Day trips offer a great opportunity to break out of your routine, explore new places, and make lasting memories with loved ones, all while being time-efficient and potentially more budget-friendly than a weekend getaway.
Melbourne is surrounded by beautiful destinations that make for great day trips. Here are some suggestions:
1.
Great Ocean Road: The Great Ocean Road is a stunning coastal drive that starts in Torquay, which is about a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Along the way, you'll see the Twelve Apostles, beautiful beaches and scenic views. For lunch, you can stop at the seaside town of Lorne, which has plenty of cafes and restaurants.
photo by author: 12 Apostles
2.
Yarra Valley: The Yarra Valley is a wine region that's only an hour's drive from Melbourne. You can visit wineries or the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery (YVCI), indulge in chocolate, ice cream or wine tastings and enjoy the beautiful scenery. For lunch, you can eat at YVCI or stop at one of the many vineyards that offer gourmet meals, such as De Bortoli, which has a restaurant that serves Italian cuisine.
photo by author: Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
3.
Phillip Island: Phillip Island is a popular destination that's only a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. You can see the famous Penguin Parade, visit the Koala Conservation Centre and enjoy the beautiful beaches. For lunch, you can stop at the seaside town of Cowes, which has plenty of restaurants and cafes.
photo by author: Phillip Island
photo by author: Phillip Island
4.
Dandenong Ranges: The Dandenong Ranges are a mountain range that's only a 45-minute drive from Melbourne. You can go hiking, visit the famous Puffing Billy steam train and explore the beautiful gardens. For lunch, you can stop at the historic town of Olinda, which has plenty of cafes and restaurants.
photo by author: Dandenong Ranges
5.
Mornington Peninsula: The Mornington Peninsula is a popular destination that's only an hour's drive from Melbourne. You can visit wineries, hot springs and beautiful beaches. For lunch, you can stop at the seaside town of Sorrento, which has plenty of cafes and restaurants with views of the water.
photo by author: Mornington Peninsula
6.
Daylesford: Daylesford is a spa town that's about a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. You can relax in natural hot springs, visit art galleries and explore the beautiful gardens. For lunch, you can stop at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the town, such as Cliffy's Emporium, which serves modern Australian cuisine.
7.
Wilsons Promontory National Park: Wilsons Promontory is a stunning national park located about a 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne. The park features beautiful beaches, hiking trails and abundant wildlife. For lunch, you can stop at Tidal River, which has a cafe and picnic area.
8.
Ballarat: Ballarat is a historic gold-mining town that's about a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. You can visit Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum that recreates life during the gold rush and explores the town's beautiful Victorian-era architecture. For lunch, you can stop at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the town centre.
photo by author: Ballarat
photo by author: Ballarat
9.
The Grampians: The Grampians are a mountain range located about a 3-hour drive from Melbourne. The area features stunning natural scenery, including
waterfalls, hiking trails, and rock formations. For lunch, you can stop at Halls Gap, a small town at the heart of the Grampians that has several cafes and restaurants.
photo by author
10.
Castlemaine and Bendigo: Castlemaine and Bendigo are two historic towns located about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Melbourne. Both towns have beautiful architecture, art galleries, and museums. For lunch, you can stop at one of the many cafes and restaurants in either town, such as Masons of Bendigo, which serves modern Australian cuisine.
