It is pretty special that you can experience the dramatic coastlines of the Great Ocean Road, sip world-class wines in the Yarra Valley, and take in the laid-back summer days at the Mornington Peninsula and Wilson’s Prom on one of the many Melbourne day trips.
When the weekend or that eagerly anticipated public holiday arrives, it can be difficult to decide where to choose from the many day trips from Melbourne.
Are you a beach person, or do you love old towns and delicious food?
National parks, gold rush towns and sandy beaches are only a few of the places in Victoria where you can get away from it all and still be close to the CBD.
These 10 Ultimate Melbourne day trips will provide you with inspiration and are ideal for a day trip to escape the stress of the city.
Tidal River
Tidal River, Wilson’s Promontory is one of the best kept secrets in Australia, and has joined the list of popular Melbourne day trips.
The ‘tidal’ river meets the sea at Norman Bay and is a stones throw to the Tidal River Campground. With its boulder-lined riverbank, the tea tree-coloured river is the perfect place for young families, or to go canoeing or kayaking.
The 3 hour drive to Wilson’s Prom from Melbourne is worth it, to see the stunning landscape within this national park.
You’ll witness plenty of Australian wildlife and take your pick of the 10+ beaches on offer. Make the most of it and leave Melbourne early, to ensure you have plenty of hours at Tidal River and the surrounding beaches.
Macedon Ranges
When choosing where to go for a day trip in Melbourne, The Macedon Ranges are a popular choice. Located at the southern end of Victoria’s Great Dividing Range, The Macedon Ranges feature many natural and cultural attractions.
Taking only one hour northwest of Melbourne, Macedon Regional Park and the small towns throughout the Ranges are perfect for a day trip from Melbourne.
You can have a picnic at one of the 6 picnic spots. Harbison Picnic Ground has free bbqs, under cover areas and toilets. Days Picnic Ground has great space for both small and larger groups, while historical Sanatorium Picnic Ground is the perfect spot for smaller groups with easy access to the Sanatorium Lake Eco Trail.
There are also countless scenic drives and stunning lookouts. Note that some of the roads are subject to seasonal closures. Vehicles must be registered and all drivers with a license..
Autumn is beautiful in this area of Victoria, when the change in season creates stunning colours in the towns and surrounding areas of Woodend and Macedon.
The Grampians
If you visit to The Grampians National Park, you will find untamed mountain ranges, breathtaking displays of wildflowers, and many Aboriginal rock art sites.
The Grampians are a group of five stunning sandstone ridges that stretch from north to south. The eastern side of the ridges have steep, rocky slopes, while the western side has softer edges, perfect for day hikes.
There are several spectacular waterfalls and lookouts with big sweeping views. For a short trip to see some stunning and memorable views, add The Grampians to your list of ultimate Melbourne day trips.
Surf Coast
One of the best Melbourne day trips, is to the Surf Coast in Victoria. The famous beginning to the Great Ocean Road spans the Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar peoples’ territory from Torquay, via Anglesea and Aireys Inlet, along to Lorne.
As the name suggests, surfing is popular down here. The world-renowned Rip Curl Pro surfing competition is held annually at Torquay, the birthplace of surfing in the country. For more experienced surfers, Bells Beach and Jan Juc are popular, and towering cliffs offer ideal viewing points to watch the action.
There are also plenty of top rated restaurants, nearby wineries, shopping and beaches which are perfect for families to swim and and take in the coastal breeze.
Sorrento
Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula is a popular holiday destination, with many of the real estate in the area mainly owned by wealthy families. This beach side town offers a wide selection of clothing, home décor, antiques, toys, books, surf wear, and more.
Sorrento also offers top rated dining options, including pubs, restaurants, cafés, and gourmet foods.
There are many different types of accommodation available in Sorrento, including B&Bs, motels, hotels, serviced apartments, backpackers, and vacation homes with views of the sea, countryside, or the town centre.
Visiting Sorrento really feels like you are getting out of town. If you like the ease of shopping and dining options readily available on a day trip to the beach, it’s one to add to your list of best day trips from Melbourne.
Yarra Valley
Tuck yourself away in front of an open fire in the Yarra Valley to indulge in food, wine, and spectacular scenery.
Take your pick of the many wineries and learn where Victorian wine growing started. Sample the wines, take a tour and devour a meal as you discover the regional passion for food.
The Yarra Valley is perfect for taking one of the many Melbourne tours, or to build some of your own day trips from Melbourne and travel through rolling hills and secluded natural valleys, set against a stunning mountain backdrop and lush forest.
Castlemaine
One of the best Melbourne day trips in recent years is to the arts focussed country town of Castlemaine.
A former gold mining town, Castlemaine is situated in a valley at the crossing of three creeks, halfway between Ballarat and Bendigo.
Located in the Goldfields area of Victoria, Australia, Castlemaine is a town approximately 130 kilometres north-west by car from Melbourne.
Constructed on the Dja Dja Wurrung’s land, Castlemaine started out as a gold rush boomtown in 1851. On December 4, 1965, it was formally declared a city.
There are lots of fun things to do for singles, couples, and families, like hiking, exploring botanical gardens, and visiting historical places and buildings, as well as shopping for antiques and collectibles.
Hepburn
Many people visit Hepburn and the surrounding towns of Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford and Trentham to join the thriving community of artists, healers, gardeners, writers, and musicians. Here you can unwind in the healing natural waters of Hepburn Springs, on the ancestral territory of the Dja Dja Wurrung people.
A visit to Hepburn for some ultimate relaxing and pampering is truly one to add to your Melbourne day trips list.
The Hepburn Springs are full of healthy minerals. At Hepburn Springs Mineral Springs Reserve, you can sample several mineral mixtures from vintage pumps and pipelines.
You can try some beauty therapy, massage, and hydrotherapy at one of the nearby spa and wellness centres.
Lorne and Erskine Falls
Erskine Falls is a short drive from the popular seaside town of Lorne. It is among the most well-liked and conveniently located waterfalls in the Otways.
These 30-meter waterfalls are stunning as they cascade into a pool below. Take a short stroll to reaching the first overlook, which offers a breathtaking view of the falls, or head to the second lookout, which is more of a difficult trek down steps, but the view from the lovely fern valley makes the effort worthwhile.
If you visit the town of Lorne, you’ll discover some great restaurants, shopping and good surf breaks on the front doorstep. Lorne is the perfect place for a Melbourne day trip from Melbourne, when visiting the start of the Great Ocean Road in one day.
Arthurs Seat
Situated around 80 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is home to the highest peak in the area, Arthurs Seat.
The rural area of Arthurs Seat includes farms, large properties and scenic viewing spots. The Arthurs Seat Eagle or the Enchanted Adventure Park are fun attractions for the family, and for the ultimate views and taking in the surrounding areas.
Arthurs Seat is an easy and pretty place to visit, with only a short drive to the beach and stunning views of the peninsula and beyond.
Conclusion
There are a lot more Melbourne day trips, and this list is only a start for those not familiar with outer Victoria.
Victoria really is beautiful, and to make the most of your trip, day tripping in Victoria from October to April are the best times to visit.