Craving a change of scenery? Need to recharge your batteries? Here’s a list of some of the best day-trip and weekend getaway destinations under 3 hours from Melbourne, offering a variety of experiences from nature and beaches to food and wine:

12 Apostles, Victoria — The 12 Apostles | 📷 visitvictoria.com

Great Ocean Road.

Experience the rugged beauty of the south-west coast of Victoria by setting off along one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that wind along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. Enjoy striking vistas along the iconic road, featuring towering limestone cliffs, sandy beaches and soaring bluffs flanked by brilliant green countryside.

Travel Time: Approx. 1.5-2 hours drive
Highlights: Stunning coastal views, iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Otway Rainforest.
Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, wildlife watching (koalas and kangaroos), surfing, and beach strolls.

Discover more at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au

Yarra Valley.

Take a trip to the picturesque Yarra Valley, just to the east of Melbourne. Best known for its vineyards and wineries, producing some of Australia's finest wine, particularly cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The valley is also a popular destination for it’s stunning landscapes, gourmet food, boutique wineries, and a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.

Yarra Valley is also home to the Yarra River, which winds through the region, contributing to its lush, green surroundings. Or, explore charming towns like Healesville, Yarra Glen, and Montrose.

Travel Time: Approx. 1-1.5 hours drive

Highlights: Famous wine region with over 80 cellar doors, lush vineyards, and local produce.
Activities: Wine tasting, gourmet food experiences, hot air balloon rides, and exploring the local markets.

Discover more at visityarravalley.com.au

Mornington Peninsula.

The Mornington Peninsula, located just south of Melbourne, offers a mix of beautiful coastal scenery, outdoor activities, and local attractions. A drive along the Peninsula’s coastal roads offers breathtaking views of the ocean, cliffs, and rolling hills, plus some of the most beautiful beaches in Victoria. Spots to stop include the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Arthurs Seat, and Point Nepean National Park. It’s also famous for its geothermal hot springs, where you can soak in thermal pools while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Like the Yarra Valley, the Mornington Peninsula has a thriving wine scene, with a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and great restaurants in the region. If you're looking for a getaway where you can enjoy nature, food, and relaxation by the coast, the Mornington Peninsula is a perfect choice.

Travel Time: Approx. 1.5 hours drive

Highlights: Beautiful beaches, coastal walks, natural hot springs, and a vibrant arts scene. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park.
Activities: Wine tasting, relaxing at the Peninsula Hot Springs, visiting local beaches, and exploring the laid-back, charming towns of Sorrento, Portsea, and Dromana, which offer a range of boutique shops, cafes, and galleries to explore.

Discover more at visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

Phillip Island.

Phillip Island, located just off the coast of Victoria, is another must-visit destination, offering a unique combination of wildlife, natural beauty, and outdoor activities. The world-famous Penguin Parade is one of the main reasons people visit Phillip Island. Every evening, you can watch little penguins emerge from the sea and waddle up the beach to their burrows. It’s a heartwarming and unforgettable experience.

Phillip Island is home to an array of wildlife, including koalas, seals, and a variety of bird species. There are also several nature reserves, where you can enjoy walking trails and learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect the island’s unique ecosystem. Charming towns like Cowes with its cafes, boutiques, and stunning coastal views, making Phillip Island a perfect spot for a getaway.

Travel Time: Approx. 2 hours drive

Highlights: Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, and breathtaking coastal views.
Activities: Watching the nightly Penguin Parade, visiting The Nobbies, Seal Rocks, and exploring the island's beaches and walking tracks.

Discover more at visitphillipisland.com.au

MacKenzie Falls, Victoria — MacKenzie Falls | 📷 visitvictora.com

Grampians National Park.

Grampians National Park is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a peaceful escape. The Grampians are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes, featuring rugged mountain ranges, deep valleys, and towering cliffs. The panoramic views from lookouts like The Pinnacle and Boroka Lookout are absolutely stunning, with a wide range of hiking trails suitable for all levels. Popular hikes include the challenging The Pinnacle Walk, the scenic MacKenzie Falls Walk, and the Grampians Peaks Trail, which takes you on a multi-day journey through the heart of the park.

Grampians National Park is famous for its stunning waterfalls, with MacKenzie Falls being the largest and most iconic. Other beautiful waterfalls to visit include Zumsteins Falls, Beaufort Falls, and Fish Falls. If you're looking to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature, Grampians National Park is the perfect destination.

Travel Time: Approx. 3 hours drive

Highlights: Rugged mountains, waterfalls, and rich indigenous history.
Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, wildlife spotting (kangaroos and emus), and visiting the Brambuk Cultural Centre.

Discover more at visitgrampians.com.au

Lake Daylesford, Victoria — Lake Daylesford | 📷 visitvictoria.com

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, located in the picturesque Macedon Ranges offers a mix of serene landscapes, healing waters, food, culture, and relaxing atmosphere. It’s a place where you can slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Daylesford is a charming, historic town with a rich gold rush heritage. Wander through its boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, and cozy cafes. The town has a relaxed, creative atmosphere, and it's a great place to explore at your own pace. Hepburn Springs has a quieter, more laid-back vibe but is equally charming, with its heritage buildings, boutique stores, and historic sites, including the Hepburn Springs Mineral Springs Reserve. The tranquil and picturesque Lake Daylesford is surrounded by lush gardens and walking trails, making it a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll.

Both towns offer a fantastic food scene, with local cafes, restaurants, artisan food producers, plus several wineries and cellar doors.

Travel Time: Approx. 1.5 hours drive

Highlights: A spa and wellness destination with natural mineral springs, lakes, and charming country towns. iconic Lake House hotel.
Activities: Visiting the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, bushwalking around Lake Daylesford, and exploring antique shops and galleries.

Discover more at visitvictoria.com

Wilson’s Promontory National Park.

Wilsons Promontory (Wilsons Prom), is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, and one of Victoria’s most stunning natural treasures, offering a combination of dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and outdoor adventures.

Feel the sand between your toes at Squeaky Beach, where the sand squeaks as you walk, Norman Beach, a lovely beach for swimming with calm waters, or Whisky Bay, a secluded beach surrounded by rocks and vegetation. The views from Mount Oberon and Pinnacles Lookout are absolutely spectacular and offer panoramic vistas of the coastline and surrounding wilderness, making it a must-see. The Prom is known for its beautiful sunsets over the ocean, and the relatively remote location offers an excellent opportunity for stargazing.

Travel Time: Approx. 2.5 hours drive

Highlights: Pristine beaches, coastal walks, and the beautiful wilderness of the Prom. Prom Wildlife Walk, where you might encounter kangaroos, emus, and other native wildlife. Tidal river for water activities.
Activities: Hiking to Mount Oberon, spotting wildlife (kangaroos, wombats), and relaxing on beaches like Squeaky Beach.

Discover more at parksvic.gov.au

Macedon Ranges.

The Macedon Ranges, just north of Melbourne, is a beautiful region with a rich history, charming towns, and stunning gardens. The region is home to Mount Macedon - the highest peak in the area - offering spectacular panoramic views from its summit. You can also visit the iconic geological formation Hanging Rock. Take in the relaxed country life of Woodend, Kyneton, and Gisborne with their historic buildings, antique shops, and lovely town squares.

Each season offers a different experience. In spring, the gardens are in full bloom, in summer, the rolling hills are lush and green, and in autumn, the region is covered in vibrant foliage. Winter brings a magical atmosphere, with misty mornings and crisp air, perfect for cozying up by a fire in one of the local pubs.

Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour drive

Highlights: Beautiful gardens, mountain views, and country villages.
Activities: Visiting the Hanging Rock Reserve, bushwalking, wine tasting, and exploring local cafes and boutiques.

Discover more at visitmacedonranges.com

Lake Eildon.

If you’re looking for a camping adventure, Lake Eildon National Park offers the perfect setting. Go swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, sailing and fishing in the shadow of the Victorian Alps. There’s plenty of trails to explore by foot or bicycle. You'll share the picture-perfect surroundings with kangaroos, wombats and a huge variety of birds. The park is also an important home for a number of significant species including large forest owls, bats and the endangered Spotted Tree-frog and Brush-tailed Phascogale. Trek up to Blowhard Summit for unrivalled views over Lake Eildon and out towards Mount Buller.

Travel Time: Approx. 2.5 hours drive

Highlights: Serene lake views, boating, and outdoor recreation.
Activities: Fishing, hiking, and exploring the lake by boat or kayak. Well-equiped or more basic camping sites.

Discover more at parks.vic.gov.au

Each of these destinations offers something unique and is perfect for a day-trip or short weekend escape from Melbourne.