Experience the Best Day Road Trips from Melbourne
Living in Melbourne means you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to incredible day trip destinations. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can go from towering forests to dramatic coastlines, rolling vineyards to hot springs. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best day road trips from Melbourne, including travel times and top highlights.
1. Redwood Forest, Warburton
Travel time from Melbourne CBD: ~1 hr 30 min east
Hidden in the Yarra Ranges, the Redwood Forest feels like stepping into another world. Towering Californian redwoods soar above, creating a serene, fairy-tale-like atmosphere perfect for photography and quiet walks. Pair your visit with a stop in Warburton for riverside cafes and the scenic La La Falls hike.
Highlights:
- 1476 planted Californian redwoods
- Gentle walking trails
- Close to Yarra River picnic spots
2. Great Ocean Road & Lorne
Travel time from Melbourne CBD: ~2 hrs 15 min south-west to Lorne
This iconic coastal drive is one of the most scenic in the world. Starting from Torquay, wind along clifftops with sweeping ocean views, pass surf beaches, and explore charming towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay. For a single-day trip, Lorne is a perfect turnaround point with its beach, waterfalls, and relaxed cafes.
Highlights:
- Scenic coastal lookouts
- Erskine Falls in Lorne
- Great Otway National Park walks
3. Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
Travel time from Melbourne CBD: ~1 hr north-east
Victoria’s premier wine region offers award-winning cellar doors, gourmet produce, and lush countryside. Spend the morning on the Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges before wine tasting in the Yarra Valley. Don’t miss Healesville Sanctuary for native wildlife encounters.
Highlights:
- Puffing Billy heritage train
- Boutique wineries & breweries
- Healesville Sanctuary
4. Daylesford & Macedon Ranges
Travel time from Melbourne CBD: ~1 hr 30 min north-west
Famous for its mineral springs and spa retreats, Daylesford is the perfect spot for relaxation. Enjoy a soak at Hepburn Bathhouse, explore Lake Daylesford, and wander through galleries and antique stores. The surrounding Macedon Ranges also offer stunning gardens and cool-climate wineries.
Highlights:
- Natural mineral springs
- Award-winning spas
- Galleries & local produce
5. Mornington Peninsula & Hot Springs
Travel time from Melbourne CBD: ~1 hr 30 min south-east
The Mornington Peninsula combines beautiful beaches, gourmet food, and wellness experiences. Spend the day relaxing at the Peninsula Hot Springs, exploring coastal walks, or sampling fresh seafood and wine. Sorrento and Portsea offer heritage charm and sweeping bay views.
Highlights:
- Peninsula Hot Springs
- Coastal walks & lookouts
- Wineries & seafood dining
6. Phillip Island
Travel time from Melbourne CBD: ~2 hrs south-east
A haven for wildlife lovers, Phillip Island is famous for its Penguin Parade at sunset. During the day, visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, or take a coastal walk to The Nobbies for dramatic sea views.
Highlights:
- Penguin Parade
- Koala Conservation Reserve
- Surf beaches & blowholes
7. Wilsons Promontory National Park
Travel time from Melbourne CBD: ~3 hrs south-east
Known as “The Prom,” this park is a nature-lover’s paradise with pristine beaches, granite mountains, and abundant wildlife. Take the walk to Mount Oberon summit for panoramic views or relax on squeaky-white sand at Norman Beach.
Highlights:
- Mount Oberon summit hike
- Norman & Squeaky Beach
- Wildlife spotting (kangaroos, wombats)
8. The Grampians National Park
Travel time from Melbourne CBD: ~3 hrs 15 min north-west
The Grampians offer rugged mountain ranges, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and breathtaking lookouts. Short hikes lead to stunning spots like The Pinnacle, Boroka Lookout, and Mackenzie Falls. Halls Gap makes a great base for lunch and exploring.
Highlights:
- The Pinnacle hike
- Mackenzie Falls
- Aboriginal rock art sites
Tips for Planning Your Day Trip
- Start early: Many destinations are best enjoyed with a full day.
- Pack snacks & water: Especially for national park visits.
- Check weather & conditions: Coastal and alpine areas can change quickly.
- Plan your return: Allow buffer time for traffic when heading back to Melbourne.