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What’s Melbourne known for?
As the heart (and belly) of Australia's coffee culture, Melbourne is renowned for its cafe-lined laneways, dynamic arts scene, and moody weather, beckoning you to explore the vibrant and thriving art culture and lush scenery. The city's rich tapestry, however, extends beyond the urban grid into Victoria's diverse terrain, where you can discover everything from sweeping coastlines to lush vineyards. The proximity of these natural wonders makes Melbourne an ideal base for a day trip travel itinerary.
Image: Visit Victoria
The best way to explore Melbourne and surrounding areas
In order to make the most of your day trips from Melbourne, flexibility is key. And nothing quite offers the freedom and flexibility of a campervan hire. With a camper road trip, you can explore at your own pace – immersing yourself in stunning scenery and uncovering hidden gems throughout the region. Simply pick up your motorhome from the maui Melbourne branch, and you're ready for an unforgettable Australian road trip.
Top 10 best day trips from Melbourne
Whether you are looking for short trips from Melbourne, day trips around Melbourne, or are planning a longer road trip travel itinerary and are looking for inspiration for your trip, we have you covered. Take your pick as we dive into the top 10 best day trips from Melbourne.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant brushstrokes of Australia’s natural masterpiece. This breathtaking 243 km drive begins just two and a half hours from Melbourne and offers iconic ocean views, rainforests, classic Australian wildlife and picturesque coastal towns, each with its unique charm. From Apollo Bay's seafood to Lorne's lively arts community, there's much to explore. This classic Australia road trip itinerary is also home to the iconic Twelve Apostles: the once 12 monumental limestone pillars rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. While there are now only eight of the original Apostles remaining, they are mesmerizing in their grandeur and definitely brew a desire to get out and see them before they are all gone.
Despite its name, the Great Ocean Road is more than just the coastline. To the north, the lush Otways rainforest that traverses the hinterland reveals an entirely different side of the Great Ocean Road. Here you can lose yourself amongst gushing waterfalls, verdant fern gullies, and some of the world's tallest eucalyptus trees. This is an unexpected but beautiful contrast to the oceanic landscapes.
Top tip: There are so many incredible spots on the Great Ocean Road in a camper. If you are planning a Melbourne Great Ocean Road tour, check out our comprehensive guide to the best stops on the Great Ocean Road.
Image: Visit Victoria
Phillip Island
Imagine a sunset where hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle across the beach to their sand dune burrows. Such is the enchantment that awaits just one and a half hours drive from Melbourne on Phillip Island. This iconic daily march, best known as the ‘Penguin Parade’, is a beautiful reminder of nature's simple yet profound rhythms. But the island's charms don't stop here. Phillip Island’s rugged coastline is a hub for fur seals, while tree-top boardwalks offer the chance to meet dozing koalas in their natural habitat. For those excited and willing to delve into the island's history, the Phillip Island Circuit offers an exciting journey into Australia's motorsport culture. All in all, Phillip Island combines wildlife, history, and natural beauty into one of the most unforgettable day trips from Melbourne.
Yarra Valley
For those with a palate for fine wines and gourmet food, the Yarra Valley is easily one of the best day trips from Melbourne. Just over an hour away from the CBD, the region is renowned for its world-class wineries, with varieties from sparkling wines to classic, cool-climate styles like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Despite the huge variety, the Yarra Valley isn't just about wines. Its rolling landscapes also yield an abundance of fresh local produce, from hand-picked berries to artisan cheeses and chocolates, which can be found in perfect pairs at the local restaurants. Add to this the region's stunning rolling vineyards spotted with shady gum trees, and you have a feast for all your senses. Looking for a longer trip? Why not turn your Yarra Valley day trip into a weekend trip with the Australian Winery Haven travel itinerary and experience the very best that this region has to offer?
Image: Visit Victoria
Mornington Peninsula
A Mornington Peninsula day trip offers a smorgasbord of experiences all just over 1 hour's drive from Melbourne. Here you will find a perfect blend of calm at the natural hot springs, adventure on the coastal walks, and the luxury of gourmet food and wine. A visit to the natural hot springs alone makes this region one of the best day trips from Melbourne. With over 20 outdoor bathing experiences, including a mix of hot tubs, saunas, cold plunges and ice rooms, this is the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Once refreshed, step out to explore coastal walks where cliff tops give way to a vibrant shoreline, and unique Australian vegetation meets the azure Bass Strait. When hunger strikes, the Peninsula answers with its culinary prowess – from farm-to-table delicacies to cool-climate wines, there's something to satiate every palate. Along the way, don't forget to stop by the charming seaside villages, where you can find a surplus of local arts, crafts, and history, all of which help put the Mornington Peninsula onto our 10 best road trips in Victoria.
Castlemaine
One of the most underrated short trips from Melbourne is the gold rush town of Castlemaine. Steeped in a rich history, Castlemaine’s Victorian-era architecture gives the town a perfect vintage charm. This heritage backdrop also hosts a vibrant and thriving arts scene, with local galleries, theatres, and festivals held here throughout the year. And let's not forget the town's bounty of boutique shops offering everything from antiques to locally crafted jewellery and homewares. If you're a nature enthusiast, Castlemaine's surrounds are a mosaic of bushland reserves and walking trails, all ready to be explored and within an hour and a half's drive from Melbourne.
Dandenong Ranges
The lush, green oasis of the Dandenong Ranges is just a stone's throw away from the city and one of the best day trips from Melbourne for outdoor lovers. Just a 35-minute drive from the city, this serene escape is known for its towering mountain-ash trees, rolling hills, and quaint mountainside villages. Here you can spend your day hiking through the serene Sherbrooke Forest, ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train, or take a leisurely walk through the stunning National Rhododendron Gardens. Those searching for local flavours can enjoy fresh Devonshire teas or dine amidst this leafy paradise at the many local cafés and restaurants.
Daylesford
Synonymous with rest and rejuvenation, Daylesford has been a sanctuary for tranquillity and indulgence since its original inhabitants – the Dja Dja Wurrung people. Similar to the iconic Morning Peninsula day trip, this northern region is renowned for its healing waters and soothing spa therapies. Beyond its healing heritage, the town has grown into a classic Victorian hub for gourmets and aesthetes. Scattered throughout town are a number of award-winning restaurants and local wineries showcasing the region's best bounty, such as the highly acclaimed Boathouse Restaurant. And for the art-inclined, Daylesford delivers a vibrant arts scene, with its galleries and studios, like The Convent, offering a rich palette of creativity. What's more, you can easily add a cultural layer to your visit with a drive to admire the clusters of traditional stone farm buildings; a testament to the town's Swiss-Italian heritage. Daylesford is an all-round destination that, with its effortless one hour and 30 minutes drive from the city, makes it easily one of the best self-drive day trips from Melbourne.
Image: Visit Victoria
Ballarat
History comes alive in the gold rush town of Ballarat. The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum that replicates the town's 1850s appearance, complete with costumed characters, historic buildings, and gold panning experiences. Beyond gold rush nostalgia, Ballarat surprises with its vibrant arts scene, as well as its inner-city oasis at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. For anyone intrigued by history and art, a day trip to Ballarat is a fascinating journey through time without travelling more than two hours from the city.
Grampians National Park
A haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, the Grampians National Park boasts rugged mountain ranges, vibrant wildflowers, scenic lookouts, and diverse wildlife. Within a three-hour drive of Melbourne, this majestic park is filled with hiking trails navigating through breathtaking landscapes, leading to panoramic forested views. Alongside the ample hiking opportunities, the park's rich diversity of flora and fauna provides for wildlife spotting along the way – a photographer's true paradise. Aboriginal culture is also a significant part of the Grampians, with numerous rock art sites dating back thousands of years scattered throughout the park. A road trip to the Grampians is the perfect immersion into Australia’s wild heritage, making it a must-do day trip from Melbourne.
Image: Visit Victoria
Cape Otway
Tucked away along the stunning Great Ocean Road, Cape Otway is a region of rugged beauty and rich maritime history. The Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia, stands as a beacon of the region's heritage. Here, you can learn about shipwrecks, early settler history, and the lives of lighthouse keepers. Beyond history, Cape Otway's rugged coastline, rainforests, and local wildlife offer an inspiring adventure into the wild. Spot koalas in the eucalyptus forests, explore pristine beaches or venture along the walking trails – the adventure is yours to choose!
Try out the best day trips from Melbourne with maui
There you have it, a virtual tour of the best day trips from Melbourne. Each of these iconic day trips around Melbourne, from the Great Ocean Road's rugged beauty to the gourmet delights of the Yarra Valley, promises an unforgettable adventure.
Ready to experience the best day trips from Melbourne firsthand? With a maui campervan, you're not just hiring a vehicle, you're setting yourself up to take the journey as it comes, wherever the road may lead. So why wait? Hire a campervan with maui today and see all that Melbourne and its surroundings have to offer. Book online or at your local branch today. The road is calling. Are you ready to answer?