A day trip from Melbourne, Australia: from city streets to coastal retreats

Melbourne, Australia is known for more than just its café culture; it has much to offer in the outskirts. For avid experience seekers, stay in Melbourne city centre as a base for easy access to an excellent array of food choices, and also have the option to travel out to seek different adventures. 

Explore the Grampians National Park, get close to some native animals, or just chill out at Yarra Valley’s numerous vineyards. Here are some top activities to check out and things to see for when you next go Down Under!

1. Hike the Grampians National Park

Enjoy a day’s escape from Melbourne with a day trip to Grampians National Park. Located about three hours away from Melbourne’s city centre by car, the Grampians National Park is made up of towering mountain ranges, with waterfalls and beautiful rock formations. This is a must-visit attraction for those who love a scenic hike out in nature. Climb up to the Boroka Lookout for unparalleled views of the mountain range.

For waterfall lovers, stop at the majestic MacKenzie Falls and Silverband Falls. My personal favourite was MacKenzie Falls – you can enjoy unobstructed views of the wide cascading waterfall that offers majestic sights. Getting to the observation deck involves a steep climb downwards (260 steps), and you will have to climb up the same trail to exit.

If you are an animal lover looking for places to visit, you can explore the local town of Halls Gap, nestled in the heart of the Grampians National Park, and get up close and personal with kangaroos! Basic fitness is needed to go on the nature trails, or just take it at your own pace with rest stops to ensure adequate rest. 

Book a day tour if you prefer not to go on a long drive to the national park and back to Melbourne's city centre – the day trip will likely take a full day (from 8:00am to 9:00pm) to complete, inclusive of driving time.

2. Get up close to Koalas and Penguins on Phillip Island

Phillip Island is an excellent place for animal lovers and those who are travelling with kids. Situated just two hours from Melbourne’s city centre by car, it is a popular day trip choice due to its scenic beauty and relatively short drive.

On Phillip Island, you can find the largest little penguin colony in the world. One of the most exhilarating things to do is seeing these penguins waddle home from the sea to land every evening, wave after wave, for about an hour. Book your tickets early before leaving Melbourne to visit the Penguin Parade, as tickets do get sold out for the premium seating (where you can get much closer to the penguins!).

You can also visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, where you can stroll along the tree-top boardwalks to see these sleepy creatures at close range. Do take note not to touch them though, as the koalas can get stressed when they are near humans. 

Be sure to allocate a whole day to explore Phillip Island when travelling out of Melbourne, as there are many other exhibits and attractions to explore. Delve into the historic charm of Churchill Island as it is the site of the first European garden in Victoria and hosts heritage farming activities. And don’t miss the opportunity to engage with interactive exhibits at the ‘Antarctic Journey’ Centre, where you will experience a journey that brings the beauty of Antarctica to life through futuristic displays.

3. Enjoy quality food and wine at Yarra Valley while exploring the Dandenong Ranges

Located relatively closer to Melbourne city, it takes just over an hour to drive to Yarra Valley. This is a great choice for those who love to savour culinary delights and fine wine. Yarra Valley is known as one of the world's premier wine growing regions, with over 80 cellar doors offering wine tastings.

Indulge in a wide range of wines at the Chandon winery by sampling their famous sparkling wines. Tip: get a flight of wine (a selection of wine varietals) and share it among friends for the opportunity to taste the different wines available. My personal favourite is the Chandon Sparkling Pinot Shiraz – you don’t find sparkling reds available in the market often!

For those who prefer white wines and red wines without the bubbles, visit TarraWarra Estate at Yarra Valley, famous for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They have two wine tasting options – a premium range at AU$30 (S$26) per person to sample six types of wines, or an estate wine (made only from grapes owned by the winery) tasting at AU$20 (S$17) per person, also for six types of wine. Costs are waived when you purchase wines from them after.

For those who are also keen on pairing their trip with a good hike, visit the Dandenong Ranges to explore a set of low mountain ranges. The picturesque area is located near Yarra Valley, perfect for an invigorating hike after treating your taste buds to the exquisite wines. 

Go on the 1,000 steps trail – a popular and scenic four-kilometre walking track with a steep, upward climb. This is also known as the Kokoda Memorial Walk, dedicated to honouring the lives of the soldiers who fought on the Kokoda Trail during World War II.

After hiking, have some scones at the very popular Miss Marple’s Tearoom served with their delicious whipped cream. It’s only open on weekdays, from 11:00am to 4:00pm, so plan your visit accordingly, and reach early to avoid the long queues. I arrived at about 11:45am and had to wait about an hour. If you’re not the type to stand in line, do reach there before 11:00am to avoid waiting for the scones.

4. Get a nice tan and relax at Brighton Beach and St Kilda Beach

For those who just want a short getaway from the city, check out the beaches near Melbourne central business district (CBD). The Brighton Bathing Boxes are located just 30 minutes by car from Melbourne CBD and consist of a long row of brightly coloured sheds that line the Brighton Beach. The boxes that were originally built in the 1860s as modest seafront changing rooms are now privately owned and are mostly used to store equipment like chairs, beach umbrellas and fishing equipment. They have evolved into iconic structures of Brighton Beach, where many tourists and families go to relax with their children!

Just six kilometres south of Melbourne CBD is St Kilda Beach, a popular spot during weekends for locals to relax, sunbathe, and play beach volleyball. If you’re looking to purchase locally produced gifts, visit St Kilda Beach on Sundays for the St Kilda Esplanade Market. Open every Sunday from 10:00am, this market sells a wide range of Australian products.

 

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