We know Melbourne has enough going on to fill a whole holiday, many times over. But have you seen what’s outside the city? Branch out and there’s coastal roads with unreal views, wineries and mountains great for hiking AND skiing (in winter, obviously).
We want you to explore some of the best places to visit near Melbourne and see why we love them so much. Go meet penguins on Phillip Island, enjoy a romantic break in the Yarra Valley and if you want a big adventure, head for Mount Buller or the Grampians. Enjoy our top picks for day trips and short getaways, and look forward to somewhere comfy to come back to after.
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Great Ocean Road
Let’s say your dream road trip involves ocean views and stopping every five minutes for another photo. We’ve got your perfect match. The Great Ocean Road is one of Aus’ most famous coastal drives, and you’ll soon see why.
The official starting point is Torquay, about 1.5 hours from central Melbourne, depending on traffic. But that’s just the beginning. The Twelve Apostles are much further along, so we’d make this an overnight adventure if they’re on your list.
Start with the surf scenery around Torquay and Bells Beach, then follow the coast through Anglesea and Lorne. Stop for lunch, go to the beach and make sure you spend some time at Apollo Bay. When you move over to the Otways, you’ll get to see some stunning rainforest walks, before you’re met with the limestone stacks at the Twelve Apostles which are your big finale. If you’re heading to the Twelve Apostles, check the latest visitor information and be sure to book ahead through the Visitor Centre, as bookings are currently essential.
We reckon the best time to go is spring or autumn so you can enjoy plenty of walking and sightseeing. Summer is lovely for beach stops, but as you’d expect, it gets really busy during the holidays. This is also a great shout for couples, photographers and families who love a road trip. Keep the driving manageable so you can enjoy it at your own pace.
Mornington Peninsula
Beaches, wineries and hot springs? Count us in! The Mornington Peninsula makes a strong case for leaving the city. It’s about a 1 to 1.5 hours drive to reach the northern peninsula from Melbourne, but it’ll take a little extra time for places further south, like Sorrento and Portsea.
We reckon this is one of the best places to see around Melbourne if your holiday needs a bit of everything. You could check out the shops in Mornington, head to a bay beach or spend the afternoon around Red Hill’s wineries. There’s loads going on. The Arthurs Seat Eagle is another good shout for views over the peninsula and Port Phillip Bay. For a proper switch-off, book a soak at Peninsula Hot Springs. It’s the sort of outing that works just as well on a cooler day, so you don’t need summer sun to enjoy it.
Summer is our pick for beach time, while spring and autumn are lovely for walks and wining and dining. It’s a nice slow pace for couples, but families will have plenty to explore around the different towns and attractions. Choose a few things close together over trying to cover the whole peninsula in one day.
Phillip Island
If seeing little penguins is on your Aussie wish list, there’s only one place for it and that’s Phillip Island. It’s about 1.5 to 2 hours from Melbourne by car so it’s a great little trip out of the city.
The main event is the Penguin Parade, where little penguins come ashore around sunset. Trust us, it’s so worth it. Book your tickets ahead and check the arrival instructions for your viewing option as you won’t want to miss it. We’d bring a warm layer whatever the season as sitting by the sea after dark can get a bit chilly! Before the penguins arrive, spend some time around Cowes or head to the Nobbies boardwalks for coastal views.
This is an easy win for families and wildlife fans. You can visit throughout the year, but you’ll get more time on the beach in the summer. It’s still worth visiting in the spring and autumn though to enjoy some sightseeing.
Remember that the Penguin Parade means a late finish, especially in summer. You might want to plan an overnight if you’d rather have a relaxed morning than take a long drive back to Melbourne at night.
Geelong
For a seaside city break without a huge journey, we love Geelong. It’s one of our top places to visit near Melbourne. It’s about 75 kilometres away and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to get to if you’re driving. You can take the train too, which is handy if you want to leave the car behind.
Start at the waterfront and follow the Baywalk Bollards, which turn characters from Geelong’s history into some very entertaining photo stops. Head towards Eastern Beach, take a ride on the historic carousel or find somewhere for lunch overlooking Corio Bay. The botanic gardens are another lovely place for a stroll, especially in the sun.
We’d visit in spring or autumn for sightseeing, or summer if you want to make the most of the waterfront. It’s a really good fit for families, couples and travellers who want a chilled break. You’re also in a great spot to explore the Bellarine Peninsula or head toward the Great Ocean Road.
Oaks R Suites Geelong
Oaks R Suites Geelong is in a fabulously restored heritage-listed building on Bellerine Street, just a short walk from Eastern Beach.
You can choose from hotel rooms or apartments with 1 and 2 bedrooms. The hotel rooms have kitchenettes, while the apartments offer fully equipped kitchens and private balconies. There’s inclusive Wi-Fi, onsite parking, a 24-hour front desk and Le Café onsite for an easy bite. We’d choose this one if you like a building with character and want the convenience of round-the-clock reception.
Oaks Vue Suites Geelong
You’ve also got the Oaks Vue Suites Geelong nearby at 6 Bellerine Street, which offers refurbished studios and apartments with 1 and 2 bedrooms.
The studios come with kitchenettes, while the apartments have fully equipped kitchens and private balconies. You’ll also have inclusive Wi-Fi and onsite parking, including an electric vehicle charging station. Le Café at Oaks R Suites Geelong is within walking distance, with room service available from the café if you’d prefer to stay in.
Both properties put you close to the waterfront and give you loads of space to settle in. Oaks R Suites Geelong has the heritage setting, onsite café and 24-hour reception, while Oaks Vue Suites Geelong is a good shout for a refurbished apartment stay nearby.
Need more plans for your trip? Check out our guide to Fun Things to Do in Geelong.
Yarra Valley
Now, if your ideal day out starts with vineyard views and ends with a long lunch, head to the Yarra Valley. It’s one of the best attractions near Melbourne, and the nearer cellar doors are around an hour away. Healesville is a little further. This makes it one of the easiest trips on the list, especially if you can arrange a guide or driver.
This region is known for cool-climate wines, so if you love some chardonnay and pinot noir, you’ll be in your element. There’s plenty of sparkling wine to try too. You could book a tasting at Chandon, visit a smaller producer or (our personal fave) choose a winery restaurant and make lunch the main event.
There’s also plenty for people who aren’t into wine. Healesville Sanctuary is a brilliant choice for families and wildlife lovers, with loads of native aussie animals in a bushland setting. You can also browse Healesville’s shops and cafés or look into a sunrise balloon flight.
We’d pick spring or autumn for comfortable exploring and some lovely vineyard scenery. Couples and food lovers will be happy here, but it’s just as easy to plan a family day around the sanctuary.
Mount Buller
Want to see a completely different side of Victoria? Then head for the mountains! Mount Buller is around 250 kilometres from Melbourne, with the drive taking about three hours.
This is where people rush for winter skiing, snowboarding and snow play. If it’s your first time, we recommend booking a lesson to learn how it’s all done. Even if you’re not skiing, you can explore the village and check out which sightseeing and other snow activities are on.
For a snow trip, look at the usual June to September season, but check conditions and opening dates before booking. Snow cover varies so don’t leave things up to chance. And a big thing to note is that any vehicles travelling beyond Mirimbah in the ski season must carry and fit wheel chains where directed. You’ll also need to sort resort entry and parking.
Mount Buller isn’t just a winter destination though. In the warmer months, you can explore walking and mountain biking trails and enjoy the alpine scenery without ski boots. Some people prefer it that way.
This is our pick for active travellers, snow-loving families and couples who want a mountain escape. A day trip is possible, but we’d stay a night or two to give yourselves more time on the mountain. This is easily one of the must-see places to visit near Melbourne if you’ve got the time.
Bendigo
Ok, let’s move on to a bit of history. Swap coastal views for the gold rush in Bendigo, which is about two hours from Melbourne by car or train, so it’s a really easy day out with a bit of culture.
Start your day with a wander past the city’s grand historic buildings and then try the Vintage Talking Tram for a different way to see the sights. At Central Deborah Gold Mine, you can head underground on a guided tour and learn about life in the mine. The Golden Dragon Museum is well worth a visit to learn about the city’s Chinese heritage.
Art lovers should check the Bendigo Art Gallery programme. The main gallery is currently closed for redevelopment, but exhibitions and events can still be seen at other venues around Bendigo.
Bendigo is a top choice for history fans, couples, and families who enjoy an outing with a bit of story behind it. And because there’s a direct train from Southern Cross, it’s one of the easier attractions near Melbourne to explore without getting in a car.
The Grampians
If your holiday needs some big views and proper outdoor time, we’d head to the Grampians, also known as Gariwerd. Halls Gap is about three hours from Melbourne by car and is a really handy base for exploring.
The mountains are the main attraction, with loads of walking trails to choose from. Boroka Lookout is a good starting point to take in the views, while the Pinnacle is very popular with walkers who want to earn their photo stop. You’ve got to do it for the ‘Gram!
If you go in the spring you’ll see the wildflowers, and autumn is another solid choice for walking without the strong summer heat. Families can choose shorter trails, but there’s loads for keen hikers to enjoy too.
We’d give this one at least a couple of nights. There’s loads to see, and six hours of return driving doesn’t leave much time for enjoying the park. Check Parks Victoria’s current access information before setting off, as area closures can change due to bushfires and other ongoing works.
Where to stay in Melbourne
Melbourne is an amazing city, so if you want to enjoy it and still enjoy some shorter outings, stay central. Leave some time to explore Melbourne’s neighbourhoods too. Two of our top accommodation choices are Oaks Melbourne on William Suites and Oaks Melbourne St Kilda Road Hotel.
Oaks Melbourne on William Suites
Oaks Melbourne on William Suites is a handy CBD choice. It’s near Flagstaff Gardens, with Queen Victoria Market nearby. You’ll also get to enjoy being close to public transport.
The self-contained accommodation has full kitchens, private balconies and inclusive Wi-Fi, plus an onsite gym. It’s a good fit if you want to mix city sightseeing with some day trips, especially when you’re planning to use trains or join tours from central Melbourne.
Having your own kitchen also makes an early start so much easier! Coffee, breakfast and out the door ready for your day’s adventure.
Oaks Melbourne St Kilda Road Hotel
If you’d rather stay near Albert Park and Fawkner Park, we’ve got you at Oaks Melbourne St Kilda Road Hotel.
There are studios and accommodation options with 1 and 2 bedrooms, including a 2-Bedroom Dual Key layout. You’ll find kitchenettes, private balconies and inclusive Wi-Fi, plus an onsite restaurant, bar, gym and laundry facilities.
Trams make it super easy to get into the city, and the onsite undercover parking is useful if you’re hiring a car for your trips. Remember to check parking availability and charges when booking.
There are more options across our Melbourne accommodation collection, including Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel, Oaks Melbourne on Collins Suites and Oaks Melbourne Southbank Suites. Choose the location that works best for your city plans as well as your days away.
To Wrap It Up!
You won’t be short of places to visit near Melbourne. You can go from city cafés to coastal roads, vineyard lunches and mountain views, all within the same holiday. You’ll need another one to get over it! Check out Visit Victoria for more inspo, then leave enough time to enjoy the places you choose.
Pick a couple of day trips, give the longer journeys an overnight stay and keep some time for making the most of the city. With an Oaks base in the city or Geelong, you’ll have somewhere special to come back to after all that exploring. We’d call that a pretty good Victorian getaway.
