If you’re looking for a day trip from Melbourne, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of 10 great destinations that are all less than two hours away from the city by car. These trips will give you a taste of Victoria’s wild beauty, its charming small towns, and even its wine country.
1. Wilsons Promontory National Park
- Wilsons Promontory National Park is a World Heritage Site.
- The park contains the largest area of temperate wilderness in Australia.
- It’s also home to many native species, including the rare and endangered Leadbeater’s Possum.
- There are many different activities available in the park, including hiking, kayaking and wildlife watching (both by land and by sea).
2. Phillip Island
Phillip Island is a small island off the coast of Victoria, Australia. It’s known for its beaches and penguin colony, as well as its annual motorsport event: The Phillip Island Grand Prix.
The island has a population of about 4,000 people and features many tourist attractions such as Wildlife Conservation Park and the Penguin Parade at Point Nepean National Park.
3. Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is Australia’s most famous wine region and has been ranked as one of the top ten wine regions in the world. Located around 100 kilometers north-east of Melbourne, it’s the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a day trip.
The Yarra Valley was first established in 1835 when Europeans began exploring this area of Victoria. Today, it’s home to some of Australia’s best wine and attracts tourists from all over the world who want to sample its wines or enjoy a relaxing weekend break at one of its many luxury hotels.
4. Dandenong Ranges National Park
If you’re looking for a day trip from Melbourne that offers something for everyone, Dandenong Ranges National Park should be at the top of your list. With its quiet atmosphere, wide variety of trails and activities, and stunning views of the city skyline and surrounding region, Dandenong Ranges is a great option for families or groups looking to get out into nature without too much hassle.
5. Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is known for its wineries, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit this popular South Eastern suburb. It’s about an hour from the city and features a number of attractions for families, including beautiful beaches and scenic coastal views. The peninsula even has its own train line that runs from Frankston to Sorrento, which makes it easy to get around without having to rely on cars (though you’ll probably want one anyway). The peninsula also offers some great cycling routes and trails along the coast or through dense forests.
6. Ballarat
If you’re looking for a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, consider heading to Ballarat. With a population of approximately 70,000, it’s the oldest city in Victoria and second-largest city in the state.
7. Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges
Daylesford is a town in the Macedon Ranges, about an hour’s drive from Melbourne. It’s a popular weekend getaway for Melburnians, and there are plenty of reasons why.
The town is home to several attractions. The most notable is Hepburn Mineral Springs Resort and Spa—a natural attraction that provides water from deep underground that’s said to have healing properties. In addition to the resort, you can visit Newstead House or take a tour of the famous Daylesford market gardens.
8. Grampians National Park
Grampians National Park is a large national park in the Australian state of Victoria. It is located in the Grampians region, about 100 kilometres (62 mi) northwest of Melbourne. The national park was established in 1988 and is one of the most popular national parks in Victoria.
Grampians National Park has an area of 1320 square kilometers (502 sq mi), with some parts as high as 900 meters above sea level, making it one of Australia’s most spectacular areas for hiking and rock climbing.
9. The Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most scenic drives. It winds along the coast between Torquay and Warrnambool, following rugged cliffs that plunge into the sea. The road takes about five hours to drive in total, but it can easily be broken up with stops at many of the beaches along the way.
10. Kangaroo Island
This is the largest island off the coast of Australia, and it’s home to many wildlife species like kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas. There are also many museums and art galleries in the area that you can visit while you’re here.
Hope you enjoyed this list of great day trips from Melbourne. As you can see, Melbourne offers a lot to explore, from the wildlife of Phillip Island to the fascinating history of Port Philip Bay in Williamstown. If you want to make your day more relaxed and have a good time, you should definitely visit some of the famous Melbourne brothels – you won’t regret it! You don’t have to travel far or spend a fortune to experience something great!
