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Day Trips

GO DAY TRIPPIN’ IN VICTORIA

Victoria is jam-packed with natural beauty and interesting tourist attractions, most of which can be reached in a day trip from Melbourne.

1. Be enchanted by Dandenong Ranges

Set in fairytale-like forest, the Dandenong Ranges region is a haven of hidden delights for nature-lovers, art enthusiasts and foodies. Stop by the SkyHigh Observatory to admire the panoramic views, followed by the National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda which are renowned as one of the country’s finest floral displays. Breathe in the fresh mountain air while exploring the local walking trails, including the challenging 1000 Steps and Kokoda Memorial Walk. In nearby Belgrave, jump aboard the popular Puffing Billy steam train which chugs along the narrow tree-lined tracks to Gembrook.

2. Bliss out in Daylesford and Macedon Ranges

Just 90 minutes drive from Melbourne is the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region, home to Australia’s largest concentration of mineral springs, spectacular scenery, award-winning restaurants and wineries and a thriving arts and craft community. Indulge in a hydrotherapy, massage and beauty therapy at the Hepburn Bath House and Spa; and fossick around the many craft and antique shops and galleries, including The Convent Gallery that showcases works from over 600 leading and emerging artists. Head to Lavandula Lavender Farm to enjoy lunch surrounded by lush lavender fields and Italian stone farm buildings built in the 1850s.

3. Penguins and adventure on Phillip Island

The saying 'good things come in small packages' is certainly true of Victoria's spectacular Phillip Island - a pleasant 90-minute drive from Melbourne. This small island which is connected to the mainland by a bridge is packed with entertainment experiences for couples and families - from romantic beach walks and winery tours, to up-close encounters with penguins, seals and koalas, as well as high octane action and outdoor adventure.

4. Hit the water at Geelong

Geelong, Victoria’s second largest city, takes full advantage of its spectacular north-facing bay with waterfront cafes and restaurants, landscaped gardens and walking and bike paths for locals and visitors to enjoy. Admire the sculptured bollards dotted along the Corio Bay foreshore depicting characters from the city’s past and present, including dapper young ladies in neck-to-knee bathing costumes, 1930s lifesavers, traditional Aussie families and a Geelong footballer. Stroll along the path that weaves around the edge of the bay from Rippleside to Limeburners Point and look out for the magnificently restored carousel which was built more than 100 years ago.

5. Surf’s up in Torquay

The Great Ocean Road continues to rank amongst Australia’s and the world’s ‘top journeys of a lifetime, stretching across some of the most stunning coastline and countryside, featuring historic shipwrecks and excellent beaches. The Great Ocean Road technically begins at Australia’s surfing capital Torquay where you can discover the history of surf culture at Surfworld Museum or learn how to catch a wave with one of the local surf schools. Get an aerial view of the coast from a Tiger Moth joy flight (and for the more adventurous, book an extreme aerobatic flight complete with mid-air turns and tricks).

6. Golf and gourmet delights on Mornington Peninsula

About an hour’s drive from the CBD is the stunning Mornington Peninsula which is reminiscent of the European countryside. It has been said that the Mornington Peninsula has more vineyards per kilometre than anywhere else in Australia – 174 vineyards at last count. It’s no wonder, then, that the region has many excellent wineries and a range of winery restaurants with magnificent views. Golf lovers will glory in the scope offered by 19 quality courses – including the acclaimed Moonah Links, The Dunes and Cape Schanck - which fully exploit the naturally beautiful terrain. See the work of local and Australian artists at working studios, private galleries and the well known Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery.

7. Cheers to Yarra Valley

Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is the perfect place to escape and enjoy the finer things in life. Home to Victoria’s earliest vineyards, the Yarra Valley has developed into one of the world’s finest wine growing regions and boasts more than 55 wineries, most of which offer cellar door tastings and sales. If you are self-driving, orange and blue Yarra Valley Regional Food Trail signs flag more than 100 cafés, restaurants, produce stores, farmers’ markets and farm gates featuring everything from fruit and vegetables to salmon, chocolate and cheese. A fun way to see the Yarra Valley is from the sky in a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

8. Step back in time in Ballarat

Just over an hour’s drive northwest of Melbourne, the Goldfields region boasts spectacular historic towns, grand streetscapes, gardens and art galleries. Learn about gold rush history at one of the region's many attractions, including: Sovereign Hill - a recreated 1850s Goldfields village; The Eureka Centre in Ballarat; and the Central Deborah Gold Mine in Bendigo. At Bendigo’s Art Gallery, don’t miss The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957 which is on show during the summer of 2008-09. On loan from the famous Victoria and Albert Museum London, the exhibition is exclusive to the Bendigo Art Gallery. More than 100 stunning dresses will be on display, including daywear, cocktail and evening attire created for socialites and royalty.

9. Be inspired by Gippsland

With its spectacular natural beauty, rich heritage, strong arts community and reputation for fine food and wine, there is so much to see and do in Central Gippsland. The region is home to many talented artists, including painters, sculptors and potters, whose works are showcased at intimate studios and shops throughout the region. The Latrobe Regional Gallery in Morwell houses an impressive collection of permanent and traveling exhibitions. The region’s lush dairy country has also long been a magnet to cheese-makers and today Gippsland boasts award-winning aged cheddar, rich creamy blues and goats’ milk varieties which can be sampled and bought from local delis and produce markets.

10. Unwind at Wilsons Prom

Wilsons Promontory (or 'The Prom' as it is fondly called) is one of Victoria’s best-known attractions at the southern most point of mainland Australia. Explore Wilsons Promontory National Park which is renowned for its spectacular scenery, magnificent and secluded beaches, cool fern gullies, great views, spectacular rock formations and an abundance of wildlife. Take a tour and taste the award-winning beers at Grand Ridge Brewery in Mirboo North; and fossick around the art galleries and craft stores dotted across the region, including Kongwak, Leongatha, Meeniyan, Fish Creek and Foster.