Updated on by Rodrigo @ OutofYourComfortZone
Visiting Melbourne on an extended trip and looking for the best day trips from Melbourne? You’ve come to the right place, this article explores a variety of options for day trips from Melbourne, Victoria.
From the Bayside city of Geelong to the historical and natural beauties of Werribee, this post highlights the distinct features and attractions of each destination.
Other places to visit include Queenscliff, known for its Victorian-era heritage, the mineral springs in Daylesford, the artistic treasures of Castlemaine, and of course, the world-famous Great Ocean Road.
So get ready for a fun-filled trip to the best day trip destinations from Melbourne.
1. Geelong
One of the easiest day trips from Melbourne is to Geelong, the second largest city in Victoria. This seaside city is just an hour’s drive from downtown Melbourne, and takes the same amount of time by public transport.
Trains depart every 30 minutes from Southern Cross Station and arrive at Geelong Station an hour later. Alternatively, you can board the Port Phillip Ferry at Docklands for a relaxing bay cruise to Geelong Waterfront.
The city has much to offer visitors, including modern restaurants and bars, hidden laneways, cool street art, and a stunning waterfront to explore.
Start your day on the Geelong waterfront and take a stroll along the esplanade, keeping an eye out for the colorful Baywalk Bollards that depict important figures from the city’s past.
A must-visit, especially on a hot day, are the Eastern Beach sea baths and its impressive art deco boardwalk. Other highlights of the Geelong Waterfront include Cunningham Pier, the Ferris Wheel, the Carousel, and on the western edge, Rippleside Park.
Rippleside Park is a beautiful waterfront park that is often overlooked by visitors – and even locals. This makes it ideal for those looking for a quiet spot away from the crowds.
Here you’ll find lush green lawns, a small beach, barbecue areas, picnic tables, and a fantastic adventure playground for kids.
Overlooking the entire area is Cafe No 42, where you can grab a coffee and a tasty bite to eat.
There are many other waterfront restaurants and cafes, but Little Malop Street is the place to be when it comes to food and drinks in Geelong.
Here you’ll find everything from Japanese-inspired cuisines to Greek, Italian, French, and Southern US foods. There are also burgers, pizzas, tacos, and fried chicken.
Finish with a glass of local wine at Geelong Cellar Door or a special coffee from Coffee Cartel.
Then, check out the Geelong Art Gallery, showcasing artworks by prominent Australian artists like Frederick Mc Cubbin, before heading back to Melbourne.
Alternatively, you can simply stroll the streets and laneways, appreciating the street art and sculptures that seem to pop up out of nowhere.
2. Castlemaine
If you’re looking to venture off the typical tourist trail, head northwest to Castlemaine, in the central Victorian goldfields region. This beautiful yet underrated destination has an abundance of history, art, and a growing food scene that makes it worth the hour and a half drive from Melbourne.
Visit at the right time, and you can experience the Castlemaine State Festival, Australia’s oldest regional arts festival. Held every two years, the program includes performance, music, literature, visual arts, and cinema.
The first place any visitor to Castlemaine should go is The Mill, a 1875 woolen mill that has been transformed into a food and craft hub.
Here you’ll find the Boomtown Winemakers Co-Op cellar door, the Shedshaker Brewing Taproom where you can sample their small batch craft beers, and Das Kaffeehaus, a Viennese cafe.
A popular stop at The Mill is the giant Vintage Bazaar which hosts numerous stallholders offering everything from vintage clothing to homewares, artworks, and furniture.
You can easily spend a whole morning at The Mill, but you’ll need to drag yourself away and head to Johnny Baker, a true country-town bakery.
The bakery’s traditional treats are all handmade here, including pies, sausage rolls, croissants, and éclairs. Enjoy a coffee and your favorite pastry at the outdoor tables or in the beautiful botanical gardens.
After lunch, visit the Castlemaine Art Gallery to see works by respected Australian artists and antiques from the gold rush era in the museum downstairs. Then, stop at the Castlemaine Diggings National Park and explore abandoned gold rush mines on the way back to Melbourne.
3. Daylesford
Located at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, Daylesford is a 90-minute drive northwest of Melbourne. The region is blessed with an abundance of mineral springs, making it a paradise for relaxation and spa treatments.
The town itself features mid-19th century villas that have been converted into cafes, galleries, boutiques, and luxury accommodations. Spend the morning browsing the unique shops and, if you’re into architecture, take a walk around town.
Art lovers should head to the Convent Gallery, set in well-manicured gardens, said to be “the most beautiful art gallery in Australia.” Other highlights include the lush Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, Sailor’s Falls, and the artisanal chocolate mill.
End the morning with an unforgettable lunch at Lake House, one of Victoria’s best regional restaurants. On the menu, you’ll find delicious, top-notch seasonal food created from ingredients that are largely sourced on-site.
Another option is to grab some gourmet treats from the specialty food stores on the main street and enjoy a picnic by the crystal-clear Lake Daylesford. After lunch, take a walk around the lake, keeping an eye out for birdlife.
Don’t miss the Daylesford Cider, which offers a variety of locally-made ciders from historic apples. Many are traditional English ciders, but there are also seasonal