great ocean road

.

.

.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

With its scenic views and hair-pin turns, the world-renowned Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most spectacular drives. The scenery along the 106km (66-mile) coastal route from Torquay to Warrnambool includes huge cliffs, ocean vistas, beaches, rainforests, and some incredible rock formations. Highlights along the route include Torquay, the state’s surfing capital; the seaside town of Lorne; the fishing village of Apollo Bay; historic Port Fairy; and the old whaling town of Warrnambool where southern right whales can be spotted. The highlight of the trip is the stunning rock formations, the Twelve Apostles at Port Campbell National Park.

Distance from Melbourne: 103 km

Travel time: 1.5 hrs

.

.

.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

phillip island

.

.

.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

No visit to Melbourne is complete without a day trip to Phillip Island, home of the world-famous Fairy Penguin Parade. Arriving at sunset every evening, the gorgeous little penguins are one of the biggest tourist attractions in Victoria. It’s one of the many attractions that make a visit to Phillip Island worth the drive. Other popular attractions on the island include Seal Rocks, Australia’s largest colony of fur seals; a large koala colony; Cape Woolami, with its lovely walking trails, excellent bird watching opportunities and great surfing; and the peaceful town of Cowes, ideal for swimming, relaxing and dining.

Distance from Melbourne: 141 km

Travel time: 2 hrs

.

.

.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

yarra valley

.

.

.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Brimming with boutique vineyards, the beautiful Yarra Valley, at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges, is home to some of Australia’s best cool-climate wineries. They are known for their Methode Champenoise sparkling wines, Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Discover all the fruits of the region with a Winebus Winery tour, offering tastings at premium wineries. For unparalleled views of the Valley, hop on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Alternatively, take in the views from the ground on a walking or cycling tour through the wineries. Nearby, Healesville has the ever-popular wildlife sanctuary, and is a good base for exploring the Lower Yarra Valley region.

Distance from Melbourne: 62 km

Travel time: 1 hr

.

.

.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

daylesford & hepburn springs

.

.

.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

Set among the scenic hills, lakes and forests of the Central Highlands, delightful Daylesford and Hepburn Springs together form the ‘spa centre of Victoria’ and make for a terrific day trip from Melbourne. The Mineral Reserve in Hepburn Springs is an idyllic place for walkers and those who want to “take the waters” from the old-fashioned pumps. In addition to promoting health and well-being, both towns also have small galleries, homeware shops and fabulous foodie outlets. Lake Daylesford has some popular fishing and picnicking areas as well as boating and kayaking options.

Distance from Melbourne: 112 km

Travel time: 1.5 hrs

.

.

.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

sovereign hill

.

.

.

.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

Head to Sovereign Hill on the outskirts of Ballarat for Australia’s best outdoor museum showcasing a fascinating recreation of an 1850s gold-mining township. The gold fields’ living museum offers visitors the chance to explore a unique period of Australia’s history by transporting you back to the heady days of the gold rush. Watch actors in period costumes going about their daily business, pan for real gold, ride in horse-drawn carriages, and watch potters, blacksmiths, and tanners make their wares. It’s worth spending the night here for the impressive sound-and-light show, which re-enacts the events of the Eureka Stockade.

Distance from Melbourne: 115 km

Travel time: 1.5 hrs

.

.

.

.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

dandenong ranges

.

.

.

.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.

Just a short drive from Melbourne, the verdant Dandenong Ranges makes for a lovely day trip. The cool mountains are a popular escape for its mountain ash forests, lush fern gullies and bubbling creeks, panoramic vistas of Melbourne and magnificent gardens filled with beautiful flowers and trees. Popular activities include a Devonshire tea with scones and jam at one of the many cafes in the area; excellent walking trials through Sherbrooke Forest; rides on Puffing Billy, a vintage steam train; and a visit to Healesville Sanctuary, the best place to see indigenous Australian animals in Victoria.

Distance from Melbourne: 48 km

Travel time: 1 hr

.

.

.

.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.

mornington peninsula

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Mornington Peninsula is a scenic 40km (25-mile) stretch of windswept coastline and hinterland and one of Melbourne’s favourite day-trip and weekend-getaway destinations. With lovely stands of native bushland, rugged ocean beaches and national parks, wineries, fruit orchards and berry farms, bushwalking tracks, as well as swimming and surfing beaches, Mornington Peninsula has something for everyone. The sandy beaches facing the bay are sheltered and calm, perfect for windsurfing, sailing or paddling, while the rugged coast fronting the Bass Strait has rocky reefs, rock pools and surf beaches. From Frankston down to Portsea near its tip, the peninsula is ideal for relaxing beach holidays.

Distance from Melbourne: 76 km

Travel time: 1 hr

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

grampians

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

One of Victoria’s most popular attractions, the rugged Grampians National Park contains some of the most outstanding natural features and a wonderland of flora and fauna. The Grampians is well-known for its incredibly rich diversity of wildlife and plant species, glorious wildflower displays, unique and unusual rock formations, Aboriginal rock art, fine bushwalking, an extensive network of creeks, streams, cascades and waterfalls, and excellent abseiling and rock climbing. Day trippers can take in the spectacular Mackenzie Falls and the Balconies rock formation.

Distance from Melbourne: 252 km

Travel time: 3 hrs

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

wilsons promontory

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Wilsons Promontory National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Victoria due to its close proximity to Melbourne. The ‘Prom’ is famous for its abundant flora and fauna, wild beaches, rugged landscapes, and coastal beauty. It has more than 80km of walking tracks, wonderful beaches for swimming and surfing, and abundant wildlife. The park caters to day-trippers looking for short walks, experienced hikers wanting a wilderness experience, and nature lovers in general. Major attractions are Squeaky Beach and Mount Oberon for one of Victoria’s best views.

Distance from Melbourne: 195 km

Travel time: 2.5 hrs

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.