Melbourne is a great city with plenty of things to explore and see, but sometimes you just need to escape the city. If you enjoy nice walks, picturesque scenery and all things nature here are our favourite day trips you can do from Melbourne to get your fill of Australia natural beauty!

The Great Ocean Road

Although we would encourage you to hire a camper (if you don’t already have your own!) and take your time down this scenic route, it is possible to be done 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 Oceanic Views with a knowledgeable guide and other like-minded travellers.

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

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). Built in remembrance to 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 another trip easier reached if you have your own vehicle, but it is also accessible from the CBD Via train* Simply hop on the (Belgrave) train from Southern Cross station until you reach Fern Tree Gully Station, from here you’ll need turn right when you leave the station and walk 20 minutes up ‘school road’ until you reach ‘the 1000 steps car park’. The entrance to the trail is just past the cafe!

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

Point Nepean

I’ve touched upon my love for Point Nepean before so you’ll not be surprised that it reached this list. Just a 2 hours drive from the CBD, this hidden gem will have you lost in its rich history for hours. Explore old wartime barracks and follow animal footprints through the bush, there is something for everyone here and makes for a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

(If you would rather take public transport, Hop on the Frankston train* from Southern Cross station, from there take the 788 Portsea Bus direct to Point Nepean.)

So there are 3 of our favourites day trips from Melbourne. Have you got a favourite not mentioned? Let us know in the comments!