Melbourne is a wonderful city, especially if you are planning for a road trip to escape the chaos of city life. Drag yourself out from the vibrant CBD, and get rewarded with stunning views, incredible landscapes, and wildlife in abundance, all thanks to the places that you can visit from Melbourne. From the famous Phillip island to hiking in the stunning Wilsons Promontory National Park, wine tasting in the picturesque Yarra Valley, or seaside retreat in Geelong, these Melbourne day trips will not disappoint.
Whether you are backpacking on a solo trip, visiting Australia on a romantic getaway, or looking for a family day trip– there is a Melbourne day trip to suit all types of travelers and budget. Most of the places on this list are not accessible via public transport, so for that, you can book a rental car by comparing suppliers to get the cheapest deals. Car rental in Australia ensures a smooth and stress-free drive.
Best Road Trips from Alicante
01 Mornington
- 71.7 km from Melbourne via M1
More than a one-hour drive Southeast of Melbourne is Mornington, which is one of those atypical places to visit near the city. Mornington has many street cafes, along with a laid-back atmosphere and lovely beaches. Here you can easily spend a day and explore all the Mornington Peninsula attractions. Go for a scenic coastal drive from Mornington to Sorrento and witness some of the best views of Port Phillip Bay. You can even take an inland detour to Arthurs Seat Summit through the beautiful hills and wineries. Also, explore the other side of the peninsula, to a pretty historic seaside town of Flinders. Here, you can find the picturesque rock formations or visit the Cape Schanck Lighthouse.
02 The Yarra Valley
- 58.7 km drive from Melbourne to Yarra Valley
If you are one of those who love wine, chocolate, gin, and cheese, then Yarra Valley is next on this list. The region is also popular for food regions in Australia. Yarra Valley is an easy drive from Melbourne and is known for its food and nature. Here, you can find over 70 wine cellar doors, award-winning restaurants, microbreweries, and some of the best farmers markets. Yarra Valley is home to over 150 wineries, like Chandon, De Bortoli, and Yering. You can also check out the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery Factory for some delectable ice cream.
03 Phillip Island
- 141.7 km from Melbourne via M1
Another destination for day trips from Melbourne is Phillip Island. It is probably the most known attraction in Melbourne’s surroundings. Along with the region’s stunning natural landscape, Phillip Island has famous koalas, penguins, and seals, all of whom call this little island home. The well-known little penguin’s parade on the island is the highlight that allures thousands of visitors 365 days a year. Here visitors can witness penguins waddle onto the shore each night around sunset. Other popular spots include Koala Sanctuary, Seal Rocks, Smiths Beach, Nobbies Centre.
Note: There is no public transportation available on the island, so self-drive is the best way to visit.
04 Geelong
- 73.4 km from Melbourne via M1
Just an hour from Melbourne by car, train, or ferry Geelong is the second-largest city in Victoria and also one of the best day trips from Melbourne for those looking for a seaside retreat. Upon arrival, visitors can head for the Waterfront, which is the gem of Geelong, attracting many prestigious awards as well as being known as one of Australia’s most beautiful waterfronts. Along with the waterfront, you can also spot the iconic Baywalk Bollards, which are a series of sculptures depicting characters related to the city.
One of the most popular things to do in Geelong is to explore the majestic natural beauty of the area. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the scenic Buckley Falls, which offers easy walking trails and picturesque waterfall views. You can also head to the Geelong Botanic Gardens for a relaxing picnic surrounded by the region’s finest flora and fauna.
The vibrant, modern area is filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants, public artworks, fun activities for both kids and adults. A highlight of any visit to the Geelong foreshore is Eastern Beach. Located at the eastern end of the waterfront, the precinct is home to the iconic promenade and shark-proof swimming enclosure.
05 Wilsons Promontory National Park
- 239.0 km from Melbourne via C444 and M1
One of the most spectacular day trips from Melbourne is Wilsons Promontory National Park, especially when you need a complete break from the city. It will take about three hours to drive from Melbourne to reach the Prom. The park has great hiking trails, magnificent coastal views, some of the whitest sand, and crystal clear water in Victoria. The area is a refuge to many wild animals like kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, and emus. You can go for a hike to the top of Mount Oberon for 360-degree views of the National Park.