William Ricketts Sanctuary: A haunting, mystical garden of clay sculptures set among the ferns and mountain ash, created by artist William Ricketts as a tribute to Aboriginal Australian culture.
- SkyHigh Mount Dandenong: Panoramic views of Melbourne from the observation deck. Great café and a hedge maze for kids.
- Village hopping: Browse the antique shops and tearooms of Sassafras, Olinda, and Emerald. Miss Marple's Tearoom in Sassafras is a classic.
👥 Best for: Families (Puffing Billy is a top-tier kid experience), couples seeking a peaceful escape, anyone who needs forest bathing after too much screen time
💰 Cost guide: Puffing Billy adults from ~$47–$65 depending on journey length, kids from ~$24. Gardens entry is mostly free or gold coin. SkyHigh parking ~$7 (entry free). Village browsing and café hopping can be done on any budget.
🤫 Insider tip: For the most atmospheric Puffing Billy experience, take the first morning train — fewer crowds, mist still hanging in the fern gullies, and beautiful light for photos. Also, the 1000 Steps (Kokoda Memorial Walk) in Ferntree Gully is a popular fitness hike — arrive before 8 AM on weekends unless you enjoy single-file traffic on stairs.
3. Warburton
🚗 Drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes (75 km via the Warburton Highway through Yarra Valley)
Tucked in the upper Yarra Valley where the mountains start to get serious, Warburton is a small town with enormous natural appeal. It's perfect for active types who want to combine a scenic drive with some genuine bush adventure.
✨ Highlights:
- Warburton Rail Trail: A flat, sealed 40 km cycling and walking trail along the old railway line from Lilydale to Warburton. Hire bikes in town and do the final section along the Yarra River — stunning.
- Rainforest Gallery Walk: A 350-metre elevated walkway through Mountain Ash forest in the Yarra Ranges National Park. Free, easy access, and genuinely awe-inspiring.
- La La Falls: A moderate 3 km return bush walk to one of the region's prettiest waterfalls, best after rain.
- Warburton Waterwheel & town centre: Quaint cafés, a great bakery, and a lovely riverside picnic area.
- Redwood Forest (Californian Redwoods): A small but spectacular grove of towering redwood trees planted in the 1930s, located between Warburton and the cement works. Incredibly photogenic — feels like being transported to Northern California.
👥 Best for: Active couples, mountain bikers, hikers, nature photographers, families who like easy bush walks
💰 Cost guide: Most activities are free. Bike hire from $40–$60 per day. Budget for a café lunch ($15–$25 per person).
🤫 Insider tip: The Redwood Forest gets very muddy after rain, so wear boots or old shoes. Combine with a stop at the Yarra Junction bakery on the way — their pies are excellent. For a real adventure, the Mount Donna Buang summit (about 15 minutes from Warburton by car) offers snow in winter and spectacular views of the surrounding ranges year-round.
South of Melbourne
4. Mornington Peninsula
🚗 Drive time: 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes (75–100 km via the Mornington Peninsula Freeway)
The Mornington Peninsula is Victoria's playground. This boot-shaped spit of land between Port Phillip Bay and Western Port offers everything from geothermal hot springs and world-class wineries to surf beaches, clifftop walks, and one of Australia's best hedge mazes. You could visit every weekend for a year and not do it all.
✨ Highlights:
- Peninsula Hot Springs: Over 70 globally inspired geothermal bathing experiences set in natural bushland. Choose between the family-friendly Bath House or the adults-only Spa Dreaming Centre with hilltop pools overlooking rolling green hills. Mineral-rich water, diverse temperature pools, and signature spa treatments make this genuinely world-class. Book well ahead — it's one of Victoria's most popular attractions.
- Wineries: The Peninsula is a cool-climate wine region with over 50 cellar doors. Must-visits include Montalto (exceptional food and sculpture trail), Port Phillip Estate (dramatic underground cellar door), Ten Minutes by Tractor (fine dining and Pinot), and Red Hill Estate (killer views).
- Beaches: Sorrento and Portsea back beaches offer ocean surf, while the bay side (Dromana, Rosebud, Mornington) has calm, family-friendly water. Gunnamatta for experienced surfers and dramatic coastal scenery.
- Enchanted Adventure Garden: Giant tube slides, hedge mazes (including Australia's oldest), and rope courses. Kids go absolutely wild.
- Mornington Peninsula National Park: Clifftop walks from Cape Schanck to Bushrangers Bay, including the Cape Schanck Lighthouse and the dramatic Pulpit Rock at the very tip.
- Chocolate & berry farms: Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie for tastings and handmade truffles, plus seasonal strawberry and cherry picking at various farms.
- Arthur's Seat Eagle: A gondola ride to the summit of Arthur's Seat with panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay.
👥 Best for: Literally everyone — couples (hot springs + wine), families (beaches + mazes + chocolate), friends (winery hopping), adventure seekers (surfing + hiking)
💰 Cost guide: Peninsula Hot Springs Bath House entry from ~$45 weekdays, ~$55 weekends. Wine tastings $5–$15. Arthur's Seat Eagle from ~$26 adults, ~$17 kids. Enchanted Adventure Garden from ~$40. Many beaches and walks are free.
🤫 Insider tip: For a perfect day trip itinerary: start with morning wine tasting at Montalto or Pt. Leo Estate (the sculpture park at Pt. Leo is jaw-dropping and free to walk), lunch at a local café in Red Hill village, then afternoon at Peninsula Hot Springs. Book the "Spa Dreaming Centre" for the adult-only hilltop pools — it's significantly more peaceful than the Bath House, especially on weekends. Also, the Sorrento–Queenscliff ferry connects the Peninsula to the Bellarine Peninsula if you want to loop across to the Great Ocean Road region.
5. Phillip Island
🚗 Drive time: 1 hour 45 minutes (140 km via the Monash Freeway and Bass Highway)
Famous worldwide for its nightly Penguin Parade, Phillip Island is a much deeper experience than most people realise. Wildlife, motorsport, surf beaches, and a thriving local food scene make it one of the best day trips (or overnight escapes) from Melbourne.
✨ Highlights:
- Penguin Parade: Every evening at sunset, hundreds (sometimes thousands) of the world's smallest penguins waddle from the sea to their sand dune burrows. It's one of Australia's most iconic wildlife experiences. Upgraded viewing platforms offer General Viewing, Penguins Plus (elevated, smaller group), and Underground Viewing (eye-level with the penguins through glass panels). Book the Underground Viewing if you can — it's extraordinary.
- The Nobbies & Seal Rocks: A dramatic headland boardwalk at the western tip of the island with views over the Southern Ocean. Seal Rocks, just offshore, is home to Australia's largest Australian fur seal colony (best viewed November–January during breeding season). The Antarctic Journey visitor centre explores the island's sub-Antarctic connection.
- Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit: Home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Visitors can do go-kart experiences on a purpose-built track, take behind-the-scenes circuit tours, and on select days, do laps in their own car.
- Churchill Island Heritage Farm: A working heritage farm on a tiny island connected by bridge. Shearing demonstrations, cow milking, and beautiful gardens. Great for young kids.
- Koala Conservation Centre: Elevated boardwalks through eucalyptus woodland where you can see koalas at eye level.
- Surf beaches: Woolamai Beach and Smiths Beach are popular for surfing and swimming (patrolled in summer).
👥 Best for: Families (Penguin Parade is pure magic for kids), couples (sunset + penguins is incredibly romantic), wildlife enthusiasts, motorsport fans
💰 Cost guide: Penguin Parade General Viewing from ~$30 adults, ~$15 kids. Underground Viewing from ~$75 adults. The 3 Parks Pass (Penguin Parade + Koala Centre + Churchill Island) offers good value at ~$55 adults. Go-karting from ~$35.
🤫 Insider tip: The Penguin Parade happens at sunset, so on a day trip you'll be driving home in the dark — factor that in. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to get a good spot. For fewer crowds, visit midweek or outside school holidays. The penguins come ashore in greater numbers during winter. Also, grab fish and chips from the San Remo Fisherman's Co-op on the way over — fresh off the boats and excellent.
6. French Island
🚗 Drive time + ferry: About 2 hours total (drive to Stony Point, then 15-minute ferry)
One of Melbourne's best-kept secrets, French Island is an undeveloped gem in Western Port Bay. With no mains electricity, no town centre, and more koalas per hectare than almost anywhere in Australia, it's a genuine wilderness escape that feels a world away from the city.
✨ Highlights:
- Koalas everywhere: French Island has one of the densest koala populations in Victoria. You'll spot them easily in the manna gums along the main roads.
- Cycling: The island is relatively flat and perfect for cycling. Bring your bike on the ferry or hire one on arrival. A circuit of the island takes about 4–5 hours.
- French Island National Park: Covers two-thirds of the island with coastal mangroves, heathland, and eucalyptus woodland. Walking tracks range from easy to moderate.
- Farmgate produce: Small farms sell honey, olive oil, and seasonal produce.
👥 Best for: Adventure seekers, nature lovers, cyclists, anyone who wants to feel like they've discovered somewhere secret
💰 Cost guide: Ferry from ~$14 return. Bike hire from ~$30. Most activities on the island are free.
🤫 Insider tip: There are very limited facilities on the island — bring water, food, sunscreen, and a fully charged phone. The ferry runs on a limited schedule so check timetables carefully. It's best as a half-day or full-day experience with cycling.
West of Melbourne
7. Great Ocean Road
🚗 Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes to Torquay (start of the Great Ocean Road); 3 hours 30 minutes to the Twelve Apostles (allow a full day)
The Great Ocean Road is arguably Australia's most famous road trip and one of the most scenic coastal drives on Earth. While technically more of a multi-day experience to do properly, a long day trip from Melbourne hitting the highlights is absolutely doable — and absolutely worth it.
✨ Highlights:
- Twelve Apostles: The iconic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. Despite the name, there are now eight remaining — erosion has claimed the others. Arrive at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light. The helicopter flights over the Apostles and nearby coastline (~$145 for 15 minutes) are spectacular.
- Lorne: A gorgeous coastal town about 2 hours from Melbourne. Great beaches, cafés, and the starting point for hikes to Erskine Falls (a beautiful, easily accessible waterfall in a fern-lined gorge).
- Apollo Bay: A charming fishing village with excellent seafood, and the gateway to the Otway Ranges. The Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-op is the spot for fresh fish and chips.
- Otway Fly Treetop Walk: A 600-metre elevated steel walkway through ancient temperate rainforest, reaching 25 metres above the forest floor. The spiral tower takes you even higher. A completely unique perspective on this ancient ecosystem.
- Cape Otway Lighthouse: Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse (1848), set on a wild, wind-battered headland. Also excellent for spotting koalas in the trees along Lighthouse Road — pull over and look up.
- Bells Beach: Where the Rip Curl Pro surf competition is held every Easter. Even if you don't surf, the views from the clifftop are stunning.
- London Arch & The Grotto: Further along from the Twelve Apostles, these rock formations are equally impressive with far fewer tourists.
👥 Best for: Everyone. Literally everyone should do this drive at least once. Especially road-trip enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers, and international visitors.
💰 Cost guide: The drive itself is free. Otway Fly Treetop Walk adults ~$30, kids ~$16. Cape Otway Lighthouse ~$20 adults. Helicopter flights from $145. Budget for fuel ($40–$60 return depending on your car) and food stops.
🤫 Insider tip: If you're doing a day trip, the inland shortcut via Colac (M1 to Colac, then south to the Apostles) is significantly faster than driving the entire coast road — about 3 hours vs. 4+ hours. This lets you see the Apostles first, then drive the scenic road back through Apollo Bay and Lorne. Also, the stretch between the Apostles and Bay of Islands (further west) is dramatically emptier and equally stunning. For the best light at the Twelve Apostles, aim for late afternoon.
8. Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula
🚗 Drive time: 1 hour (75 km via the Princes Freeway/M1)
Victoria's second-largest city has undergone a serious renaissance. The Geelong waterfront is lively and polished, and the nearby Bellarine Peninsula offers wineries, surf beaches, and a historic seaside town that feels like a different era.
✨ Highlights:
- Geelong Waterfront: Beautifully restored with the colourful Baywalk Bollards (over 100 hand-painted figures by artist Jan Mitchell), excellent restaurants, a carousel, swimming enclosure, and waterfront promenade perfect for a stroll.
- Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre: Learn about Wadawurrung culture through guided experiences, bushfood tastings, and a native garden walk.
- Queenscliff: A historic seaside village at the tip of the Bellarine with grand Victorian-era hotels, the Queenscliff Fort (bookable tours), and the ferry to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula — making it possible to do a "bay loop" combining both peninsulas.
- Bellarine wineries: Jack Rabbit Vineyard (incredible bay views), Scotchmans Hill, Leura Park Estate, and Terindah Estate are all excellent.
- Barwon Heads: A stunning coastal village (and filming location for the TV series SeaChange). The Bluff lookout walk is spectacular and the surf beach is one of Victoria's best.
- Point Lonsdale Lighthouse & The Rip: Watch ships navigate the treacherous entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Dramatic, especially in rough weather.
👥 Best for: Families (waterfront + beaches), couples (Queenscliff + wineries), food lovers, anyone wanting a quick escape without a massive drive
💰 Cost guide: Very budget-friendly. Most waterfront activities are free. Wine tastings $5–$10. Queenscliff–Sorrento ferry from ~$14 walk-on or ~$80 with car. Good café lunches $15–$25.
🤫 Insider tip: Drive via Portarlington for the best fish and chips on the Bellarine (try the mussels at the Portarlington Mussel Festival if you're visiting in January). Also, the You Yangs Regional Park is a short detour between Melbourne and Geelong — excellent mountain biking, a quick climb to Flinders Peak for views, and great birdwatching (you'll often see koalas and kangaroos).
9. Werribee
🚗 Drive time: 35–45 minutes (32 km via the M1/Princes Freeway)
The closest day trip on this list and massively underrated. Werribee packs an African safari experience, an Italianate mansion, and a river gorge into a destination that most Melburnians drive straight past on their way to the coast.
✨ Highlights:
- Werribee Open Range Zoo: An African safari experience right in Melbourne's western suburbs. Lions, giraffes, gorillas, hippos, rhinos, and zebras roam across open savannah-style plains. The included safari bus tour is excellent, and the newer Slumber Safari glamping experience is one of Australia's most unique overnight stays (if you want to extend your trip).
- Werribee Park Mansion: A magnificent 60-room Italianate mansion built in 1877, set within stunning formal gardens. Free guided tours available. The adjacent Victoria State Rose Garden features over 5,000 roses — best visited November–April.
- Werribee Gorge State Park: A hidden gem with dramatic cliff faces, the Werribee River winding through a narrow gorge, and the Circuit Walk — a challenging but rewarding loop track (around 10 km, allow 4–5 hours). Shorter walks also available.
- Shadowfax Wines: A quality winery right next to the mansion, with cellar door tastings and a restaurant.
👥 Best for: Families (the zoo is world-class for kids), active hikers (Werribee Gorge), history buffs (the mansion), anyone short on time who wants a quality day out
💰 Cost guide: Werribee Zoo adults ~$44, kids ~$22 (cheaper online). Mansion and gardens free. Gorge walk free (parking fees apply). Winery tastings $5–$10.
🤫 Insider tip: The zoo's Safari Under Stars program runs on select evenings and is genuinely magical — you dine outdoors as the animals roam nearby. For the gorge, the Needles viewpoint is the best quick option if you don't have time for the full circuit (about 30 minutes from the car park). Bring sturdy shoes — some sections involve scrambling over rocks and using fixed chains.
North of Melbourne
10. Daylesford & Hepburn Springs
🚗 Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes (110 km via the Western Freeway and Ballan-Daylesford Road)
Victoria's spa capital. Daylesford and neighbouring Hepburn Springs sit atop Australia's largest concentration of natural mineral springs, and the town has built a thriving culture of wellness, fine food, and creativity around this liquid gold.
✨ Highlights:
- Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa: A beautifully designed bathhouse fed by natural mineral springs. Choose from the public Bathhouse (communal mineral pools, sauna, relaxation areas) or private spa treatments. The Sanctuary area offers the most premium experience.
- Mineral springs walks: Free public mineral springs dot the region. Bring a bottle and taste the naturally carbonated water at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve — each spring has different mineral compositions and surprisingly different flavours. The Mineral Springs Walk (2.5 km circuit) connects several springs through the bush.
- Lake Daylesford: A gorgeous lake in the heart of town, perfect for a morning walk. The Boathouse cafe is right on the water.
- Daylesford Sunday Market: Held at the Daylesford Railway Station every Sunday, this vibrant market features local produce, crafts, vintage finds, and excellent street food.
- Convent Gallery: A stunning 19th-century convent converted into a gallery, with gardens, a café, and several levels of art and antiques.
- Bookshops, boutiques & cafés: Daylesford's main street is packed with independent bookshops, homewares stores, vintage clothing, and some of regional Victoria's best cafés.
👥 Best for: Couples (this is Victoria's most romantic day trip, hands down), wellness seekers, foodies, LGBTQ+ travellers (Daylesford has a strong, welcoming queer community, hosting the annual ChillOut Festival)
💰 Cost guide: Hepburn Bathhouse public bathing from ~$40. Private treatments from ~$120. Mineral springs are free. Markets are free to browse. Budget $50–$80 for a good restaurant lunch.
🤫 Insider tip: Arrive on a Sunday morning to combine the Daylesford Market with a spa session. Book the spa first (early slot, around 10 AM), then wander the market in a state of post-soak bliss. For food, Kazuki's is a destination restaurant in itself (Japanese-Australian fine dining in an old miner's cottage — book well ahead). For something more casual, The Larder does exceptional brunch. Also, the drive to Daylesford via Trentham is beautiful and lets you stop at Trentham Falls (Victoria's highest single-drop waterfall at 32 metres).
11. Macedon Ranges
🚗 Drive time: 45 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes (55–80 km via the Calder Freeway)
The Macedon Ranges is one of Victoria's most beautiful and historically rich regions — a landscape of volcanic peaks, cool-climate gardens, creative villages, and one very famous rock. Just an hour north of Melbourne, it offers a dramatic change of scenery and a genuinely slower pace.
✨ Highlights:
- Hanging Rock: The legendary volcanic formation immortalised by Joan Lindsay's Picnic at Hanging Rock. Walk to the summit (45 minutes return) for panoramic views and an atmosphere that's genuinely eerie. The reserve hosts events throughout the year, including the classic Picnic at Hanging Rock day and Run the Rock running event.
- Mount Macedon: Drive to the summit of Mount Macedon Memorial Cross for sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. (Note: As of early 2026, the Memorial Cross Reserve is undergoing redevelopment — check access before visiting.) The area is home to magnificent private gardens, many open during the Open Gardens scheme in autumn and spring.
- Woodend: A charming village at the foot of the ranges with excellent cafés, a brilliant independent bookshop, and the Holgate Brewhouse — one of Australia's best craft breweries.
- Kyneton: Victoria's foodie capital in the making. The main street is packed with outstanding restaurants, vintage shops, and producers. Piper Street is the heart of it — don't miss it.
- Cool-climate wineries: The Macedon Ranges produce some of Australia's finest sparkling wines. Visit Granite Hills, Curly Flat, or Cobaw Ridge for exceptional cool-climate wines.
- Duneira Estate: A stunning 1870s heritage estate in Mount Macedon that hosts special events and tours.
👥 Best for: History buffs, foodies, couples, families (Hanging Rock is great for kids), garden enthusiasts
💰 Cost guide: Hanging Rock Reserve entry ~$12 per car. Most gardens free or gold coin during open days. Winery tastings $5–$15. Café lunches $15–$30.
🤫 Insider tip: Time your visit to stop at Kyneton Farmers' Market (second Saturday of each month, 8 AM–1 PM) for extraordinary local produce, then walk the main street. For an atmospheric experience, visit Hanging Rock on a misty morning — the fog threading through the volcanic columns is genuinely haunting. The drive through the ranges via Lancefield and Romsey is quieter and more scenic than the freeway route.
12. Bendigo
🚗 Drive time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours (150 km via the Calder Freeway)
Bendigo is a gold rush city that punches way above its weight. Magnificent Victorian-era architecture, a world-class art gallery, underground mine tours, Australia's most significant Chinese heritage outside of China, and a booming food and wine scene — Bendigo is one of regional Victoria's most rewarding destinations.
✨ Highlights:
- Bendigo Art Gallery: One of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries, consistently hosting blockbuster exhibitions that rival Melbourne's major galleries. Check what's on before you visit.
- Central Deborah Gold Mine: Descend 61 metres underground into a real gold mine for a guided tour. The Nine Levels of Darkness adventure tour takes you to the deepest accessible level — utterly fascinating and mildly terrifying.
- Bendigo Talking Tram: A vintage tram that runs through the city centre providing commentary on Bendigo's history. It's charming and a great way to orient yourself.
- Golden Dragon Museum & Chinese Heritage: Bendigo has one of Australia's most significant Chinese heritage stories, dating back to the 1850s gold rush. The museum houses the world's oldest Imperial Chinese dragon, Loong, and the newer Sun Loong — the world's longest Imperial Chinese processional dragon.
- Sacred Heart Cathedral: One of the largest churches in Australia, with stunning stained glass and architecture.
- Bendigo Pottery: Australia's oldest working pottery (since 1858). Browse, shop, or book a hands-on pottery experience.
- Food & wine: Bendigo is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The main street is packed with excellent restaurants, and the surrounding region produces outstanding Shiraz, with cellar doors like Balgownie Estate and Turners Crossing well worth visiting.
👥 Best for: History buffs, art lovers, families (gold mine tours are thrilling for kids), food and wine lovers, culture seekers
💰 Cost guide: Art Gallery entry often free (special exhibitions vary). Gold Mine tours from ~$30 adults, ~$15 kids. Talking Tram ~$5. Pottery class from ~$35. Allow $50–$80 for a good lunch and wine tasting.
🤫 Insider tip: Bendigo is easily reachable by V/Line train (about 2 hours from Southern Cross Station), making it one of the best day trips that doesn't require a car. The talking tram loop connects the station to most attractions. For food, the Lyttle Eat Street precinct off the main drag has some of the best emerging restaurants. On the drive home, detour through Heathcote for exceptional Shiraz tastings at tiny cellar doors — it's one of Victoria's most underappreciated wine regions.
Further Afield (But Absolutely Worth It)
13. Ballarat
🚗 Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes (115 km via the Western Freeway/M8)
Victoria's largest inland city and the epicentre of the 1850s gold rush. Ballarat has leveraged its extraordinary history into a genuinely compelling modern destination, anchored by the immersive living museum of Sovereign Hill.
✨ Highlights:
- Sovereign Hill: Step into the 1850s at this award-winning outdoor museum that recreates a gold rush township. Pan for real gold in the creek, watch a gold pour, explore underground mines, browse the shops and trades of the era, and catch the evening "Aura" sound and light show (separate ticketed experience). The newly highlighted Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct adds important First Nations context to the gold rush story, and the Australian Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades runs fascinating workshops. Regular hours are Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.
- Art Gallery of Ballarat: Australia's oldest and largest regional art gallery, with a significant collection of Australian art from colonial times to contemporary.
- Ballarat Botanical Gardens: Magnificent gardens on the shore of Lake Wendouree, featuring the Prime Ministers Avenue (busts of every Australian PM) and beautiful seasonal displays.
- Lydiard Street: One of the finest Victorian-era streetscapes in Australia. Walk from the Ballarat Station to Sturt Street and you'll pass the Mining Exchange, Her Majesty's Theatre, Craig's Royal Hotel, and countless ornate 19th-century façades.
- Lake Wendouree: A large lake perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. The trail around the lake is about 6 km.
- Eureka Centre: Tells the story of the Eureka Stockade, the pivotal 1854 miners' rebellion that shaped Australian democracy.
👥 Best for: Families (Sovereign Hill is a top 5 family attraction in Victoria), history enthusiasts, art lovers, school groups
💰 Cost guide: Sovereign Hill adults ~$45, kids ~$20, family passes available. Aura night show from ~$40. Art Gallery free. Botanical Gardens free. V/Line train from Melbourne ~$16–$26 each way.
🤫 Insider tip: Like Bendigo, Ballarat is easily accessible by V/Line train — about 1 hour 20 minutes from Southern Cross. Sovereign Hill is well worth a full day on its own, so don't try to cram too much in. If you do have extra time, book the VIP Rebellion Pass for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. For lunch, skip the tourist spots and head to Mitchell Harris Wine Bar on the main street — excellent local wines and food. Also, the town's café scene is genuinely impressive — Yellow Espresso and Forge Pizzeria are local favourites.
14. Wilson's Promontory
🚗 Drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours (220 km via the South Gippsland Highway)
Wilson's Promontory — "the Prom" — is mainland Australia's southernmost point and one of Victoria's most spectacular national parks. It's a longer drive than most on this list, but the pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and genuinely wild coastal landscapes make it absolutely worth the early start.
✨ Highlights:
- Squeaky Beach: Named for the sound your feet make on the ultra-fine quartz sand. Turquoise water, granite boulders, and one of the most photogenic beaches in the country.
- Tidal River: The main hub of the national park with visitor facilities, camping, and the start of most walking tracks. The Loo-Errn Track to Whisky Bay and Picnic Bay is a must.
- Mount Oberon Summit Walk: A 3.4 km climb (1.5–2 hours return) to breathtaking 360-degree views of the Prom's coastline, islands, and hinterland. One of Victoria's best short hikes.
- Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk: An easy 5 km loop through lush temperate rainforest — perfect for spotting wombats, echidnas, and birdlife.
- Norman Bay Beach: A long, crescent sweep of pristine sand backed by bush — often deserted on weekdays.
- Wildlife: Wombats are practically guaranteed around Tidal River (especially at dusk). Emus, kangaroos, rosellas, and echidnas are common.
👥 Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, photographers, anyone who wants a "reset in nature" experience, adventurous families
💰 Cost guide: National park entry ~$12.30 per car per day (or free with a Parks Victoria annual pass — ~$70 and worth it if you visit parks regularly). Walks and beaches are free. Limited food options — bring supplies.
🤫 Insider tip: Leave Melbourne by 6 AM to make the most of the day. The Prom gets very busy on weekends and holidays — midweek visits are infinitely better. Pack a picnic, plenty of water, and good hiking shoes. If you can, extend to an overnight and camp at Tidal River (book months ahead for summer). The drive down through Fish Creek is charming — stop for a coffee. Mobile phone reception is limited in the park, which is honestly part of the appeal.
15. The Grampians (Gariwerd)
🚗 Drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours (260 km via the Western Freeway)
The Grampians — known as Gariwerd to the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali peoples — is one of Victoria's most dramatic natural landscapes. Ancient sandstone mountains, wildflower-filled valleys, stunning lookouts, significant Aboriginal rock art, and some of the best bushwalking in southeast Australia.
✨ Highlights:
- The Pinnacle: The signature hike of the Grampians. A 4.2 km walk (2–3 hours return) from Halls Gap to a jaw-dropping lookout over the Wonderland Range and surrounding valleys. Can also be reached from the Wonderland car park via the Grand Canyon route for a shorter approach.
- Boroka Lookout: Drive-to lookout with panoramic views over Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield. Easily accessible and genuinely spectacular, especially at sunset.
- MacKenzie Falls: The largest waterfall in the Grampians. A short walk from the car park takes you to the base — powerful and impressive, especially after rain.
- Aboriginal rock art: The Grampians contain some of the most significant Indigenous rock art sites in southeast Australia. Bunjil's Shelter (a painting of the creator spirit Bunjil with his two dingo helpers) is one of the most important. Billimina Shelter (formerly Glenisla) and Manja Shelter feature hand stencils and paintings spanning thousands of years.
- Halls Gap: The main town in the Grampians, surrounded by mountains and visited by kangaroos and colourful rosellas. Good cafés, a visitor centre, and the starting point for many walks.
- Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre: Wadawurrung-managed cultural centre with exhibitions, Dreamtime theatre, bush tucker walks, and boomerang painting workshops.
- The Balconies (Jaws of Death): Another iconic lookout — a dramatic rock overhang with views over the Victoria Range.
👥 Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, Aboriginal culture and history enthusiasts, photographers, adventure seekers
💰 Cost guide: National park entry free. Brambuk cultural experiences from ~$15. Accommodation in Halls Gap if you extend your trip from ~$120/night. Bring food and water — options in Halls Gap are limited.
🤫 Insider tip: A day trip is tight but doable if you leave early and focus on 2–3 highlights. The ideal quick hit: Boroka Lookout (5 minutes from Halls Gap) → The Pinnacle Walk (2–3 hours) → MacKenzie Falls (1 hour) → lunch in Halls Gap → drive home. For wildflower enthusiasts, visit in spring (September–November) when the Grampians are carpeted with wildflowers — it's genuinely breathtaking. The route via Ararat (Western Freeway) is fastest, but the return via Dunkeld and Hamilton through the southern Grampians is more scenic if you have time.
Seasonal Guide: When to Go Where
Victoria's seasons dramatically influence which day trips are at their best. Here's your cheat sheet:
🌸 Spring (September – November)
- Best destinations: Grampians (wildflowers), Dandenong Ranges (rhododendrons), Macedon Ranges (open gardens), Daylesford (markets and spa weather)
- Why: Mild temperatures, flowers in bloom, waterfalls at their most impressive after winter rain. Green, lush, and uncrowded.
- Avoid: The Great Ocean Road can still be cold and windswept — save it for summer or autumn.
☀️ Summer (December – February)
- Best destinations: Mornington Peninsula (beaches and wine), Phillip Island (penguins and swimming), Great Ocean Road (coastal driving), Wilson's Promontory (beach walks), Bellarine Peninsula (coastal lifestyle)
- Why: Long, warm days perfect for beach activities, outdoor dining, and late-evening experiences like the Penguin Parade.
- Book ahead: Peninsula Hot Springs, Puffing Billy, Penguin Parade, and any coastal accommodation sell out well in advance.
- Avoid: Fire-risk areas on extreme heat days — check CFA warnings and park closures.
🍂 Autumn (March – May)
- Best destinations: Yarra Valley (harvest season, golden vineyards), Dandenong Ranges (spectacular autumn colour), Macedon Ranges (garden tours), Bright/northeast (if you're willing to drive further)
- Why: The most photogenic season in Victoria. Cooler temperatures, stunning foliage, harvest events at wineries.
- Insider move: Autumn is the Yarra Valley's "golden month" — March/April when vineyards turn gold and red, cellar doors are buzzing with harvest energy, and the light is magical.
❄️ Winter (June – August)
- Best destinations: Daylesford & Hepburn Springs (nothing beats a hot spa in cold weather), Bendigo (indoor galleries and gold mines), Ballarat (Sovereign Hill is atmospheric in winter, including the Winterfest program), Warburton/Mount Donna Buang (possible snowfall)
- Why: Cosy indoor activities, sparser crowds, cheaper accommodation, and the unique atmosphere of regional Victoria in the cold.
- Bonus: The Penguin Parade on Phillip Island is actually better in winter — more penguins come ashore and fewer tourists.
Practical Info: Getting Around Victoria
Driving
Most of these day trips are best done by car. Here's what to know:
- Road conditions: Victoria's major highways are generally excellent. Regional roads can be narrow and winding (especially the Great Ocean Road and mountain areas). Watch for wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk — kangaroos are a real hazard on country roads.
- Speed limits: Default 100 km/h on country roads, 110 km/h on freeways. Speed cameras are common. Many small towns drop to 40–50 km/h — watch for signs.
- Fuel: Fill up before leaving Melbourne or at major regional towns. Remote areas (Wilson's Prom, Grampians) have limited and more expensive fuel options.
- Tolls: CityLink and EastLink tolls apply when leaving Melbourne via certain routes (Eastern Freeway, Monash Freeway entries). Get a day pass or ensure your hire car has a toll account.
Car Hire
If you don't have a car:
- Major providers: Budget, Avis, Europcar, Hertz — all available at Melbourne Airport and CBD locations.
- Budget options: GoGet (car share, by the hour), Car Next Door (peer-to-peer rental), or Turo (peer-to-peer, wider selection).
- Cost: Budget car hire from ~$50–$80/day for a compact car. Weekend rates are often higher.
- Tip: A compact SUV handles all these trips comfortably. You don't need a 4WD for any destination in this guide.
Public Transport
Several destinations are accessible by V/Line train or coach:
- Bendigo: V/Line train from Southern Cross (~2 hours, runs frequently)
- Ballarat: V/Line train from Southern Cross (~1 hour 20 minutes, very frequent)
- Geelong: V/Line train from Southern Cross (~1 hour, very frequent)
- Macedon Ranges (Woodend/Kyneton): V/Line train on the Bendigo line (~1 hour)
- Daylesford: V/Line coach from Ballarat (limited service)
- Dandenong Ranges (Belgrave): Metro Trains Belgrave line for Puffing Billy connection
Guided Tours
If you'd rather sit back and let someone else drive:
- Great Ocean Road: Dozens of operators run day tours from Melbourne CBD (~$100–$180 per person). Look for smaller groups (12-seater vans beat 50-seat coaches).
- Yarra Valley wine tours: Multiple operators including Yarra Valley Winery Tours and Vinetrekker. From ~$100–$160 per person including tastings and lunch.
- Phillip Island: Day/evening tour operators depart Melbourne CBD daily. Penguin Parade included. From ~$140–$180 per person.
FAQ
How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne?
The start of the Great Ocean Road at Torquay is about 100 km (1 hour 20 minutes) from Melbourne CBD. The Twelve Apostles are approximately 275 km (3.5 hours) by the coastal route, or about 3 hours via the faster inland route through Colac.
Can you do the Great Ocean Road as a day trip?
Yes, but it's a long day. Leave early (by 7 AM), take the inland route to the Apostles first, then drive the scenic coast road back through Apollo Bay and Lorne. You'll be driving 5–7 hours total. It's doable and worth it, but an overnight stay allows a much more relaxed experience.
What is the best day trip from Melbourne for families?
Phillip Island (Penguin Parade + Churchill Island farm), Puffing Billy in the Dandenong Ranges, and Sovereign Hill in Ballarat consistently rank as the top family day trips. For younger kids, Werribee Open Range Zoo is also excellent and close to the city.
What is the most romantic day trip from Melbourne?
Daylesford & Hepburn Springs — mineral spring bathing, fine dining, boutique shopping, and lake walks. Runner-up: Yarra Valley for a winery-hopping day with a hot air balloon sunrise.
Are these day trips accessible by public transport?
Some are. Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, and the Macedon Ranges towns (Woodend, Kyneton) are all on the V/Line train network. Belgrave (for Puffing Billy) is on the Metro train network. However, most destinations are best reached by car for flexibility.
How much should I budget for a day trip from Melbourne?
A budget day trip (BYO food, free activities like beaches and walks) can cost as little as $30–$50 in fuel. A moderate day trip with entry fees, a café lunch, and a tasting or two runs $80–$150 per person. A premium day (hot springs, fine dining, helicopter flight) can be $200–$400+.
What's the closest good day trip from Melbourne?
Werribee (35 minutes — zoo, mansion, gorge) and the Dandenong Ranges (45 minutes — Puffing Billy, gardens, villages) are the quickest escapes. Geelong (1 hour) is another fast option.
Is the Mornington Peninsula worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely. Peninsula Hot Springs is arguably better in winter (hot pools + cold air = pure bliss). The wineries are less crowded, and the coastal walks are dramatic in moody weather. Fewer crowds everywhere.
Do I need to book things in advance?
For Peninsula Hot Springs, Puffing Billy Railway, and Penguin Parade — yes, absolutely book ahead, especially on weekends and school holidays. For most other attractions, booking is recommended but not always essential on weekdays.
Can I combine multiple day trips into one?
Yes! Great combinations include:
- Yarra Valley + Dandenong Ranges (both east — do wineries in the morning, Puffing Billy in the afternoon)
- Mornington Peninsula + Phillip Island (both south — Peninsula by day, Penguin Parade at sunset)
- Geelong/Bellarine + Great Ocean Road start (stop at Bells Beach and Torquay on the way to or from the coast)
- Macedon Ranges + Daylesford (both north — Hanging Rock + lunch in Kyneton, then afternoon spa at Hepburn)
- Ballarat + Daylesford (about 40 minutes apart — Sovereign Hill + spa country)
What about road safety and wildlife?
Victorian country roads can have hazards including kangaroos (especially at dawn/dusk), winding sections, and occasional gravel shoulders. Drive to conditions, use headlights in rain or fog, and be alert for wildlife. On the Great Ocean Road, watch for tour buses on the narrow, winding sections.
When is the best time of year to visit Victoria for day trips?
Autumn (March–May) is often considered the sweet spot — warm enough for outdoor activities, cool enough for comfort, beautiful colours in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, harvest events at wineries, and smaller crowds than summer. But every season has its highlights — see our seasonal guide above.
Do I need a Parks Victoria pass?
Individual park entry fees are modest ($10–$15 per car per day). If you plan to visit multiple national parks throughout the year, the Parks Victoria Annual Pass (~$70 for all parks) pays for itself after about 5–6 visits and is excellent value.
Your Next Adventure Starts Here
Melbourne is extraordinary. But some of Victoria's most unforgettable experiences are waiting just an hour or two down the road.
Whether you're soaking in geothermal hot springs on the Mornington Peninsula, dangling your legs from a century-old steam train in the Dandenong Ranges, watching penguins waddle home at sunset on Phillip Island, or standing at a clifftop as the Twelve Apostles glow gold in the last light of day — these are the moments that make living in Melbourne (or visiting) truly special.
Pick a direction. Fill the tank. Pack a picnic. And discover why Victoria calls itself "the place to be."
Planning your Melbourne visit? Check out our other guides to Melbourne Events 2026, Free Things to Do in Melbourne, and Best Melbourne Restaurants.
All prices are approximate and in Australian dollars (AUD). Check individual attraction websites for current pricing and booking requirements.
Related reading
Enjoyed this guide?
Get more actionable AI insights, automation templates, and practical guides delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ready to ship an AI product?
We build revenue-moving AI tools in focused agentic development cycles. 3 production apps shipped in a single day.