10 Day Trips From Melbourne By Car
If you travel to Melbourne, you must make hard choices with many places and things to do. I recommend planning easy day trips from Melbourne CBD as this is how you will optimise your time. Melbourne has such beautiful and varied surroundings that you can easily explore on self-drive trips.
The Best Day Trips From Melbourne City By Car
I have been driving around Australia on a good dozen road trips, eight as a solo traveller. Melbourne’s good thing is that most places are within a short drive of 100 km or less. You can make these Melbourne day trips without worrying about staying overnight.
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Here is my list of ideas for easy day trips from Melbourne that you can do solo or with friends.
1. Mornington and Cape Schanck Lighthouse
Mornington is one of those unusual places to visit near the city. Only a one-hour drive southeast of Melbourne makes you feel on holiday, even if you are a local: the street cafes, the laid-back atmosphere, the lovely beaches and walks. You can spend a few hours or half-day in Mornington, and from there, you can easily explore all the Mornington Peninsula attractions and make a relaxed day trip from East Melbourne.
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Start with a scenic coastal drive from Mornington to Sorrento to witness some of the best views of Port Phillip Bay, then take an inland detour to Arthurs Seat Summit through the beautiful hills and wineries. Finally, descend on the other side of the peninsula to Flinders, a pretty historic seaside town.
From Flinders, keep driving along the rugged scenic coastline to view some picturesque rock formations and not miss out on visiting the Cape Schanck Lighthouse. Don’t miss out on the boardwalk down to the Rock Pulpit, a lovely spot for taking photos and taking ocean views.
If you love to get active with a more energetic walk, a 100km Mornington Peninsula Walk combines four shorter and hinterland hilltop walks. But you can also choose the 30km from Cape Schanck to Portsea Surf Beach. Another thing to do on this fun day trip is to stop at the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs.
Road Trip Distance: 120-150 km from Melbourne to Cape Schanck via the coastal highway, Brighton, Mornington. If you add Sorrento and Flinders, it is a bit longer. But this is all doable on a day trip.
Bonus Tip: I prefer to go on weekdays over weekends. It gets busy with locals and usually is crowded.
2. The Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary
I love the Healesville Sanctuary. It’s a unique wildlife sanctuary in Australia. If you want to see Australian animals, this is a first-choice place that should be on your bucket list. Located 70 km in East Melbourne, it’s an easy drive from Melbourne within the Yarra Valley.
It is an excellent idea for a day out in nature. Plan 4-5 hours to be able to take part in some of the educational shows. I attended the platypus show and the birds of prey. I recommend combining this beautiful day trip to Healesville with a Yarra Valley Tour if you are a foodie and like wine.
Road Trip Distance: 60 km from Melbourne to Healesville Sanctuary via M3.
Bonus Tip: Leave early to get there by 9.00 am if you want to participate in the various shows.
3. The Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s top wine and food regions. If you like food and nature, this is another fabulous short-day trip from Melbourne and an easy drive from the city. There are over 70 wine cellar doors, microbreweries, award-winning restaurants, and some of Victoria’s best farmers’ markets. Next, to top wineries like Chandon, De Bortoli and Yering, Yarra Valley.
If you want to stay overnight, check out the best places here: ➡️ Yara Valley
Don’t miss out on the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery Factory; I’d dare say the best ice cream I had in Australia. Another great experience is boarding the 100-year-old Puffing Billy steam train at Belgrave and walking around the artisan shops.
Road Trip Distance: 58 km drive from Melbourne to Yarra Valley and 20 km from Healesville via M3.
My Tip: From Yarra Valley, you can also go on a hot-air balloon ride for a superb birds-eye view of the area.
4. Marysville
If you plan to visit Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, then the best way to do it is to optimise your time and add a visit to Marysville. Ideally, I would start your road trip from Melbourne early to ensure you have access to the morning’s birds of prey shows and more animal feeding shows. The drive from Healesville to Marysville is a short distance and a truly scenic drive among dense fern trees and tall eucalyptus forests. Marysville is a beautiful mountain village in the Yarra Valley region, completely rebuilt after the tragic Black Saturday in 2009 when the extended fire destroyed most of the houses and surrounding bushland. There are both natural and artistic attractions to see.
The Steavenson Falls is only 4 km away from the visitor centre, and from there are a few lookouts and walking trails in the forests leading back to town. Make sure you visit Bruno’s Sculpture Garden showcasing over 100 handcrafted characters made of clay. Very beautiful and witty; I can recommend it.
Road Trip Distance: 107 km from Melbourne to Marysville and 38 km from Healesville.
Bonus Tip: Best if a combined trip with a morning trip to Healesville first.
5. The Kokoda Memorial Walk (1000 Steps)
The 1000 Steps walk must be on your list if you love walking in nature. It’s my favourite nature walk in Melbourne because it’s a short hike up to the hill surrounded by a beautiful fern tree and eucalyptus forest. It’s easy to get there. You will not need a car for this energetic Melbourne day trip, as trains from Flinders Street or Southern Cross take you there. You can see wallabies, echidnas and many more animals. If you plan to drive to the Dandenong National Park entrance, it’s about 40 minutes.
Road Trip Distance: 41 km from Melbourne to the 1000 Steps Carpark via M1. You can also travel by train from Flinders Station, about 45 minutes to Upper Ferntree Gully and 10 minutes walk.
Bonus Tip: Get there in the morning and possibly avoid weekends as it gets too busy with locals.
6. The William Ricketts Sanctuary
William Ricketts Sanctuary is a unique attraction in the Dandenong Ranges’ ferny region, only one hour’s drive from Melbourne. At first, it reminded me of an Asian spiritual temple. Walking through its green alleys, you can admire over 90 clay sculptures of the famous explorer William Ricketts whose art represents his vision of Aboriginal culture and heritage. A must-do stop is the Mount Dandenong Lookout (5 dollars entrance to the car park) to witness a majestic view of the Dandenong Ranges and, on a bright day, a superb vista of Melbourne Skyline. On your way to William Ricketts Sanctuary, there are more attractions, like the legendary Miss Marple’s Tea Room in Sassafras, which is a must if you love tea and love to taste some of the best cakes in the region.
If you are a nature lover, you must go on a road trip to the Dandenongs.
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Road Trip Distance: 48 km from Melbourne to The William Ricketts Sanctuary.
Bonus Tip: Perfect if combined with the 1000 Steps Walk.
7. Phillip Island
Phillip Island is probably the most known attraction in Melbourne’s surroundings. The famous little penguin parade is the highlight that attracts thousands of visitors 365 days a year. While I liked the penguin parade, there is more. Visit Nobbies Point and the Koala Wildlife Sanctuary. At the same time, you can visit Phillip Island on a day, a multi-day trip from Melbourne, and a visit to Wilson Promontory or Cape Paterson. Check out our guide to all Things to do on Phillip Island.
For your stay, check these deals: ➡️ Phillip Island Accommodations
Road Trip Distance: 140 km from Melbourne to Phillip Island via M1. You can also get there by bus.
My Tip: There is no public transportation on the island, so self-drive is the best way to visit. Booking the Penguin’s parade ticket in advance is necessary.
8. Wilsons Promontory National Park
While all the above trips are doable in one day, I would not plan only one day if you want to explore Wilsons Promontory. Wilson Prom is ideal for a two or three-day trip around Melbourne. To get there, it’s an easy 3-hour drive, and you will love this road trip journey. Tidal River Nation Park offers top scenic walking trails and the best wilderness area for seeing wildlife.
For Wilson Prom’s Accommodation, check the: ➡️ Gippsland Hotels
Road Trip Distance: 220 km from Melbourne to Wilsons Prom via M1.
Bonus Tip: Plan your time and stops on your road trip. Stay overnight to make the most of your trip.
9. Walhalla Goldfields
Another fantastic destination in Victoria worth adding to your itinerary is Walhalla. I’d dare say the top fascinating heritage township I have ever seen in Australia. I recently visited last year for the first time, and I hope to return. As Walhalla lies 200 km in the Eastern Gippsland, this is ideal when planning a road tour from Melbourne to Sydney along the South East Coast of Australia.
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Road Trip Distance: 185 km from Melbourne to Walhalla.
Bonus Tip: A day trip is perfect but tiring. I suggest staying overnight to enjoy the stunning landscape and beautiful forests.
10. The Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road (approx. 200 km from Melbourne) is one of Australia’s most beautiful and scenic coastal drives. This fantastic drive will take you through sea cliffs, picturesque beaches, and unique rock formations. Melbourne’s drive carries on the west for almost 250 kilometres until it reaches the town of Allansford. The Great Ocean Road is more popular by the name of the 12 Apostles. Read more about a road trip to the Great Ocean Road.
To Stay On The Great Ocean Road, I recommend: ➡️ Great Ocean Road Hotels
Road Trip Distance: 290 km from Melbourne to Port Campbell.
Bonus Tip: A day trip is possible but very tiring. I suggest leaving early from Melbourne to enjoy it and not feel rushed. At least a one-night stopover is recommended.
How to plan your Melbourne Day Trips efficiently.
The best way to organise your day trips from Melbourne CBD is to hire a car. You may prefer self-driving to guided Melbourne trips if you travel with a friend or companion. Road-tripping and self-driving trips in and around Melbourne are easy. If you are on a tight schedule, you may combine guided trips from the city too. If you plan to stay in Melbourne, check out our guide to the best areas where to stay in Melbourne.
Check out our picks for the best guided day tours from Melbourne:
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A Guide To The Best Places To Stay in Melbourne
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Post first published in 2016, last updated in Jan 2023
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Phoebe
March 10, 2016 @ 1:19 am
I LOVE the Dandenong Ranges! I spend 2-3 days there a week (my partner lives in the area), and it’s such a beautiful, tranquil place. I’d never heard of the William Ricketts Sanctuary, though – it sounds lovely! Will have to check it out.
I’d recommend watching the sunset over Melbourne city from Bourke’s lookout – it’s a gorgeous way to end a day in the Ranges!
And yes, Miss Marple’s Tea Room is one of the cutest places to visit 🙂
Great recommendations, as always!
Rocky Travel Australia
March 10, 2016 @ 1:11 pm
Hi Phoebe, the Dandenong Ranges is one of my favourite places around Melbourne. You must visit William Ricketts Sanctuary! Thanks for the tip with the Bourke’s lookout, I will check it out next time I am in Melbourne! Happy & Safe travels in Australia!
Kanchan
March 12, 2016 @ 6:53 am
Melbourne is a very good place to spend holidays, it is a place full of excursion, there are so many things to do in Melbourne. No doubt it is an expensive country as compare to other asian country’s but it has their own wonderful experience.
Kathy Marris
March 24, 2016 @ 7:23 am
These are very good ideas for day trips out of Melbourne. There is so much to do in Melbourne. It really is hard to beat as a travel destination.
Rocky Travel Australia
July 25, 2016 @ 7:27 pm
Hi Kathy, you are right. It’s hard to choose what to do in beautiful Melbourne’s surroundings! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Lesley Boniface
September 10, 2016 @ 10:23 pm
The Yarra Valley winery tours are great. We visited De Bertolli too, but also loved some of the smaller ones like Soumah, Maddens Rise and Pimpernel. The Chocolaterie was fab too, especially the great big bowls for trying when you enter!
Rocky Travel Australia
October 25, 2016 @ 2:27 pm
I liked De Bortoli Winery too. I don’t know the other ones. I also remember visiting a couple of small ones too. The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie is absolutely one of the highlights of the whole region! 😉
Mark
February 7, 2017 @ 6:27 am
Hi everyone,
I agree with Kanchan, Melbourne is a nice place for family, friends, couples. I have stayed at Melbourne for 2 weeks, We all know that Australia is quite expensive. So we really have to plan ahead before going there. But I assure you guys that it’s all worth the expenses! There’s a lot of beautiful spot to visit in Melbourne. Because my budget can’t afford a Hotel stay, I just accommodate an Apartment house for my stay in Melbourne.
sophie
March 7, 2017 @ 10:59 am
Hi, did you do free and easy for Yarra Valley wine tour? How much did it cost you for wine tasting each winery?
Rocky Travel Australia
March 14, 2017 @ 3:30 pm
Hi Sophie, I went on my own and most of the time wine tasting is free, depending on the winery. Or as little as 5-10 dollars per winery.
Sarah Shumate
March 4, 2018 @ 1:39 am
All of these look like amazing day trips, but I think I’d especially enjoy the 1000 Steps Walk in the Dandenongs! Wildlife + nature + peace and quiet is pretty much a recipe for perfection in my book. 🙂
Fran Cusack
March 12, 2018 @ 1:27 pm
North of the city there is plenty to see and do. Lancefield has wineries and a gorgeous main street with a few great places to dine or just grab a coffee and cake. Woodend is another town about 25km from Lancefield and your drive will take you past the amazing “Hanging Rock”. You can easily spend a day at the rock ascending to its summit via a path that suits all fitness levels. There is the beautiful drive to the summit of Mount Macedon where you can walk to the memorial cross and lookout over the whole of the Macedon Ranges. Approximately 24 km East of Lancefield their is the township of Kilmore which has a couple of really great bakeries, an old gaol and a main street full of quirky and interesting shops. From any of these central Victorian towns there is much to see and do, with all of the Macedon Ranges within 100 km of the cbc, it’s well worth a day or two to visit.
Robyn Reeves
July 11, 2019 @ 6:12 am
These are all great day trips, however, I note that they are all to the east of Melbourne. To the west, there are also great nearby day trips including wonderful spa/springs country around Macedon, Daylesford and Hepburn, Ballarat and the Goldfields, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula/ surf coast, and a little bit further afield the amazing Grampians/Gariwerd National Park. These are all well worth considering and are also within easy reach by car.