Top-Rated Trips from Melbourne

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road, which runs between the Victorian communities of Torquay and Allansford, is a 243-kilometer length of road that has been designated as part of Australia's National Heritage.

A stunning stretch of Australia's coastline, the Great Ocean Road offers fantastic views of the Twelve Apostles, a spectacular series of granite pinnacles that stand above a roiling sea.

Your route will take you past rugged coastal cliffs and the surf-battered beaches of Port Campbell National Park. Also of note are the wind and sea-carved granite formations of Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch.

This stunning stretch of coastline, known as the Shipwreck Coast, is best experienced from above. Take a stroll along the koala-populated Kennett River, see wallabies and kangaroos in Great Otway National Park, or experience the forest from a new vantage point with Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, home to zipline tour and a treetop walk.

While in Torquay, a common stopping spot for surfers, check out the Surf World Museum and look for huge waves at Bells Beach.

Many of these opportunities are available on the Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco-Tour. In one day, you may hike in Great Otway National Park, watch for koalas in their natural habitat along the Kennett River, and take in the sights in charming Apollo Bay. The Twelve Apostles can be seen from the air in a 15- to 20-minute helicopter tour, although this is an optional extra.

The Penguin Parade on Phillip Island

Wildlife enthusiasts often visit Phillip Island, which is located around 140 kilometres from Melbourne. At Phillip Island Nature Park, tourists come nightly after sunset to see cute penguins walk along the beach. If you want to see some animals before the Penguin Parade, as it is known, you may do it at one of the local zoos.

You may feed wallabies and kangaroos at Phillip Island Wildlife Park, or witness koalas in their natural environment at the Koala Conservation Centre, and enjoy breathtaking coastal views while strolling along the Nobbies, a walkway that circles sea bird gardens. Watch for baby penguins and silver gulls in the spring.

Visit the Nobbies Centre, where you may learn more about the local ecosystem at no cost. Australia's biggest fur seal colony, Seal Rocks, is located across the Bass Strait from here.

If you want to get a closer look at the seals, you should bring binoculars or go on a wildlife tour. If you're in Melbourne, taking the Phillip Island Tour is a simple way to see this famous destination.

The Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges

For almost a century, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges have been popular weekend destinations for Melbourne's upper class. Everyone can find something of interest on this day trip, from animals and scenic landscapes to quaint towns, delicious cuisine, and an entertaining journey on a vintage train.

It's worth getting up early for a trip over the Dandenong Ranges, which are around 40 kilometres adjacent of Melbourne. Red rosellas, cockatoos, and galahs are just some of the native birds that may be fed by hand at Grants Picnic Ground, and nearby in the beautiful heather Sherwood Forest is a hike that will take you to a waterfall where you can relax.

The nearby William Ricketts Sanctuary and Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens are both fantastic places to check out.

Visit the Belgrave station of the Puffing Billy steam railway, which has been in service for almost a century, and browse the local boutiques. Villages like Olinda, which is a paradise for garden lovers thanks to the nearby Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens and National Rhododendron Gardens are ideal spots to unwind with a cup of Devonshire tea and a good book.

The Yarra Valley, not far away, is a paradise for foodies thanks to its abundance of locally sourced ingredients, top-notch dining options, and the opportunity to indulge in some artisanal farmstead cheeses at the Yarra Valley Dairy. To witness animals and birds that are native to Australia, visitors can also check out the well-known Healesville Sanctuary.

The Yarra Valley Day Tour includes a stop at this refuge along with other attractions in the area. You may relax in an air-conditioned carriage while you take in the sights of the Dandenong Ranges, sip some authentic billy tea, and ride the Puffing Billy Steam Train through the forest. There will be a knowledgeable tour and transportation to and from your accommodation.

The Mornington Peninsula

The scenic Mornington Peninsula is a popular coastal vacation from Melbourne, and it's just a 90-minute drive away. This magnificent piece of land is sandwiched between the ocean and Port Phillip Bay, and it has beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and rugged cliffs. Sorrento, the state's earliest mainland European colony, is a chic attraction with historic landmarks and upscale stores, restaurants, and cafés.

Take a stroll along "Millionaire's Walk," as the locals call the five-kilometer clifftop route above Port Phillip Bay between Sorrento and Portsea, and enjoy the coastal views and see the holiday houses of Australia's rich set.

Back beach pathways and the rocky wilderness at the tip of the peninsula in Point Nepean National Park are popular destinations for hikers. The opportunity to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins and seals is another exciting activity that can be enjoyed here, along with a trip on the gorgeous Sorrento-Queenscliff ferry, a soak in the Peninsula Hot Springs, and a visit to the area's many other attractions.

The Grampians

The Grampians National Park, also known simply as "The Grampians," is around 260 km from Melbourne and features stunning scenery, including waterfalls, rock formations, colourful spring wildflowers, and jagged crags.

All outdoor enthusiasts, but especially hikers, will enjoy this park. Visitors of all stripes will be blown away by the views from the various vantage points across the area. The indigenous people have given the park the name "Gariwerd," and it protects ancient rock art.

Visit the National Park & Cultural Centre, Brambuk, to find out more about the park's illustrious past and thriving ecosystem. In addition to the breathtaking MacKenzie Falls, Victoria's highest waterfall, other popular locations include Fish Falls, Beehive Falls, with its fern-fringed rock pools, and the magnificent lookouts at the Pinnacle and the Balconies.

Both Reeds and Boroka lookouts are accessible by vehicle. Several species of marsupial, including kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and echidnas, call Australia home.

Other common outdoor pursuits in the area include canoeing and fishing in the park's rivers and lakes, horseback riding, quad biking, and as well as the more obvious hiking.

Halls Gap serves as the park's entrance and a convenient home base for visitors. You should wear hiking boots and bring a camera. Excellent restaurants and fresh local goods like as cheeses, olives, and meats make the Grampians a popular visit for foodies.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

The largest coastal wilderness section in the state, Wilsons Promontory National Park (or "The Prom," as locals call it) is a photographer's dream. It's roughly a three-hour drive from Melbourne, but the journey is well worth it because of the breathtaking landscape, which includes pristine beaches, cool-climate rainforests, and craggy granite peaks.

The sea-carved stones of Whisky Bay and Lilly Pilly Gully, the white quartz sands of Squeaky Beach, and guided excursions through the bushland are some of the highlights.

Wombats, emus, kangaroos, and a wide variety of birds are just few of the natural animals that call the park home. There is a wide variety of activities for those who like being outside.

The bushland is laced with hiking paths ranging in length and difficulty, from easy strolls to multi-day adventures. After an hour of hiking, you may reach the peak of Mt. Oberon and take in breathtaking views of the Tidal River and the ocean.

Scuba divers are welcome to explore the underwater world at the marine national park. Fishing, swimming, canoeing, birdwatching, and camping are just few of the other activities that may be enjoyed here. Sturdy shoes are needed for this hike.

The Day Spas and Mineral Water of Daylesford

Daylesford, located on the outskirts of Melbourne and not far from the Wombat State Forest, is the ideal place for a relaxing weekend getaway. The town has been known as the "spa city of Australia" due to its abundance of relaxing mineral springs, wellness facilities, and day spas.

Many Italian and Swiss immigrants came to this area during the gold rush in the 1850s because of the town's thermal springs, giving it a distinctly European flavour. The Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa in nearby Hepburn Springs has been pampering visitors since 1895, making it a popular destination for those in the area.

The Convent is a must-see as well. Situated on 6 acres of land at the summit of Wombat Hill, this 19th-century estate offers stunning vistas of the city below as well as a chapel, a museum, and a number of fine art galleries.

Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are a focus at many of Daylesford's award-winning restaurants. Take a stroll around beautiful Lake Daylesford and then stop for a sumptuous lunch at the Lake House, which is also a boutique hotel, for a taste of one of the greatest restaurants in Daylesford.

The town's antique stores, historic sites, and flea markets are all worth exploring. Lavandula Swiss-Italian Farm is a thriving lavender, olive, and grape farm just outside of Daylesford that provides a flavour of Europe with its fragrant purple fields, stone cottages, and La Trattoria café.

Lorne

Located on picturesque Loutit Bay, about 138 kilometres from Melbourne and among Australia's many beach towns, Lorne has long been a favourite among visitors.

Between Great Ocean Road and Otway National Park, you'll find this charming village, which emits a heady mix of Mediterranean charm, coastal sophistication, and unspoilt natural beauty. People love to surf at the long, golden beach with the adjacent skatepark and cafes, and they also enjoy fishing for trevally and whiting off the pier.

Fresh fish from the day's catch can be purchased at the fish co-op, which is also located on the pier. Many people also frequent the bookstores, bakeries, and galleries that are located there.

You can get stunning views of the ocean and Great Ocean Road from Teddy's Lookout, which is just a five-minute drive from the centre of town. Erskine Falls, framed by a fern and eucalyptus grove, is another local favourite. You should plan ahead if you wish to spend the night in this little hamlet during the Christmas season, since it is overrun with visitors at that time.

Sovereign Hill at Ballarat

About 110 kilometres from Melbourne is Sovereign Hill, a living museum that recreates life in the 1850s during the era of the gold rush. Gold miners once flocked to Sovereign Hill, a Victorian-era town recreated so that visitors may watch artisans at work, learn about mining techniques, and even pan for their own fortune.

Saddle rides, a fantastic light and sound show, and an acting troupe dressed for the era round out the historical revelry. Ballarat was the hub of the Australian gold rush, and by visiting the town's historic structures, historical buildings, and ancient churches as well as the Gold Museum, you may get insight into this pivotal period in Australia's history.

Ballarat Wildlife Park, located on the shores of Lake Wendouree, and the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, which span an impressive 40 acres, are two other attractions worth checking out while in town. Don't forget to round off your sightseeing with a delicious lunch at one of Ballarat's many award-winning eateries.

Skiing at Mount Buller

If the winter weather in the city isn't helping with your plans for outdoor recreation, you may always head to one of the nearby snowy mountains.

One of Australia's most well-known ski areas, Mount Buller, is about a 3-hour drive from Melbourne and is available for skiing and snowboarding from early June to late September (depending on snowfall).

Mount Buller's 22 lifts, the most of any Victorian resort, take skiers and snowboarders to the resort's 300 acres of its three terrain parks and skiable terrain.

The resort has a wide variety of ski lines for all skill levels, with more than enough terrain to challenge expert skiers on one-third of the mountain's trails.

The paths for cross-country skiers span a total of 9 kilometres. The resort's toboggan parks are a hit with youngsters, and the village's spas and shops make it a pleasant spot to spend time even if you don't ski. This is an excellent winter getaway for both novice skiers and snowboarders and families searching for their first time on snow.

Macedon Ranges, Hanging Rock State Park

Hanging Rock Reserve, located in the Macedon Ranges to the north-northwest of Melbourne, is a magical natural retreat steeped in legend. In Peter Weir's classic adaptation of Joan Lindsay's novel Picnic at Hanging Rock, the towering but now eroded (to the height of 105 metres) extinct volcano serves as the backdrop.

The native people use the rock as a marker, and legend has it that bushrangers hid there during the Gold Rush. Hanging Rock Reserve is a lovely place for a picnic or a trek in the fresh eucalyptus-tinged air, even if you aren't acquainted with the mythology that caught the imagination of many Australians.

The ascent to the peak takes approximately 50 minutes one way, and there are many secluded spots to hide out in and soak in the breathtaking vistas along the route. Several more hiking routes wind through the nature preserve, and you're welcome to check them out as well. Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats and echidnas are just a few of the native animals you could see.

Incredible Victorian road trips

Your backyard has never been more perfect for celebrating the holidays. If you have a free weekend, why not take one of these amazing road trips?

Explore spa country

The 141 mineral springs in Victoria's "spa country" are responsible for the region's unique moniker. It's been transformed into a haven for luxurious rest and recreation, complete with more luxurious spa treatments, gourmet dining, and scenic bushwalks than you can shake a stick at. Daylesford (approximately an hour and a half from Melbourne) and Hepburn Springs are two of our favourite places to stay for the night. The Lake House in Daylesford, a popular setting for a leisurely meal.

Discover beautiful bright

Bright, a little hamlet at the foot of the Victorian Alps, serves as an excellent home base from which to explore the surrounding verdant, tranquil landscape. Get out on the river in a kayak, go for a hike in the adjacent hills, or go wine tasting at a local vineyard. It's around 3 hours and 40 minutes from Melbourne, and the trip is beautiful.

Port Fairy and the Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles may be found around four hours outside of Melbourne (unfortunately, there are only eight left due to erosion). Port Fairy, the last destination along the Great Ocean Road, may be reached after another hour and a half of driving. In case you need a place to stay the night, go no further than this charming coastal town. The cuisine is fantastic (especially the fish and chips), and it's not uncommon to see seals, whales, and dolphins just off the coast.

Meander along the mighty Murray River

There is a beautiful drive that follows the river from the Great Dividing Range in north-east Victoria to the desert and broad plains of South Australia. All along the river, there are picturesque little villages that are worth a visit.

Wilson’s Promontory National Park

The southernmost part of Australia has lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and rugged granite mountains. This region, often known as "The Prom," is around 2.5 hours from Melbourne and is home to beautiful bushwalks and many local species. In the summer, a visit to Refuge Cove, is highly recommended.

Conclusion

The native kangaroo, wombat, and koala can all be spotted in Victoria's national parks. Ascents of Mount Buller's peaks are open to snowboarders and skiers. Located in Australia, the 243-kilometer Great Ocean Road is a part of the country's cultural heritage. A lot of wealthy Melburnians like to escape the city on the weekend to places like the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges. A visit on a Phillip Island tour is a hassle-free way to see the island.

Puffing Billy, a steam railway that has been operating for nearly a century, offers a fun ride on a classic train. The state's first European settlement on the mainland, Sorrento, is now a fashionable destination known for its many ancient sites and posh boutiques. Waterfalls, rock formations, colourful spring wildflowers, and craggy cliffs are all highlights of Grampians National Park. The sights to be seen from the area's many lookout spots are sure to impress visitors of any persuasion. Daylesford is sometimes called "spa city of Australia" because to the large number of spas, health centres, and mineral springs located there.

When it comes to coastal wilderness, no other area in the state compares in size to Wilsons Promontory National Park. The marine national park is open to scuba divers who wish to explore the aquatic life below the surface. Located on the outskirts of Daylesford, the Lavandula Swiss-Italian Farm is a thriving lavender, olive, and grape farm. Another popular spot is Erskine Falls, which is surrounded by a forest of ferns and eucalyptus trees. Life in the 1850s, during the gold rush, is brought back to life at Sovereign Hill, a living museum.

By touring the town's historic buildings, you might learn more about Ballarat's role as the epicentre of Australia's gold rush. From early June to late September, skiers and snowboarders may head to Mount Buller, which is located approximately a three-hour drive from Melbourne (depending on snowfall). Why not take a weekend and go on one of these fantastic road journeys across Victorian England? A couple of our favourite overnight destinations are Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Located four hours away from Melbourne are the Twelve Apostles.

Content Summary

• It is possible to spend a whole day or more exploring Melbourne's suburbs and still miss some of the city's most interesting sights.
• The Dandenong Ranges, Grampian National Park, and the Great Ocean Road are all within two hundred kilometres of the city.
• Many of these urban havens are committed to protecting animal populations.
• You can view native animals like kangaroos, wombats, and koalas, as well as exotic species like parrots, in the national parks.
• The seaside towns of Victoria are easily accessible from the capital and lure visitors with their rich natural beauty, award-winning eateries, and small boutiques and art galleries.
• Mount Buller is less than three hours from the nation's capital, where snowboarders and skiers can carve up the slopes, and where history fans may visit a historic gold rush hamlet.
• The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometer stretch of highway in Victoria, Australia, connecting the towns of Torquay and Allansford. It is a component of Australia's National Heritage.
• Fantastic views of the Twelve Apostles, a majestic sequence of granite pinnacles that stand above a turbulent sea, may be had from the Great Ocean Road, a breathtaking section of Australia's coastline.
• The Shipwreck Coast is a breathtaking coastline, but it is best appreciated from above.
• The Great Otway National Park is home to wallabies and kangaroos, and a stroll along the koala-populated Kennett River is a great way to see these animals up close.
• The Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco-Tour offers numerous chances to do just that.
• You may spend a day taking in the sights in lovely Apollo Bay, hiking in Great Otway National Park, and watching koalas in their native environment along the Kennett River.
• Prior to the "Penguin Parade," as it is sometimes referred to, you can visit one of the nearby zoos to see some animals.
• Visitors can feed kangaroos and wallabies at Phillip Island Wildlife Park, see koalas in their native habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre, and take in stunning vistas of the coast from the Nobbies, a path that encircle sea bird gardens.
• In the spring, you can see baby penguins and silver gulls.
• The Nobbies Centre is a free resource for learning about the local environment.
• Australia's biggest fur seal colony, Seal Rocks, is located across the Bass Strait from here.
• A pair of binoculars or a nature trip will get you a better sight at the seals.
• Taking the Phillip Island Tour from Melbourne is a hassle-free option for visiting this tourist hotspot.
• The Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges have been frequented by the wealthy of Melbourne for nearly a century.
• It is well worth the effort to rise early and travel across the Dandenong Ranges, which are located around 40 kilometres to the east of Melbourne.
• The Yarra Valley, not far away, is a heaven for foodies thanks to its plethora of locally produced products, top-notch eating options, and the ability to indulge in some handmade farmstead cheeses at the Yarra Valley Dairy.
• Visits to this refuge and other local landmarks are part of the Yarra Valley Day Tour.
• From Melbourne, the beautiful Mornington Peninsula can be reached in about 90 minutes by car, making it a popular coastal vacation destination.
• Point Nepean National Park is a popular location for hikers due to its back beach trails and rocky nature at the extremity of the peninsula.
• Not only can you ride the picturesque Sorrento-Queenscliff ferry, but you can also relax in the soothing waters of the Peninsula Hot Springs and explore the numerous other attractions in the area, including the chance to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins and seals.
• The Grampians National Park, usually known simply as "The Grampians," is roughly 260 kilometres from Melbourne and includes spectacular scenery, including waterfalls, rock formations, colourful spring wildflowers, and rocky crags.
• Visit the National Park & Cultural Centre, Brambuk, to find out more about the park's historic past and vibrant ecosystem.
• Fish Falls, Beehive Falls, and its fern-fringed rock pools, as well as the stunning lookouts at the Pinnacle and the Balconies, are all popular destinations in addition to the breathtaking MacKenzie Falls, Victoria's highest waterfall.
• Hiking isn't the only popular activity here; canoeing and fishing in the park's rivers and lakes, horseback riding, quad biking, and more can all be found here as well.
• For anyone visiting the park, the town of Halls Gap is both the starting point and a good place to stay.
• Wilsons Promontory National Park (or "The Prom," as the locals name it) is a photographer's paradise since it contains the state's largest coastal wilderness area.
• It's about a three-hour drive from Melbourne, but the stunning scenery of deserted beaches, cool-climate rainforests, and jagged granite peaks makes the trip worthwhile.
• Some of the attractions are the sea-carved stones at Whisky Bay and Lilly Pilly Gully, the white quartz sands at Squeaky Beach, and guided trips through the rainforest.
• Numerous options exist for outdoor enthusiasts.
• The marine national park is open to scuba divers who wish to explore the aquatic life below the surface.
• Daylesford, just outside of Melbourne and close to Wombat State Forest, is a wonderful destination for a restful weekend trip.
• The town has become regarded as the "spa city of Australia" due to its many health spas, mineral springs, and other spa-related establishments.
• This 19th-century mansion is on 6 acres of property on Wombat Hill, and it features a church, a museum, and several fine art galleries, in addition to breathtaking views of the city below.
• Many of Daylesford's critically acclaimed eateries place an emphasis on using seasonal, regionally-appropriate ingredients.
• Enjoy a tour around picturesque Lake Daylesford before stopping for a delicious meal at the Lake House, a boutique hotel with one of Daylesford's finest restaurants.
• All the antique shops, museums, and flea markets in town are fantastic.
• Lorne, one of Australia's most well-loved coastal communities, is situated on beautiful Loutit Bay, just 138 kilometres from Melbourne.
• Sovereign Hill, located around 110 kilometres from Melbourne, is a living museum that portrays the gold rush era of the 1850s.
• Sovereign Hill is a Victorian-era town recreation where visitors may learn about gold mining, witness artists at work, and even try their hand at panning for gold.
• Ballarat was the centre of the Australian gold rush, and the town's historic buildings, historical churches, and the Gold Museum may help visitors get insight into this important moment in Australia's history.
• Visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park on the shores of Lake Wendouree and the Ballarat Botanic Gardens, which cover an astounding 40 acres.
• The city's chilly climate may make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities, but you can always escape to one of the neighbouring snowy mountains.
• Mount Buller, one of Australia's most recognisable ski resorts, is accessible by a three-hour drive from Melbourne between the months of June and September (depending on snowfall).
• Mount Buller has the most lifts (22!) of any Victorian ski area, allowing skiers and snowboarders easy access to the resort's 300 acres of skiable terrain and three terrain parks.
• The Macedon Ranges, to the north-northwest of Melbourne, are home to the enchanted and mythical Hanging Rock Reserve.
• Legend has it that bushrangers hid out on the rock during the Gold Rush, and locals use it as a landmark.
• Even if you aren't familiar with the legends that captivated so many Australians, a visit to Hanging Rock Reserve is worthwhile for the natural beauty of the area and the pleasant experience of hiking through the forest.
• Some of the native animals you might encounter are kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats, and echidnas.
• Amazing drives across Victoria
• This year, your backyard has never been better suited for a Christmas party.
• Spend some time in the spa country
• Spa country is so named because of the 141 mineral springs found in Victoria.
• The towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are two of our favourite overnight destinations, each around an hour and a half from Melbourne.
• One of Daylesford's most well-liked restaurants is the Lake House.
• Take a kayak out on the river, go hiking in the nearby hills, or visit a winery for a wine sampling.
• About four hours from Melbourne is where you'll find the Twelve Apostles (unfortunately, there are only eight left due to erosion).
• After another hour and a half on the road, you can reach Port Fairy, the end point of the Great Ocean Road.
• Float leisurely down the great Murray River.
• From the Great Dividing Range in north-east Victoria to the desert and expansive plains of South Australia is a scenic trip along the river.
• The National Park of Wilson's Promontory
• Australia's southernmost region is known for its verdant rainforests, stunning beaches, and imposing granite mountains.