Road Trips from Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia, is known for its vibrant city life and cultural attractions, but it also serves as a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding areas on road trips. Whether you're looking for scenic coastal drives, picturesque countryside, or charming small towns, Melbourne offers a plethora of road trip options. Here are a few popular road trips from Melbourne:

1. Great Ocean Road: One of Australia's most iconic road trips, the Great Ocean Road is a must-visit destination. Stretching over 240 kilometers (150 miles) along the southeastern coast, this route offers stunning ocean views, towering cliffs, and famous landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

2. Mornington Peninsula: Located just an hour's drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula offers a mix of beautiful beaches, vineyards, and natural hot springs. Enjoy scenic coastal drives, visit charming seaside towns like Sorrento and Portsea, and indulge in wine tasting at the region's renowned wineries.

3. Yarra Valley: Just a short drive east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a paradise for wine enthusiasts. Explore the picturesque vineyards, taste world-class wines, and indulge in gourmet food at the numerous cellar doors and restaurants. Don't miss a visit to the Healesville Sanctuary, where you can encounter native Australian wildlife.

4. Wilsons Promontory National Park: Located about a three-hour drive from Melbourne, Wilsons Promontory National Park offers breathtaking coastal landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. Hike through lush forests, swim in secluded coves, and witness stunning sunsets over the Bass Strait.

5. The Grampians: A little further northwest of Melbourne, the Grampians National Park is a nature lover's paradise. This rugged mountain range is renowned for its panoramic views, picturesque waterfalls, and ancient rock formations. Embark on scenic hikes, spot native wildlife, and admire the Aboriginal rock art.

6. Phillip Island: Just a short drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island is famous for its unique wildlife experiences. Witness the enchanting Penguin Parade, where little penguins return to shore at sunset, and visit the Koala Conservation Centre. Don't forget to explore the island's beautiful beaches and take a scenic drive along the coastline.

One day itinerary

Three days itinerary

Day 1:

1. Start your day with a visit to Federation Square, a cultural and entertainment hub in the heart of Melbourne. Enjoy the architecture, grab a coffee, and admire the vibrant atmosphere.

2. Take a stroll along the Yarra River and explore the Southbank Promenade. You'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and street performers along the way.

Afternoon:
3. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia's oldest and largest art museum. Explore the extensive collection of international and Australian artworks.

4. Head to the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens for a peaceful escape. Take a leisurely walk through the beautiful gardens, enjoy a picnic, and visit the tropical greenhouse, known as the "Glasshouse."

5. Experience Melbourne's famous food and bar scene in the laneways. Explore Degraves Street, Hosier Lane, and Flinders Lane, where you'll find an array of cozy cafes, trendy bars, and unique street art.

Day 2:

1. Start your day at the Queen Victoria Market, a bustling open-air market that offers a wide variety of fresh produce, clothing, souvenirs, and delicious street food. Grab some breakfast and explore the market's vibrant atmosphere.

2. Visit the Melbourne Museum, located in Carlton Gardens. This museum showcases a range of exhibits, including Australian history, natural history, and cultural artifacts.3. Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Fitzroy. Known for its artistic vibe, Fitzroy is home to quirky shops, trendy boutiques, and eclectic street art. Enjoy browsing through vintage stores, visiting art galleries, and stopping at local cafes.

4. Take a tram to St. Kilda, a lively seaside suburb. Enjoy a walk along St. Kilda Beach, visit Luna Park for some old-fashioned fun, and don't miss the iconic St. Kilda Pier, where you can spot penguins at dusk.5. Experience Melbourne's thriving live music scene. Head to popular venues like the Corner Hotel, The Espy, or the Melbourne Recital Centre to catch a live performance and immerse yourself in the city's musical culture.

Day 3:

1. Visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of the world's greatest sporting stadiums. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the venue and explore its significant sporting memorabilia.

2. Explore the vibrant street art scene in the suburb of Fitzroy. Wander through the narrow laneways and admire the colorful murals and graffiti art.

3. Take a short trip to the seaside town of Brighton and visit the famous Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes. These colorful beach huts provide an excellent photo opportunity against the backdrop of the beautiful beach.

4. Explore the trendy neighborhood of Brunswick. Known for its multicultural atmosphere, Brunswick offers a diverse range of cafes, restaurants, and independent stores. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and soak in the local culture.

5. End your trip with a visit to the Crown Entertainment Complex, located on the banks of the Yarra River. Try your luck at the casino, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants, or catch a live show at one of the entertainment venues.

Remember to check the opening hours and any COVID-19 restrictions for each attraction or venue before your visit. Enjoy your time in Melbourne!

One week itinerary

Day 1: Explore Melbourne City
- Start your day by visiting Federation Square, a cultural hub in the heart of the city. Take some time to admire the unique architecture and visit the Ian Potter Centre, which houses Australian art.
- Walk along the Yarra River and enjoy the scenic views. You can take a leisurely stroll or rent a bike to explore the riverfront.
- Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, a beautiful green oasis in the city. Take a relaxing walk, have a picnic, or visit the Shrine of Remembrance for panoramic views of Melbourne.
- In the evening, explore the vibrant laneways of Melbourne, such as Hosier Lane and Degraves Street. These laneways are filled with street art, cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops.

Day 2: Great Ocean Road Day Trip
- Take a day trip along the Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. You can either rent a car or join a guided tour.
- Visit the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks rising from the ocean. Take in the breathtaking views and explore the nearby coastal trails.
- Stop by other notable landmarks along the Great Ocean Road, including Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, and the Memorial Arch.
- Enjoy the coastal towns along the way, such as Apollo Bay and Lorne, and savor some fresh seafood.

Day 3: Phillip Island Wildlife and Penguin Parade
- Head to Phillip Island, known for its wildlife encounters and the famous Penguin Parade.
- Visit the Koala Conservation Centre, where you can observe koalas in their natural habitat and walk along the treetop boardwalks.
- Explore the Nobbies, a scenic coastal area with stunning rock formations and a lookout point for seal colonies.
- In the evening, make your way to the Penguin Parade. Watch as hundreds of little penguins return to the shore after a day of fishing.

Day 4: Mornington Peninsula
- Take a day trip to the Mornington Peninsula, known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and hot springs.
- Start with a visit to the Peninsula Hot Springs, where you can relax in natural thermal pools and indulge in spa treatments.
- Explore the charming seaside towns of Sorrento and Portsea. Take a walk along the coastline, visit the historic Sorrento Pier, and enjoy some fish and chips.
- Visit the picturesque wineries in the region and sample local wines. You can also enjoy a gourmet lunch at one of the vineyard restaurants.

Day 5: Yarra Valley Wine Region
- Spend a day exploring the Yarra Valley, a renowned wine region near Melbourne.
- Visit some of the award-winning wineries and enjoy wine tastings. Some popular wineries include Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli, and Yering Station.
- Take a break from wine tasting and indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the vineyard restaurants.
- If time permits, visit the Healesville Sanctuary, a wildlife sanctuary where you can see native Australian animals up close.

Day 6: Melbourne Museum and St Kilda
- Start your day with a visit to the Melbourne Museum, which showcases the natural and cultural history of the region.
- Explore the exhibits, including the renowned Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre and the dinosaur fossils.
- Head to St Kilda, a lively beachside suburb known for its cafes, restaurants, and entertainment.
- Take a walk along the St Kilda Pier and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline. You can also visit Luna Park, an iconic amusement park.

Day 7: Queen Victoria Market and Fitzroy
- Spend your last day exploring