Melbourne's Must-Do Day Trips

The world’s most liveable city, Melbourne, has many attractions and a great culinary scene that will keep any visitor busy for quite some time. If you’re feeling a little intrepid, then exploring Melbourne’s surrounding areas is a must. Whether you are looking to relax, experience something new or visit iconic attractions, these day trips are well worth the drive.

Yarra Valley

Only one hour away, the Yarra Valley presents itself as a great day trip from Melbourne. Escape the fast-paced city and let yourself be enchanted by the picturesque valleys with its countless wineries renowned for offering a great array of cool climate wines. If you enjoy learning about wines and exploring characteristic vineyards, a day trip to Yarra Valley won’t disappoint.

Opening Hours: 10am-5pm for most wineries

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is perhaps the most iconic road and day trip from Melbourne. Although it requires an early start, driving the expansive 243-kilometer-long Great Ocean Road, starting from Torquay up to Allansford, is an experience within itself. Recognised as Australian National Heritage, the highway offers various stops worthy of exploration, such as the Aireys Inlet where you can visit the Split Point Lighthouse and the Bay of Islands viewpoint past Allansford. The highlight, of course, remains the iconic oddly shaped rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles.

Opening Hours: Always

Great Ocean Drive, Australia

1. Phillip Island Penguins

Phillip Island Penguins

If you are interested in wildlife and are looking for a unique experience only a 90-minute drive away, you can find yourself at Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade, where you can see the natural occurrence of the marching penguins. Every evening at sunset, you can see the penguins march out of the water in groups and make their way up to their breeding grounds. Buy your tickets in advance, bring a blanket and grab a spot on the left most stand for the best views. Try to eat dinner beforehand as you will most likely be attacked by a gang of seagulls if you’re walking around with hot chips after!

Opening Hours: Arrive around 7pm to grab the best seats

Price: General $24.50

Phillip Island Penguins, 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerland, VIC, Australia

Peninsula Hot Springs | Courtesy of ThinkGeoEnergy

2. Peninsula Hot Springs

Spa

Peninsula Hot Springs

If relaxation and wellbeing is on your mind, you can opt for a leisurely day at the Peninsula Hot Springs. Rotating between the different pools will make the day fly by. You can start with the jet-powered pool by the lake, moving your way up through the cave pool to the Turkish steam room and more; you will find a sauna, Finnish cold plunge and a hot pool perched on top of a hill that sports some amazing landscape views.

Opening Hours: Every day 7:30am-10:00pm

Price: $20-40 depending on time slot

Peninsula Hot Springs, 30 Springs Ln, Fingal, VIC, Australia

Train over Trestle Bridge | Courtesy of Puffing Billy

3. Puffing Billy Railway

Park, Train Station

Puffing Billy Railway

Whether you want to ride the scenic and historic narrow gauge heritage railway Puffing Billy steam train, or enjoy a picnic at the Emerald Lake Park, the Dandenong area offers a great nature escape from Melbourne and is only one hour by train or 30 minutes by car. Take the train from Southern Cross train station all the way to Belgrave, which serves as the starting point of the Puffing Billy. Whether you choose to combine it with lunch or be adventurous and dangle your feet on the open-sided carriages, the round trip to Lakeside or journeying through to Gembrook is sure to impress.

Opening Hours: Every day 9am-5pm

Price: $51.50

Puffing Billy Railway, 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave, VIC, Australia
By Herta Nune

Originally from Boston, USA, Herta Nune is spending the next year exploring Australia with her partner Mark van Seventer, with whom she also co-writes their blog www.markmyjourney.com detailing their never-ending wanderlust.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.