Melbourne, Victoria. Getting Out Of The City.
There’s plenty to see and do around Melbourne, just check out my walking guide to the city here. But what else does Victoria, the Australian state where Melbourne is located, have to offer? After spending 6 months in Melbourne, these are some of my favourite day outs. All of which can be turned into multi-day trips!
Great Ocean Road
Probably the one that everyone has heard of. The Great Ocean Road has an interesting history. It was built by soldiers returning from war between 1919 and 1932. In fact the road is the world’s largest war memorial, dedicated to soldiers killed in WWI. It spans 243km from start to finish but you need to add in the time from Melbourne to Torquay. I would definitely recommend doing it as a multi day trip, I did it in one day and definitely missed out on a lot of fun stuff and it felt rushed.
Heading down the M1 past Geelong, take the B100 and get ready all you Round the Twist fans! (a tv show from the 90s) because the first stop is Aireys Inlet and the famous lighthouse from the show. It’s worth a stop even if you haven’t heard of the show just for split point lighthouse. You can climb up to the top, definitely worth it on a clear day.
As you continue your drive you’ll reach the Memorial Arch, this is the official starting point of the road, and worth a stop just to learn a bit more about the history of the road.
My fave stop along the way was Kennett River and the Koala Kafe! Stop here for a nice break and wander around the Eucalyptus trees looking for Koalas! I saw three up in the trees while I was there and it was such a bucket list moment for me.
The drive takes you past scenic mountains, wide expanses of beach and cute little seaside towns, feel free to stop off at any of these places as you meander towards the final stop, The Twelve Apostles. Originally there were only 8 limestone stacks but only 7 are left after one collapsed in 2005, so don’t get confused when you can’t spot 12!
While here make sure you check out Loch Ard Gorge, a secluded beach with clear blue water nestled in amongst the cliffs. One of the rock pillars found here is even named Tom! My favourite place along here was Gibson beach. I stopped for a picnic and for these incredible views of the pillars from ground level, it was also much quieter here than up on the lookouts.
From here you complete the journey at Warrnambool, where the Great Ocean Road ends. Here you can stay over and continue your journey all the way to Adelaide, or head back to Melbourne along the A1 for a different but no less beautiful journey home.
The Grampians
This national park is located about 3 hours drive West of Melbourne and spans 167,219 hectares! Made up of mountain ranges and strking rock fromations, it is one of the best aboriginal rock art sites in SE Australia.
Again I did it as a day trip but I would recommend doing it as a multi day trip if you can. There is so much to explore and see in this beautiful part of Australia. The drive there is great for spotting all of Australia’s widlife. I saw Emus, Kangaroos and Wallabies, while there were signs suggesting you might see Wombats and Koalas!
My first stop was Mt Difficult road, the name really made it for me! Drive up here to capture absolutely amazing views of Victoria state at the Boroka lookout. The rock formations up here were really cool too, and it was great to have a short hike around the area. Altough I was a little nervous standing on the rocks sticking out over a precipice.
Stop number 2 on my whirlwind trip was Mackenzie falls, located right in the heart of The Grampians. One of the largest waterfalls in Victoria. You can get a sense of it’s beauty from the wheelchair accesible viewing platform, or hike down to the base of the falls for a closer look.
It was amazing as I got there at the hottest part of the day, the fine spray cooling me down, you can’t swim here but there are a few hiking trails you can take. I followed the river down into the gorge and was rewarded with some stunning scenery.
I stopped for a nice picnic at the top of the falls near the car park before making my way back to Melbourne. If you’re staying for longer in the area, check out Pinnacle lookout, The Grand Canyon (The aussie version?!) and the cool chamber.
The Dandedongs
For somewhere a little closer to Melbourne the Dandedong ranges are only 35km East of the City and make for a great day trip out.
There are plenty of hiking tracks out here with the main one being the 1000 steps! Known as the Kokoda memorial trail you can spot Lyrebirds, wombats and wallabies along the trail! It isn’t too taxing but be wary of the Australian weather and note that dogs aren’t allowed on the track
One of the best things to do in the Dandedongs is the Puffing Billy train! Head to Belgrave to take a ride on this super cute steam railway. While in the area make sure you park up by the trestle bridge for amazing pictures.
Add Mount Dandedong observatory to your day trip and either hike or drive up to get panoramic views of Melbourne CBD. There are some fun things to do up here like the skyhigh maze, Burke’s lookout and the Arboretum.
At the Southern foothills of the Dandedong ranges is Lysterfield Park. It’s the perfect place to spot Kangaroos, kayak and there’s even a beach! It really is a great place to go and experience the Australian bush close to Melbourne.
One of the best things the Dandedong ranges have to offer is a rotating supply of fun activities, you can visit Tulip fields, Lavender gardens and a whole host of other days out if you keep an eye out.
ALWAYSANOVICE 