The Best Melbourne Tours For 2023

by Admin

Some of the places of the world are perfectly positioned to offer inner peace and relaxation. Located on the south coast of Australia, Melbourne justifies this statement very well. Delightful seashores, peculiar natural life, spa towns, and incredible wild regions, all you can see inside a couple of hours’ drive of Melbourne. You can not miss the lovely and enchanting parade of penguins at Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade, located 140 km from Melbourne.

Those who have visited this place or live there know very well what this place holds for visitors. It has been rated for the highest living standard in the world. Along with wildlife beauty, you can explore Victoria’s luxury seaside resorts, art galleries, retro shops, and several award-winning restaurants.

This blog, “The Best Melbourne Day Trips,” covers a blend of outside experiences, connoisseur features, best things to see, eat, and notable areas of interest, the home territory of Victoria brings to the table. So let us check out one by one.

Melbourne One Day Travel Guide

Melbourne is full of cultural activities, art exhibitions, lovely music, and many other things. With a list of awesome activities to do, you can easily spend a complete week in this amazing city. However, if you are short on time and only want to explore the best of Melbourne in a day, then this guide will help you in achieving that. We have mentioned the top sights and things you can do at that place on your Melbourne trips. 

Daylesford

Daylesford

Daylesford, one of the most popular destinations for Melbournians, holds a combination of rural and urban attributes along with a healthy dose of style. You will experience a leisurely day out at Daylesford. You might have heard Daylesford as the ‘Shelter of Relaxation.’ This beautiful place proffers fresh and clean air that rejuvenates your skin and mood. The therapeutic quality of this place captures the attraction of visitors.

It’s ideal for moving to Daylesford by car to enjoy the best view. It’s 115km from Melbourne, and within 90 minutes you can reach there. You can also take public transport. Trains and buses are frequently available at minimal charges.

If you want to experience the best of taste and variety, you must try LakeHouse Restaurant. They keep on changing their multi-course menu as per the season. One of the very popular breakfast restaurants among locals is Cliffy’s Emporium. It offers local products, famous mineral water, and groceries. Daylesford Cider will fulfill your thirst need. They prepare traditional cider with heritage apples. You will get cider in multiple varieties.

To relax, you can visit the most famous spa in this region, Hepburn Bathhouse, and Spa. For mental peace, you can explore The Convent Gallery, where you will get different types of historical objects. For luxurious pleasure, you can stay at Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat, which is equipped with open-air pools, fine dining, and elegant rooms.

Highlights The Convent Gallery, The Hepburn Bathhouse, Animus Distillery, Passing Clouds Winery
Distance From Melbourne 115km
Best Time To Visit September To November
Top Sights In Daylesford Lake Daylesford, Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens

Yarra Valley

Yarra Valley

Get a fantastic feeling of the bucolic landscape in a short span of drive from Melbourne CBD. It is located at the closest destination to Melbourne. It is Victoria’s oldest wine region. It takes only a little time to reach there, but the pretty rolling hills and vineyards will take you from everything. This place has wildlife, fun rides, cute villages, exciting food, and historical objects for everyone. You can start your trip by the scenic drive at Dandenong Ranges that is located east of Melbourne.

You can taste the best of foods at Giant Steps, and also across the street, Innocent Bystander offers wood-fired pizzas. For enjoying wine and dining all day long, Yarra Valley is the perfect place. You will get the best of Chardonnay and pinot noir at this place. Also, don’t forget to explore the Yering Station, which is the oldest winery in this region. Global Ballooning Australia offers a hot air balloon tour to get the most exciting view of the place. You can end your journey in this fantastic place by visiting Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery to enjoy the awesome taste of chocolate balls and ice cream.

Highlights Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, Rayner's Orchard, Puffing Billy Railway
Distance From Melbourne 40 kilometers east of Melbourne.
Best Time To Visit Early Autumn, around the month of March
Top sights in Wine Yarra Valley Healesville Sanctuary, Maroondah Reservoir Park, Innocent Bystander

Castlemaine

Castlemaine

This coast has lots of things to offer. The shining and vast seascape of this place catches the attention of tourists. You can plan your weekend by enjoying the Arty Hub of Castlemaine. This place has become home for creative persons, writers, and artists in recent times. You will find this place above its weight when talking about cultural activities and festivals. Bistro Lola is a two-tier restaurant that will help you experience the best taste. You will find it as the perfect date material with the combination of fresh flowers and amazing low-lit charm.

For enjoying the chilled beer, you can stop and enjoy the Taproom. You will find lovely music here on Sundays and sometimes on Fridays as one of the owners, Doug Falconer, is a well-known host of karaoke, comedy, and trivia. You can further move to The Mill, which is a giant hub for artisan and food manufacturing. You should not miss Vintage Bazaar that remains open seven days a week and has a good collection of groovy clothes and houseware belongings. This market is helpful for everyone; if you are exploring furniture and art, then in the meantime, your kids will enjoy the ping pong and foosball tables. You can also appreciate the great taste of artisan chocolates at Caboose & Five Chocolates.

The Empyre Hotel is the perfect example of gold rush architecture. You can make yourself comfortable here. Most of the individuals take photos of this hotel to show others. It is well equipped with a luxurious bar, garden, and loveliest sight of Castlemaine.

Highlights Castlemaine State Festival, Maldon Market, Victorian Goldfields Railway
Distance From Melbourne 124 km
Best Time To Visit: Summer (December through February)
Top Sights In Castlemaine Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, Castlemaine Art Museum

Phillip Island’s

Phillip Island

If you are a wildlife lover, then you should add this destination to your list. It is 140km from Melbourne’s city center. It is mostly known as the colony of Little Penguins. You will see a large crowd at the beach at the Phillip Island Nature Park, enjoying the view of the sunset and adorable penguins. Your kids will get excited to follow penguins on Broadwalk when they search their home in the sand. There are some wildlife parks that you can also explore. Koala bears can be easily seen in the Koala Conservation Center and if you love to see kangaroos and wallabies, then visit Phillip Island Wildlife Park. Along with this, you can also do several activities such as a dip in the sea, aqua biking, fur sea spots, and kayaking.

Don’t forget to top your tour with a memorable meal at Wild Food Farm and Café. This place has plenty of food to offer. The farmer here grows wattleseed and lemon myrtle-like bush tucker that is mostly used in cafes and also sold in the form of gifts all across Australia. Everyone loves the use of fresh and native ingredients in food preparation. You can also roam through these native bushlands as per your choice.

We would like to suggest you enjoy some fantastic drinks at Westernport Hotel. You can also catch some pleasing views of the islands while enjoying the drink. For a comfortable stay, Five Acres is the best choice. Their guest house is completely equipped with all the necessary items that you will desire. After returning from there, you can also visit Pyramid Rock to Berrys Beach walk. It offers the most spectacular views. The path for this destination is wide and easy to navigate.

Highlights A Maze N Things Theme Park, Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, Nobbies Center (Home Of The Antarctic Journey)
Distance From Melbourne 140 km
Best Time To Visit Late Autumn Or Early Spring
Top Sights In Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Phillip Island Wildlife Park, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

The Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula

It is one of the most pleasant places to visit near Melbourne. Mornington Peninsula is rich with beautiful beaches, gardens, parks, spas, and wineries. It takes only 90 minutes to drive from the south of the CBD. You will discover diverse attractive spots during your drive. Mornington Peninsula is also home to award-winning restaurants; thus, you can enjoy the best hospitality at Red Gum BBQ. Also, you can have a fine diner at Laura, which is situated at Pt Leo Estate.

If you are all the more a cocktail fan, visit Flaggerdoot, the extravagant bar at Jackalope Hotel that will fulfill all your desires. Mornington Peninsula is well equipped with a fabulous café, an intriguing garden, and magnificent wines made with care. If you are planning to visit this place, then you must make your mood to soak in the steamy mineral spring pools. Peninsula Hot Springs will offer you the chance to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins and seals over there. You will enjoy the complete pleasure of the spa and resort at Peninsula Hot Springs.

Highlights Peninsula Hot Springs, Sorrento Front Beach, Fingal, Horseback Riding along the Beach
Distance From Melbourne 95 km
Best Time To Visit February through to April
Top Sights In The Mornington Peninsula Arthurs Seat Eagle - Base Station, Enchanted Adventure, Cape Schanck Lighthouse

Ballarat

Ballarat

It’s time to check the next destination. As soon as you enter this place, you will find yourself under the era of blacksmiths and artisans. Most of the individuals will remember the term ‘Sovereign Hill’ after listening to the name of Ballarat. But besides this, there are more things to explore. It’s located 116 Km from Melbourne. You can check out the regional places, art galleries, dining destinations, and various kinds of fun activities. At the historical places, you will get to see costumed staff, dazzling sound, and stagecoach rides.

You can either go there by driving or with VLine trains that are available at intervals of an hour. For keeping your energy up, you can enjoy the special coffee and breakfast at L’espresso. The good number of restaurants and cafes are impressive points for food lovers over here. And if you love to try craft beers, then you must check out Hop Temple that will please you with a vast array of ciders and wines, gluten-free salads, OTT Burgers, and pizzas. If you are visiting this place in spring or summer, then Lake Wendouree and the Botanical Gardens are some of the places that should not be missed.

Highlights Ballarat Wildlife Park, Lake Wendouree Adventure playground, Aura Sound And Light Show, 6km Steve Moneghetti track
Distance From Melbourne 116 km
Best Time To Visit Between September and November
Top Sights In Ballarat Sovereign Hill, Kryal Castle, Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road

One of the jewels in Victoria’s tourism crown is Great Ocean Road. It will take 1.5 hours to reach there from Melbourne CBD. Its length is 243km. The main highlight of this place is the Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch that are formed with the sculpture of sea and wind. It is not very wide as you can finish its drive-in four-five hours without taking any halt. But the eye-catchy surrounding and native animals there will make you stop. Lots of things continuously go at the coast of Great Ocean Road that catches the attention of visitors. At this place, you will be most close to fauna and flora.

At this beach, you can enjoy fish and chips. You can get it for yourself from Salty Dog Fish and Chippery. And your drink requirement will be handled by Aireys Pub. This much-cherished place has live music sets, and it’s an extraordinary spot to kick back after a swim. The bar presents an extraordinary parma also. You can check out spots such as Koalas in the Wild Tour and Twelve Apostles.

Highlights Split Point Lighthouse, Hopetoun Falls, Johanna Beach, The 12 Apostles, Peterborough
Distance From Melbourne 142 km
Best Time To Visit March-April
Top Sights In Great Ocean Road Teddy's Lookout, Memorial Arch at Eastern View, Sheoak Falls

The Grampians National Park

The Grampians National Park

The beautiful natural gems and true feeling of Australian wilderness can be achieved together at The Grampians National Park. The best way to get there is by car, and within three hours of driving, you will reach this beautiful destination. You can head towards MacKenzie Falls, one of Victoria’s popular waterfalls. You need to walk down 35 meters to experience the best of this waterfall, and that will be equal to 2Km in return. There you will find a place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

There are certain viewpoints inside this place. Halls Gap is the perfect example of endless bush and major rocks. To complete your day trip, you can walk 1km more and see the beauty of The Balconies. The Hollow Mountain (Wujub-Guyana) walk is a 2km walk, but it is not easy to walk with the risk of rock droppings. This place also shelters some of the traditional rock art.

Highlights The Pinnacle, The Balconies, J Ward Museum
Distance From Melbourne 274 km
Best Time To Visit January-February
Top Sights In The Grampians National Park Pinnacle Lookout, MacKenzie Falls, Boroka Lookout, Reed Lookout

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory National Park

It is an affectionate place for nature lovers. Locals call it “The Prom.” It is the state’s largest coastal wild region that will offer lots of good spots for photographers. If you are moving from Melbourne CBD, then it will take 3 to 4 hours to drive. Some of you might say that it is a long drive, but the fantastic scenery, beaches, and relaxed environment will make you feel good. You have to walk through the bushland, giant rocks, and quartz sands. Also, you will find some of the wildlife there, such as kangaroos, emus and several birds.

You will have lots of things to do there. You can start with climbing, from short one-hour strolls to multi-day journeys. After one hour of tracking, you will arrive at Mt. Oberon, which has the best perspectives to offer. If you can drive underwater, then also there are several activities that you can incorporate several exercises like fishing, kayaking, swimming, etc. You must have good quality climbing shoes for hiking.

Highlights Lilly Pilly Gully Walk, Picnic Bay, Sealer’s Cove, Millers Landing Nature Walk & Vereker Outlook
Distance From Melbourne 206 km
Best Time To Visit October-December
Top Sights In Wilsons Promontory National Park Squeaky Beach, Mount Oberon, Norman Beach

Lorne

Lorne

This natural place is situated just about 138 kilometers from Melbourne city center. It lies in between Otway National Park and the Great Ocean Road. Travelers experience a pleasant combination of seaside and environmental beauty at Lorne. We guarantee that you will never feel bored at this place. This place has a lot of things to offer. Swimming, surfing at the beach, skatepark and other such things. Near the pier, you can buy fresh fish. Besides this, bakeries, bookstores, galleries and boutiques remain full with a good number of visitors.

If you love to check out some of the more catchy views, proceed with a five-minute drive. One more well-known fascination in the space is Erskine Falls, which lavish plants and eucalyptus backwoods rim. If you are planning your vacation during Christmas time, you should keep in mind about advance booking to avoid inconvenience at the last moment as this place becomes full with tourists.

Highlights Lorne Pier, Lorne Sea Baths, Rockpools, Aireys Lighthouse, Sheoaks Falls
Distance From Melbourne 141 km
Best Time To Visit March, April, October, November & December
Top Sights In Lorne Erskine Falls, Great Otway National Park, Lorne Beach

Mount Buller 

Mount Buller

Mountains experience snow when a typical region experiences rain. In that condition, if your planned outdoor activities are not working, then you can turn your mind to nearby snowy peaks. Mount Buller Skiing, known for offering Australia’s best ski resorts, is only three to four hours away from Melbourne. As per the starting of snowfall, mainly from June to late September, Mount Buller will offer you immense pleasure.

Mount Buller also offers broad lift arrangements across all Victorian hotels. The 22 lifts can lift guests to explore 300 hectares of skiable territory and three landscape parks. The non-skiers should not get downhearted as this place has something for them also. You can relax at spas, explore a variety of shops, hang out at toboggan park with kids. Mount Buller is the best place to plan your trip with family for experiencing first-time snow, skiing and wintertime pleasure.

Highlights Toboggan down the Slopes, Ride a Horse at Mount Buller, alpine spa retreat, sled dog tour
Distance From Melbourne 148.9 km
Best Time To Visit Late July and August
Top Sights In Mount Buller Alpine National Park, Ski Club of Victoria, Craig's Hut

The Macedon Ranges

The Macedon Ranges

Loves to explore mysterious places? Macedon Ranges has something for you. You can reach Hanging Rock Reserve within an hour’s drive from the northwest of Melbourne. If you have seen an iconic movie of Peter Weir, Picnic at Hanging Rock, you will realize that a 105-meter high extinct volcano currently appears like eroded columns were from this place.

Once upon a time, this rock was considered an Aboriginal landmark and a shelter for refugees during the Gold Rush. Hanging Rock Reserve is the best spot to enjoy a picnic in the open and fresh air. Along the way to reach the top, you will see plenty of nooks and incredible countryside views. Several hiking trails and wildlife animals such as koalas, wombats, wallabies, and kangaroos can be seen along the path.

Highlights Mount Macedon, Gorgeous gardens, Therapeutic waters
Distance From Melbourne 78 km
Best Time To Visit September to January
Top Sights In The Macedon Ranges Hanging Rock Winery, Forest Glade Gardens

Queenscliff

Queenscliff

Queenscliff is the hub point for experiencing all sorts of adventures related to the seaborne. You will reach this place after a 1 hour, 30 minutes drive from the southwest of Melbourne CBD. The best and most thrilling activity you can try there is to swim with seals and dolphins. You will love Queenscliff with its fascinating collection of cafeterias, bars, arts & crafts stores. You will get a chance to meet the resident sea lion colony while moving towards Port Phillip Bay. The lions eagerly wait to meet new faces and say hello to the visitors.

Throughout your visit, you will explore such curious creatures. Plan your tour to the maritime museum to prospect the historical facts. If you have never experienced the ride on locomotives before, then Queenscliff has ‘The Bellarine Railway‘ to give you a chance to enjoy its ride. People enjoy its sound and smell. If you have more time, you can visit some nearby oceans such as Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. These places have lovely scenes to watch, and you can enjoy swimming and surfing. For the best of entertainment and dining expertise, you can visit Blues Train.

Highlights Adventure Park Geelong, Swim with Dolphins, The Rip, Uniting Church, Mud Day Spa
Distance From Melbourne 103 km
Best Time To Visit December through February
Top Sight In Queenscliff The Bellarine Railway - Queenscliff Station, Point Nepean National Park

Bendigo

Bendigo

Located just at the distance of 154km from Melbourne, you can appreciate the Victorian era’s art, culture and architecture. With a 1.5 hour drive, you can easily reach there. Also, you can plan your journey with V/Line services. After arriving there, you must visit the Central Deborah Gold Mine that will offer you the memory of the gold rush era. Along the way, you will get Bendigo Art Gallery that will show you British and European Continental 19th-century painting and arts.

The Golden Dragon Museum will introduce Chinese culture to you. Also, you should not forget to try wheel throwing at Bendigo Pottery. You will get lots of options when the time comes for dining. You can check out Gallery Cafe that offers contemporary food and local wines. Also, you can try the pizza, curtains and several other things at this place.

Highlights Bendigo Bike hires, Bendigo Tramways, Confectionery Capers
Distance From Melbourne 154 km
Best Time To Visit January until April and October until December
Top Sight In Bendigo Golden Dragon Museum, Bendigo Art Gallery, Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Botanic Gardens We hope that this blog will help you to much extent in planning your 'The Best Day Trips From Melbourne.' These places are full of enjoyment, exciting activities, wildlife and natural beauty.  Plan your trip and have the best time over there.

Recommended:

▶ Know The Best  12 Things To Do In Melbourne Before You Die! Click Here

▶ Enjoy Sunrise in Melbourne – Most Stunning Viewing Spots Click Here

▶ Live A New Experience With Moomba Festival 2022 – Dates, Parade, Rides and Fireworks Click Here

You may also like

Get Connected

Looking To Advertise?

Let our team help boost the sales, leads and enquiries of your business.

Looking To Advertise?

Let our team help boost the sales, leads and enquiries of your business.