9 Amazing Day Trips from Melbourne

Nature Day Trips From Melbourne:

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is probably one of the most popular nature day trips from Melbourne, for a very good reason!

Not only is it great for views and epic landscapes, such as the 12 Apostles and Gibson Steps, it’s also full of wildlife spotting opportunities. From Koalas and whales to kangaroos and a whole host of birds… there’s no shortage of what you’ll see there!

Although we would encourage you to hire a camper (if you don’t already have your own!) and take your time road tripping this scenic route, it is possible to experience it in a day. Don’t panic! If you don’t have your own transport for this trip, you still have options;

1. You could use one of Melbourne’s many car hire companies and rent a car for the day
   or
2. You could hop on a guided bus tour and experience the Great Ocean Road with a knowledgeable guide and other like-minded travellers.

Whichever you decide, this is one of Australia’s most famous road trips, and at the very top of our recommendations whenever we’re asked; you’ll definitely regret not going.

Kinglake National Park

By Sharyn from Discover Australia Now

To get out of the hustle and bustle of Melbourne for a day, step into nature at Kinglake National Park. A mere 56 kilometres (35 miles) northeast of Melbourne’s CBD, it is known for its tall trees, creeks, waterfalls, cute Australian towns and its hiking tracks.

Kinglake National Park is located on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range within the traditional land of the Wurundjeri people to the south and the Taungurung people to the north. Public transport is limited, with only a bus from Whittlesea, so the best way to get to Kinglake is by driving yourself up the winding roads through sleepy towns to the top.

Like many national parks in Australia, Kinglake National Park is a nature lovers’ paradise where you can enjoy the serenity of the forest. Walk amongst the tall trees along one of its many hiking tracks and be treated to running creeks and flowing waterfalls, such as Masons Falls and Wombelano Falls. And no, there is no lake at Kinglake; it was named after the British travel writer and historian Alexander William Kinglake.

Established in 1928 to protect the native flora and fauna, it has been doing a wonderful job. And after the tragic bushfire of 8 February 2009 that destroyed much of it, as you walk along the tracks, you can see the wonder of nature rejuvenating itself.

If you are looking to step back into nature for a day out of Melbourne, definitely head to the stunning Kinglake National Park.

Kokoda Memorial Walk

If you like a little bit of history thrown into your nature hikes, you’ll love the Kokoda Memorial Walk (also known as the 1000 steps) as a nature day trip from Melbourne by car.

Built in remembrance of the Australian Soldiers who walked the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea in WW2 it’s a walk that will test your stamina, but the views on the way up are worth every burn your legs will feel. 

Once you reach the top (and have caught your breath), spend some time exploring the tracks that branch off from each other and see where you end up.

This is easier to reach if you have your own vehicle, only taking 40 minutes by car and ample parking once you arrive, but it is also a good choice as a train day trip from Melbourne if you need to use public transport. 

NOTE: The steps can be quite steep in places, and even with moderate fitness I was tired halfway up. There are plenty of resting points on the way; take plenty of water!

The Grampians

By Naksha at Solo Passport

Popular for its breathtaking landscapes, flora, and fauna, the Grampians National Park is a nature reserve in Victoria that makes a great nature day trip from Melbourne.

Also known as Gariwerd, the Grampians is a sacred place for the Aboriginals. The park has many ancient rock art sites. In the national park, you get to see varied and diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and native birds.

Visitors can do plenty of things in the national park, especially outdoor activities. There are lookouts, like The Pinnacle and Boroka lookouts, where you can drive to get spectacular and panoramic views of the valleys and national park. There are also many hiking trails catering for all kinds of hikers, so you can choose to do one-day hikes or multi-day hikes. Some of these hiking trails lead to stunning waterfalls such as McKenzie Falls.

The national park is approximately 260 kilometres from Melbourne and makes a perfect one-day trip. Even though the convenient way to get to the Grampians is by driving, you can also make it a train day trip from Melbourne to a nearby village named Ararat or Halls Gap. If you wish to spend a few nights in the national park, there are campsites where you can pitch your tents under the stars.

You can also visit the Grampians National Park as a guided tour if you’re not able to do a self-drive day trip.

Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs

Point Nepean

Just a 2-hour drive from the CBD, this underrated location will have you lost in its rich history for hours and itching to see more of what the East Coast has to offer.

Point Nepean is an ideal nature day trip from Melbourne for those who love old wartime barracks, beautiful landscapes and following animal footprints through the bush; there is something for everyone here, and it makes for a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Some of the war relics you’ll find at Point Nepean include an original bomb proof room, the disappearing gun and mazes of tunnels leading to the barracks where soldiers lived. It’s an interesting but eerie place, especially when you stand on the top of the cliff’s edge imagining what it must have been like as a young man, waiting for the next lot of bombs to drop.

It’s an ideal day trip from Melbourne by car, but can also be accessed via public transport if you don’t mind a bit of transferring. However, there’s plenty of parking and things to do in the surrounding areas so we really recommend heading out here with your own transport.

Phillip Island

By Sabrina From Shades Of Summr

Phillip Island is a stunning place that should definitely be on your bucket list for nature day trips from Melbourne, or as part of a larger East Coast road trip. 

For one, the island has some incredible beaches that are totally untouched and deserted. You can go surfing or just relax on the beach. If you are lucky, you can spot special birds and other wildlife.

But most importantly, Phillip Island is the home of the Penguin Parade. The Penguin Parade on Phillip Island takes place every evening, when the cute little birds come out of the water and make their way to seek shelter all over the island. It is one of the most touching experiences you can have. 

There are a couple of ways to go to Phillip Island from Melbourne. By car, it takes about 90 minutes and means you can make other cool stops along the way. The train is another option, but is the least convenient option because it requires several switches along the way. We recommend this as a day trip from Melbourne by car instead.

Puffing Billy and the Dandenong Ranges

By Katherine at Pawtal.com.au

Ever wondered about exploring Puffing Billy and the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, Australia? This magical spot, not far from Melbourne, is where the charm of yesteryear meets the splendour of nature. It’s the perfect day trip for tourists, families and Melbourne locals, offering a unique blend of adventure and tranquillity.

Reaching this picturesque destination is easy, whether you prefer train or car. By train, you can embark from Melbourne to Belgrave, where the Puffing Billy adventure begins. This historic steam train winds through the stunning Dandenong Ranges, offering views that are nothing short of spectacular. If driving is more your style, a scenic road trip to the Dandenong Ranges is equally rewarding. The drive from Melbourne is straightforward and scenic, leading you directly into the heart of this natural wonderland.

Now, why is a visit to Puffing Billy and the Dandenong Ranges a must-do day trip from Melbourne?

The Dandenong Ranges are dotted with treasures like the Menzies Creek Museum, showcasing the region’s rich railway heritage. Nature lovers will be drawn to the Sherbrooke Forest, a haven for native wildlife and towering eucalyptus trees. And for a delightful end to your day, visit the charming town of Sassafras, where you can pick up unique souvenirs and enjoy local delicacies.

Pack your day bag and head to Puffing Billy and the Dandenong Ranges. It’s a journey that promises a unique mix of history, adventure, and natural beauty, creating memories that will linger long after your return.

Macedon Ranges

By Shandos Cleaver of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel

One of the best destinations close to Melbourne to visit for a nature day trip is the Macedon Ranges. These ranges are under an hour northwest of Melbourne by V/L Train from Southern Cross Station, although it’s best to have a car to access the many attractions of the area.

Top of the list of sights to see is Macedon Regional Park. The area around Mount Macedon, which rises to 1001m, is protected by this forested regional park, home to walking trails and picnic grounds. Two of the most popular short walks are to Camels Hump and the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross.

For a longer adventure, consider hiking up to the Memorial Cross from the Old Scout Camp. Allow 1 1/2 hours for this moderate to difficult trail. If you don’t have a car, you can also reach the Scout Camp from Macedon Station, an easy 2km walk.

The Macedon Ranges are a particularly popular destination to visit during the Autumn months, thanks to the many deciduous trees. During April, the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival is held. Check out the colourful displays of autumn leaves and the many other events held each year.

A number of beautiful gardens line the road up to Mount Macedon. Some of these are only open seasonally, but one that’s open year-round is Forest Glade Gardens. Take cash to pay the entry fee and allow at least an hour to wander around the dog-friendly gardens.

When the day trip ends…

Can’t get enough of incredible nature like this? Let’s start heading up the East Coast with a 7 Day Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip that puts you in the middle of the most unique landscapes in this part of the country. We’re talking bioluminescence, whale watching, snow-capped mountains (yes! In Australia) and so much more! Discover the best spots along the way here!