Day Trips from Victoria. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Great Ocean Road

The start of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay, is approximately 1.5-2 hours drive southwest of Melbourne. The iconic Twelve Apostles stand about 4 hours drive from Melbourne.

Self-driving is a popular choice for maximum flexibility, stopping at viewpoints and charming towns. Many organized bus tours also depart from Melbourne.

Information

Transport: Self-drive or organized tours.
Time: Full day (12+ hours) for highlights; 2-3 days for exploration.
Highlights: Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay, Lorne.
Suggestion: Try for sunrise or sunset at the Twelve Apostles.

Day Trip Options

Explore more of Victoria with these popular day trip options.

Phillip Island

Located approximately 2 hours drive to the southeast of Melbourne.

Visitor Information

Transport: Self-drive or organized tours (especially for Penguin Parade).
Time: Half-day to full-day, timing for Penguin Parade at dusk.
Attractions: Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island, Nobbies Centre, Penguin Parade.

Yarra Valley

Approximately 1 hour drive east of Melbourne, renowned for its wineries.

Vineyard Visits

Transport: Self-drive (best for flexibility) or organized wine tours.
Time: Half-day or full-day exploration.
Activities: Winery cellar door tastings, fine dining, Healesville Sanctuary.

Dandenong Ranges & Ballarat

Dandenong Ranges 1 hour east

Activity: Ride the historic Puffing Billy Railway.
Explore: Villages of Olinda and Sassafras.
Walks: Gentle walks through Sherbrooke Forest.
Transport: Self-drive or train to Belgrave.

Ballarat 1.5 hours west

Main attraction: Sovereign Hill.
History: 1850s goldfields town recreation.
Time: Full-day trip recommended.
Transport: Self-drive or V/Line train/bus.

Multi-Day Extensions

Grampians National Park:2-3 days, 3 hours west of Melbourne.
South Australia:Combine with Adelaide or Limestone Coast.
Coastal Drive to Sydney:3-5 days along Gippsland and NSW South Coast.
Road Trip Map:A Victoria road trip map is a useful planning tool.

Mornington Peninsula:1-1.5 hours southeast, beaches and hot springs.
Wilson's Promontory:2.5-3 hours southeast, national park exploration.
Castlemaine/Maldon:Historic goldfields towns, steam train rides.
Bendigo:Gold rush history, grand architecture, art.

Planning Tip

Many tours and attractions book up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Book in advance for popular activities.

Natural & Cultural Escapes

Victoria offers diverse nature spots and preserves significant cultural and historical experiences.

Mornington Peninsula

Coastal area with stunning beaches, vineyards, and hot springs, approximately 1-1.5 hours drive southeast of Melbourne.

Wilson's Promontory National Park

Known as "The Prom," a national park approximately 2.5-3 hours drive southeast of Melbourne, featuring pristine beaches and bushwalking.

Sovereign Hill Ballarat

A living museum reforming an 1850s goldfields town, a destination for gold rush history, about 1.5 hours west of Melbourne.

Mornington Peninsula Activities

A range of activities await in this coastal paradise.

Suggested Activities

Relax at Peninsula Hot Springs (book in advance).
Scenic ride on Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola.
Explore coastal walking tracks.

Wilson's Promontory Exploration

Plan an overnight or multi-day stay for complete park enjoyment.

Park Highlights

Bushwalking to scenic lookouts (e.g., Mount Oberon).
Relax on pristine beaches like Squeaky Beach.
Spot native wildlife (kangaroos, wombats).

Cultural Gems in Regional Victoria

Sovereign Hill:Living museum of 1850s the quest for gold.

Castlemaine/Maldon:Historic goldfields, preserved Architecture from the victorian era.

Steam Train:Ride between Castlemaine and Maldon.

Bendigo:Grand Victorian architecture, Chinese the quest for gold history.

Bendigo Art Gallery:Visit for cultural insight.

Central Deborah Gold Mine:Explore the depths of a historic mine.

Nature & Heritage Tip

Respect park rules and guidelines when visiting natural areas.
Book accommodation for Wilson's Promontory well in advance.
Consider tours focusing on culture for a dive into local history.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring towns and nature trails.
Check opening times for every attraction, notably in tinier towns.

Multi-Day Journeys

For those with more time, Victoria connects logically to longer regional travel or journeys to neighboring states.

Grampians National Park

A nature lover's paradise, offering rugged mountain ranges, stunning waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Explore the Grampians

Hiking trails (e.g., The Pinnacle).
MacKenzie Falls and other waterfalls.
Significant Aboriginal rock art sites.

Journey into South Australia

Combine your Victorian trip with a trip to Adelaide or South Australia's Limestone Coast.

Cross-State Adventures

Transport: Drive (approx. 8 hours) or domestic flight.
Explore Adelaide city.
Visit world-renowned wine regions.

Coastal Drive to Sydney

Instead of flying, spend 3-5 days driving the scenic coastal route from Melbourne to Sydney.

Scenic Route Stops

Traverse Gippsland in eastern Victoria.
Explore national parks along the NSW South Coast.
Stop at charming coastal towns and beaches.

Victoria Road Trips

A good map provides direction for extended journeys and attractions.

Further Exploration

Discover the beautiful nature of the Flinders Ranges.
Visit Kangaroo Island in South Australia.
A Victoria road trip map is invaluable.

Planning Longer Trips

When planning multi-day trips, consider pacing and vehicle requirements.

Accommodation

Book stays in advance, especially inside national parks or popular coastal towns.

Vehicle

Self-drive provides the most flexibility for exploring diverse regions.

Activities

Balance driving time with stops for activities and relaxation.

Long Journey Advisory

Driving distances in Australia are extensive. Factor in rest stops and plan your route to avoid driving fatigued.

Organized Tours

Organized tours offer a structured way to experience Victoria's attractions without the need for personal transport. You can locate many options on GetYourGuide.

Tour Benefits

1

Convenience

Tours handle all transportation, often with pickup and drop-off from city locations.

2

Expertise

Local guides share insights and knowledge about the destination.

3

Access

Some tours offer exclusive access or skip-the-line benefits at popular attractions.

Popular Day Trip Tours

Great Ocean Road tours (full day, various stops).
Phillip Island Penguin Parade tours (afternoon/evening).
Yarra Valley wine tours (full or a half-day with tastings).
Dandenong Ranges with Puffing Billy tours.
Ballarat and Sovereign Hill tours.
Mornington Peninsula hot springs tours.

Booking Your Tour

Book online in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Read reviews to choose a tour operator that aligns with your preferences.
Confirm pickup locations and times.
Check what is included (meals, entry fees, etc.).
Consider tours with smaller group sizes for a more personal experience.
Look for flexible cancellation policies.

Tour Operator Spotlight

Small Group Tours

These tours frequently offer a more intimate experience, visiting lesser-known spots.

Luxury Tours

Premium tours with gourmet meals, exclusive access, and high-end transport options.

Adventure Tours

Focus on activities like hiking, surfing, or wildlife encounters, often for longer durations.

Guided Experience Advice

For first-time visitors or those if you don't have a car, an organized tour provides a stress-free way to explore Victoria's highlights efficiently.

Day Trips from Victoria