Best Day Trips from Melbourne
Filled with buzzing cafes, street art-lined laneways, museums and galleries galore, it’s not hard to see why Melbourne is one of the most popular holiday destinations. But there is so much more to see beyond the city centre, with nature adventures, golden beaches, vineyard excursions and wildlife encounters as close as a 30-minute drive away!
If you’re looking to explore Victoria, here are some of our favourite day trips from Melbourne to check out - with all of them roughly within a 3-hour drive!
- Brighton Beach Boxes
- Werribee
- Dandenong Ranges
- Yarra Valley
- Mornington Peninsula
- Ballarat
- Phillip Island
- Grampians National Park
- Wilsons Promontory
- Cape Otway
- King Valley
- [Seasonal] Victorian Snowfields
Melbourne Car Rental
Looking for a chariot to help you get onto your day trip adventures? Get your car rental settled with Klook! Klook’s car rental service is serviced by top rated suppliers and familiar names for your peace of mind such as Hertz, Europcar and Avis. We also recommend adding on minimum basic protection insurance when you are booking car rental.
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🏮 Melbourne Essentials: Best Day Tours & Top Must-Dos
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1. Brighton
Good for: A day at the beach
Drive time: 30 minutes
Distance from Melbourne: ~13km
One of Victoria’s hottest beach daycation spots is none other than Brighton, home to the famous colourful Brighton Beach Boxes! If you’re looking for a beach getaway with the fam, this is the place to be - and the best part is that it’s only a leisurely half-hour drive away from the city.
Spend your day dipping in the waters and taking photos with the cute bathing boxes - oh and don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy too! For those who want to explore Brighton beyond its white-sand beaches, there’s also a bunch of cute shops and cafes at Church Street, as well as Bayside Gallery, which is Brighton’s very own public art gallery.
2. Werribee
Good for: Wildlife encounters at Werribee Open Range Zoo
Drive time: 30 minutes
Distance from Melbourne: ~32km
Animal lovers cannot miss a day trip to Werribee, a Victorian suburb that is also less than an hour’s drive away from Melbourne city. Here you’ll find the African-themed Werribee Open Range Zoo where you can go on a savannah adventure to see lions, giraffes, rhinos and more!
#KlookTip: If you are travelling with kids in tow, plan a weekend trip as children age 4-15 can visit Werribee Open Range Zoo for free on the weekends
📍K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030, Australia
⏱️ Daily, 9am to 5pm (Last entry 3.30pm)
Other things to do in Werribee:
- Try your hand at clay target shooting
- Visit the beautiful Werribee Park Mansion (discover the story of the Australian pastoral empire) and Victoria State Rose Garden (to see over 5,000 ravishing roses)
- Check out the Werribee Public art Trail
3. Dandenong Ranges
Good for: Nature hikes and Puffing Billy
Drive time: 1 hour
Distance from Melbourne: ~48km
Feel like you could use a dose of nature away from Melbourne’s cityscapes? Then a day trip to the Dandenong Ranges is what you need! Home to Dandenong Ranges National Park and the historic Puffing Billy Train ride, Dandenong Ranges is perfect for a day trip out in nature.
All aboard Puffing Billy, Australia's premier preserved steam railway! Enjoy your rail journey and take in the gorgeous sights and sounds of the lush fern gullies brushing past and Mountain Ash trees towering from up above. You can take a return trip from various stations depending on how much time you have to spare.
The shortest return route is from Belgrave to Menzies Creek (recommended total time spent is 2 hours) while the longest is the Belgrave to Gembrook Return (recommended total time spent is 6 hours). Take some time to explore the stations you drop off at, be it with a picnic lunch or rent a bike and go on a mini adventure!
📍Belgrave Station: 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave VIC 3160
⏱️Be at the station 45 minutes before the scheduled train departure time
Other things to do in the Dandenong Ranges:
- Go hiking! Conquer the famous Kokoda Walk, or the thousand steps hike, or chase waterfalls around the area
- Visit one of the gorgeous gardens like the National Rhododendron Gardens or Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
- Enjoy a unique self-guided picnic mystery adventure
4. Yarra Valley
Good for: Vineyard and winery hopping; scenic hot air balloon flights
Drive time: 1 hour
Distance from Melbourne: ~56km
If you’re a budding wine enthusiast, your day trip from Melbourne will take you to the spectacular rolling hills of Yarra Valley, where rows of vineyards and bottles of the finest wine await you! Thanks to its cool climate, the Valley is a perfect region to produce well-loved wine variants such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
If you’re not sure on where to start your wine expedition, this Yarra Valley Wine Tour from Melbourne is a hassle-free adventure that covers transfers from a central pick-up or drop-off in Melbourne so you don’t have to do any driving at all. Just relax and go wine tasting!
What you get to do on the tour:
- Visit 3 beautiful wineries in total (tastings included of course!)
- Enjoy a 2 course lunch with a glass of wine at a winery
- Enjoy a glass of beer or paddle at a local brewery
- Visit the famous Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
Other things to do in Yarra Valley:
Go on a hot air balloon ride
The view from a hot air balloon ride over Yarra Valley is probably one of the most sublime, scenic sights that you will ever get to see in your lifetime. Just imagine getting to see the sun rise from high above and enjoying a bird’s eye view of the terrain below bathed in a beautiful golden glow!
#KlookTip: Top up for breakfast to enjoy a full hot meal and a glass of champagne after your life-changing hot air balloon ride
📍 1309 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen
⏱️ The meet-up time (between 4am and 6am) will be given to you in the message before your flight
5. Mornington Peninsula
Good for: Hot spring soaks, coastal scenery
Drive time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Distance from Melbourne: ~75km
Looking for a relaxing retreat? Head to Mornington Peninsula, a seaside escapade with amazing coastal hikes and sights, wineries for that leisurely afternoon tipple, as well as the ultimate game changer: Peninsula Hot Springs. Yes, natural thermal springs just an hour away from Melbourne, sign us up!
After your Melbourne city adventures, a good long soak in the Peninsula Hot Springs is bound to soothe all your aches away. Take your pick from the many bathing experiences available, such as the cave pool, Turkish steam bath, sauna, or signature hilltop pool (the view here is ah-mazing, don’t miss it!).
📍 140 Springs Ln, Fingal VIC 3939, Australia
⏱️ Daily, 5am to 11pm
Feeling too lazy to make the drive? You can still enjoy a dip in the hot springs and more with this Peninsula Hot Springs Tour, which includes:
- Return transfers to and from Melbourne
- Pitstop at Green Olive for lunch
- Wine-tasting experience at a local farmgate
- Gondola ride at Arthurs Seat Eagle
Other things to do in Mornington Peninsula:
- Go winetasting at 4 different wineries in Mornington Peninsula
- Enjoy coastal scenery via a coastal trail and explore Rye Back Beach, Cape Schanck and Greens Bush
6. Ballarat
Good for: History buffs
Drive time: 1.5 hours
Distance from Melbourne: ~115km
Ballarat is a history buff’s dream come true. Best known for its Gold Rush and Wild West history, Ballarat offers an immersive experience of this time period at Sovereign Hill. If you’re more interested in travelling back to medieval times, the nearby Kryal Castle has jousting shows and more!
Watch the past come to life during the next public holiday in Melbourne at Sovereign Hill, a one-of-a-kind open-air museum at Ballarat. Immerse yourself in typical Gold Rush activities, such as gold panning on the Ballarat goldfields, and rope-making and candle-dipping at Main Street, where people are dressed in 19th-century costumes.
📍 Bradshaw St, Golden Point VIC 3350, Australia
⏱️ Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Don’t miss out on the Winter Wonderlights Festival, that’s happening from Sovereign HIll from now till 17 July. You can expect tons of activities for all ages, including art and craft workshops, gold mine tours and candle dipping to delicious eats galore.
Enjoy Wildlife encounters at Ballarat Wildlife Park
If you are travelling with family, Ballarat Wildlife Park is a great place for young ones to have interactive experience with some of Australia’s cuddliest native animals such as koalas and kangaroos. Ballarat Wildlife Park is situated on 37 acres of natural bush land and home to free-roaming animals, and you even get to hand-feed them as well!
Don’t miss out on the animal encounters that run on both weekdays and weekends - which allow you to get up close and personal with your favourite animals and have a one-on-one experience with a meerkat, koala, wombat or even a snake or giant tortoise! P/S: Besides being able to pet or hold them you’ll also get to snap a pic with your new buddy for keeps.
Get your tickets here.
📍 Cnr of York & Fussell Streets, Ballarat East, 3350, Victoria, Australia
⏱️ Daily, 9am to 5pm (Closed on Christmas Day)
7. Phillip Island
Good for: Nature and wildlife enthusiasts
Drive time: 2 hours
Distance from Melbourne: ~142km
Phillip Island may be tiny, but it definitely packs heaps of wonders, such as spectacular coastal views, fantastic animal encounters, and a bunch of thrilling activities within its vicinity. Of course, the island is also synonymous with the famed Penguin Parade, a chance to see wild penguins heading back to their burrows (which happens at sunset).
If you’re looking to skip the drive and keen on a day tour, the French Island and Phillip Island Penguin Day Tour from Melbourne includes:
- A visit to French Island to marvel at nature and explore blue gum forests, mangroves, and swamps
- Head to Phillip Island for wildlife encounters
- Take off on a short adventure to Point Grant (one of the best viewing points on the island)
- Finish the tour by seeing the world's famous little penguins at sunset
Other things to do on Phillip Island:
- Go on a wildlife watching cruise! There are so many to pick from: there’s a whale watching cruise, fur seal watching cruise as well as a dolphin watching cruise too!
- Hike, hike and hike some more! Phillip Island is filled with many trails and routes that will allow you to enjoy beautiful coastal scenery and more
- Do a helicopter tour for an unforgettable bird’s eye view!
8. Grampians National Park
Good for: Nature and wildlife enthusiasts
Drive time: 3 hours
Distance from Melbourne: ~257km
Home to wallabies and the iconic laughing Kookaburra, Grampians National Park is known for both its diverse wildlife and rugged sandstone mountain ranges. This national park is also known for being a site rich in Aboriginal heritage and important rock art sites that include paintings of red ochre pigment, engravings and figures in caves, boulders and platforms.
Here are some of the must-visit natural attractions at the Grampians:
Grand Canyon & The Pinnacle
There’s no better way to experience Grampians by visiting its own Grand Canyon and Pinnacle! Hike into the depths of one of the lowest points of the Grampians, these steep slopes form the valley of the Grampians peak trail.
Popular for its steel-grey building blocks appearance, climb fanatics can even consider bouldering up these rocks! Keep on going and you will get to the iconic Pinnacle where hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the region.
- Follow signs to Wonderland Car Park
- After parking your car, follow signs on foot towards the Grand Canyon and The Pinnacle
Mackenzie Falls
Iconic to the Grampians, the Mackenzie Falls is one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in Victoria. If you’re lucky, you might just be able to spot rainbow mist above this stunning gorge that falls all year round. With a considerably steep journey downwards, this 1km trail will take you 45 minutes one way. Be rewarded with a view that is worth every step!
- Take Mt Victory Road/C222 and follow signs to MacKenzie Falls Car park
- Once on foot, follow signs to MacKenzie Falls
Mount William
The highest peak in Grampians, Mount William offers awe-inspiring views of the mountains and open plains of the area. This is the place to be if you’re looking for the perfect spot to capture the sunset! Standing at a height of 1,168 meters, the hike to the peak is approximately 2 kilometres and will take about 1 to 2 hours.
- A 50 minute drive from Mackenzie Falls
- Head on to Mt Victory Rd/C222 and follow signs to Mount William Car park via Mt William Rd
- After parking your car, follow signs to Mount William Peak
Bonus: We know that on a holiday, all you want to do is relax. If you prefer a day tour option, we’ve got it! This guided Grampians Hiking Day Tour covers the Grand Canyon, Mackenzie Falls, Silverband Falls and Boroka Lookout. It even comes with two way transfers, saving you the hassle of navigating and driving there yourself!
9. Wilsons Promontory
Good for: Animal and nature lovers
Drive time: 3 hours
Distance from Melbourne: ~210km
Want both stunning beach and mountain views for your day trip? Wilsons Promontory offers bushland trails, pristine beaches, and more escapades for those looking for a nature fix. Be prepared to befriend its resident furry friends such as kangaroos, emus, wombats, and more!
Join this Wilsons Promontory Hiking Day Tour and go on a 10-kilometre guided walk along the gorgeous terrain of the national park. After lunch, you’ll head over to the famous Mt Oberon, where awe-inspiring ocean views await from its summit. To cap off your tour, enjoy a refreshing ice cream cone at Tidal River and swim at Squeaky Beach.
Prefer sightseeing from a different perspective? Hop on the Wilsons Promontory Wildlife Cruise, a three-hour cruise experience where you’ll get to:
- Witness iconic South Point and cruise into the waters of the Bass Strait and Victoria's first marine national park
- Spot wildlife above and below the waters along the way
- Visit the spooky, iconic Skull Rock (island that looks like a skull from certain angles) - a mysterious island protected by fur seals
How’s that for a spectacular sightseeing cruise-venture?
Other things to do at Wilsons Promontory:
- Explore Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
- Catch the sunset at Whisky Bay
- View marine life at Norman Bay, the biggest marine sanctuary in Victoria (go snorkelling or join a boat tour!)
10. Cape Otway
Good for: Coastal walks and adrenaline junkies
Drive time: ~3 hours
Distance from Melbourne: ~224km
Boasting magnificent sights and sounds that stretch from hinterland to coast, The Otways region offers spectacular adventures for a day full of fun. Did you know? Cape Otway and the Cape Otway National Park are some of the most scenic areas in Victoria! It’s also home to some famous sights along the Great Ocean Road drive such as the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
For a day tour option, check out which this small-group (8 pax max) 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Hiking Adventure from Melbourne Tour which includes:
- Sightseeing the famous Twelve Apostles and Gibson Steps
- Lunch at a local cafe
- Great Otway National Park hike through the rainforest to the dreamy Beauchamp Falls (where the big bus companies can’t go)
- See the Californian Redwoods before heading to Apollo Bay for ice cream
- Spot koalas, king parrots and kangaroos at Kennett River
- Explore Lorne - walk by the beach or chill and grab afternoon snacks before returning to Melbourne
Other things to do in Cape Otway:
Cape Otway Lightstation
Can’t say that you’ve been here without a trip to the Cape Otway Lightstation, which happens to be the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. You can also climb to the top of the lighthouse for views of the sparkling sea.
📍Otway, Lighthouse Rd, Cape Otway VIC 3233, Australia
Otway Fly Treetop Walk or Zipline Adventure
What better way to enjoy the best of Australia’s rainforest by ziplining your way through it! The most thrilling way to immerse yourself in nature is probably the Otway Fly Zipline Tour. Enjoy the view from the top and conquer the rainforest! With a guided instructor following you this entire journey, this three and a half hours fun filled experience is a perfect activity for the whole family!
If you prefer taking your time to appreciate the lush greenery, take a slow walk on the Otway Treetop walk. One of the only four steel canopies in the world, this spot is not to be missed to experience a different side of Australia. Climb up the Spiral Tower that is 47 meters above ground and spot a variety of the native wildlife including the sleep Koala that hide amongst the trees!
📍360 Phillips Track, Beech Forest, Victoria, 3237
⏱️ Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5pm (last entry 3.30pm)
For a breathtaking nature experience, head to Lake Elizabeth, a hidden jewel in the Otways rainforest. Here you can do a walking trail around the lake, or simply just take in the tranquil surroundings from the timber viewing platform at the foot of the lake. For those who are more adventurous, you can also head out on a canoe (we suggest booking a guided canoe tour) to see the lake from a different point of view.
📍 Great Otway National Park, Forrest VIC 3236, Australia
11. King Valley
Good for: Afternoon tipples and wine tasting
Drive time: ~3 hours
Distance from Melbourne: ~280km
Have a taste of Italy just 3 hours out of Melbourne City with a trip to Victoria’s very own wine country and Little Italy, King Valley! King Valley is home to a bustling wine scene, thanks to its continental climate that’s perfect for producing the beloved Italian wine varietals.
See and taste for yourself why King Valley’s dubbed as Little Italy with a tour to Pizzini Wine Cellar Door, a pioneer in producing northern Italian wine varieties. Sip on a glass of your favourite vintage wine as you explore the cellar and indulge in an Italian-style grazing platter (Yum!).
On the hunt for something different? Pizzini Wines also offers a unique experience: barrel tasting! On this tour, you’ll head over to Pizzini’s beautiful kiln room, where you can sample wine straight from its barrel, as well as savour a plate of freshly sliced prosciutto.
📍175 King Valley Rd, Whitfield VIC 3733, Australia
Other things to do in King Valley:
- Lunch at a winery is a must, you get to taste the goodness of the region’s fresh produce
- Explore the countryside and go winery-hopping via bicycle
12. [Seasonal] Victorian Snowfields
Heading to Melbourne during the winter months? Then a trip out to the Victorian Snowfields is a must. These snowfields in Victoria are the best places to indulge in winter sports from skiing and snowboarding and pure snowy fun like toboggan riding and snowball fighting; you’re bound to have a blast!
Here’s a handy guide to some of the best snowfields around Victoria:
Place | Drive from Melbourne | Description |
|---|---|---|
Mount Buller | 3.5 hour drive (236 km) | Australia's largest, and Victoria's most popular, ski resort and voted best for beginners |
Falls Creek | 4.5 hour drive (385 km) | Home of Australian cross country skiing with easy access chair lifts and a beginner-friendly zone |
Mount Hotham | 4.5 hour drive (385 km) | Best for those who have skied before as it is famous for its scenic intermediate terrain in Victoria |
Lake Mountain | 2 hour drive (120km) | One of the closest snow resorts to Melbourne - ideal for families who prefer a shorter drive. There are cross-country ski trails, and plenty of kid-friendly activities like tobogganing, snowman-making and snowball-fighting |
Mount Baw Baw | 3 hour drive (176km) | One of the closest snow resorts to Melbourne - besides the usual ski, snowboard and toboggan activities, there’s also dingo snowshoe and cuddle sessions available |
If you’re heading out this couple of months, do consider doing a snow trip up to Lake Mountain for some winter fun! The Lake Mountain Snow, Waterfalls and Chocolate Day Tour from Melbourne is a full-day tour with pick up and drop off in Melbourne’s inner city and an itinerary chock-full of fun.
This day trip itinerary includes:
- Transport to Lake Mountain Ski Resort via a bus ride through the scenic Yarra Valley, where you will pitstop at Yarra Valley Gateway Estate Coldstream or Beechworth Bakery for some lunch and shopping
- 3 hours of snow play at Lake Mountain Ski Resort - Take a cross-country ski lesson, toboggan down snowy slopes, build a snowman, challenge your family and friends to a snowball fight, and more!
- Leave Lake Mountain Ski Resort to see Steavenson Falls, one of the highest altitude waterfalls in Victoria
Enjoy a delightful visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery to see how chocolates and ice cream are made and of course, enjoy free samples and sip on delicious hot chocolate!
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