Day Trips from Melbourne: Drive to These Unique Spots in One to Three Hours

Ballarat is a beautiful city in Victoria’s Central Highlands, sitting along the scenic Yarrowee River. It’s actually Australia’s third-largest inland city and has deep roots in the gold rush era, which left behind some seriously stunning Victorian architecture.

One of the must-see spots is the award-winning Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum that brings the gold mining days to life. It’s consistently rated one of the top outdoor museums in the world.

There’s no shortage of gold-themed attractions either — check out the Gold Museum of Ballarat or dive into medieval fun at Kryal Castle. Ballarat also boasts Australia’s largest collection of public art, with statues and sculptures dating back to the 1860s.

If you’re around during event season, don’t miss the colorful Ballarat Begonia Festival or the retro-cool Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival. Map of Ballarat

Map:

Here are a few worthwhile stops to break up the 1.5-hour drive between Melbourne and Ballarat:

Werribee – Werribee Open Range Zoo: African safari-style experience just 30 minutes out of Melbourne.

Bacchus Marsh – Fruit farms & orchards: Stop for seasonal picking (strawberries, cherries, apples).

Ballan – Cute country town: Cafés, antique shops, and peaceful rural vibes.

Need a relaxing escape? Daylesford is your go-to spa town, tucked into the scenic foothills of the Great Dividing Range.

Treat yourself to a massage or mineral soak at the luxe Daylesford Day Spa or the dreamy Salus Spa at the Lake House. Just up the road, you’ve got even more bliss waiting at Hepburn Bathhouse—another iconic spot to unwind in naturally warm, healing waters.

Highlights:

• Relaxing hot springs and full-service spas
• Convent Gallery art exhibits in a historic mansion
• Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens on a volcanic peak
• Kayaking and wildlife spotting at Jubilee Lake and Wombat Forest
• Home to ChillOut Festival—Australia’s biggest regional Pride event

Pro Tip:

Book your spa treatments in advance—this place fills up fast on weekends, especially during festival season.

Daylesford
Map

Map:

Here are a few highlights to see along the way:

Woodend – Charming country town with cafés, local shops, and beautiful parklands. A great coffee stop!

Hanging Rock Reserve – Mystical rock formations and walking trails made famous by the novel and film. Just outside Woodend.

Mount Macedon – Scenic drives, forest walks, and garden estates. Don’t miss the view from the Memorial Cross.

Trentham – Small-town vibes with a foodie twist. Check out Trentham Falls, one of Victoria’s highest single-drop waterfalls.

Glenlyon – Peaceful countryside stop just before Daylesford, with mineral springs and quiet charm.

Looking for a cool coastal escape that’s not too far from Melbourne? Geelong is a laid-back city with major charm, sitting just southwest of the city. It’s known for its breezy bay views, lively downtown scene, and a seriously photogenic waterfront.

Stroll along the Art Deco-style boardwalk at Eastern Beach, hop on a beautifully restored 19th-century carousel, or take a dip at the sea baths—there’s something super nostalgic and relaxing about the whole vibe.

Culture lovers, don’t skip the National Wool Museum—it dives into Geelong’s history with textiles and manufacturing, and often has cool rotating exhibits. Even better? Some of the city’s old wool mills have been transformed into trendy bars, boutiques, art spaces, and breweries. Speaking of which, Little Creatures and White Rabbit are local favorites for a chilled-out craft beer sesh.

And if you’re into great food and wine, Geelong’s got you covered. Check out local gems like Oakdene Vineyards Restaurant or The Shed at Terindah Estate for stunning views and next-level meals.

Highlights:

• Scenic Art Deco boardwalk and 19th-century carousel at Eastern Beach
• National Wool Museum with unique rotating exhibits
• Converted industrial spaces now home to hip bars, galleries, and breweries
• Top-notch food and wine at nearby vineyard restaurants
• Local brews from Little Creatures and White Rabbit

Pro Tip:

Plan your visit around sunset—Geelong’s waterfront lights up with golden hour vibes, perfect for a casual stroll or drinks by the bay.

Geelong
Map

Map:

What to see between Melbourne and Geelong:

Werribee – Home to the impressive Werribee Open Range Zoo, where you can take a safari tour, and the grand Werribee Park Mansion with gardens and art exhibits.

Point Cook – Visit the RAAF Museum for aviation history, or stroll the scenic Point Cook Coastal Park and wetlands.

Little River – A small rural village near the You Yangs Regional Park, perfect for hiking, picnics, and scenic views.

You Yangs Regional Park – A must-do for nature lovers, with bushwalking, mountain biking, and panoramic views over the plains toward the bay.

Lara – Stop for a bite, stretch your legs, or visit the Serendip Sanctuary, a peaceful spot with native wildlife and birdwatching trails.

If you’re into jaw-dropping landscapes, epic hikes, and ancient culture, Grampians National Park is an absolute must. This stunning reserve in western Victoria is packed with sandstone peaks, dramatic lookouts, and some of the oldest Indigenous rock art in the country.

Highlights:

• Spectacular sandstone mountains and scenic lookouts
• World-class rock climbing routes like Wheel of Life
• Grampians Peaks Trail for epic hikes and overnight treks
• Aboriginal rock art sites and cultural heritage
• Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Center near Halls Gap

Pro Tip:

Base yourself in Halls Gap—it's got everything from cozy cabins to cafes, and it’s the perfect jumping-off point for hikes, wildlife spotting, and cultural sites.

Grampians National Park
Map

Map:

What to see between Melbourne and the Grampians:

Bacchus Marsh – Stop at local orchards and farm gates for fresh fruit, or walk through Lerderderg Gorge for a short nature break.

Ballan – A peaceful small town for a quick coffee and stretch, or detour to Moorabool Falls for a quiet nature spot.

Ballarat – Dive into history at Sovereign Hill, visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat, or stroll around Lake Wendouree and the beautiful botanical gardens.

Beaufort – A charming country town with antique stores, bakeries, and nearby Mount Cole State Forest for hiking and forest vibes.

Ararat – Explore the eerie J Ward asylum museum or enjoy a local drop at a Grampians region winery.

Great Western – Home to historic wineries like Seppelt and Best’s Wines, offering cellar door tastings in atmospheric underground cellars.

The Great Ocean Road is a designated Australian National Heritage road stretching 243 kilometers along the country's southeastern coastline, spanning between the cities of Allansfor and Torquay.

The road, which was constructed to honor fallen World War I soldiers during the 1920s and 1930s, remains the world's largest war memorial site today.

It traverses gorgeous rainforest, beach, and cliff landscapes as it passes along Australia's Surf and Shipwreck Coasts, offering picturesque views of the Southern Ocean and the Bass Strait.

Landmarks along the route include the unique Twelve Apostles limestone stack formations, Loch Ard Gorge, and the London Arch.

Each year, the route hosts the annual Great Ocean Road Marathon, a part of the Great Ocean Road Running Festival. Map

Map:

Top Things to See Along the Great Ocean Road:

Torquay – The official start of the drive and Australia’s surfing capital. Visit the Australian National Surfing Museum or catch waves at Bells Beach.

Anglesea – Known for its beautiful beach and resident kangaroos on the golf course.

Split Point Lighthouse (Aireys Inlet) – Snap a photo of this scenic landmark featured in the classic show "Round the Twist".

Lorne – A charming seaside town with great cafes, galleries, and nearby natural attractions like Erskine Falls.

Great Otway National Park – Explore lush rainforest walks, waterfalls, and the historic Cape Otway Lightstation.

Apollo Bay – A relaxing spot for lunch or an overnight stay. Enjoy beach walks, seafood, and access to the Otways.

Twelve Apostles – The most iconic stop. These towering limestone stacks are stunning at sunset or sunrise.

Loch Ard Gorge – Dramatic cliffs, a hidden beach, and a shipwreck story that brings the coastline to life.

London Arch (formerly London Bridge) – A naturally formed archway with an interesting geological history.

Port Campbell – A good base near the main rock formations, with a small-town vibe and eateries.

Bay of Islands – Less crowded but equally stunning limestone stacks further west of the Twelve Apostles.

Recommended Day Trips from Melbourne for Couples

Hanging Rock Reserve preserves a unique geological formation encompassing the remains of a former volcano, located within central Victoria approximately an hour northwest of the city of Melbourne.

Walking paths and trails traverse the rock, showcasing unique formations such as McDonald's Lookout and The Eagle.

The site is also sometimes used as an outdoor concert venue, showcasing major international acts like Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart, and Ed Sheeran.

139 S Rock Rd, Woodend VIC 3442, Australia, Phone: +61-18-00-24-47-11, Map

What to see between Melbourne and Hanging Rock Reserve:

Sunbury – Explore Rupertswood Mansion, known as the birthplace of The Ashes cricket urn, or relax at local wineries like Goonawarra Estate.

Gisborne – A lovely Macedon Ranges town with gardens, weekend markets, and cozy cafés. Great spot for a coffee break.

Mount Macedon – Take a detour to visit the Memorial Cross lookout for stunning views, or stroll through historic gardens like Forest Glade.

Newham – A quiet country town near Hanging Rock, perfect for lunch at the Cosmopolitan Hotel or a local vineyard stop.

Hanging Rock Reserve – The main event! Hike to the top for panoramic views, have a picnic, or just soak up the mystical atmosphere made famous by “Picnic at Hanging Rock.”

Lorne is a lovely town located along Victoria's Great Ocean Road, known throughout Australia for its vibrant arts community.

What to see in Lorne:

Lorne Beach – A perfect spot to swim, sunbathe, or surf, right in the heart of town. Great for a relaxed seaside vibe.

Erskine Falls – One of the most famous waterfalls in the Otways. A short drive inland, with a dramatic 30m drop and lush rainforest surrounds.

Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch (just before Lorne) – A must-stop photo op that marks the official entrance to the Great Ocean Road.

Lorne Pier – Great for a stroll or a bit of fishing. During whale season (winter), you might spot one passing by.

Teddy’s Lookout – Just a short drive above town, this spot offers sweeping views of the coastline and winding road below.

Sheoak Falls & Kalimna Falls – More waterfall trails nearby, offering peaceful hikes and stunning scenery.

Local Cafés & Art Scene – Lorne has a laid-back café culture and is home to small galleries, boutique shops, and the Qdos Arts gallery and sculpture park.

Map of Lorne

If you're looking for snow, slopes, and some seriously good vibes, Mount Buller is where it's at. Just a few hours from Melbourne, it's one of Victoria’s top ski spots, with runs for everyone from total beginners to seasoned pros.

Highlights:

• Fantastic ski slopes and terrain parks
• Charming resort village with plenty of accommodations
• Year-round activities, including mountain biking in summer
• Access to gym, cinema, and indoor sports facilities
• Close to Alpine National Park—gorgeous scenery all around

Pro Tip:

Book early if you’re heading up during peak ski season—this place gets popular fast, especially on weekends.

Mount Buller
Map

Just an hour and a half from Melbourne, the Peninsula Hot Springs is the ultimate chill-out spot. This award-winning oasis on the Mornington Peninsula is all about soaking in nature, thanks to its natural geothermal hot springs brought to life by brothers Richard and Charles Davidson back in 1997.

Highlights:

• Natural geothermal pools surrounded by stunning landscapes
• Hilltop pool with panoramic 360° views
• Turkish hamam, ice cave, and aquatherapy pool
• Spa Dreaming Centre with premium treatments
• Two cafés with gourmet and healthy options

Pro Tip:

Visit early in the morning or during twilight for a quieter soak and some seriously magical views—especially from the hilltop pool.

Peninsula Hot Springs, 140 Springs Ln, Fingal VIC 3939, Australia
Phone: +61-3-59-50-87-77

If you’ve never seen penguins waddle home from the ocean, you have to check out the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. Just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, this one-of-a-kind spot is part of Phillip Island Nature Park—a huge conservation area protecting local wildlife and natural landscapes.

The stars of the show? Fairy penguins—aka the tiniest penguins on Earth. They’re only about 13 inches tall and totally adorable. Every evening at Summerland Beach, you can watch them waddle ashore in groups as they head back to their dune homes after a day out at sea.

Bringing the kids? The visitor center has great info displays and even penguin-themed puppet shows for the little ones.

Highlights:

• Watch fairy penguins return to shore every evening
• 180-degree elevated viewing at Summerland Beach
• Up-close experiences at Penguins Plus and Underground Viewing
• Interactive visitor center with fun activities for kids
• Set in a beautiful conservation area just 1.5 hours from Melbourne

Pro Tip:

Bring a warm jacket—even in summer! It gets chilly by the beach at sunset, and you'll want to stay comfy while you watch the penguins strut their stuff.

Penguin Parade
Map