Explore the best day trips from Melbourne

Melbourne is not only a dynamic city packed with art, cuisine and culture; it is also the ideal starting point for amazing day excursions all throughout Victoria. Whether you want forest escapes, beautiful drives, quaint villages or coastal activities, there is something only a short drive away to renew your spirit. Tailored for inquisitive Australian travellers, this is your guide to the best day trips from Melbourne.

Drive the Great Ocean Road for epic coastal views

Starting roughly 90 minutes from Melbourne in Torquay, the Great Ocean Road is arguably Australia’s most famous road trip. From there, the meandering coastal road offers breathtaking views, rich jungle, and steep cliffs.

• Highlights: The Twelve Apostles, Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Great Otway National Park.
• Activities: Photo stops at coastal lookouts, jungle treks, beach hopping
• Travel time: Approx. 2 to 3 hours in each direction.

Whether you want to see the sun set behind the towering limestone stacks or waterfalls in the Otways, this is a must-do trip for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Relax in the Yarra Valley with wine and animals

One hour north-east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley offers a great mix of natural beauty and culinary pleasure.

• Wine tasting: Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli and Yering Station provide world-class wines.
• Nature & animals: Visit Healesville Sanctuary to get up close with kangaroos, wombats and koalas.
• Foodie pleasures: Seasonal fruit, artisanal chocolates and artisan cheese

Ideal for couples or groups of friends, this area provides a quiet getaway with a glass of pinot in hand.

Relax and recharge on the Mornington Peninsula

Less than an hour’s journey from the city, the Mornington Peninsula offers it all—beaches, wineries, hot springs and more.

• Relax at: Victoria’s first geothermal spa, Peninsula Hot Springs.
• Explore: Sorrento and Portsea, quaint coastal towns with beach walks and boutique shopping.
• Eat & drink: Fresh seafood, prize-winning pinot noir, and coastal cafés

For a wellness-oriented vacation or a romantic day out, this is a good choice.

Explore the Macedon Ranges and Daylesford

Renowned as Victoria’s spa capital, Daylesford is perfect for anyone looking for a bit of rural charm or relaxation. This area combines wellness and scenic beauty only 90 minutes from Melbourne.

• Mineral spas: Relax at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa.
• Nature trails: Walks in the Macedon Ranges or around Lake Daylesford
• Small-town charm: Visit ancient towns such as Woodend and Trentham.

Daylesford provides in every season, whether you enjoy mountain vistas or treatments.

Look for Phillip Island penguins

Two hours from Melbourne sits Phillip Island, renowned for its biodiversity and surf-friendly beaches.

• Don’t miss: Dusk’s Penguin Parade
• Visit native animals: Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island Heritage Farm.
• Outdoor enjoyment: Coastal walking paths, Cape Woolamai surfing, or Cowes relaxation

Animal lovers and beachgoers alike will enjoy this family-friendly vacation.

Dandenong Ranges: Forests, gardens and vintage charm

Less than an hour from the city, the Dandenong Ranges provide a refreshing wooded getaway.

• Ride: An antique steam locomotive running through the woods, Puffing Billy
• Stroll: Walk across Sherbrooke Forest or the National Rhododendron Gardens.
• Stop in: villages like Olinda and Sassafras for antiques, scones, and tea.

A wonderful option for couples seeking a leafy getaway, elders, and families.

Hike and explore in the Grampians National Park

About three hours west of Melbourne, the Grampians are a natural paradise perfect for a full-day excursion.

• Hiking: Conquer Mackenzie Falls or The Pinnacle paths.
• Culture: See Aboriginal rock art at Gulgurn Manja Shelter.
• Wildlife: Colourful parrots, emus, and kangaroos in their natural habitats

For this one, pack good shoes and an adventurous attitude.

Travel back in time to Ballarat

Ballarat, situated ninety minutes by car north of Melbourne, boasts a rich legacy from the gold rush.

• Live the past: Pan for gold at Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum.
• Explore: Historical buildings, botanical gardens, and Ballarat Art Gallery.
• Eat locally: Cosy taverns, contemporary restaurants, and robust rural cuisine.

It brings Victoria’s past to life on a pleasurable and informative journey.

Stroll untamed Wilsons Promontory beaches

About 2.5 hours outside the city, Wilsons Promontory is a beautiful national park known to locals as “The Prom.”

• Nature: See emus, wallabies, and wombats in the wild.
• Beaches: Squeaky Beach and Norman Bay are legendary.
• Hikes: For panoramic vistas, visit Mount Oberon.

For those who appreciate wild beauty, this journey is definitely worth the travel.

Day trip planning tips for Aussies

• Leave early: Get up early especially on weekends, Melbourne traffic accumulates quickly.
• Pack layers: The weather in Victoria is well known for its variability.
• Plan events in advance: Particularly over extended weekends or school breaks.
• Fuel up: Some rural areas lack mobile coverage and petrol outlets.

Conclusion

Whether you live in or visit Melbourne, you are spoiled with choice for day excursions. From surfing beaches to wine valleys, historic cities to alpine lookouts, Victoria’s varied areas are only a drive away. These sites highlight why regional Victoria is just as thrilling as the city itself, whether your Sunday road trip is imprompt or your one-day getaway is meticulously planned.