Best Day Trips From Melbourne

Hold on, there’s another treat in store! Once you’re done with the train ride, you’ll head to Healesville Sanctuary. This place is a haven for Australian wildlife. You’ll have the chance to get up close with iconic animals like kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses.

Must-See Attractions

• Belgrave Station kicks off your Puffing Billy adventure. You’ll find cool old stuff and get to check out where they fix the trains.
• Lakeside Station’s where you wanna go if you’re in the mood to chill. You can have a picnic or take a paddleboat out on Emerald Lake. It’s pretty relaxing.
• If you’re into animals, Healesville Sanctuary’s got you covered. They’ve got kangaroos, koalas, and even platypuses.
• For anyone who likes birds, there’s this awesome show called Spirits of the Sky at Healesville Sanctuary. It’s all about birds of prey and it’s something to see.

Tips

• The weather can be tricky, so pack layers and a raincoat just to be safe.
• Puffing Billy tickets go fast on weekends and holidays. Grab ’em to make sure you get a spot.
• You’ll do a lot of walking at Healesville Sanctuary so comfy shoes are a smart choice. The Dandenong Ranges have some awesome picnic spots. Bringing your own food can make for a cosy personal outing and add to the fun.

The tour’s top spots include the famous Twelve Apostles – huge limestone pillars that stick out of the sea – and Loch Ard Gorge, which has sad shipwreck stories. You’ll get to explore cute beach towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay. Each town has its own special feel and gives you a warm welcome. Nature lovers will enjoy the Great Otway National Park. It has thick rainforests, flowing waterfalls, and lots of interesting animals.

Unmissable Highlights

• Apollo Bay stands out as a delightful coastal spot. It’s great for grabbing lunch and taking a walk by the sea.
• Loch Ard Gorge offers a stunning view. It’s a place with big cliffs and a beach that has a lot of history.
• The Twelve Apostles are a must-see. These huge rocks stick out of the ocean and look amazing.
• Great Otway National Park has a lot to check out. You can find thick forests, cool waterfalls, and lots of animals there.

Tips

• Get Your Camera Ready for the views are amazing so make sure you charge your phone or camera. You’ll want to snap lots of pictures.
• Pack Some Snacks and Drinks because it’s easier to bring your own munchies and water.
• Leave Early because it’s a full day out, so hitting the road lets you enjoy more of the daytime.
• Check you’ve got enough gas in your car. Gas stations aren’t always easy to find in some parts.

You’ll get to drink awesome wines, learn about their production, and enjoy peaceful vineyard views there. Next up, head to a small distillery for some handmade gin tasting then hit a cider place to try their refreshing ciders. Make your drinks even better by pairing them with fancy local food like cheese, meat, and chocolates.

Unmissable Highlights

• Napoleone Cider House & Brewery: You can enjoy a refreshing cider tasting session while taking in beautiful views of the orchard.
• Domaine Chandon: This place has a reputation for its sparkling wines and provides a classy tasting experience.
• Yarra Valley Dairy: You’ll love trying handmade cheeses matched with wines from the area.
• Four Pillars Distillery: You can taste award-winning gins and find out how they make them.

Tips

• You might want to grab some wine to take back with you so an extra bag comes in handy.
• Think about booking a tour that includes transport, so you can enjoy the drinks without stressing about driving.
• Some spots need you to book ahead or have weird hours so plan your visits before you go.
• With loads of chances to taste stuff, don’t rush it. Enjoy each experience.

When the sun goes down, you’ll end up at the Penguin Parade viewpoint. You’ll spot hundreds of tiny penguins emerging from the surf and shuffling home. It’s a mind-blowing sight that shows off the wonder of Australian wildlife. Believe me, this experience will stay with you long after you’ve said goodbye to the beach!

Unmissable Highlights

• The Penguin Parade triggers cuteness overload. You’ll see hundreds of tiny penguins coming back home after spending the day at sea.
• The Koala Conservation Centre lets you get close to koalas in their natural home.
• Phillip Island Nature Parks give you a chance to check out the island’s different ecosystems and lots of wildlife.
• The Nobbies Centre has amazing coastal views and you might spot seals chilling on the rocks.

Tips

• Get there ahead of time to grab a good seat and check out the visitor centre before the Penguin Parade starts.
• The island gets cold at night even in summer so pack a cosy jacket.
• You can’t take pictures during the parade because it’s bad for the penguins so make sure you stick to the rules to keep them safe.
• If you want the best view, think about paying extra for premium spots

Unmissable Highlights

• Scenery That Never Stays the Same: You’ll see rolling vineyards, coastal views, and cute country towns as you travel.
• Fancy Food with Many Courses: You’ll eat dishes made from top-notch local stuff, along with wines from the area.
• Service Just for You: The staff pays close attention to make sure you have a special and fancy dining experience.
• Old-Time Train Cars: You’ll eat in old train cars that have been fixed up .

Tips

• Book your Q Train tickets because it’s a hot spot.
• Tell the staff about any food needs when you reserve so they can take care of you.
• nothing fancy, but dress up a bit to enjoy your meal more.
• Don’t rush through it. The whole trip is the fun part, not just where you end up.

This tour has an influence on how you perceive Melbourne. It allows you to see the city’s main sights without eating up your entire day.

Unmissable Highlights

• Hidden Alleyways: Take a walk through secret spots with cool art, fancy stores, and cute coffee shops.
• Queen Vic Market: Check out this old-school market. It’s packed with fresh food, cool gifts, and yummy treats.
• Fed Square: Find cool buildings, artsy stuff, and fun public areas.
• Botanic Gardens: Chill in these peaceful gardens. They have lots of different plants and calm lakes.

Tips

• Melbourne has great public transport for city trips.
• Wear comfy shoes because you’ll walk a lot.
• The weather changes fast so bring a hat or umbrella.
• Keep a water bottle with you when it’s hot.

Unmissable Highlights

• The Puffing Billy Train Ride: lets you enjoy a trip on an open-sided steam train. You’ll see beautiful forests as you travel.
• The Penguin Parade: gives you a chance to watch little penguins come ashore at night. It’s pretty cool to see.
• The Nobbies Centre: has great views of the coast. You can also check out stuff about sea life there.
• At Maru Koala and Animal Park: you get to hang out with Australian animals. They’ve got kangaroos, koalas, and wombats.

Tips:

• Dress in comfy clothes that work for outside and inside activities.
• Pack layers because you’ll start in the mountains and finish near the ocean, so temperatures will change.
• Bring some snacks to keep your energy up during this long day of activities.
• Have your camera ready to snap pics of the scenic train ride, but remember you can’t take photos during the Penguin Parade.

The cruise serves up a fancy dinner with local and international dishes whipped up by skilled chefs. You can enjoy some wine or a cocktail as you cruise past well-known landmarks like the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, Docklands, and Crown Casino. The relaxed atmosphere and scenic views make for a great night out. It’s ideal for celebrating something special or just unwinding.

Unmissable Highlights

• Live Entertainment: You’ll hear live tunes or watch performers onboard, which makes the night more fun.
• Gourmet Dinner: You’ll eat a fancy meal with lots of courses mixing local and world foods.
• Relaxed Ambiance: You can chill out with some wine or a mixed drink while you look at the pretty views.
• Yarra River Views: You’ll see the city’s lights and famous spots all lit up from the river.

Tips

• Let the staff know beforehand if you’re marking a milestone. They can set up something nice for you.
• Wear clothes that look good but feel relaxed to make your meal more enjoyable.
• Nights on the water can get chilly. Bring a light coat or wrap just in case.
• Getting there a bit ahead of time lets you grab the best spots and get comfortable.

The tour brings you to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. This spot is a paradise for chocolate lovers. You’ll have the chance to sample various chocolates, watch chocolate-making in action, and indulge in tasty ice cream.

Unmissable Highlights

• Sherbrooke Forest: lets you stroll among giant mountain ash trees. You’ll see lots of colourful birds in a peaceful place.
• Olinda Falls: shows off pretty waterfalls. You can walk on nice trails there too.
• Alfred Nicholas Gardens: has beautiful green spaces to check out. Look for fancy lakes and gorgeous views.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery: offers many types of chocolates made by hand. They also have yummy ice cream to enjoy.

Tips

• Trails get bumpy and slick so you need good shoes.
• Have a bite to eat at a nice spot on your walk.
• You’ll meet bugs on nature walks so bug spray helps.
• You might buy more chocolate than you think, so a spare bag comes in handy.