Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Then, you’re in the right place!
If you’re in Melbourne, one thing that you should know is that this awesome city is only one of the few that’s in the perfect place for day tripping. Just an hour’s drive from the city, you can watch koalas and wild penguins, walk through lush forests and admire world-class art.
Let’s not forget the 100-year-old steam train, beautiful seaside towns, world-class wineries, and pretty amazing restaurants, you have a lot of reasons why you should go on one of the awesome day trips from Melbourne.
Day Trips From Melbourne
If you’re looking for the best day trips from Melbourne, we have handpicked 10 tourist attractions that are worth the drive!
Beechworth
For cake lovers, the Beechworth is definitely the place to visit. Don’t miss the Beechworth Bakery and try a slice of the bee-sting cake. Then head over to the Provenance for a chance to eat at Michael Ryan’s restaurant which was once a 19th-century bank.
Bendigo
Go and ride the train to Bendigo. You won’t have to worry about a the transportation since the V/Line service from Melbourne to Bendigo is fast and frequent. In just two hours, you’ll reach your destination.
The town’s Victorian-era railway station alone is worth the visit. Here in this gold mining boomtown, you can feast your eyes on the Alexandra Fountain, Hotel Shamrock, post office and so much more buildings with Victorian architecture. You can go ahead and explore this town at your own pace. You won’t need a tour guide, just go download a self-guided tour at the Bendigo Visitor Information Centre. Don’t miss the chance to go 300 feet underground at the Central Deborah Gold Mine.
Daylesford
A lot of Australians and foreigners love Daylesford for a couple of reasons. However, the most common reason would be the Hepburn Springs. If you just want to get away from the stress of your 9 to 5 job, this is the place to be. It boasts of more than 60 natural mineral springs that makes it the perfect destination for a relaxing day trip.
Aside from soaking, you can also go and drink the waters at the Tipperary Springs and Sailors Falls. These are said to be the place where you can find the purest mineral water.
Unwind and get closer to nature with the beautiful hot springs. Also, don’t forget to check out the art galleries, colourful markets, and museum to learn the history of the Dja Dja Wurrung people. Just a mere 90 minutes from the central business district of Melbourne, Daylesford should be your top choice for a relaxing getaway.
Flinders
Start your day trip at Flinders and eat at the Merrick General Store for a hearty country fare. In this town, you can walk by the Flinders pier and checkout the day’s catch. For some surfing, go to Point Leo. Don’t leave the town without getting lost at the Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens.
Healesville
For a stunning scenery, Healesville is a great place for a day trip from Melbourne. You will find here Australian wildlife in natural settings. If you are a train buff, you’ll definitely enjoy the Yarra Valley Tourist Railway. Try their train or trolley service on a Wednesday or a Sunday.
Kyneton
Tucked in the Macedon Ranges, the Kyneton is located north-west of Melbourne. Learn about the town’s history at the bluestone Kyneton Museum. Most of the local shops consist of local craftspeople and artists.
Lorne
Just 138 kilometres from Melbourne, Lorne deserves to be one of the best day trips from Melbourne for its Pier to Pub swim and Falls Music Festival. For a seaside setting, this town is a great place to visit. Go check out the Lorne Pier for the freshest seafood and try to cliff-walk along the foreshore.
Phillip Island
Would you believe it if I told you that the Phillip Island has more than three million visitors annually? Each one of the local and foreign tourists are going to the island to see penguins. Every night, penguins return to their sand dune homes making a procession of black- and-white waddlers. This is called as the Penguin Parade. This is the most famous attraction in the island. However, you can also go check out the Phillip Island Wildlife Park to see kangaroos and koalas in their native habitats.
If you love surfing, go catch a wave at one of the top surfing beaches in Australia – Cape Woolamai. Then, go wine tasting and try the gourmet cheese at the Purple Hen Winery for an unforgettable experience. The island is just 90 minutes away from Melbourne, so wake up early and go explore this beautiful place.
Queenscliff
More than 130 years ago, the Queenscliff was a Victorian seaside resort. Today, it still is. It was able to retain its appeal and history. The town is great for art lovers since the place has a thriving arts community as well as a galleries and craft outlets.
By the final weekend in November, don’t miss the Queenscliff Music Festival. It’s one of the most awaited events of the year.
For the best views, go to the top of the Queenscliff Harbour Observation Tower. Watch as the fishing boats come and go, you can also see the Queenscliff-Sorrento Ferry from this point.
The Dandenongs
One of the most popular day trips from Melbourne is the Dandenong Ranges.If you love adventure, visit this place and stroll through one of the Dandenong’s ornamental gardens or the Sherbrooke Forest. Go cycle ‘The Wall’, ‘1 in 20’ and the ‘Devil’s Elbow’ and reach the Summit of Mount Dandenong for a stunning view of the city of Melbourne.
Aside from the outdoors, you can also go and pass through one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. Hop aboard the Puffing Billy and have a panoramic ride. Despite its century-old-track, the steam train is still running.
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