Treat yourself to a retreat minutes away from Melbourne!
Although Melbourne is the cool, laidback city that both tourists and locals love, sometimes a change of pace and scenery is something we need from time to time. Just a couple minutes out of Melbourne, tourists can feast their eyes on winding vineyards, surf in some of the best spots in the state, or trek through nature’s best canyons!
So if you’re looking to escape Melbourne’s vibrant energy for something more low-key, we’ve got some recommendations on the best places to visit around Victoria!
* – Destinations with Klook activities
1. Treat yourself to the ultimate R&R at Daylesford
Image from visitvictoria.com
Daylesford is the ultimate retreat for your mind, body, and soul. If your definition of relaxation involves spas, or the outdoors – there is no better place to consider. Home to an abundance of mineral springs, this small town is the ultimate getaway if you’re looking for a relaxing break!
Since Daylesford is known for its many spas and wellness centers, a spa trip to Hepburn Springs Mineral Spa or the Salus Spa at Lake House is an unmissable treat! However, if your idea of a relaxing getaway involves the outdoors, a trek through Mt. Disappointment is anything but disappointing! Cap off your trip with dinner at Gisborne Peak Winery and devour a hearty meal by the vineyard!
Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour and 30 minutes via car
2. Get a taste of Australia’s best wine at Yarra Valley
Image from visitvictoria.com
If you love wine, then you’ll love the Yarra Valley! Here, you’re welcome to drink your bodyweight in the country’s best chardonnay, pinot wine, shiraz and sparkling wine! With some of the best wine producers in the country stationing in Yarra Valley, you can expect to be happily buzzed by the end of your trip!
Kick off your trip with an early morning hot air balloon ride! From incredible heights, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of the beautiful vineyards and farms sprawled across the city.
If you intend to go on several wine tasting tours in the valley, we highly suggest those of Dominique Portet, De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate, TarraWarra Estate and Seville Hill! Though many wineries accept drop-in tastings, we still recommend making an appointment prior your visit.
Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour via car
3. Soak up the sun at Mornington Peninsula’s endless beaches
Image from visitvictoria.com
Australia is known for its amazing beaches, and even while you’re in Melbourne, you’re sure to pass by a few. However, the beaches near the city do tend to crowd up a bit, making it difficult to enjoy. So if you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend making the drive up to Mornington Peninsula!
The great thing about Mornington Peninsula is that it’s more than just another seaside location. Though there are several beaches to choose from, you can also opt to enjoy the other activities in the area! Whether that be strawberry picking at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, or boat sailing at Portsea, Mornington Peninsula proves that its one of Victoria’s best kept secrets.
Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour and 15 minutes
4. Drive through the scenic coast of Great Ocean Road*
Image from visitvictoria.com
If there’s one Australian road trip that you need to embark on, it has to be the Great Ocean Road. Despite only being an hour away from Melbourne, this town’s diverse set of natural wonders will make you feel like you’re worlds away from the bustling city. Not only is this region filled with incomparable beauty, but the drive up to this coastal town is just as spectacular!
For those who love the outdoors, this is the perfect location for your next day-trip! Within the region, there are countless iconic surfing spots, national parks, and lush rainforests for you to explore! But one thing you absolutely cannot miss at Great Ocean Road is the 12 Apostles. These incredible limestone formations are a true wonder even if only seven of these remain. It’s even more magical during sunset, so if you’ve got the time, schedule your visit then!
Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours via car
5. Interact with penguins and other wildlife at Phillip Island*
Image from visitvictoria.com
Combine your love for animals and the sea and visit the lovely town of Phillip Island just 90 minutes from Melbourne! Phillip Island has become a popular day trip location for families – due to its stunning beaches and incredible wildlife!
If there’s one activity you can’t miss in Phillip Island, it’s the famous Penguin Parade that commences at night time down at Summerland Beach. However, if you don’t plan on staying long enough (although we highly encourage you do), you can also take the kids to Phillip Island Wildlife Park to get a glimpse of these wobbling creatures plus some koalas and kangaroos as well!
Apart from the spectacular wildlife interactions you can make on this side of Australia, Phillip Island is also home to an abundance of pristine beaches! Whether you want to catch a wave at Woolamai Surf Beach, or just chill out by the shore at Anchorage Beach, Phillip Island is definitely a unique destination for a beach getaway.
Distance from Melbourne: 2 hours via car
6. Be one with nature at Dandenong Ranges
Image from visitvictoria.com
There’s no better way to disconnect from the hustling city life than to go on a peaceful trek through the Dandenong Ranges. Get those hiking boots ready as you’re about to trek through some of Victoria’s best national parks! But whether or not you’re a nature lover, a trip to Dandenong Ranges will offer the break you need from your hectic day-to-day activities.
If you’ve come to Dandenong to go hiking, one park that is often recommended is the Cumberland Walk trail. However, if hiking is too much for you, you can still enjoy the beautiful landscapes and lush greenery by wandering around the Alfred Nicholas Gardens. All that walking can be tiresome to the body, so if you’re up for a relaxing massage, head on to Elle Natural for a spa retreat.
Distance from Melbourne: 40 minutes
7. Turn back time at Bendigo
Image from visitvictoria.com
Although you can easily travel to Bendigo via car, we recommend you ditch those road trip plans and catch the next train to Bendigo instead! As soon as you arrive at the Bendigo Railway Station, we can guarantee you’ll be in awe of the structure’s grand design. And as you explore more of Bendigo, you’ll notice that the railway’s Victorian architecture extends all throughout the city!
Aside from admiring the city’s marvelous architecture, tourists can discover more about Bendigo’s gold-mining industry at the Central Deborah Gold Mine! But don’t let their rich history fool you – this city is also beaming with contemporary art and is well-known for its incredible art galleries and street art!
Distance from Melbourne: 2 hours and 15 minutes via train | 1 hour and 50 minutes via car
8. Climb up to the top of the world at Grampians Grand Canyon*
No other place in Victoria can beat the panoramic views from the Grampians Grand Canyon! If you’re looking to hike away your stresses, a quick trip to Grampians National Park is your best bet! Not only is this a great way to de-stress, but imagine the incredible sights you’ll be hiking through – dramatic canyons, sparkling waterfalls, and lush greenery that will surely leave you awestruck.
On your way up to Boroka Lookout, make sure to keep an eye out for some adorable wildlife creatures like the kangaroos that often wander the area. Once you’re at the top of the mountain range, make sure to take it all in and snap a photo or two to look back on this once in a lifetime experience.
Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours and 45 minutes via car
9. Experience a winter wonderland at High Country
Image from visitvictoria.com
While other counties experience brutally hot weather during the months of June to August, Australians are bundling up for the winter season. If you’re visiting Melbourne around this time, drive up to High Country to enjoy some winter activities! For your all white holiday, you can ski through the slopes of Mt. Buller Alpine Resort, or toboggan down at Hotham Alpine Resort!
However, if you aren’t able to visit this winter wonderland location during the colder months, there’s still a great amount of activities that guests can enjoy once the snow melts! Head over to Falls Creek All Season Alpine Resort for a wide range of action sports to be enjoyed year-round! Whether you’re up for some mountain biking or dragon boating, this High Country resort will not disappoint!
Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours via train
10. Eat your weight in cheese at Gippsland
Image from visitvictoria.com
With more than a 4 hour commute, Gippsland isn’t everybody’s first choice when it comes to day trips. However, the great outdoors and its incredible range of cheese might change your mind!
Melbourne’s active city life can definitely take a toll on you. That said, a trip to Victoria’s southeast country-side will definitely be a great change of pace! Gippsland is blessed with an immense amount of farm life, beaches, mountains, and waterways, so you definitely won’t be bored in a place like this. Among the many activities that you can enjoy in Gippsland, a crowd favorite is the cheese tasting at Prom County Cheese! However, if you’re lactose intolerant, you can also opt to enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area such as a trek through Croajingolong National Park, or cycle through the tree-lined lanes of Gippsland Plains Rail Trail!
Destination from Melbourne: 4 hours and 20 minutes
Klook your way to Melbourne
Whether you’re in Melbourne or taking a day trip a couple hours from the city, it’s always a good idea to stay connected. With the 4G WiFi Device, you can share your amazing day trip posts and photos with your friends and relatives and encourage them to take a break themselves!
