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3 daytrips out of Melbourne

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Trinh Le

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While there are many places of interest in Melbourne, those who fancy a daytrip out of town will be spoilt for choice. From breathtaking coastline to picturesque valleys, here are a few of our favourite daytrips to take around the greater Victoria area.

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Great Ocean Road and Great Otway National Park

No road trip out of Melbourne would be complete without a drive on the Great Ocean Road. Praised as one of the most scenic coastal drives in Australia, this 644-kilometre road will take you past pristine beaches, spectacular rainforests and charming seaside towns.

Along the way, stop at the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch – all located within the Port Campbell National Park – and snap up the spectacular views. For something extra, go for a helicopter ride to soak in the landscape from a bird’s-eye view.

Adrenaline junkies should check out the zip-line at the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, as should those looking for a more relaxed adventure. Stay on the ground and immerse yourself in some of Australia's best rainforest scenery among tall trees, ancient plant life and lush ferns. Comfortable footwear is a must.

Phillip Island Nature Park

Only 90 minutes from Melbourne, the Phillip Island Nature Park is home to the world-famous Penguin Parade, where visitors can watch the little penguins return ashore at sunset after a day’s fishing at sea. These birds are the smallest penguins in the world, standing at only 33 centimetres and weighing an average of one kilogram.

You can also take a boat tour to get up close to Australia's largest fur seal colony and witness their playful antics. Pack a jacket to prepare for the surprisingly chilly nights on the beach.

Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley

Located just about 35 kilometres east of Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges is bushwalking heaven, with a wide range of tracks and trails to suit most fitness levels. Some of the most popular walks include the 1000 Steps Kokoda Track (near Upper Ferntree Gully), Sherbrooke Falls Trail and Keppel Lookout Trail.

Make Marysville your base to get access to some of the most spectacular natural wonders the Dandenong has to offer, including the 85-metre tall Big Tree and Steavenson Falls. Steavenson Falls is one of Victoria's highest waterfalls, with a drop of around 84 metres, which you can visit from Marysville via the Tree Fern Gully Trail. Download the free Visit Marysville Victoria app (available on iOS and Android) to get access to all the trail maps in the area.

Travel secret: Steavenson Falls is floodlit between dusk and midnight, allowing visitors to easily explore the area after dark.

If you ever want to extend your daytrip into a weekend getaway, the Vibe Hotel Marysville is a great option – located just a few kilometres from Steavenson Falls. The hotel’s in-house Radius Bar & Grill offers welcoming meals with fresh local ingredients and slow-cooked meats over wood fires – perfect to end the day.