Melbourne is and has always been my second home. From the moment I moved to Melbourne, I tried to discover each and every place I could find but then every time I used to ask myself the question what to do outside Melbourne, especially for day trips from Melbourne. Melbourne is perfect place for romantic getaways and as per me it is one of the cheap holiday destination in Australia. 

Surrounding Melbourne there are lots of mountains, wineries, best beaches and national parks to choose from. Some of these trips are very tiring for one day or you cannot see everything but I have done these trips in one day as I love long drives.

Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles

Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles day trips have been my all-time favourite one day trips as well as long trips. I must have visited Great Ocean Road at least 10 times in 8 years. The best part of the Great Ocean road trip is that with every visit I end up discovering new places.

Great Ocean Road is around a 245 kilometres drive from Melbourne and it can take at least 2 hours to 5 hours each way depending on how many times you stop. The best way to go is by car so that you can stop and skip places wherever you feel like to but alternatively, you can book tours also.

Great Ocean Road is the only drive where you can see native Australian wildlife, beautiful beaches, gorgeous rivers, magnificent waterfalls, stunning mountains, exotic Natural Park and at the end of your drive you will end up at my favourite place, the Twelve Apostles. Currently, there are only 8 limestones remaining :)..

Yarra Valley

Yarra Valley is less than one hour away from Melbourne. If you want to go away from the stressful life of the city, and enjoy romantic getaways then there can be no better place than Yarra Valley. Attractions are suitable for all ages including families with kids and elders.

Yarra Valley is famous for its wineries, forest, sanctuary, fine dining and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. Apart from the best wineries experience, I have highlighted the best activities and some of the places to go such as Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, Kinglake Forest Adventures & Blue Lotus Water Garden. 

Philip Island

Philip Island is the place where you can see a beautiful sunrise at sandy beaches and a penguin parade at sunset. My parents were leaving for India and my mom wanted to see the penguin parade and we thought it is just for kids and there might be only a few penguins but when we actually went there, our experience was very different from what we thought.

It was such a beautiful view seeing penguins coming out of the ocean and going to their nests and feeding their babies. I have never been so close to hundreds of penguins. This was such a unique and one of the best experiences I had with my family. I would have regretted it if I had not listened to my mother and we would not have gone. I strongly suggest don’t miss out on this life time experience.

Phillip Island is not only about penguin parades but they also offer you other great attractions such as wineries, my favourite chocolate factory, The Nobbies (beaches and Antarctic journey) and A maze N things.

Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula is considered as the most popular place to visit as well as the summer playground for Melbournians.

It’s approximately 77 kilometres away from Melbourne CBD. The best way to explore this region is by car but alternatively, you can go there by train (runs approximately every 20 minutes) and shuttles services and you can book day packages through local tour operators as well.

Victoria’s first mainland European settlement was here. Its is a best place for romantic getaways and there are plenty of things to do in Mornington Peninsula such as visit incredible beaches such as Rye, Rosebud Sorrento, Spot kangaroo and native birds on your hike at Bushrangers Bay, fun at Dinosaur Park in Somerville, Visit the relaxing Peninsula Hot Springs, Take a ride on Arthurs Seat Eagle and visit Enchanted Adventure Garden and many more.

Gippsland

The Gippsland Region starts from the east of Melbourne and goes to the border of New South Wales. You can do a variety of activities in Gippsland as they have gorgeous rivers, beautiful mountains, stunning lakes, outstanding national parks, winter snow, luxurious vineyards, attractive villages, best beaches and lovely caves.

Gippsland is one the largest region of Victoria and day trip is not possible to see everything and what I used to do with my friends or family is to pick up one area and see around and come back to Melbourne. I have been to Gippsland for day trips and for long weekends or holidays and every time I used to feel as if I am visiting first time as every season you feel and see something different.

The Murray River

Remote places and wonderful places to relax, away from busy life, reconnect with nature, outdoor activities for every age if you are interested in any of these then you will love attractions and activities around Murray River.

I have done day trips as well as long weekend trips and both experiences have amazed me. The Murray River creates the border between Victoria and New South Wales and it is one the longest river in Victoria.

According to me the best time to visit is summer so you can swim as well as do lots of water sports activities but it’s one of the busiest time so make sure you book your camping site or accommodation well in advance.

You can visit many places and you will be amazed with the lifestyle, food and places in the countrysides. Places to go are the most popular town Echuca which is located on the banks of the Murray River, Pioneer settlement and learn history in Swan Hill, fishing spot and best place to eat food in Mildura and of course Ferries ride on Murray River.

Grampians

A day trip from Melbourne to stunning mountain ranges, superb waterfalls, Australian native wildlife, amazing landscape, stunning lookouts, spectacular views and many more attractions you will find in the Grampians.

The Grampians National park is about 3.5 hours drive from Melbourne and can offer you walks and hikes, camping, romantic getaways, great attractions for families with kids and also sit in nature to enjoy and relax.

Ballarat and Bendigo

Ballarat is the 3rd largest city in Victoria, it is famous for its unique experience and attractions. During 1851, the Gold rush started and thousands of prospectors went to make their fortune. Thousands of visitors visit there just to mine gold and get a unique experience.

You can visit the oldest Her Majesty’s Theatre which is on Lydiard street, Sovereign Hill to see the original mine site as well as feel the experience of the gold rush days. There is also the Botanical garden, Museum and many more attractions which will blow you away.

Bendigo is around 158 kilometres away from Melbourne and it takes around 1 hour and 48 minutes by car and almost 2 hours via train. (Southern Cross station to Bendigo). Before 1891 original name of the city was Sandhust. In 1851 Gold was discovered on Bendigo Creek and it became Australia’s highest producing gold town and brought quick growth and you will see one of the finest Architecture Towns.

Mining was ceased in 1955 but still you can visit The Central Deborah Gold Mine (Self-guided tour) where you will see many of the original equipments in place. Other famous attractions are Talking Tram, Lake Weerona, Golden Dragon Museum and so on. Once you visit Bendigo you will fall in love with this town.

Dandenong Ranges

Dandenong Ranges offer lots of fun, excitement relaxation and adventure. Attraction and activities cover for all the ages from kids to old age, for family, singles or couples. It is located just 35 kilometres east of Melbourne and the ranges are a set of low mountain ranges going up to 633 metres at Mount Dandenong.

My favourite attraction is the Puffing Billy steam train which runs through the stunning Dandenong Ranges. When you ride the train you will see beautiful nature, lake, flora and fauna and scenery which will blow you away. You can also visit Burrinja Cultural Centre, the Sky High Maze and many more places.

Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges

If you are a nature lover then you will definitely love Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges. Daylesford is a place where you can visit wombat hill botanic gardens, enjoy a picnic at the lake or see amazing waterfalls. Victoria’s most luxurious, famous spa and wellness centres are in Daylesford which allows you to pamper yourself.

Macedon Ranges is known for its native forest, gourmet food and award winning wineries, fresh produce and hanging rock.

For hikers, Daylesford and Macedon Ranged offer you a regional park that has the best bushwalking trails.

Geelong and Bellarine

You don’t want to drive a long way? Want to relax yourself then good news for you, Geelong is just an hour away from Melbourne and its perfect escape from busy city life.

Eastern Beach is the best beach in town and also from there, you can see the best view of Geelong. Lots of family activities you can do in Eastern Beach Reserves and Geelong Botanic Gardens is also just walking distance from there. You can also do shopping, eat in one of the best restaurants and visit many great places in Geelong.

The blue train ride in Bellarine is an unforgettable experience as you will enjoy a mini music festival while you travel along the beautiful Bellarine Railway in a steam train. Wine lovers can take Wineries tours or you can take a coastal drive around the Bellarine Peninsula. Many more attractions and activities in just a short drive from Melbourne.

Summary of 11 Day trips from Melbourne

• Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles :- Great Ocean Road is the only drive where you can see native Australian wildlife, beautiful beaches, gorgeous rivers, magnificent waterfalls, stunning mountains, exotic Natural Park and at the end of your drive you will end up at my favourite place, the Twelve Apostles.
• Yarra Valley :- Yarra Valley is famous for its wineries, forest, sanctuary, fine dining and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.
• Phillip Island :- Phillip Island is not only about penguin parades but they also offer you other great attractions such as wineries, my favourite chocolate factory, The Nobbies (beaches and Antarctic journey) and A maze N things.
• Mornington Peninsula : – There are plenty of things to do in Mornington Peninsula such as visit incredible beaches such as Rye, Rosebud Sorrento, Spot kangaroo and native birds on your hike at Bushrangers Bay, fun at Dinosaur Park in Somerville, Visit the relaxing Peninsula Hot Springs, and many more.
• Gippsland :- You can do a variety of activities in Gippsland as they have gorgeous rivers, beautiful mountains, stunning lakes, outstanding national parks, winter snow, luxurious vineyards, attractive villages, best beaches and lovely caves.
• Murray River :- Remote places and wonderful places to relax, away from busy life, reconnect with nature, outdoor activities for every age if you are interested in any of these then you will love attractions and activities around Murray River.
• Grampians :- A day trip from Melbourne to stunning mountain ranges, superb waterfalls, Australian native wildlife, amazing landscape, stunning lookouts, spectacular views and many more attractions you will find in the Grampians.
• Ballarat :- You can visit the oldest Her Majesty’s Theatre which is on Lydiard street, Sovereign Hill to see the original mine site as well as feel the experience of the gold rush days.
• Bendigo :- In 1851 Gold was discovered on Bendigo Creek and it became Australia’s highest producing gold town and brought quick growth and you will see one of the finest Architecture Towns.
• Dandenong Ranges :- Dandenong Ranges offer lots of fun, excitement relaxation and adventure. Attraction and activities cover for all the ages from kids to old age, for family, singles or couples.
• Daylesford :- Daylesford is a place where you can visit wombat hill botanic gardens, enjoy a picnic at the lake or see amazing waterfalls.
• Macedon Ranges :- Macedon Ranges is known for its native forest, gourmet food and award winning wineries, fresh produce and hanging rock.
• Geelong :- Lots of family activities you can do in Eastern Beach Reserves and Geelong Botanic Gardens is also just walking distance from there. You can also do shopping, eat in one of the best restaurants and visit many great places in Geelong.
• Bellarine :- The blue train ride in Bellarine is an unforgettable experience as you will enjoy a mini music festival while you travel along the beautiful Bellarine Railway in a steam train.