BEST DAY TRIPS FROM MELBOURNE 

Lorne is a 2 hour drive, however you get to do part of this drive along the Great Ocean Road which offers spectacular views.  This is the perfect day trip if you’re looking to spend some time at the beach and do a little shopping. Lorne offers amazing boutiques, beautiful beaches and tasty food.   There are also wild cockatoos and parrots that fly around, as well as a waterfall you can hike only ten minutes away from town. 

Read more about Lorne here.

Only an hour drive from the CBD, the ranges are the best place to escape the city for a day if you are looking for some fresh air.  Stop at the delicious Sassafrass Cafe (read about this cafe here) to grab a bite and then walk around the National Botanical Gardens.  If you feel like being more active, you can do the 1,000 Steps Hike. 

Read more about the Dandenong Ranges here.

This is a trip I do time and time again and it never gets old.  While this should be more than a day trip if you have the time, it’s also an awesome place to go for the day if your time is limited.  It takes 3 hours to get to the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne if you take the inland route, which I would recommend for a day trip. 

Check out my Great Ocean Road Itinerary here for inspiration of what to do and see.

If you like wine, this is your place to go.  Yarra Valley has tons of stunning vineyards and also a well-known animal sanctuary, Healesville.  You can drive to the Yarra Valley in 45 minutes so it is a very easy day trip. 

Read more about the Yarra Valley here.

Mornington Peninsula has it all; gorgeous vineyards, cool breweries, stunning beaches and my favorite animal sanctuary too.  It’s about an hour drive from Melbourne, making this an ideal day trip. 

Read about my one day itinerary here.  

Have more time? Check out my two day trip itinerary here.

Living in the city and don't have a car? We use Go Get and it's the best.  We pay a membership fee and then have access to day use to cars parked all over the city.