TOP 10 Day Trips from Melbourne [Distances & Attractions]

Why Choose Day Trips From Melbourne? 

For seven years, Melbourne was named the most livable city in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Ranking. The city has countless things to explore, including art galleries, music festivals, cuisine carnivals, intriguing sites, beautiful beaches, and year-round sporting activities.

Enjoy Adventure Sports: Melbourne has a deep affinity for the great outdoors. Skydiving and hot balloon rides are only two outdoor experiences you must have. The Australian Open and Formula 1 Grand Prix are fantastic events if you'd rather watch. Another excellent way to comprehend Australian cricket fans is to tour MGC, the world's highest cricket ground.

Pour Yourself a Cup of Coffee: Did you know that Melbourne produces the best coffee in the world? Take a drink of Proud Mary or Alchemy Coffee to appreciate the Melburian community's position on their locally grown, ground coffee.

Plan Your Trip in a Festival: Melbourne hosts annual entertainment and cultural events. Whatever your passion—film, dancing, music, or history—Melbourne offers a festival to suit your needs. Make sure you visit the city during a celebration that piques your interest.

What To Pack for Day Trips From Melbourne? 

Day trip basics are needed when renting a car and planning an unforgettable journey. These necessities cover a range of products and factors that improve your journey.

Being well-prepared and having everything you need on hand can guarantee a seamless and delightful road trip experience. Let's explore the wide range of necessities for road trips that you should include on your list.

Car Rental Checklist

Take into account the following things while renting a vehicle for a road trip:

Clothing and Footwear

Since the weather in Australia changes significantly from place to place, wearing Clothing that can be worn in layers is essential. Clothing that breathes well and is lightweight for warm weather. A weather-resistant garment for erratic conditions, particularly in tropical regions and during the rainy season.

One or two sleeve shirts plus five-sleeve shirts or vests; a fleece or sweater for chilly evenings in southern climates; one pair of pants or a formal skirt; two or three pairs of shorts; socks and underwear.

Depending on your itinerary, wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes, flip-flops (thongs) for beach days, and hostel showers - swimwear for reef snorkelling and Australia's well-known beaches.

Health and Hygiene

Your first aid kit should include personal medication, pain relievers, bandages, and antiseptic wipes. It should also include sun protection, such as high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Don't forget the bug spray, particularly for tropical areas and the outback. There are more items for hygiene:

• Toothbrush and paste
• Tweezers and nail clippers
• Perfume/deodorant
• Your pill or condoms
• Toilet paper or wet wipes

Accessories

• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic use.
• Tablet or laptop plus external hard drive
• Smartphone with a decent camera and enough storage + charger
• Headphones or earbuds: Ideal for extended bus or aeroplane travel.
• Universal Travel Adapter: Type I connectors are used in Australia.

Emergency Items & Documentation

• Driver's license: This may sound like a no-brainer, but if the police pull you over, don't forget to bring your driver's license.
• Car rental documentation: Travel with your paperwork and the owner's manual. These can provide you with helpful guidance in the event of a breakdown or collision.
• Torch: Carry one with you if something unexpected happens at night!
• Snow tyres: purchasing snow tyres as an extra precaution may be worthwhile if you intend to take a road trip through a cold nation. Check this guide if you're unsure if it's even required in your country.
• Roadside emergency kit: If your car breaks down, the last place you want to be is in the middle of nowhere! You can jump-start the automobile or change a flat tyre with an emergency roadside assistance kit. 

Backup Power Source

Backup power is crucial for a day trip as it ensures a dependable electricity source for essential devices such as phones, GPS, headlamps, and medical equipment, particularly in remote locations lacking power outlets.

This facilitates navigation, communication, and access to vital functions in the event of unforeseen circumstances like a depleted battery or prolonged darkness during the excursion. Here, we mainly recommend Jackery Portable Power Stations, which are ideal for day trips with compact sizes and powerful capacities. 

Top 10 Day Trips from Melbourne 

A day trip from Melbourne is the ideal remedy if you're seeking some time apart from the bustle of the metropolis. Friendly neighbourhood communities may be found around Melbourne, whether you're looking to visit a national park, go on a road trip, or take a vineyard tour. Here are some well-traveled paths for you.

1. Brighton

Distance from Melbourne: 13.4 km

Drive Time: 21 minutes

Location: Victoria 3186, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Phillip Island Penguin, Brighton Beach helicopter tour, Brighton bathing boxes, Dendy Street Beach, Landcox Park, Dendy Park, Brighton Town Hall

Brighton is the epicentre of beach day trips in Victoria and is also where the vibrant Brighton Beach Boxes are found! The most significant thing is that it's a leisurely half-hour drive from the city, making it the ideal destination for a beach break with the family.

Enjoy a day of swimming and snapping pictures with the adorable bathing boxes. Remember to bring a picnic lunch! Beyond its white sand beaches, Brighton has plenty more to explore. Church Street is home to several adorable stores, cafés, and Brighton's public art gallery, Bayside Gallery.

2. Werribee

Distance from Melbourne: 32.7 km

Drive Time: 39 minutes

Location: Victoria 3030, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Cycling, walking, swimming, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Werribee Park and Mansion, Werribee South Foreshore, K Road Cliffs, Cheetham Wetlands, Ranger Mystery Tour

A day trip to Werribee, a Victorian town less than an hour's drive from Melbourne City, is something that animal lovers should not miss. This is the Werribee Open Range Zoo, which has an African theme. Here, you may embark on a savannah safari to view lions, giraffes, rhinos, and more! Plan a weekend excursion if you are travelling with children since Werribee Open Range Zoo is free to enter on weekends for youngsters aged 4 to 15!

3. Dandenong Ranges 

Distance from Melbourne: 47.8 km

Drive Time: 51 minutes

Location: Mount Dandenong VIC 3767, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Villages of Mount Dandenong and Sassafras, William Ricketts Sanctuary, walking, cycling, Olinda Botanical Gardens, Dandenong Ranges National Park

Day-trippers frequent the communities of Mount Dandenong and Sassafras because of their breathtaking views and lovely national parks and gardens. Alternatively, you cannot pass a spot of high tea and scones if you are eager for a leisurely day. One of the most famous activities in Dandenong Ranges is visiting several charming cafés that will satisfy your high tea craving, including our house-made scones at SkyHigh.

Designed by a gifted Australian potter and sculptor of the same name, the mystical William Ricketts Sanctuary at Mount Dandenong created 92 ceramic statues of people and animals illustrating the Aboriginal Dreamtime.

4. Yarra Valley

Distance from Melbourne: 51 km

Drive Time: 48 minutes

Location: 1 Jarlo Drive, Lilydale VIC 3140, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Vineyard and winery hopping; scenic hot air balloon flights

Your day excursion from Melbourne will take you to the breathtaking rolling hills of Yarra Valley, where rows of vineyards and bottles of the best wine await you if you're a blossoming wine aficionado! The Valley is ideal for growing popular wine varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay because of its cold environment.

This Yarra Valley Wine Tour is a hassle-free experience that includes transport from a central pick-up or drop-off location in Melbourne. If you need help figuring out where to start your wine expedition, you won't have to do any driving at all. Unwind and enjoy a wine tasting!

5. Mornington Peninsula

Distance from Melbourne: 76.3 km

Drive Time: 1 hour 5 min

Location: Victoria, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Hot spring soaks, coastal scenery, biking, golfing, hiking, wineries, water activities, Arthurs Seat Eagle, tree surfing, Mornington Racecourse

Are you searching for a tranquil getaway? Visit the Mornington Peninsula for a beachside getaway with breathtaking views and treks along the coast, vineyards for a relaxing afternoon beverage, and the game-changing Peninsula Hot Springs. We're all for natural thermal springs within an hour's drive from Melbourne!

A lengthy soak in the Peninsula Hot Springs following your explorations of Melbourne's downtown will relieve your aches. Choose from various bathing options, including the sauna, Turkish steam room, cave pool, and the famous hilltop pool (remember the breathtaking view!).   

6. Ballarat

Distance from Melbourne: 110 km

Drive Time: 1 hour 27 min

Location: Ballarat is a city in the Central Highlands of Victoria (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Arch of Victory, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Ballarat Aviation Museum, Ballarat Bird World, Indoor karts, wildlife park, hiking, Sovereign Hill

A history buff's dream come true is Ballarat. Ballarat, most renowned for its Gold Rush and Wild West history, provides an authentic experience of this era at Sovereign Hill. If you'd instead go back in time to the Middle Ages, there are jousting shows and other events at the neighbouring Kryal Castle!

Experience history comes to life at Sovereign Hill, a unique open-air museum near Ballarat, on Melbourne's next public holiday. Take part in classic Gold Rush pursuits like candle-dipping and rope-making on Main Street, where locals dress in period attire and gold panning on the Ballarat goldfields. 

Distance from Melbourne: 142 km

Drive Time: 1 hour 47 min

Location: Scenic island with a beach known for its sunset parade (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Wildlife Coast Cruises, Cape Woolamai, hiking, go-karting, kayaking, surfboarding, biking, Maru Koala & Animal Park, Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island Nature Parks - Penguin Parade

Entertainment options are abundant on Phillip Island! Phillip Island has a little something for everyone, from eco-tours to amusement parks. Wildlife Coast Cruises offers the chance to observe thousands of playful seals, while Ocean Adventures provides an exhilarating trip along Cape Woolamai's breathtaking coastline.

Take a kayak tour around Cape Woolamai with Pioneer Kayaking, learn to surf with Island Surfboards, race your friends around a Phillip Island Circuit replica at Phillip Island Go-Karts, or test your agility at Clip N Climb Phillip Island. Phillip Island Ten Pin Bowling and Entertainment Centre is the perfect place to take the family bowling or laser tag.

8. Grampians National Park

Distance from Melbourne: 253 km

Drive Time: 3 hours 5 min

Location: Large national park featuring prominent mountain ridges (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Hiking, Venus Baths, MacKenzies Falls, Fish Falls, Boroka Lookout, Reed Lookout &The Balconies, wildlife spotting, Brambruk Cultural Centre, winery, stargazing

If you're looking for a short walk in Victoria, we highly recommend the Pinnacles trek in Grampians National Park. Those seeking an additional challenge can begin their 4.2km return walk from Halls Gap Caravan Park, although the walk from the Wonderland and Sundial carparks is also an option.

As one of Victoria's most impressive and massive waterfalls, MacKenzies Falls is an absolute must-see on any vacation to the Grampians. Before descending the 800 metres of steep stairs to the base of Mackenzies Falls, visitors should take a quick left at the walking track to watch Broken Falls. Broken Falls is a 100-metre route leading to a succession of cascading falls worth seeing.  

9. Wilsons Promontory

Distance from Melbourne: 222 km

Drive Time: 2 hours 48 min

Location: Victoria 3960, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Wilsons Promontory National Park, Squeaky Beach, Summit Walk, Big Drift, Whisky Beach, Norman Beach, Great Prom Walk, Little Waterloo Bay, Sealers Cove

Want a day excursion that includes breathtaking views of the beach and mountains? Wilsons Promontory provides woodland paths, immaculate beaches, and other adventures for those seeking a nature fix. Get ready to make friends with its native animals, which include wombats, emus, and kangaroos!

Take a 10-kilometer guided walk through the stunning national park scenery by signing up for this excursion. After lunch, you'll go to the well-known Mt. Oberon, where its peak offers breathtaking ocean views. Swim at Squeaky Beach and indulge in a cool ice cream cone at Tidal River to round up your trip.

10. Cape Otway

Distance from Melbourne: 224 km

Drive Time: 3 hours

Location: Victoria 3233, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Waterfalls, treetop walks, local wildlife, Cape Otway Lightstation, beaches, rock climbing, exploring volcanic lakes, Great Ocean Walk, horse riding, mountain biking

With breathtaking views and sounds extending from the interior to the shore, the Otways region provides terrific experiences for an enjoyable day. Were you aware? Some of Victoria's most picturesque locations include Cape Otway and the Cape Otway National Park! It is also the location of several well-known attractions on the Great Ocean Road, including Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Day Trips

From the picturesque Yarra Valley wine area to the quaint seaside communities along the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne's varied environs make it a popular destination for day visits. These locations are ideal for a short vacation because they combine cultural appeal with scenic beauty.

Arm yourself with Jackery Portable power Stations to stay energised and energised all day. Jackery ensures you have the energy to explore Melbourne's delights easily, whether you need to run small appliances for a picnic, charge your phone, or power a GPS. 

Jackery Explorer 600 Plus

Compact yet powerful, the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is the ideal companion for short getaways from Melbourne. Whether you're picnicking in the Dandenong Ranges or hiking in Wilsons Promontory, it ensures all your devices stay powered up.

• Dependable Outdoor Power: With an 800Woutput and 632Wh capacity, the Explorer 600 Plus handles a range of devices, from phones to portable coolers. Its dual PD fast-charging ports deliver up to 100W output, offering fast and reliable charging for your gadgets.

• Lightweight and Portable Design: At just 3kg, this power station is designed for easy transport. Its compact size and foldable handle make it a convenient choice for day trips, ensuring you can pack light while staying prepared.

• Safe and Quiet Operation: Featuring whisper-quiet technology and a LiFePO4 battery, the Explorer 600 Plus provides reliable, safe power for years. Its built-in UPS function seamlessly powers sensitive equipment, making it a versatile option for outdoor adventures. 

Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro

Learn how to make the most of your day travels from Melbourne with the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro, a remarkable portable power station. This powerhouse ensures you're prepared and connected whether travelling the Great Ocean Road or visiting the Yarra Valley.

• Reliable Power for Your Excursions: Equipped with a 1002Whbattery capacity and a 1000W output, the Explorer 1000 Pro powers up to 93% of your daily-use appliances. From keeping your camera charged to running portable refrigerators, this device makes your trips stress-free and enjoyable.

• Fast and Flexible Charging Options: With wall charging that completes in just 8 hoursand solar charging through SolarSaga panels in 7 hours, you'll never run out of power. Its pass-through charging feature allows simultaneous charging and usage, perfect for an uninterrupted adventure.

• Durability Meets Portability: This power station combines performance with convenience and is designed to last with a 1,000-cycle lifespan. Weighing only 11.5kg and featuring an ergonomic handle, it's easy to transport and store for every adventure.

Considerations for Your Day Trips from Melbourne

Before starting your day trips from Melbourne, you need to consider the weather conditions, the best time to visit, and even road safety.

Weather in Melbourne

You must schedule your visit in advance because the beautiful city is notorious for its unpredictable weather. This is a sample of Melbourne's year-round weather. The current weather may be found here.

Best Time to Visit Melbourne and Near Places

Melbourne is most enjoyable in the fall, from March to May. It's a nice enough day to walk outside and watch the golden leaves fall from the trees. In addition, the city is highly congested at this period, and fares increase. Summertime vacation is the finest option if you're on a tight budget.  

You'll have plenty of time and space to explore the city because it's not too crowded with visitors and the weather is pleasant. But remember to bring plenty of caps and sunscreen because the weather can occasionally get warmer.

Road Safety

Simple, do-it-yourself auto maintenance tasks like changing windshield wiper inserts and monitoring tyre pressure should be part of your routine. Also, check the functionality of all the lights on your car, such as the tail, brake, and headlights.

Any broken bulbs should be replaced immediately. Please inspect the wiper blades for wear and tear to ensure good vision in rainy weather. Check the levels of essential fluids, such as power steering, brake, coolant, and engine oil. For best results, these fluids must be maintained at the recommended amounts.

Day Trips from Melbourne FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the day trips from Melbourne.

1. Why is Phillip Island so popular?

The Little Penguins, the tiniest penguins in the world, call Penguin Parade home, making it the city's most visited tourist destination. Phillip Island, designated as Victoria's first National Surfing Reserve, offers many options for coastal hotspots.

2. How do I go to French Island from Melbourne?

A ferry from Stony Point and Cowes leads to French Island National Park. The Melbourne CBD is 80 kilometres southeast of Stony Point. From Stony Point, travel to French Island via a passenger ferry operated by Western Port Ferries. You arrive at Tankerton Jetty on French Island after ten to twelve minutes of travel.

3. Why is Melbourne called Burn City?

Melbourne, often known as "Burn City," is well-known worldwide for its street art. For over a decade, Lou Chamberlin has photographed its painted streets and documented the city's vibrant street subculture by capturing the most iconic examples of this fleeting art form.

Final Thoughts

This guide highlights a range of picturesque paths and locations easily accessible from Melbourne. Everything from Brighton to the gorgeous Mornington Peninsula is covered in great depth, emphasising must-see sights, places to eat, and places to stay. We accommodate various interests, from wine tasting in the Yarra Valley to touring ancient sites like Ballarat. Just start your day trips from Melbourne now with this guide!