4 great day trips close to Melbourne

4 great day trips close to Melbourne

Melbourne’s many exciting attractions and experiences draw in 2 million international tourists every year. However, too many people tend to confine themselves to the CBD. It’s worth taking a day trip from Melbourne. Why not add on a couple of days to explore some of the treasures of country Victoria with a day trip from Melbourne? Snap up a cheap hire car deal at Melbourne Airport and give one of these day trips below a go.

Werribee Open Range Zoo (pictured)
If you’re going to visit only one zoo during your stay in Melbourne, then this is it! Werribee Open Range Zoo is just 40 minutes west of the CBD. Step inside the zoo and you’ll feel as if you’re on another continent. Zebras, Rhinos and Giraffes roam the fields. You’ll also get to hand feed kangaroos and get close to many other Australian animals. Also make sure you take up a safari tour while you’re here. You won’t be sorry you decided to visit Werribee Open Range Zoo with the family.

Yarra Valley Wineries
A trip to the stunning Yarra Valley makes for the perfect day trip with your partner or friends. The region, which is only about half an hour north east of the CBD, is most famous for its wineries. There are tours that take you to wineries of your choice. Or you can self-drive to a few wineries and take everything at your own pace. It’s a scenic area, which deserves some stopping along the way to admire the rolling green hills. Driving the area yourself also means way you can enjoy wine tastings, lunch and more for as long as you like.

Puffing Billy
The Dandenong Ranges is home to the most famous open air steam train in Victoria. Puffing Billy ventures through lush forest from Belgrave to Emerald. Many visitors choose to dine on board Puffing Billy for lunch or dinner. But if you’re looking for a different kind of experience with the family then you can simply pack your own lunch and have a picnic when you get off at Emerald Lake Park.

Phillip Island
Drive two hours east of Melbourne and you’ll find yourself at the lovely Phillip Island. It’s one of the best day trips from the city and many Melburnians make this trip every year. The surf beaches are among the best in Victoria and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal by the beach. The penguin parade is always a favourite with tourists. Watch fairy penguins catch the waves into shore and waddle up the beach to their nests. It’s also worth spending a few hours admiring the views at The Nobbies.

BRIANNA PIAZZA

Brianna Piazza

Brianna Piazza

Brianna Piazza is an Australian television reporter and part-time travel blogger. Originally from Melbourne, she's currently living in Cairns where she works for WIN News and spends her weekends exploring the outdoors Far North Queensland.

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