11 Incredible Melbourne Day Trips (Guaranteed you will love)

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11 of the best day trips from Melbourne

Looking for the best Melbourne day trips? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Melbourne is one of my favorite cities in the world, and the best part is that you don’t have to go far to experience some epic adventures. Most tours are within 2 hours of the city, ranging from stunning wilderness spots to famous Hollywood movie sets.

Let me show you a few of my top Melbourne day trips you won’t want to miss!

Quick tip: Most Melbourne day trips are way more fun if you have your own car. Renting a car gives you more freedom and time to explore at your own pace, so definitely consider booking one. And don’t forget your International Driver’s License!

The Great Ocean Road Day Trip

If you’re after the best Melbourne day trip, look no further than the legendary Great Ocean Road, aka the 12 Apostles! While it didn’t quite make it to the 7 Wonders of the World, it’s definitely one of the 7 wonders of Australia. This epic road trip, just 200 km from Melbourne, takes you on an unforgettable journey through stunning spots like Bells Beach, the Gorge, and, of course, wild koalas!

Aside from the 12 Apostles, there’s plenty of adventure to be had. If your budget allows, why not try skydiving over the Great Ocean Road? Or if you’re feeling brave, hit the waves and go surfing!

Pro tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, go for the Reverse Experience. You’ll beat the rush and hit the major attractions before anyone else. Just don’t forget your international driver’s license!

Best way to get there: Rent a car! It gives you total freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace. You can follow the tour buses or even join one from the sidelines.

Distance from Melbourne: 2h 28min – 206 km

Recommended Tour: Small-Group Great Ocean Road Day Trip.

So, grab your keys, hit the road, and enjoy one of the best Melbourne day trips you’ll ever have!

Most of these tours can be booked 24hours in advance, but I do recommend booking them a minimum of 48hours in advance as they do tend to fill up fairly quickly.

Go See The Phillip Island Penguins

This is one of the most popular Melbourne day trips! I mean what’s not to love…They have cute little penguins, Koalas, surfing, camping, local brews, and above all, views that will leave you coming back for more.

Believe it or not, Philip Island is known as one of the top surf spots in Australia, thanks to its quality of waves and pristine beaches. If you’re a beginner surfer, there’s no better place to learn. All the required gear can also be rented on-site.

If you’re lucky enough to be around in November make sure to check out the Phillip Island Jazz Festival! Filled with live bands and local solo acts this festival is a must if you’re a jazz lover.

With so much to explore and photograph this Aussie day trip will definitely put a smile on your face.

Best way to get there: Getting to Phillip Island is quite simple as it’s only 1h53 min away from Melbourne, but I do recommend taking a tour which will save you a few headaches.

Distance from Melbourne: 1h58 min – 151km

Recommended Tour: Phillip island tour and the penguin parade

Drink Some Wine at The Yarra Valley Wineries

Known for its award-winning chardonnay, pinot noir, and sparkling wines this is one of those Melbourne day trips you don’t want to miss especially if you’re a wine lover. Located only 60 minutes from the city, this day trip will take you on a culinary adventure all while getting you nice and drunk!

Best way to get there: Taking a paid tour 100%, no questions about it! A personal guide goes a long way when visiting a winery.

Distance from Melbourne: 6min – 8km

Recommended tours: When it comes to visiting the world-famous Yarra Valley, you have a few options; here are a few I recommend. The Yarra Valley food and wine day tour, the air balloon flight, and champagne breakfast, or my personal favorite the private tour.

Visit Geelong

Just over an hour away from Melbourne, Geelong is host to another eerily creepy mid-century prison museum built in the 1800 century named the Geelong Gaol Museum, aka HM Prison Geelong formerly a maximum-security prison. Making this one of the most unusual day trips from Melbourne.

Not only was it a prison, but it was also an execution site, industrial school, hospital, military detention barrack all and all it was a miserable place.

Apart from its past history, Geelong makes for a great weekend trip from Melbourne that the whole family can enjoy. From enjoying a 19th-century carousel all the way to exploring its parks and botanical gardens.

Best way to get there: This is probably the easiest day trip from Melbourne you will do. It’s as easy as getting on the train at Flinders Station for a total cost of 5$.

Distance from Melbourne: 1h02min – 65km

Recommended Tour: See various tours available

Hike To Hanging Rock

One of the most popular self-drive day trips from Melbourne; Hanging Rock, located 718 feet above sea level in the town of Woodend is known as a mamelon. It was formed 6 million years ago, by several volcanos. Getting up the rocks is quite the hike, so come equipped with good hiking shoes.

Once you’re up there admire the view and various rock formations as you will not see this anywhere else.

Distance from Melbourne: 55min – 76km

Best way to get there: As there is no official tour that goes here (it’s more of a local thing to do) Your best bet is to rent a vehicle once again.

Fun Fact: Rumor has it that a bunch of schoolgirls disappeared after a picnic in 1900.

Visit Mornington Peninsula

Looking for one of the most romantic day trips from Melbourne? Don’t look any further than Mornington Peninsula. Located 1 hour from Melbourne this small town has so many things to see and do! It’s sure to keep you entertained.

Whatever you’re into, Mornington Peninsula seems to have you covered. From food and wine, all the way to marine activities and golf. All in all, it’s a beautiful coastal town rich with things to do and explore, so make sure to make the most of your Mornington Peninsula day trip.

If you’re planning on staying the night, check out the many beautiful beachside properties available.

Best way to get there: I recommend getting a rental as you will want to explore the place while you’re there.

Distance from Melbourne: 1h05min – 70km

Recommended Tour: Hot Springs and Bathing Boxes

Where to Stay in Mornington Peninsula

Go watch a game of Aussie Rules!

If you’re a sports fan, I strongly recommend you go see a game of Aussie rules at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), it’s unlike any sport you’ve ever seen. It’s fast-paced, full contact, and extremely dangerous. Oh and the fans are pretty wild (almost as wild as soccer fans)

If sports aren’t much of your thing. Book a day at The Melbourne Zoo, located 10 min from the city center, this Zoo has all the fun-loving Australian wildlife you love such as wombats, kangaroos, and giant crocodiles. Another great option is to visit the Melbourne Aquarium, these very day trips are a great way to spend a day.

Best way to get there: You can actually walk there from the city center, or you can always call an Uber, totally your call.

Distance from Melbourne: 16min – 3km

Purchase tickets: Here

Visit J Ward Museum

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurist and straight-up creepy, I have the perfect trip from Melbourne for you. The J Ward Lunatic Asylum was used to house the criminally insane of Victoria in the late 1800s and is now a haunted museum.

By simply walking these somber halls, you get a feeling of how things were back in the day.

All tours start at 10am, and at 1pm, so make sure to book your tour in advance and get there early as they do sell out daily. If you’re not able to make it during the week, They also have tours on Saturdays starting at 11am and 2pm.

This is truly a tour you will never forget. I definitely recommend checking this place out.

Best way to get there: Again a rental is your best option as J Ward is 2 hours from Melbourne.

Explore Ballarat

Known as a thriving gold town in the 1850s, people from all walks of life came to this little place to find riches.

Evidence of this is indicated all over town. Its Victoria-era buildings are a telltale sign of what happened back in the day. I suggest spending a day here learning about this town, the Sovereign Hill Museum is a great place to start.

Apart from that, go out and enjoy the great food and drinks around town.

Best way to get there: As there are no official tours that go here, renting a vehicle is your best option.

Distance from Melbourne: 1h27 min – 117km

Hike the Grampians

Located approximately 3 hours from Melbourne, this mountainous landscape never disappoints. Although this is not exactly a day trip from Melbourne as it is more than 1 hour away. You might want to consider staying a few days or even the night. Look at the map below and check out the various unique little places where you can spend the night. There are quite a few funky places to stay!

Adventure is the name of the game here, so make sure to come prepared for whatever activity you chose to do. So grab a few friends and start exploring.

Best way to get there: Your best option is renting a vehicle, as you will need to get to Halls Gap in order to reach The Grampians.

Distance from Melbourne: 3h02 min – 274km

Recommended Tour: The Grampians Guided Day Tour

Where to Stay in The Grampians (Halls Gap)

Spend the day Pentridge Prison

Indeed! Another creepy prison to visit. This historic medieval-looking prison was where the infamous outlaw Ned Kelly, was incarcerated for his crimes as well as Chopper Reid for a short period of time.

Pentridge Prison was regularly alluded to as the “Bluestone College”, “Coburg College” or “School of Knowledge” and was officially closed on 1 May 1997.

This prison is a good old creepy time for any history buff.

How to get there: The cheapest and fastest way to get here would be by train from Flinders Station. (approx 33min)

Distance from Melbourne: 17min – 9.9km

As you can see Victoria is loaded with history and mysterious places to explore. From gold rush town all the way to mid-century prisons. Melbourne and its surroundings do not disappoint.

Let me know in the comments below which tour was your favorite.

Final Thoughts on Melbourne Day Trips

When planning your trip to Australia, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the incredible Melbourne day trips that showcase the region’s diverse beauty. From the stunning coastline of the Great Ocean Road to the lush vineyards of the Yarra Valley, these excursions offer a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in the Dandenong Ranges or sipping world-class wines in Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne’s surrounding areas promise unforgettable experiences. These day trips not only complement your city exploration but also provide a deeper appreciation of Australia’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant local life.

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