6 Day Trips Out Of Melbourne, If You Want A Getaway Without Using Your Annual Leave
While the thought of a relaxing two week holiday abroad probably sounds like an absolute dream right now, you don’t need to exhaust your annual leave to take a well-deserved break when there are so many picturesque day trips you can take just outside of Melbourne.
Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, or perhaps you’re visiting Melbourne and want to make the most out of your trip, we’ve rounded up the best day trips outside of the city for your next weekend adventure.
Mornington Peninsula
Located 90 minutes out of the CBD.
If you’ve only got time for one day trip out of Melbourne, you must visit the Mornington Peninsula. The area boasts beaches, wineries, great hikes, and the iconic Peninsula Hot Springs, making it the perfect place to eat, drink, explore and relax.
Drive down in the morning, stop off at Two Boys One Beagle and A Coffee Shop in Frankston for a locally roasted coffee along the way, before driving right down to Portsea to walk the Point Nepean National Park hike where you can explore the Quarantine Station and visit the memorial of former Prime Minister Harold Holt — who went missing at the nearby Cheviot Beach.
After you’ve worked up an appetite and are in need of a rest, head back to Mornington to visit the Peninsula Hot Springs for a soak and a massage before trying out Doot Doot Doot for a fine dining farm-to-table experience.
If you’re planning on staying overnight, you can’t look past the Jackalope Hotel, which offers stunning vineyard views and ultra-luxurious experiences.
Great Ocean Road
Starts 1.5hrs from the CBD.
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic drives — and for good reason. This windy road stretches from Torquay to Warrnambool, with plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat or an adventure along the way.
See the Twelve Apostles, try your hand at surfing, taste the famous scallop pie from the Apollo Bay Bakery and take in the glorious views.
Our tip? While the Great Ocean Road is well worth the drive, be sure to take the inland route on the way home for an equally picturesque drive through the Otway National Park.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, try the Sky Pods for an off-the-grid, eco-friendly experience with stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the Otways.
Macedon Ranges
Located one hour north of Melbourne
Just an hour north of Melbourne, the Macedon Ranges is packed with things to do from gin tasting to hiking the iconic Hanging Rock.
Kick off your day with a coffee in the town of Gisborne before making your way up to Hanging Rock. Enjoy the 45 minute hike, which may seem short but is definitely a workout — and make sure to take an Instagram-worthy shot from the top.
Now that you’ve gotten in your exercise, head out to the Macedon Ranges to taste your way through the three different gin distilleries in the area — but remember to nominate a designated driver!
If you’re not quite ready to return to the CBD, you can stay at the Lancemore Macedon Ranges for a delicious bite to eat and a relaxing night’s sleep overlooking the vineyard.
Phillip Island
Located two hours from the CBD.
While Phillip Island may be famous for its colony of penguins, there is far more to see and do while you’re in the area.
Once you’ve made the trip down to Phillip Island, treat yourself to breakfast at the Cheeky Goose Cafe before heading to the Koala Conservation Reserve to have a cuddle with the koalas and explore the treetop boardwalks.
Then head down to the Phillip Island Winery for lunch, a glass or two of wine, and a peruse of the boutique — which features local produce, flowers, cookbooks, and candles.
After lunch, enjoy a stunning coastal walk up to Cape Woolamai to take in the breathtaking views from the highest peak on the island.
Make sure you make it back to the beach in time for the penguin parade, which happens at sunset daily — but you’ll want to arrive at least an hour before sunset to make sure you don’t miss it.
If you’re not feeling up to the two-hour return trip to Melbourne, stay overnight at The Cabins at Five Acres for a luxurious experience with stunning views from the concrete outdoor bath while you sip locally made wine.
Grampians
Located three hours north-west of the CBD.
If you’re feeling like a bigger drive, head out to the Grampians National Park for a picturesque hike past some of the most pristine parts of the state.
Depending on your level of fitness, you can also try abseiling, rock climbing, or canoeing.
After getting your fitness in, you can visit Halls Gap Zoo to see more than 160 native and exotic animals at the state’s largest regional zoo.
Stop in for lunch at Flame Brothers Restaurant & Bar in Halls Gap for a delicious Texas-style BBQ feast paired with beer, wine, cocktails and specialty coffee to quench your thirst.
Mount Buller
Located three hours from the CBD.
Whether you’re a skier, a snowboarder or just want a change of scenery for the day, a trip to Mount Buller is certainly a way to spice up your usual routine.
Obviously, you can hit the slopes, but you can also relax at the spa, enjoy a bite to eat while people-watching the skiers and snowboarders outside, or hang out at the toboggan park if you’re needing to entertain young children.
