The best day trips from Melbourne

The Dandenongs

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 50km
Approximate travel time: An hour's drive
Best for: Escaping the heat in a magical woodland paradise
Don't miss: The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden

Head for the hills and spend a day in the stunning Dandenong Ranges. The lush rainforest, around an hour’s drive from Melbourne, is the perfect place to relax, unwind and get back to nature.

With more than 200 walks and trails, there are hikes aplenty if you want to explore the area by foot. The 1,000 Steps is easily the most famous trek in the area (and possibly all of Melbourne) so beware parking can be limited at peak times (try One Tree Hill picnic ground if the main 1,000 Steps carpark is full). If you prefer the scenic route, hop aboard the historic Puffing Billy steam train and glide through glistening gullies and towering mountain ash forests.

Because of their elevation and dense forests, the Dandenongs are routinely cooler than Melbourne, making it the perfect summer escape (always check bushfire information before travelling). There are several free-to-access gardens to discover, including the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden and the RJ Hamer Arboretum. 

For something more indulgent, drop into the Olinda Tea House for an Asian-influenced high tea in a fairy-tale setting. This architectural gem has ceiling-to-floor windows and 360-degree rainforest views. 

More: Guide to the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

The Yarra Valley and Healesville

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 65km
Approximate travel time: One hour and 15 minutes drive
Best for: Indulging in good food and wine in the countryside
Don't miss: Healesville Sanctuary

There’s nothing like spending a day in wine country to help replenish the soul. And where better to get your fill of gourmet goodies and gastronomic pleasures than Victoria’s oldest wine region?

Just over an hour's drive from central Melbourne, the Yarra Valley offers a world of sensory indulgence, with award-winning cellar doors, world-class distilleries, hatted restaurants, incredible encounters and resort accommodation.

Love wine? Sip your way through some of the state’s best with a Yarra Valley wine tour, where you'll be treated to tasting experiences at some of the Yarra Valley region's most impressive cellar doors - plus indulge in some behind-the-scenes chocolate tasting at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamery. If you'd rather a DIY wine tour, don't miss wineries like Chandon, Zonzo, Punt Road, TarraWarra (it also has an art gallery), Rochford and Balgownie. 

Healesville is a charming town that serves as base camp for many visiting the Yarra Valley region, beckoning visitors with its picturesque landscapes and bevy of food and drink options. Try Beechworth Bakery for old-school treats, underground (almost literally) steakhouse Herd, or Cherry Tree Cafe for coffee and brunch - their alfresco area is pet-friendly too! 

RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort is only a five-minute drive from Healesville too, with an 18-hole golf course, day spa and multiple dining options. Try Banyalla for contemporary Australian fare made with local produce or Riddell's Green for casual dining the whole family will enjoy. 

Visit Healesville Sanctuary to discover with some new furry friends, including koalas, kangaroos, echidnas and - if you’re lucky - even a platypus. The animal sanctuary serves an important conservation purpose for Australian wildlife, with many zoo initiatives helping to fund their conservation and rehabilitation efforts. 

More: The best free things to do in the Yarra Valley

Warburton

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 75km
Approximate travel time: 90 minute's drive
Best for: Feeling small in nature
Don't miss: Warburton Redwood Forest

Part of the Yarra Valley, Warburton is a popular place for families, hikers and cyclists.

You can take your bicycle on the train to Lilydale, then cycle to this historic town, which is set on the upper reaches of the Yarra River, via the 38km Warburton Rail Trail. 

Among its many attractions, the Rainforest Gallery is a standout. This elevated boardwalk offers a unique perspective of the surrounding fauna. The Warburton Redwood Forest is another must-see, and is a perfect destination for photographers and those who enjoy peaceful walks. These Californian redwoods are almost 100 years old and can be visited by following Cement Creek Road. Parking can be busy during peak periods so adhere to all 'no standing' signs to ensure the safety of all visitors. 

In summer, Mount Donna Buang, at an elevation of 1245m, offers a challenging walk to a lookout tower for panaramic view of the valley, while in winter it becomes Melbourne's closest snowfield, suitable for snow play and tobogganing. If you do plan to visit in winter, make sure you know how to safely drive in the snow and on icy roads.

Read more: Everything you need to know about visiting the snow and ski fields in Victoria.

Geelong

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 75km
Approximate travel time: 90 minute's drive
Best for: A coastal road trip with all the comforts of the city
Don't miss: The Geelong waterfront

Geelong is Victoria's second-largest city and home to the Spirit of Tasmania Quay terminal. It has the sights to match too, with a beautiful beach waterfront esplanade with a ferris wheel, a sea bath (at Eastern Beach), and an art deco boardwalk. Look out for the colourful Baywalk Bollards on the esplanade: these sculptures chronicle the city's history in a cute and quirky way.

The Geelong Botanic Gardens make for a beautiful (and free) day out, and there's a quaint teahouse onsite for morning tea. Geelong Gallery is a fantastic regional art gallery, if you want to follow up your nature walk with some art appreciation.

Finally, if you're a history fan, you can't miss the Geelong Gaol and the National Wool Museum. Both are old buildings full of rich history and interesting exhibitions. 

There are plenty of free things to do in Geelong, too, for a budget-friendly day trip or weekend getaway. Werribee is the halfway point between Melbourne and Geelong, where there are plenty of free activities for all the family.

More: The best things to see and do in Torquay.

Mornington Peninsula

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 70km
Approximate travel time: 90 minute's drive
Best for: Wellness and relaxation by the beach, with family activities to boot
Don't miss: Peninsula Hot Springs 

If you’re in need of some sea breeze, a day trip to the Mornington Peninsula is just what the doctor prescribed.

For the ultimate in relaxation, head to the Peninsula Hot Springs and bathe your way to the top, soaking up the spectacular panoramic views of the peninsula. If you're familiar with Peninsula Hot Springs and want to try something new (and ultra luxurious), Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is now also open just across the road from Peninsula Hot Springs.

Gourmands will love the variety of wineries, restaurants and providores on offer, including the award-winning fine diner, Cape Restaurant.

If you're looking for a more whimsical adventure with kids, lose yourself among 10 acres of gorgeous gardens, including a year-round lavender labyrinth at Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens, or cuddle a koala at the Moonlit Sanctuary.

And if you're after free activities on the Mornington Peninsula, there are plenty of those too. The area is filled with a plethora of local beaches, walks and galleries to enjoy at your own leisure, plus luxury resort accommodation for longer stays.

Macedon

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 60km
Approximate travel time: An hour's drive
Best for: Cool climate adventures amongst nature and historic settings
Don't miss: Hanging Rock

Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, you'll find yourself in the Macedon Ranges region of Central Victoria.

The town of Macedon, located at the base of Mount Macedon’s southern slopes, is an ideal retreat from Melbourne's hot summers and a cosy haven during the chilly winter months. The iconic Hanging Rock is a highlight of the region, a remarkable geological monument that is actually the remnants of an old volcano. Ample parking is available at the bottom of the rock, as is a cafe and several walking paths, including some suitable for prams and walking aids. 

If you're in the mood for hiking, there’s 30km of connecting forest hiking trails in Macedon Regional Park, where you may encounter kangaroos, wombats and echidnas. Recharge with a local country pub experience at the Macedon Railway Hotel, or try Mount Macedon Trading Post cafe.

If you're staying for a weekend, local wineries to visit include Mount Towrong Vineyard, Mount Macedon Winery and Hanging Rock Winery. Visit their websites for opening times.

More: The ultimate guide to the Macedon Ranges

Castlemaine

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 130km
Approximate travel time: 90 minute's drive
Best for: A relaxed, creative escape in gold rush country
Don't miss: The Mill Castlemaine

Once a thriving gold rush town, these days Castlemaine is known for its rich creative scene. 

From the Buda Historic Home and Garden to the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Museum, Castlemaine Botanic Gardens, and Diggings National Heritage Park, there's no shortage of places to explore.

The Mill Castlemaine is a place where you can rummage for unique gifts and retro treasures, with 40 small businesses set in a repurposed 1870s woollen mill. There are several different precincts within the Mill, each championing a different form of creativity, from artisan makers of food, to artists teaching their craft and even a wellness precinct with Pilates and strength training.

Read more: The best art galleries and museums to visit in regional Victoria.

For one of Victoria's best swimming holes, try the Cascade in the nearby town of Metcalfe. Castlemaine is also a foodie destination, with places such Das Kaffeehaus for an authentic taste of Viennese food, coffee and culture, Cabosse & Feve for  artisan chocolate, and Love Shack Brewing for country hospitality and craft beers.

Bendigo

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 150km
Approximate travel time: Two hour's drive
Best for: A getaway rich in history and culture
Don't miss: Golden Dragon Museum

Bendigo, an award-winning regional city two hours north-west of Melbourne, is built upon a rich gold mining legacy.

Established during the 1850s gold rush, Bendigo's streets still echo with the tales of those who flocked here in search of riches. Grand Victorian architecture, including the Bendigo Post Office, still lines its streets as a reminder that this was at one time the richest city in the entire world.

Read more: The best historical experiences and attractions in Melbourne.

The Central Deborah Gold Mine provides a fascinating insight into the hardships and triumphs of Bendigo's gold mining days, allowing visitors to descend into the depths of the earth and experience life as a miner.

Many of those miners came from China, and established themselves and their families in the region after the rush faded. Bendigo's Golden Dragon Museum celebrates and preserves the heritage of Chinese Australians through an evolving collection of exhibitions, events and artefacts (some of which date back to the Shang Dynasty 1600-1026 BCE). The Golden Dragon Museum is also home to the oldest surviving complete processional dragon in the world, named Loong. While the dragon has since been retired, you can still see Loong on display, or visit at Easter time to see its successor, Dai Gum Loong, in action.

Bendigo is also a vibrant hub of contemporary culture and creativity. The Bendigo Art Gallery regularly hosts captivating exhibitions that draw visitors from far and wide, and the city's thriving food and wine scene showcases the best of regional produce, with bustling cafes, restaurants, and wineries offering delectable treats for every palate. The Bendigo Botanic Gardens, with its diverse collection of plants from around the world, invites a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic. There are also plenty of free things to do in Bendigo and luxury resort accommodation nearby for an extended stay in the region.

More: Everything to see, eat and do in Bendigo

The Grampians

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 250km
Approximate travel time: 3.5 hour's drive
Best for: Hiking up mountatins for breathtaking views
Don't miss: The Pinnacle

Tick off a bucket-list Victorian adventure with a day trip to the Grampians National Park, part of the Greater Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural landscape, three hours west of Melbourne.

This rugged hinterland has incredible hikes and majestic mountain panoramas, plus the largest number of significant and ancient Indigenous rock-art paintings and shelters in southern Australia. For those coveting more relaxing pursuits, there are epicurean banquets, wildlife encounters and hot springs. 

Keep your camera handy for photogenic sites such as MacKenzie Falls, Halls Gap, Boroka Lookout and the Grand Canyon. That includes getting a snap of the Giant Koala at Dadswell Bridge, one of Australia's many 'Big Things'. 

Hikes abound in the Grampians, but if you only do one, make it the Pinnacle. The Pinnacle rewards hikers with one of the best views out over Halls Gap and can be reached by several walking tracks. Opt for the Sundial car park walking track for a relatively easy walk (great for families). The Wonderland car park track is more challenging, while trekking to the Pinnacle from Halls Gap should be done only by experienced and prepared hikers. 

MacKenzie Falls is known as the most iconic waterfall in the region. Fed by the pristine waters of Lake Wartook, these falls provide a spectacular show all year round with lots of fine rainbow mist.

Don’t forget a visit to the Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre to help you get the most out of your visit to this stunning and culturally important part of the state. You might even find time for a round of mini golf.

Day trip tip: On the way, stop in at the country town of Warrak, which has become mysteriously overrun by a secret mastermind who keeps making Minions-themed statues pop up left, right, and centre.

The Great Ocean Road

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 115km (at easternmost starting point)
Approximate travel time: One hour and 45 minute's drive to the starting point in Anglesea
Best for: Driving one of the greatest tourist routes in Australia
Don't miss: The Twelve Apostles

When it comes to world-class day-trip destinations, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is often top of the list. As well as being a culinary cornucopia, this famously craggy coastline boasts a bounty of brilliant activities and playful pit-stops to tick off the local tourism bucket list.

Must-see wonders of the Great Ocean Road include a stop in the surfside town of Torquay, the quaint town of Lorne, Twelve Apostles National Park, Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell and the Otway Ranges, where thrill seekers can even strap themselves in for a high-flying scenic adventure through the lush rainforest on an Otway Fly Zipline Tour. You’ll literally see the forest from the trees as you swing your way through the towering canopy 30 metres above ground level.

Remember to drive to conditions, with landslips and wildlife (especially koalas) common on the Great Ocean Road.

Tip: It's around a two hour drive from Melbourne to Lorne, but you can explore the Great Ocean Road over many days, or even use the journey as part of a longer road trip to Adelaide.

Inverloch

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 150km
Approximate travel time: Two hour's drive
Best for: Experiencing the windswept beauty of Victoria's Bass Coast
Don't miss: Dinosaur Dreaming dig site

If you're looking for a local weekend getaway, Inverloch is the perfect place to relax and unwind while exploring the natural delights of this cosy seaside region.

About a two-hour drive from Melbourne, Inverloch is situated on the Bass Strait coast, and is known for its stunning beaches, scenic views, proximity to Phillip Island, and range of activities that cater to all ages.

Head to Port Anderson Inlet if recreational boating your thing, while several nature walks in the area offer breathtaking views. Not far from Inverloch you can also find the Dinosaur Dreaming dig site, an archaelogical site where more than 15,000 dinosaur fossils dating back 126 million years have been found.

There are plenty of places to stay, including resort accommodation and a caravan park surrounded by natural bushland. 

More: The best things to see, eat and do around Inverloch

Heathcote

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 125km
Approximate travel time: Two hour's drive
Best for: Autumn road trips to wine country
Don't miss: The Valley of Liquid Ambers

Heathcote is a hidden gem around 90 minutes from Melbourne that offers a unique blend of history, nature, culture and vineyards aplenty. Also accessible by public transport, it makes for a popular road trip in the autumn when the famed Valley of Liquid Ambers turn for the brilliant hues of the foliage season.

The beloved wine region, which produces some of the best shiraz in the world, is home to more than 40 vineyards and wineries, offering visitors a chance to indulge in a wine tasting or two, as well as myriad culinary experiences from gourmet restaurants to artisan breweries.

The town, which has a rich history dating back to the gold rush era, has preserved many of its historic buildings and sites, including the courthouse, railway station, and Chinese Joss House Museum. Visitors can also take guided tours to learn more about the town's fascinating past.

If nature is more your thing, get out and explore the local walking and hiking tracks, including the striking Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve.

Ballarat

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 115km
Approximate travel time: 90 minute's drive
Best for: Everyone - with history, good food, art and family attractions, Ballarat has something for every traveller
Don't miss: Sovereign Hill

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne's CBD lies Ballarat, Victoria’s largest inland city that beckons with a bounty of things to do on a day trip. As part of the Goldfields region, it is a veritable adventure playground for families, friends and foodies alike.

Take a step back in time at Ballarat’s celebrated Sovereign Hill, where panning for gold and gorging on raspberry drops are a rite of passage for Victorian children looking to step back in time. You can also take a visit to medieval times at Kryal Castle or get up close with Australian animals at Ballarat Wildlife Park.

There are plenty of free activities in Ballarat, too, like a lovely stroll by the lakes and historical monuments around the Creswick area or seeing the arts destination ArtHouse at RACV Goldfields Resort

Phillip Island

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 150km
Approximate travel time: Two hour's drive
Best for: Action and adventure for kids and adults alike
Don't miss: The nightly penguin parade

Get ready for adventure with a day trip to Phillip Island. Enjoy an action-packed day of discovery at the famous Phillip Island Nature Parks, from an Antarctic journey at the Nobbies Centre to farm-style experiences on Churchill Island to seeing koalas in their natural habitat, or on a majestic whale watching cruise.

Come sunset, get a good spot at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade to witness the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins waddle their way across the sand from the sea to their burrows in and up close and personal experience like no other.

Nagambie

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 140km
Approximate travel time: 90 minute's drive
Best for: Fun on the water, be it canoeing, kayaking or a cruise
Don't miss: Tahbilk Winery - the oldest family-owned winery in Victoria

The charming Goulburn Valley town situated on the banks of Lake Nagambie, is known for its scenic beauty, water sports and wineries. At around two hours' drive from Melbourne, Nagambie is an idyllic spot to escape to for a day, or even the weekend.

Lake Nagambie is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. 

The area is also famous for its breweries and wineries, with several acclaimed vineyards and cellar doors, including Tahbilk and Mitchelton that call the region home.

Daylesford

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 115km
Approximate travel time: 90 minute's drive
Best for: Rest and relaxation in Victoria's spa capital
Don't miss: Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm 

A favourite amongst day trippers, wellness lovers and weekenders looking to explore, the spa town of Daylesford is a great way to relax on a day trip from Melbourne and only 25 minutes from the RACV Goldfields Resort.

Bathe in the mineral waters of Hepburn Springs, enjoy a picnic by Lake Daylesford, indulge in a spa treatment at Daylesford Day Spa, shop for unique antiques at the famed Amazing Mill Markets and satisfy your sweet tooth at The Chocolate Mill.

Make sure to schedule in time to visit Lavandula, a lavender farm championing its Swiss-Italian heritage. Stroll amongst the lavender fields, enjoy a bite at the trattoria or wine bar, or pack a picnic to enjoy outdoors. The farm also has several friendly animals to meet, including a gaggle of geese, alpacas and some very shaggy Highland cows. Note that Lavandula is closed seasonally for maintenance, so check hours before visiting .