The Best Day Trips From Melbourne

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Melbourne is surrounded by a range of rewarding day trip destinations, each within a few hours’ drive. From the historic streets of Ballarat to the distinctive volcanic landscape of Hanging Rock, each route offers its own unique appeal.

Travelling by motorhome adds flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore at your own pace with everything you need on board. Here are several recommended day trips that can comfortably be completed within a single day.

Oysters Family at the beach Salad

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Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is up there as the best day trip from Melbourne by car. It’s a perfect blend of seaside charm and relaxing hot springs. You can spend the morning soaking in the Peninsula Hot Springs, wander along the white sands of Sorrento, then top it off with panoramic views from Arthurs Seat. It is a great spot to stretch your legs, paddle in calm waters or simply enjoy a sunset picnic beside your motorhome.

  • Melbourne city centre to Mornington Peninsula: about 75 km (70  minutes) south-east

  • Good for: families and couples, toddlers will love the playgrounds and gentle beaches

  • What to do: soak in hot mineral baths, take the coastal walk, visit local wineries

 

Yarra Valley

Just an hour from the city, the Yarra Valley is a haven for food and wine lovers. Explore cellar doors at world-class vineyards, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a vineyard café or hop aboard the Puffing Billy steam train through the forested hills. If you fancy wildlife encounters, Healesville Sanctuary is on your doorstep.

  • Melbourne city centre to Healesville: about 65 km (70 minutes) north-east

  • Good for: adult travellers and families with older kids, best suited to wine enthusiasts

  • What to do: taste local wines, ride the historic steam train, meet native animals

 

Phillip Island

Phillip Island is one of the top day trips from Melbourne for wildlife fans. It’s famous for its adorable little penguins, and catching the Penguin Parade at dusk is a true family highlight. During the day you can drive the winding coastal road, visit the Koala Conservation Reserve or explore the dramatic Nobbies boardwalk with seal and seabird lookouts.

  • Melbourne city centre to Philip Island : about 140 km (two hours) south-east

  • Good for: families and wildlife enthusiasts, toddlers will be mesmerised by the penguins

  • What to do: watch the penguins, see koalas up close, stroll the boardwalk for seal sightings

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges offer lush fern gullies, towering mountain ash trees and charming village cafés. You can wander the easy paths at Sherbrooke Forest, enjoy a picnic at Grants Picnic Ground or savour views from SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, then relax back at your motorhome with a hot drink.

  • Melbourne city centre to Dandenong Ranges: about 48 km (1 hour) east

  • Good for: bushwalkers and families, prams and toddlers can enjoy the shorter trails

  • What to do: forest walks, picnics in the park, scenic lookout visits

 

Great Ocean Road (Torquay & Bells Beach)

Begin your journey in Torquay, the surfing capital of Australia, and feel the ocean breeze as you watch surfers tackle the famous breaks at Bells Beach. If you are after a short stretch of coastline, the boardwalk at Point Addis is a quiet spot to breathe in sea air and soak up the views.

  • Melbourne city centre to Torquay: about 100 km (one-and-a-half hours) south-west to Torquay

  • Good for: surfers, adventurers and couples, older kids will love the surf culture

  • What to do: surf or watch surfers, walk coastal trails, explore seaside towns

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Daylesford & Hepburn Springs

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are synonymous with relaxation. Immerse yourself in mineral-rich baths at the historic Hepburn Bathhouse, wander the boutique shops and cafés in Daylesford or take a gentle stroll around Lake Daylesford and the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens.

  • Melbourne city centre to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs: about 115 km (one-and-a-half hours) north-west

  • Good for: couples and wellness seekers, families with older children will enjoy the walks and café scene

  • What to do: soak in thermal baths, browse artisan stores, explore scenic gardens

 

Ballarat & Sovereign Hill

Just under two hours’ drive north-west you’ll find Ballarat’s gold-rush heritage. Wander the open-air museum at Sovereign Hill, explore the state art gallery or paddle on Lake Wendouree.

 

Hanging Rock

Hanging Rock rises out of open farmland like a giant volcanic fortress. The short walk to the summit takes you through woodlands filled with birdsong before rewarding you with panoramic views over the plains towards Melbourne. 

 

Macedon Ranges & Camels Hump

Famous for autumn colours and lavender farms, the Ranges are also home to the Camels Hump walk and the historic village of Lancefield.

  • Melbourne city centre to Macedon Ranges & Camels Hump : about 60 km (1 hour) north-west

  • Good for: garden lovers, bushwalkers and anyone seeking a quiet country escape

  • What to do: tour the nearby gardens, hike the Camels Hump trail

 

Bellarine Peninsula

This quieter cousin of Mornington blends seaside villages, wineries and heritage forts—ideal for a laid-back day trip. Historic forts at Queenscliff overlook oyster-laden bays, while the seaside village of Portarlington is perfect for a beachfront stroll and fresh seafood lunch. Wineries and craft breweries dot the rolling hills inland, so foodies and couples can savour local flavours before wandering the foreshore at sunset.

 

Warburton & Redwood Forest

Head east into the Yarra Valley foothills to discover cool-climate rainforest and the towering Mountain Ash of the Redwood forest.

 

The Grampians National Park

The Grampians National Park is one of the most spectacular day trips from Melbourne by car. It unfolds as a rugged playground of sandstone peaks, cascading waterfalls and ancient Aboriginal rock art. You can hike the Pinnacle track for sweeping valley views, marvel at the thunderous MacKenzie Falls, then explore Bunjil’s Shelter to see millennia-old paintings. It is the perfect outing for anyone who loves adventure, wildlife and cultural history.

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Day trips from Melbourne with maui

With a maui motorhome, you have the freedom to explore Melbourne’s surrounding regions at your own pace. There’s no need to worry about train schedules or repacking between stops, simply park, explore, and relax in comfort. Each destination becomes part of the journey, offering flexibility and ease throughout the day.

Begin your motorhome adventure with maui and experience all that Melbourne and its surrounds have to offer. Book online or visit your nearest branch to get started.

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