Time to start exploring what is just outside Melbourne SHA Fam!
We’ve outlined all the best Melbourne day trips below:
Situated just over an hour from Melbourne’s CBD is our first stop in this list of must-do day trips, and that is none other than the Mornington Peninsula! The Mornington Peninsula is commonly referred to as a hybrid of Europe’s best coastal living, and laidback Australian charm. Therefore, it is no surprise that this winning combination attracts thousands of holidaymakers every year.
The Mornington Peninsula has everything one could ask for if you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, even if it’s just for the day! Sandy beaches, picturesque walking tracks, endless vineyards and sensational must-try food destinations.
Your first stop down at The Mornington Peninsula should be The Peninsula Hot Springs. This award-winning natural hot spring is an incredibly relaxing experience for those who need a well-earned study break during an intense semester. The water throughout the complex is natural geothermal mineral water, maximising your relaxation levels.
Once you’ve finished relaxing and entering your highest level of Zen, it is time to fill your stomach with some scrumptious locally sourced food and drink. This part of the world has a plethora of wineries to choose from, but one can’t go past the breathtaking setup of Pt Leo Estate. Wander around the sculpture park, whilst working up an appetite for their spacious and group-friendly restaurant. Want to impress a special someone instead of eating as a group? Head to the exclusive Laura Restaurant, titled ‘Pt. Leo Estate’s most refined expression of dining.’
Wineries aren’t your thing, and you’d prefer a glass of the golden nectar? Checkout St Andrews Beach Brewery. These ex-horse stables having been brewing local craft beers since 2017 and have been a local hit ever since!
The Great Wall of China, The Great Barrier Reef, The Great Pyramid of Giza and the Great Ocean Road! It is no surprise that our second destination on our day trip tour is considered one of the most breathtaking road trips destinations in Victoria, and host some of the most spectacular stretches of coastline throughout the country. The title alone keeps itself in some illustrious company.
The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre stretch of road along Victoria’s coast, starting in seaside town Torquay and finishing right near Warrnambool.
Melbourne CBD to Torquay is roughly an hour and a half drive, however, the drive along the Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Warrnambool is sprinkled with beautiful beach towns, each as unique as the last, that will tempt you to stop at every single one! Some of these destinations include Anglesea, Lorne, Wye River, Kennett River and Apollo Bay.
If you are sick of surfing the web for that perfect journal article to include in that thesis, then it’s time to change your definition of surfing. The great ocean road is internationally renowned for producing surfwear labels Rip Curl and Quicksilver. This is due to the fact The Great Ocean Road has some of the most exciting surfing conditions Australia has to offer. So if you are a keen surfer or want to give it a shot for the first time, you will find a plethora of Surf Schools to accommodate all levels!
To cap off your trip along The Great Ocean Road a picture at the Twelve Apostles is a must-do for all those looking to impress others on their Insta feed! The Twelve Apostles are a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park, formed millions of years ago by Mother Nature herself. Watching the sunrise at the Twelve Apostles will leave you breathless and keen to come back.
3. Daylesford & Hepburn Springs
Located an easy 90-minute drive from Melbourne, Daylesford is probably the most relaxing option on this list of trips! Daylesford boasts some of the most amazing natural mineral springs in Australia, a hub for art & design, luscious farmland, and a picturesque lake to die for.
Hepburn Springs is famous for the largest concentrations of mineral springs in Australia and is an incredible way to wind down after a stressful week of lectures and study. If getting pampered and connecting with mother nature isn’t your thing, fear not! There are several great walking tracks situated in and around the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve where you can manually pump-out some natural spring water straight from the ground. It is quite a surreal experience drinking ‘fizzy’ water straight from the source! Plus, you can experiment with trying the different sources as they all have their unique taste and flavour.
Are you an Art Student looking for some inspiration for your one big project? The Convent Gallery is the place for you. Initially a private mansion during the Gold Rush, it has since been transformed into an art gallery, museum, store and cafe. The gallery features local and international artists and changes regularly.
Penguins, Penguins, and more Penguins! Just like these adorable little creatures, I’m going to keep this day trip suggestion quite short!
The Penguin Parade is one of the most visited tourist attractions in all of Victoria. Every night at sunset, hundreds of little penguins finish their day fishing in the ocean as they waddle ashore to go to sleep and call it a night! It is almost a surreal experience as you see hundreds of these adorable little creates arrive on cue as if they’ve heard the bell to clock off for the day. Make sure your flash is turned off, and you’ll be able to get plenty of snaps of these cute little creatures.
The Yarra Valley has endless activities for those looking to explore the area. Wineries, Breweries, Restaurants, Farm fresh produce, Markets and plenty of Wildlife. The list is endless.
If you are new to Australia, a local student or someone just interested in local wildlife, then Healesville Sanctuary is a must-visit. This beautiful sanctuary houses over 200 Australian animals including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, emus, dingos and the ever-allusive platypus.
Similar to Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary puts on Keeper Talks throughout the day, where the keepers explain in greater detail the day-to-day life of these creatures. However, unlike most Zoos, Healesville has a ‘Spirits of the Sky‘ demonstration where the keepers showcase the skills and strength of our incredible native birds of prey. Watch these amazing creatures swoop through the sky and feed on the wing. Once you’ve seen these birds devour their snack for the day, it’s time for YOU to get YOUR snack fix! … of the chocolate variety of course!
The Yarra Valley Chocolateries & Ice Creamery is a must-do for all those with a sweet tooth. It has free entry and free chocolate tastings – what more could you ask for? Watch as the European Chocolatiers put on a masterclass as they create these delicious treats. Alternatively, you can kick back with a coffee and a cake and enjoy the views of the picturesque winemaking region.
Last but not least is the Four Pillars Gin Distillery. Ever wanted to know how gin was made? Look no further than this funky gin factory. The team there will show you around the distillery and explain how each of their Gins is made, from locally sourced ingredients to their enormous boilers. Plus, after the tour the team let you sample each of their gins, from the fruity Shiraz Gin to the extra strong Navy Strength Gin.
Harry Calder
Digital Marketing Coordinator & Melbourne Local
7th January 2021
