Best Day Trips from Melbourne

Credit: Visit Victoria

 

Melbourne is a city that rewards curiosity: its café culture, creative spirit and easy access to nature make it one of Australia’s most versatile urban hubs. But what truly sets it apart is how quickly you can swap city streets for rolling vineyards, misty forests or golden beaches.

Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or planning to extend your stay, these are the best day trips from Melbourne, all within 90 minutes of the CBD. Here’s how to make the most of your time in Victoria.

 

 

1. Yarra Valley for Wine, Wildlife and Sweet Treats

 

Just an hour northeast of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a dream for foodies and wine lovers. Home to some of Australia’s most acclaimed wineries, like Domaine Chandon and Yering Station, it’s a must for first-time visitors.

Pair tastings with a visit to Healesville Sanctuary to meet koalas and kangaroos in their native bushland setting, or indulge at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery for a sweet finish.

You can do the Yarra Valley in a single day: start early, visit two or three wineries, then enjoy lunch among the vines.

Best time to visit: Autumn for vineyard colours or spring for wildlife spotting.Transport tip: Drive for flexibility, or join a guided wine tour from Melbourne.

 

2. Mornington Peninsula for Beach, Clifftops and a Glass of Pinot

 

An hour south of the city, the Mornington Peninsula blends coastal scenery with a gourmet edge. Explore the Cape Schanck Lighthouse Walk for dramatic views, wander through seaside towns like Sorrento and Portsea, and linger over lunch at Pt. Leo Estate.

If you prefer to relax, the region’s hot springs (including the famous Peninsula Hot Springs), offer the perfect wind-down after a morning by the sea.

It’s easily doable as a one-day trip, but with beaches, vineyards and coastal trails, you’ll want to stay longer next time.

Best time to visit: Summer for swimming, winter for hot springs.Transport tip: Driving is best; public buses connect from Frankston for non-drivers.

 

3. Macedon Ranges for Gardens, Cafes & Hanging Rock

 

An hour northwest of the city, the Macedon Ranges is all about misty forests, local produce and charming country towns. For those looking to avoid the crowds, this region offers tranquillity just beyond the city’s edge.

Climb Hanging Rock Reserve for panoramic views, explore the heritage gardens of Mount Macedon, or browse boutiques and galleries in Kyneton and Woodend.

Best time to visit: Autumn for golden foliage or spring for blooming gardens.Transport tip: V/Line trains from Southern Cross stop at Woodend; driving allows for a full scenic loop.

 

4. Geelong for Waterfront Eats

 

Just over an hour away, Geelong has reinvented itself as a lively coastal city with serious dining and arts appeal. The Geelong Waterfront features cafés, craft breweries and public art, perfect for a relaxed stroll.

The journey is half the fun: catch the Port Phillip Ferry from Docklands and enjoy a cruise across the bay that feels like a mini holiday. Once there, visit the Geelong Gallery, sample Bellarine Peninsula wines, or take a dip at Eastern Beach.

Best time to visit: Summer for seaside dining; autumn for local wine festivals.Transport tip: The ferry is the most scenic route; driving via Princes Freeway is fastest.

 

5. Dandenong Ranges for Fern Gullies and Puffing Billy

 

Credit: Visit Victoria

 

An hour east of Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges offers cool air, tall trees and nostalgic charm. The iconic Puffing Billy Railway chugs through forested gullies, so allow about two hours return for the full experience.

Afterwards, enjoy Devonshire tea in Sassafras, explore Olinda’s botanic gardens or browse the art studios tucked among the hills.

Best time to visit: Spring and summer for gardens in bloom; winter for misty forest walks.Transport tip: Take the train to Belgrave and connect directly with Puffing Billy if you’re not driving.

 

6. Ballarat for Gold Rush Stories 

 

Credit: Visit Victoria

 

Around 90 minutes from Melbourne, Ballarat brings Victoria’s gold rush era vividly to life. At Sovereign Hill, you can pan for gold, explore underground mines and meet costumed townsfolk. Allow at least four hours to see it properly.

Nearby, Lake Wendouree and the Ballarat Botanic Gardens offer peaceful walks, while Kryal Castle is a hit with families. Ballarat’s foodie scene is growing fast, with regional wine bars and bakeries adding flavour to the town’s historic charm.

Best time to visit: Autumn for cool weather and heritage festivals.Transport tip: Easy train access from Southern Cross; drive if you plan to visit surrounding towns.

 

7. Daylesford for Hot Springs and Slow-Food Country

A 90-minute drive from the CBD, Daylesford is Victoria’s wellness capital. The town’s natural mineral springs have drawn visitors for more than a century, and the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa remains the region’s star attraction. Book ahead, especially on weekends.

Pair your soak with a farm-to-table meal at Lake House, browse local galleries, and take a lakeside walk through the botanic gardens.

If you’ve been wondering where to find hot springs near Melbourne, this is the place.

Best time to visit: Year-round. Autumn and winter are especially cosy. Transport tip: Drive via the Western Freeway; V/Line trains to Ballan connect with local buses.

 

Closer to Town But Worth a Full Day: St Kilda & Brighton

 

You don’t have to travel far for a great Melbourne day trip. The coastal suburbs of St Kilda and Brighton offer all the charm of a seaside getaway: sandy beaches, waterfront dining, and plenty of classic Melbourne character, all just a short tram ride from the CBD.

 

St Kilda

Credit: Craig Sillitoe Photography

 

Melbourne’s most iconic beachside suburb, St Kilda is perfect for a relaxed morning by the bay. Stroll along St Kilda Pier, where you might spot little penguins at sunset, or enjoy the vintage fun of Luna Park and the cake shops along Acland Street. 

The foreshore buzzes with walkers, cyclists, and cafés, and are ideal for soaking up that laid-back coastal vibe without leaving the city.

 

Brighton

Credit: Visit Victoria

 

A little further south, Brighton is known for its colourful bathing boxes that line the beach: one of Melbourne’s most photographed spots. Take a coastal walk, browse the local boutiques, or settle into a café with ocean views. 

It’s an easy, scenic tram or train ride from the CBD, making it one of the best day trips from Melbourne for travellers without a car.

Best time to visit: Summer for beach days; spring and autumn for breezy walks.Transport tip: Both suburbs are on the tram network

 

Unusual Day Trips from Melbourne: Want Something a Bit Different?

 

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones a little off the beaten path. If you’ve ticked off the classics and want a fresh experience, these nearby spots offer something unexpected, whether it’s wildlife, coastal scenery or family fun.

These lesser-known escapes are perfect for those asking, “Are there unusual day trips from Melbourne that avoid crowds?” The answer is absolutely yes.

 

Werribee Open Range Zoo

Just 40 minutes from the CBD, Werribee Open Range Zoo brings the African savannah to Victoria. Hop aboard a safari tour to spot giraffes, zebras and rhinos roaming freely across open plains. It's a fantastic day trip for families and animal lovers alike.

 

Phillip Island

Credit: Visit Victoria

 

Further afield, Phillip Island is a favourite for wildlife and beachgoers. Watch the famous Penguin Parade at sunset, explore surf beaches like Woolamai, and enjoy coastal walks with spectacular ocean views. 

It’s a full but rewarding day, and one of the best Melbourne day trips to escape the crowds.

When to go: Visit in summer or early autumn for warm beach weather and longer daylight hours, or in spring when wildlife activity peaks. The penguins appear every evening, but cooler months offer smaller crowds and a more peaceful viewing experience.

 

Travel Tips So Your Day Runs Smoothly

 

Before you hit the road, a little planning goes a long way. Melbourne’s surrounds are full of easy escapes, but the city’s famously changeable weather and relaxed pace mean it’s worth thinking ahead, especially if you want to make the most of your time. 

From transport choices to packing essentials, here are a few simple tips to keep your day running smoothly.

• Driving vs Public Transport: Most regional trips are easiest by car, but Yarra Valley tours, Puffing Billy, and St Kilda are great without one.

• Timing: Leave early to make the most of daylight. Melbourne weather can change quickly.

• Booking Essentials: Reserve ahead for Puffing Billy, Sovereign Hill, and hot springs.

• What to Pack: Layers for unpredictable weather, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and comfy shoes.

 

Your Melbourne Adventure, Perfectly Placed at Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

 

 

With so many day trips within 90 minutes of Melbourne, every direction offers something special, from wine valleys and mountain trails to coastal towns and historic goldfields.

If you’re planning your visit, make Melbourne’s city centre your starting point. Staying somewhere central like Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne puts all these adventures within easy reach, with the bonus of rooftop views and a relaxing retreat to return to after a day exploring Victoria’s best.

Plan your stay at Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne and start discovering the incredible landscapes, tastes and experiences waiting just beyond the city.