See the colourful beach boxes at Brighton or on the Mornington Peninsula on an easy day trip from Melbourne.

Are you after suggestions for some great days trips from Melbourne? Whether you are a local or international visitor, Melbourne has many great easy days trips you can take out of the city. From beautiful beaches, wineries, spa towns, quirky wildlife, small towns with quaint shops and award winning bakeries await you when you take a day trip from Melbourne. Whether you are based in Melbourne and looking for a getaway or visiting Melbourne, the day trips from Melbourne I have chosen will take you no more than 2 hours to reach.

I’m currently based in Melbourne and I’ve really enjoyed writing this post as it has been getting me out and about from Melbourne. No matter if you are doing a Melbourne day trip solo, with a friend, in a couple of having a day out with the kids, there are plenty of great day trips from Melbourne available. Without further ado, here is my absolute awesome guide to easy Melbourne day trips under 2 hours from Melbourne’s CBD.

If you haven’t explored Melbourne yet read my post What to See and Do in Melbourne. Or, my 7 day Melbourne itinerary if you are coming to Melbourne for a week holiday.

How to Travel on a Melbourne Day Trip

The best way to visit the places mentioned in my best Melbourne day trip guide is by your own transport, preferably a car. If you don’t have one, get prices and availability to rent one here. Having a car provides you with more flexibility to get around to different places. However, most can be reached by public transport on the train and bus network. You will be governed by timetables. Or to save time on organising your Melbourne day trip, there are a number of organisations that run day trips to great places outside of Melbourne. I have included some of these trips under the areas I suggest to visit for a day.

Easy Day Trips from Melbourne

1. Yarra Valley

Vines in the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is an easy drive from Melbourne. In fact, it is less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD. So one minute you’re in the CBD or the suburbs and the next minute you are surrounded by rolling hills covered in vines.

The Yarra Valley is world-renowned for producing cool-climate wines. You are spoilt for choice at the number of vineyards with cellar doors that you can visit. In fact, there are over 80 vineyards in the Yarra Valley. One of my favourites is Yering Station. It is one of the Yarra Valley’s oldest wineries and you can walk around the winery. You will see where the wine is produced and where the barrels of wine are kept. There is also a restaurant with fabulous views over the valley. And don’t leave without enjoying a wine tasting – Chardonnay anyone!

But the Yarra Valley is more than vineyards. If you take a drive through the Yarra Valley you will visit some wonderful towns – Yarra Glen, Healesville and Warburton to name a few. There is the Yarra Valley Dairy where you could purchase some handmade farmhouse cheeses. Chocolate lovers, and who isn’t, will love a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery where you can enjoy chocolate, chocolate, ice-cream and more chocolate. Watch the chocolatiers create their magic in the kitchens. And sit in the cafe with a hot chocolate and some chocolate fudge and enjoy views of the Yarra Valley. Or walk around the expansive grounds walking off the chocolate!

From the Chocolaterie you could head out to one of my favourite towns in the Yarra Valley, Healesville. Stroll along the tree lined main street before heading out to the Healesville Sanctuary to see the animals in their natural habitat. Then enjoy some gin at the Four Pillars Gin House before making one last stop iat the Coldstream Brewery. Yes, a brewery in amongst the wineries – and enjoy a beer tasting and a meal.

Distance and Time to the Yarra Valley: Melbourne to the Yarra Valley is about 25km taking anywhere from 30-45 minutes to reach by car. There are no trains that go into the Yarra Valley, you can catch one to Lilydale Train Station then catch a bus – but this is very time consuming. Plus buses only run every couple of hours. If you don’t have your own transport you can go on an organised tour.  These are great, particularly if you plan on sampling the wine, gin and beer. Check out these tours which you can book online.

2. The Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges, often referred to as ‘The Dandenongs’ or ‘The Nongs’ have been a favourite day getaway for Melbournians for a long time. They are a low mountain range rising some 633 metres and are home to nature and wildlife, cute villages, great food and a historic train known as Puffing Billy. They can burn with bushfires during the summer months and there can be snow in the winter months. 

Start you visit with a scenic drive through the Dandenong Ranges. You will wind your way up passing by towering Mountain ash trees and forest ferns and passing through quaint villages like Sassafras, Kalorama and Olinda. Maybe stop in Olinda and have a pie at ‘Pie In The Sky’ restaurant. Then, walk along the Main Street and enjoy the boutique stores of trinkets and clothes.

Head to the top of the mountain at SkyHigh Mount Dandenong for panoramic views over the Dandenong Ranges and back to greater Melbourne and the bays. There are extensive English gardens to enjoy, a maze and there are plenty of places for hikes and picnics.

One way to explore the Dandenongs is on the Dandenong Railway. This railway is over a hundred years old and a must is to take a ride on the steam train, known as Puffing Billy. The ride is spectacular and very scenic. Having a ride on the train is a highlight for many. The full Puffing Billing train experience can take 3-5 hours from Belgrave to Gembrook and return. The train line is a dedicated line used by Puffing Billy trains only. If you don’t want to take the train you can always pass through the same towns that Puffing Billy does and wait to see it. A walk along the train station will see you step back in time.

Distance and Time: The Dandenong Ranges are 35km east of Melbourne. It will take about 30-45 minutes to reach the area by car. You can catch a train to Belgrave Train Station then a bus to the top of Mount Dandenong.

3. Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a favourite seaside escape from the city of Melbourne. It is flanked by the ocean on one side and Port Phillip Bay on the other. If you don’t want to spend your time on one of the many beaches, you have some world-renowned cool-climate wineries and olive groves to visit in the Red Hill area. However, spending the day at the beach then wondering through some of the cute villages will reveal some yummy eateries and boutique stores. Then you could be pampered at the Peninsula Hot Springs.

On the ocean side of the peninsula there are plenty of beaches to visit to enjoy the waves. You could walk down the Bushrangers Bay Trail at Cape Schanck. Or perhaps tour the Cape Schanck lighthouse located on the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula for fabulous vistas over Bass Strait.

I suggest instead of taking the freeway all the way to the peninsula, turn off at Frankston and travel along the road that hugs the coast. Pass through seaside towns of Safety Beach, McCrae and Rosebud. You will be treated to fabulous views over the bay and unfortunately, a lot of traffic.

Many like to head to Sorrento, known for its heritage buildings, high-end boutiques and cafe culture. You can also catch the Sorrento-Queenscliff Ferry from here. And find yourself on the Bellarine Peninsula. But further down is the Point Nepean National Park where you could enjoy hiking on the back beach trails. I do think a day is not enough on the peninsula as the lifestyle is so good, you will want to stay longer!

Another popular place to visit is Arthurs Seat. Climbing to the top of Arthurs Seat will provide great views over the peninsula and over to Melbourne on a clear day. If you wanted you to take the revamped chairlift up and down. From Arthurs Seat you can head inland to Red Hill and visit one of the many world-famous Red Hill wineries and other local produce such as the Red Hill Cheese Factory.

Distance and Time: The Mornington Peninsula is a large peninsula about 75km East of Melbourne. It will take around 90 minutes to reach the beginning of it.

4. Hanging Rock and Woodend

Stand in awe at Hanging Rock

About an hour up the Calder Freeway (Melbourne to Bendigo) you will find yourself in the Macedon Ranges. With a number of quaint towns like Woodend, Trentham and Mount Macedon the area is known for one of its most famous landmarks. That of Hanging Rock. Hanging Rock, or Mount Diogenes is a rare volcanic formation which is a great example of a volcanic plug. Years of weathering and erosion has resulted in its current formation which stands 105 metres high. It was made famous as being the location for Peter Weir’s iconic film, Picnic at Hanging Rock, based on the book by Joan Lindsay. The rock is also important to local aborigines and was a refuge for bushrangers during the Victorian gold rush.

Start your journey at Hanging Rock in the Discovery Centre. Gain the history before ascending the rock yourself. There are two ways to climb the rock. The fastest is via the stairs or you can meander along the windy footpath. But the view from the top is spectacular. After your climb you may want to sit in the grounds and enjoy a picnic at Hanging Rock or head to one of the nearby local towns and enjoy the local produce in the cafes, bakeries, restaurants and pubs. There are also a number of wineries to visit.

Distance and Time: Hanging Rock is about 75km away from Melbourne. It will take about 1 hour to reach. You can catch a train to Macedon Train Station and a bus to Hanging Rock.

5. Daylesford

If in need of some pampering then head to the town of Daylesford and nearby Hepburn Springs. Known as being the spa capital of Australia due to the many soothing mineral springs, wellness centres and day spas found here. Escape here for a day or more for a relaxing time. And after you have enjoyed the pampering enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants serving seasonal local produce. But don’t forget to browse the town’s quaint shops, antique markets, art galleries and historic buildings. 

Distance and Time: Daylesford is around 115km from Melbourne. It will take about 1.5 hours to drive.

6. Williamstown

Williamstown Pier

A favourite day trip for many Melbournians is to take the ferry across Port Phillip Bay to the town of Williamstown. This is a historic town, being the first site of European settlers in the state to build a harbour. There is a rich maritime history here and this is evident as you stroll the foreshore buildings and colonial landmarks like Timeball Tower at Fort Gellibrand. The tower is a historic maritime landmark that would drop a large ball at 1.00pm daily to allow ships to calibrate their chronometers.

Many yachts dock alongside Gem Pier highlighting this seaside town. Ensure to visit the convict-built Nelson Place that now houses many craft shops and restaurants. Or maybe sit on the southern shore in the park or dip your toes in the waters of Williamstown Beach.

Distance and Time: Williamstown is only 15km from Melbourne, taking about 20 minutes to reach. You can catch a train or bus from Melbourne’s CBD to Williamstown.

7. Geelong

Geelong is one of my favourite Melbourne day trips. It is on the western side of Port Phillip Bay and is one of the oldest cities in Victoria and is in fact, the second largest city in Victoria. Geelong has a scenic harbour front with many highly-rated restaurants. This is where most visitors head first, and I don’t blame them, as you can easily spend your time dipping your toes in the waters, walking along the promenade and enjoying good food. But if you leave the water side the city also has a cultural precinct at the west end of Little Malop Street. Here you will find the Geelong Gallery, the Geelong Library, City Hall and the Old Post Office that add an air of history and grandeur to discover. Like Melbourne, Geelong has a number of street-art murals and laneways to explore. And if you are visiting during winter you may want to catch an AFL game of the local Geelong team.

Geelong is also the gateway to Bellarine Peninsula which has a lot of wineries and great beaches to visit. And also Torquay, a surfing mecca in Australia plus, near the start of . one of Australia’s best road trips, the Great Ocean Road. So even though this post is full of Melbourne day-trip suggestions, you could combine a visit to Geelong and surrounding areas on a Melbourne weekend escape.

Distance and Time: Geelong is around a 75km drive from Melbourne. It will take just over an hour to reach. You can catch a train to Geelong from Melbourne’s CBD.

8. Ballarat

Step Back In Time At Sovereign Hill

Ballarat is the third largest city in Victoria and was built from the gold rush in the 1800s. Even though there are many things to see and do in Ballarat the major thing is to spend your day at Sovereign Hill. Here you can pan for gold and watch and participate in the hustle and bustle of an 1850s gold mining settlement. A highlight is the AURA sound and light show which tells the story of the Eureka Rebellion. A big part of Australia’s history. When reforms were sought by gold prospectors who then clashed with government forces. They constructed a fortification in the Eureka goldfield, known as the Eureka Stockade. And it became a victory for the miners.

Distance and Time: Ballarat is 115km away from Melbourne, about 1.5 hour drive. You can catch public transport to Ballarat. There are a number of regular train and bus services that leave from Melbourne’s CBD.

9. Bendigo

Bendigo is a large city north of Melbourne and a great day trip from Melbourne. It was originally a gold rush boom town and there are grand buildings still standing from this time. You can ride a vintage talking tram through the city listening to an audio commentary on its rich gold mining history. During the gold rush many Chinese went there to make their fortunes. You can learn all about this at The Golden Dragon Museum.

Still on gold, visit the Central Deborah Gold Mine and take a mining tour underground. But for something not about gold, visit Bendigo Pottery, Australia’s oldest working pottery to discover traditional pottery skills from its beginning in 1858 to today. Or simply walk around the Botanic Gardens or along the streets in town and appreciate the boutique stores within heritage frontages. I’d definitely pop into a cafe or restaurant to get a bite to eat or visit one of the many local Bendigo wineries.

Distance and Time: Bendigo is about 150km north of Melbourne. It will take about 1.75 hours to get there. Bendigo has regular train and bus services from Melbourne and once there, is an easy city to walk around as many of the main things to see and do in Bendigo are close to each other. And you can catch the tourist tram.

10. Phillip Island

The bridge to Phillip Island

Phillip Island is one of my favourite family day trips from Melbourne. Even though Phillip Island is under 2 hours away from Melbourne and can be visited for a day trip, it is best to spend a little longer if you have the time. I say this because you can’t go to Phillip Island without seeing the nightly parade of the penguins as they come home from a day fishing to their nests. They come home as the sun is going down so it means you will return home late, so a weekend trip is preferred – particularly if visiting Phillip Island with kids.

There is plenty to see and do on Phillip Island including a visit to the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory to visit, walk along the Main Street of Cowes and dine in one of the cafes or restaurants. Possibly spend your time seeing much of the beautiful windswept coastline or just enjoying a swim or surf. Bike racing enthusiasts might want to head to the Phillip Island Bike Track. There are also a couple of great walks on the island.

Distance and Time: Phillip Island is 142km away from Melbourne, about 1.5 hour drive. There is a bus from Melbourne’s CBD taking you to the island.

11. The Great Ocean Road

Distance and Time: The Great Ocean Road starts some 209km from Melbourne. It will take 2 – 2.5 hours to get to the start of it.

Just like Phillip Island, I don’t think the Great Ocean Road should be rushed. However, if you are short on time, you can drive the Great Ocean Road in one day. The Great Ocean Road is around 650km long and can take around 9-10 hours to drive – this will be a very long day.

12. St Kilda

St Kilda is actually a suburb of Melbourne and as it is a mere 6km from Melbourne’s CBD it can easily be reached by tram from the city. This magical bayside suburb is loved by locals with many backpackers gravitating towards it. People are attracted by the active beachfront lifestyle. During the day walk (or run) along the promenade. Take a walk along the pier and see the colony of penguins who live under the pier. Then, head to Acland Street to enjoy a drink in a bar or cafe or a cake from one of the many cake shops Acland Street is known for.

And at night there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and clubs to enjoy. Include a visit to the Esplanade Hotel, known as ‘The Espy’ for a drink, meal and entertainment.

13. Brighton

Brighton is about 4-7km from St Kilda, so you could visit St Kilda and Brighton in the one day trip (if you wanted). I say this as it probably won’t take you the whole day to explore. This is because you will probably only want to include a visit to Brighton to see the colourful Brighton beach boxes on Brighton Beach. Once seen, you could head to Church Street, Brighton to sit in one of the cafes, wine bars or restaurants. Perhaps you would like to admire some of the heritage and no so heritage mansions found in the area. 

Are You Ready for an Easy Day Trip from Melbourne?

There are plenty of more small and large towns worthy of a day trip from Melbourne to do. However, the ones in this post are the most popular and some of my favourites. Where ever you drive for the day, Victoria offers a variety of towns and cities to explore.