Best Day Trips from Melbourne: Top 10 Destinations You Can’t Miss
Need a break from the city buzz? You’re in luck—Melbourne is surrounded by all kinds of places perfect for a quick escape. From seaside towns and wine country to forest hikes and wildlife encounters, some of Victoria’s top spots are just a short drive away. In this guide, we’ve put together some of the best day trips from Melbourne. Whether you’re after nature, food, or just a change of pace, you’re sure to find something that suits your vibe!
10 Best Day Trips from Melbourne
Below are ten hand-picked day trips from Melbourne, Australia that showcase the range of landscapes, flavours, and wildlife you can reach in under three hours of the CBD. Take a look and start planning your next adventure!
1. Great Ocean Road & the Twelve Apostles
Drive time: Around 1.5 hrs to Torquay; allow a full day to reach the Apostles and return
Vibe: Coastal legend, surf breaks, sunset limestone stacks
If you’re up early, it’s an easy run down to Torquay, the starting point of the Great Ocean Road. Grab a flat white by the beach, watch surfers take on Bells, and ease into one of Australia’s most iconic drives.
Wind past seaside towns like Anglesea and Lorne, and keep your eyes peeled for koalas in the trees at Kennett River. Stop in Apollo Bay for a snack before climbing into the Otways, where rainforest meets rugged coastline. If you’ve got the stamina, push on to the Twelve Apostles—sunset there is seriously special.
2. Yarra Valley
Drive time: Just over 1 hr to Healesville
Vibe: Cool-climate wine, wildlife encounters, long lunches
You’ll barely be out of the city before the scenery shifts—rolling green hills, wide open skies and rows of grapevines stretch out ahead. Start your day at Healesville Sanctuary for close encounters with wombats, emus and a very chill platypus. Then head straight for the cellar doors.
Giant Steps is great for pinot lovers, while TarraWarra blends great wine with art and sweeping views. Take your time over lunch; many wineries have excellent restaurants. Cap things off with a chocolate or ice-cream stop before coasting home through rolling ranges tinged gold by the setting sun.
3. Mornington Peninsula
Drive time: Around 1 hr 10 mins to Red Hill or Sorrento
Vibe: Hot-spring bliss, cliff walks, farm-gate flavours
Make your way down the Peninsula Link and roll into Red Hill, where you can pick your own strawberries at Sunny Ridge or stop at a farm gate for fresh produce. Then head to the Peninsula Hot Springs and unwind in one of 70+ mineral pools tucked into the bush.
Afterwards, drive out to Cape Schanck for a boardwalk stroll. Waves crash against the cliffs below, and the sea air does wonders. Whether you end your day sipping wine or watching the sunset over Port Phillip Bay, it’s all effortless beauty down here.
4. Phillip Island
Drive time: About 1 hr 45 mins
Vibe: Seaside wildlife, surf breaks, family-friendly fun
Once you cross the bridge at San Remo, things start to slow down. Start with a walk at The Nobbies. Expect dramatic ocean views, blowholes, and maybe a seal sighting or two out at Seal Rocks.
Head to Cape Woolamai if you’re chasing surf or stroll the dunes if you’re more into birdwatching. But the main event comes at sunset: the nightly Penguin Parade. Hundreds of little penguins waddle up the beach after a day at sea. It’s a bit touristy, sure—but honestly, it’s magic every time. Arrive an hour early for the best view!
5. Daylesford & Hepburn Springs
Drive time: Around 1 hr 30 mins
Vibe: Mineral-spring wellness, slow-food cafés, lakeside serenity
If you’re after a relaxing reset, Spa Country is your go-to. Just north-west of Melbourne, Daylesford and nearby Hepburn Springs are known for their natural mineral waters and European-style bathhouses.
Book in at the Hepburn Bathhouse for a soak or massage—it’s been running since 1895—and let your body unwind. For lunch, grab a table at Lake House or a cosy café in town. Afterwards, take a wander through the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens or stretch your legs around Lake Daylesford. You’ll be home by dinner, feeling like you’ve had a proper escape.
6. Dandenong Ranges & Puffing Billy
Drive time: About 1 hr east via Burwood Hwy
Vibe: Story-book forest, steam-train nostalgia, cosy tearooms
You’ll feel the temperature drop and the tree trunks soar the moment you crest the ridge into the Dandenongs. Start in Belgrave and jump aboard Puffing Billy—Australia’s oldest running steam train—for a lazy chug through fern gullies and mountain-ash giants.
Back on the road, hop between villages like Sassafras and Olinda for crumbly Devonshire scones, browse artisan potteries, then stretch your legs on the sheltered Sherbrooke Falls track. It’s a gentle day that swaps city clatter for lyrebird calls without burning much fuel.
7. Hanging Rock & Macedon Ranges
Drive time: Just under 1 hr north on the Calder Fwy
Vibe: Mystic monoliths, cool-climate drops, garden strolls
Point the bonnet toward Mount Macedon and you’ll be parking beneath Hanging Rock’s jagged silhouette before your playlist ends. Follow the short, steep trail to the summit for 360-degree views and a dash of Picnic at Hanging Rock lore.
Afterwards, roll into Woodend or Lancefield for a pub lunch and sample peppery shiraz at a boutique cellar door. If time allows, wander the heritage gardens on Macedon’s south face—springy lawns, wombat-nibbled borders and mountain air that begs for another deep breath.
8. Ballarat & Sovereign Hill
Drive time: About 1 hr 20 m west via the Western Fwy
Vibe: Gold-rush streetscapes, living history, regional art
Swap freeway lanes for horse-drawn drays at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat’s open-air museum where costumed miners pan for flakes and lamplighters patrol gravel lanes. Dig for your own “nugget”, ride the red-ticket coach, then sink a bakery pie before browsing Ballarat Art Gallery’s colonial collection in town.
If the day runs long, stick around for the gold-rush sound-and-light show. Otherwise, grab one last coffee on Sturt Street and you’ll be back under Melbourne’s neon well before bedtime.
9. Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Drive time: Around 3 hrs to Halls Gap, 253 km northwest
Vibe: Sandstone peaks, waterfalls, photogenic wildlife
Leave before sunrise and breakfast with roos on Halls Gap’s village oval. From here the Grampians unwrap a greatest-hits loop: the lofty Boroka Lookout, wind-carved Balconies, and year-round MacKenzie Falls thundering into a misty gorge.
Trails range from 10-minute strolls to calf-burning climbs, but all deliver widescreen views and the chance to spot emus strolling the verges. Pack a picnic and plenty of water. The drive home feels shorter when you’re tired-happy and mud-splattered.
10. Wilsons Promontory National Park
Drive time: About 2 h 55 m, 218 km southeast
Vibe: Quartz-white beaches, wildlife galore, end-of-the-road bliss
Follow the South Gippsland Hwy until the hills give way to the granite domes of “the Prom”. Park at Tidal River, lace up, and amble to Squeaky Beach where the pure-quartz sand literally sings underfoot.
Wombats graze the campsites by dusk, while keen hikers tackle Mt Oberon for sunset over Bass Strait. Whether you swim in turquoise shallows or simply sprawl on the boulders, the return drive feels like you’re bringing a slice of wilderness back to town.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Day Trip
To make the most out of your Melbourne day trips, a little prep goes a long way, especially if you’re covering a few hundred kilometres in a single day. Here are a few tips to help your trip run smoothly:
Leave early and beat the crowds
Most day-trip destinations are busiest between mid-morning and late afternoon—especially on weekends and public holidays. Leaving Melbourne early not only avoids peak traffic but also gives you more time to explore without feeling rushed.
Pack snacks, water, and fuel up beforehand
Some of Victoria’s scenic regions don’t have many petrol stations or food stops once you’re out of town. Top up your tank before leaving and pack water, snacks and a proper lunch if you’re heading somewhere remote or into a national park.
Check road conditions and park access
Always check road closures or alerts on the VicTraffic or Parks Victoria websites before you go, especially if you’re heading to places like the Grampians or Wilsons Prom, where weather or bushfire warnings can affect access.
Dress for the day and pack layers
The weather can change quickly, particularly in coastal or mountainous areas. Bring sunscreen and a hat for sunny days but always throw a jumper or waterproof jacket in the car just in case.
Download offline maps or directions
Mobile reception can drop out in rural or hilly areas. Download a Google Map of your route in advance or have a backup set of directions handy so you don’t get caught out if signal drops.
Take your own power
Heading off the beaten path, planning a camping trip, or just want to keep your phone, camera, or mini fridge running? A compact portable power station is a smart companion. It won’t take up much space in your boot, but it’ll give you the juice you need to stay powered on the go.
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station is a trusted choice. It’s compact (30% smaller than average and just 3.5 kg), yet powerful enough to charge up to five devices at once—perfect for phones, lights, cameras, and a car fridge.
With 245Wh capacity and 300W output (plus a 600W X-Boost for those hungrier gadgets), it’ll keep your essentials running all day. You can top it to 100 % from a wall socket in an hour, trickle-charge from the car on the drive, or pair it with the EcoFlow 110W Portable Solar Panel for a full solar refill in roughly 2.6 hours.
Whether you’re parked at a lookout or deep in a national park, such a portable solar generator setup ensures you connected and comfortable off-grid, especially handy when your day trip turns into an impromptu overnight stay.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station
Respect local wildlife and road rules
Slow down on country roads (especially at dawn or dusk) and keep an eye out for wildlife. If you’re visiting a nature reserve or national park, stick to marked paths and always take your rubbish with you.
Conclusion
You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve had a proper getaway. With the best day trips from Melbourne, it’s easy to squeeze in a bit of adventure, a good meal, or some fresh air—all in a single day. Just pick your spot, plan ahead, and hit the road. You’ll be back in time for dinner (or maybe just stay for sunset).
FAQs
What is a good day trip from Melbourne?
Melbourne offers a wealth of day trip options catering to diverse interests. Wine enthusiasts can explore the Yarra Valley, renowned for its vineyards and gourmet dining. Nature lovers might enjoy the Dandenong Ranges, featuring lush forests and charming villages like Olinda and Sassafras. For coastal experiences, drive the Great Ocean Road or head to the Mornington Peninsula, which boasts beautiful beaches, hot springs, and seaside towns. Wildlife aficionados can visit Phillip Island to witness the famous Penguin Parade.
What towns are 2 hours from Melbourne to Victoria?
Within a two-hour drive from Melbourne, you can visit several charming Victorian towns. Daylesford is known for its relaxing spas and vibrant arts scene. Healesville offers a blend of wildlife experiences and boutique wineries. Maldon boasts well-preserved gold rush architecture, providing a glimpse into Australia’s history. Other notable towns include Castlemaine, with its thriving arts community, and Warburton, nestled among lush forests and rivers.
What’s the best time of year for day trips from Melbourne?
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer mild weather and fewer crowds—great for most destinations. Summer works best for beaches and coastal drives like the Great Ocean Road. Winter is ideal for spa towns and exploring the High Country. Choose the season based on your activity.
Where to go for a Melbourne road trip?
For an unforgettable road trip from Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road is a top choice. This iconic coastal drive features stunning ocean views, the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations, and charming seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay. Along the way, you can explore rainforests, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. It’s a journey that combines natural beauty with cultural experiences, perfect for a multi-day adventure.