Planning a trip to Melbourne, Australia with your holiday squad? Besides the city’s famed cafes and gorgeous architecture, there are plenty of things to do and see just outside of Melbourne as well. With epic sceneries, nature hikes, winery tours, hot springs and penguins just a one to two-hour drive away from the city, it’s well worth setting aside some time for these unforgettable day trips.
And if you’re heading down under during the winter months of June to August, you’re in for an extra treat - there’ll be special winter activities at selected spots and you’ll even get to experience snow!
Read on for 7 gorgeous day trips to take during your Melbourne holiday!
#1 Grampians National Park
Drive from Melbourne: 3h30min
Photo from Klook
This 1,672 km² park houses picturesque views of mountain ranges, rock formations and Mackenzie Falls, one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Victoria. The best way to soak in the views is with a guided tour, and this particular one on Klook will take you through all of the vantage points and areas of interest on a 6.5km hike. It even includes a cafe lunch at the local village Hall Gaps, where you can spot kangaroos just chilling out!
Book a Grampians Hiking Day Tour on Klook here.
#2 Phillip Island
Drive from Melbourne: 1h30min
Photo from Klook
Did someone say penguins? Phillip Island is home to the largest colony of Little Penguins in the world, and at sunset, these cute little creatures will do the famed “penguin parade” - where they return back to their burrows after spending the day in the ocean. The best way to view these penguins waddling back home is to get yourself a ticket for the viewing platform - we hear they get snapped up really fast, so book yours early!
Get your Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Viewing Ticket on Klook here.
Photo from Klook
If you’re visiting Phillip Island in the winter months, then you shouldn’t miss the chance to go whale watching! This four-hour cruise on Klook will take you to the annual migration route of Humpback and Southern Right Whales, where there’s an 80% chance that you will get to observe these magnificent giants up close. That’s not all - you can also spot dolphins and other wildlife on this cruise, including the rare wandering albatross. And don’t worry about lunch - there’ll be freshly made sandwiches as well as complimentary coffee, tea and cake served onboard.
Book your Winter Whale Watching Cruise in Phillip Island on Klook here.
#3 Yarra Valley
Drive from Melbourne: 30min
Photo from Klook
If you love wine, then your trip to Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Yarra Valley, which houses over 70 wineries. And instead of simply dropping by a winery for a tasting, why not do it in style and ride in on horseback? This Yarra Valley Horse Trail on Klook will take you through some of the best views of the valley and Australia’s Great Dividing Range, where you’ll get to see wildlife such as eagles, kangaroos and wombats, before ending at Tokar Estates, where you’ll get to do a wine tasting in a private mountain hut with breathtaking views.
Book a Scenic Yarra Valley Horse Trail Ride with Wine Tasting on Klook here.
Photo from Klook
They say the early bird catches the worm - and if you’re an early bird in Yarra Valley, then you’ll be rewarded with a picturesque bird’s eye view of the wine region during sunrise. How? By catching a hot air balloon ride, of course! Yes, you have to wake up really early but it’s worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. To end off an epic morning, we highly-recommend that you upgrade your trip to include the customary champagne breakfast at the winery. After all, you’ll be hungry after that early morning flight so why not have a hearty breakfast?
Book a Hot Air Balloon Trip in Yarra Valley on Klook here.
#4 Dandenong Ranges
Drive from Melbourne: 1h
Photo from Klook
Go village-hopping in the Dandenong Ranges, where charming high-tea spots and lush greenery await. There’s plenty to do here for a whole day, with farms, museums and markets to explore. A fun way to get to the Dandenong Ranges would be via the Puffing Billy Railway, where you’ll get to sit in an actual steam train. Do note that you’ll have to book your tickets in advance and walk-ups aren’t usually accommodated because of the ride’s popularity. And don’t be surprised if you see passengers sitting on the carriage sills - you’re actually allowed to dangle your feet outside throughout the whole ride. In fact, it’s actually encouraged as part of the Puffing Billy experience!
Get your Puffing Billy Railway Steam Train Ticket on Klook here.
Photo from Klook
Taking the Puffing Billy in winter? Make sure to catch the breathtaking spectacular that is Puffing Billy’s Train of Lights show, where the sprawling forests and open farmlands of Dandenong will come alive with projections of bright colours, patterns and native wildlife. We guarantee you’ve never see a moving light show like this before!
Get your tickets here.
#5 Mornington Peninsula
Drive from Melbourne: 1h30mins
Photo from Klook
Did you know that there’s a hot spring just 90 minutes outside of Melbourne? A popular day trip amongst locals, the Peninsula Hot Springs is the destination if you’re looking to relax and unwind. For the ultimate hot spring experience, go to The Bath House, where you’ll get to try their Fire, Ice and Bath experience, which not only includes a dip in the hot spring but also an ice plunge pool, a hot sauna and even a sub-zero ice cave!
Book your Peninsula Hot Springs Fire, Ice and Bath Experience on Klook here.
Photo from Klook
For nature buffs or hiking enthusiasts, there’s no better way to experience Mornington Peninsula than with a hike. Book a guided group hike with Klook, where you’ll get to have breakfast atop the summit of Arthur's Seat, hike along the coast of Bushranger’s Bay, and breathe in the world’s cleanest air along Cape Schnack’s boardwalk. The hike ends with lunch at Mornington’s Peninsula best cafe, Merchant & Maker, and of course, a 2-hour stop at Peninsula Hot Springs to treat yourself to a relaxing soak at the end of the half-day hike.
Book your Mornington Peninsula Hiking Adventure on Klook here.
#6 Sovereign Hill
Drive from Melbourne: 1h30mins
Photo from Klook
Experience the Ballarat gold rush at Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum with plenty of activities for the young and old that’ll definitely bring you back in time. If you’re heading down during winter, you’re in for a treat because there’s Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights, where the buildings come alive under a kaleidoscope of colour and music as vibrant projections light up the streetscape. You can even experience faux snow and visit Santa Claus!
Photo from Klook
Winter Wonderlights is happening from 25 June to 17 July, 2022. All tickets must be pre-booked online. Get your Sovereign Hill Entry Ticket on Klook here.
#7 Lake Mountain
Drive from Melbourne: 1h30min
Photo from Klook
Want to see real snow? Just head over to Lake Mountain, Melbourne’s closest snow resort, during the winter season! You can sign up for skiing lessons, go tobogganing, build a snowman or engage your friends in an epic snowball fight. When you’re done playing in the snow, pop by the Steavenson Waterfall in Marysville and explore the nearby town. Last but not least, end your day trip on a sweet note with a hot chocolate at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. It’ll warm you right up!
Book your Lake Mountain Snow, Waterfalls and Chocolate Day Tour from Melbourne on Klook here.
How to get around Melbourne
There’s no better way to do these day trips than to drive! With your own rental car, you get to do things your own way - choosing when to start the day and where you can stop if something catches your eye. Perfect for travellers who prefer to take the free and easy route!
Psst - to save on car rental costs, make your booking on Klook. Use the code <SGCARAU00> for 10% off with a minimum spend of $200. Discount is capped at $50.
Book your car rental on Klook here.
Book your holiday experiences on Klook for the best prices
Don’t plan your holiday without checking Klook first! The one-stop travel platform has amazing deals and exclusive promotions for all your travel essentials and activities, so you get to experience fun activities at the best prices.
If you’re booking your Melbourne holiday activities, use the code <VISITMELBOURNE> to get $30 off all activities in Victoria, with a minimum spend of $150. For the full list of Melbourne activities, visit Klook.
This post is brought to you by Klook and Visit Victoria.
