Day Trips from Melbourne

Melbourne as a city is exceptional and there are tons of things happening around the town but just in case you like to venture out for a day the options are endless. Some executions to check out from Melbourne are:-

Dandenong Ranges – This place is known because of the iconic Puffing Billy Railway and being the oldest steam locomotive in the world you should surely take a ride and enjoy the scenic view of the Dandenong Ranges. You can take the journey from Belgrave station to Gembrook which still runs in its original 24km track. There are some fun interactive events which happen quite often to make your journey interesting like Murder Mystery on the Puffing Billy Express, Jazz on Puffing Billy Express or Rhythm & Blues on Puffing Billy.

This national park also has walking trails, options of scenic drives, beautiful villages and a hub for art and culture.

Great Ocean Road – If you Visit Melbourne and leave without taking a drive at The Great Ocean Road it would be a real bummer as this road drive offers stunning views of the coast and there are many pits stops to consider where you can enjoy the attractions at different towns. You can drive all the way up-to Warrnambol. Along the way there are plenty of places you can rest or stop at like Bells Beach which is considered the starting point of your drive, Aireys Inlet which is a spectacular coastal town, have a look at the famous Lighthouse here. Kennett River where you can see many adorable Koala bears, Otway ranges which has a lot of activities for kids and adults, waterfalls to see, beaches and fascinating wildlife.

Out of all the stops my two favourite places on The Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, to see these two magnificent places I took this road trip adventure. After you have seen these two famed attractions head onto Grotto and London Arch. The drive is easy but gets tiring so either you can take a tour which will be rushed or do this drive over the course of a few days but definitely add it in your bucket list.

Phillip Island – Even though this place is filled with tourists I would still ask you to visit it. Many locals and tourists gather here to spectate over the little fairy penguins which come back every evening. The overwhelming feeling to see those little charming creatures walk back home is speechless. This island is home to the largest penguin colony. Apart from the penguins check out the Churchill Heritage Farm, make a visit to The Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm, and Nobbies Centre to  view some Fur Seals.

St Kilda – If you don’t want to drive all the way to Phillip Island to see the penguins you can take a short tram ride and head to St Kilda Pier where you can watch some more penguins. The number of Penguins which gather here are not as much as Phillip Island but you can still see them and save time travelling to the island. St Kilda has a lot of other attractions to watch out for like the St Kilda Beach, The Botanical Garden, shopping at Fitzroy Street, and the most famed Luna Park.

Brighton Beach – Here you will find 82 uniquely coloured bathing boxes which today is extremely popular among tourists who come here for photo opportunities. The Bathing Boxes have a interesting history too and would cost you a jaw dropping $200,000 if you like to own one but that offer too is valid only for the bayside residents. This beach also offers beautiful view of the Melbourne Skyline.

Healesville Sanctuary – You dont have to be a child to check out the animals here, there are around 200 species of Australian animals here. My favourite part visiting this sanctuary was seeing the Kangaroos, Wombats and the precious Koala Bears. To keep you entertained they even have a few shows running like Tales from Platypus Creek and a interactive session with a few animals. Make time to explore the Land of the Parrots and Spirits of the Sky show where you will be awestruck by the birds flying openly around you.

Daylesford – If you are tired of the city life and considering are serious relaxation session then look no further then Dayleford. Here you can find wellness centres, spa escapes, mineral springs and award winning restaurants. Since you are here take a stroll down the street to explore more of this captivating town. 

Morington Peninsula – Just an hour away from Melbourne is this gem of a location. Find amazing restaurants, superb cheese, chocolate and enjoy the beach life at Cape Schanck. Savour some fresh strawberries at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm or head to the Enchanted Adventure Garden for a whole lot of fun. You can easily spend hours around the town and would surely come back for more.

With these great locations you are never short of ideas for some excursion trips from Melbourne. Having a strategic location Melbourne is blessed to have some superb options if you like to head out of the city including snow capped mountains in the winter.