Best Day Trips from Melbourne, Australia for Couples

Discover these six amazing day trips from Melbourne that are perfect for couples getaways

If you’re looking to escape the city for an upcoming weekend, you’ve come to the right place for ideas. Melbourne is surrounded by some of the best day trips for couples, and some within only an hour’s drive. Whether you’re after beach escapes, wineries, hikes or hot springs soaks, you can hit the road in the morning and be back by evening with a bunch of new memories to bank. Reconnect on the road as you cruise out of the busy city towards charming towns with must-try cafes and wide open spaces with spectacular views. Pick a few favorites from this list or make it your mission to do them all – that’s the beauty of a day trip from Melbourne; all you have to do is get behind the wheel and go.

Now that the logistics are out of the way, we can delve into the best day trips from Melbourne and what each has to offer. So get your car ready and let’s get on the road!

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1. Mornington Peninsula

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour

Located southeast of the city, there are many reasons the Mornington Peninsula is considered one of the best day trips from Melbourne. A beautiful blend of picturesque wine country and seaside charm, you can dive straight to the golden beaches or spend your time wandering hand in hand through the historic towns of Portsea and Sorrento.

Whatever activities you end up planning, we highly recommend stopping by the Merchant & Maker in Macrae for the ideal start to your Mornington Peninsula experience. From the corn fritters to the coffee, it’s won the title of “Best Cafe” in the area for a reason.

The Peninsula Hot Springs deserve a day trip alone and is a destination perfect for couples, providing a sanctuary of relaxing thermal pools amidst a natural landscape to revive and unwind. Make it extra special by booking a blissful massage or forget the idea of a day trip altogether and stay the night in the glamping accommodation.

If you’d rather stay dry, consider starting your day with a hike through the Mornington Peninsula National Park. For something under an hour, try the Coppins Track, which runs for 4 km (2.5 miles) between Diamond Bay and Sorrento Ocean Beach. Afterwards, explore some of the best wines the region has to offer at Paringa Estate (known for their Pinot Noir and Shiraz) or stop in for a farm picnic for two at Green Olive. They provide the picnic blanket and everything you need – you can even bring your dog!

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2. Dandenong Ranges

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour

The Dandenong Ranges is ideal for hikers, photographers and couples looking to get back to nature. Surrounded by the lush and dense rainforest of Sherbrooke Forest, there are plenty of trails to choose from, all of which feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Living Bush Nature Walk is suitable for all fitness levels and will take you through some of the region’s best native flora and fauna in under 90 minutes round trip. Or, if you’re up for the challenge of a steep trail, walk the famous 1,000 Steps and catch your breath at the top while inhaling the subtropical atmosphere.

For those who prefer to see but not sweat, jump aboard Puffing Billy – a century-old heritage railway that passes through the mountains allowing you to sit back and take in the lush fern gullies.

Then, jump in the car and head 20 minutes north for a scenic lunch at Sky High Mount Dandenong. The majestic view looks over the Melbourne skyline and offers you the choice of settling in at the bistro or soaking up the sun on the picnic tables.

And no day trip to the Dandenong Ranges would be complete without stopping by Miss Maples Tea Room for scones as big as your head. It’s the perfect way to refuel before returning to Melbourne.

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3. Yarra Valley & Healesville

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour, 30 minutes

With so many world-class wineries, waterfalls and culinary delights to discover, a day trip to Healesville and the Yarra Valley region is one you can do time and time again (and makes for a perfect weekend getaway too).

For the coffee connoisseurs, start your day with a brew from Healesville’s Habitual and pick up some beans to take home with you. The bread and pastries are also baked fresh daily, and if you haven’t tried a French canelé before, you’re in for a treat.

With food in hand, you can continue your scenic drive by heading towards Marysville. The 36 km (22 mile) road that stretches between these two towns is known as the Black Spur Drive and cuts through lush forest landscapes with towering mountain ash and huge tree ferns as far as the eye can see. It’s best to tackle the road early, as it can get busier as the day goes on.

And then, the choice is yours: wine or gin? The cold climate of the region produces great Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, with over 70 wineries to choose from. Some of our favorites for couples include Rochford Wines; we recommend starting with a tasting before heading to the Il Vigneto Pizzeria on-site for a casual lunch by the lake. Or you can drive on to the stunning Oakridge Wines for a three- to four-course set menu with wine pairings. Did we mention the Yarra Valley wineries make for excellent wedding venues too?

If gin is what you came for, then the Four Pillars distillery is a must-do. It’s open until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, so you’ll have plenty of time to squeeze a tasting into your afternoon. Or, for a self-guided discovery session, simply grab a flight of mini gin and tonics to enjoy in the sunny gin garden together.

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4. Daylesford & The Macedon Ranges

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Another day trip from Melbourne with much to offer is The Macedon Ranges and Daylesford. From stunning spring gardens filled with blooming wisteria and magnolias to streets lined with trees ablaze with the colors of autumn, Mount Macedon is a delight at any time of year. Some winters, there is even snow!

We suggest starting your journey here, taking advantage of the connecting walking trails through the Macedon Regional Park. You’ll see and hear an array of native birds and perhaps even spot a kangaroo or wombat as you wander through the bush. For a walk that ends with a view, try the 30 to 40 minute climb up the Camels Hump, the highest peak in the Macedon Ranges at 1,011 meters (3,317 feet).

After an accomplished morning, cool off with the windows down as you drive towards Daylesford. Here you’ll be greeted with charming streets filled with unique architecture, eclectic art galleries, boutiques and farmer’s markets. Grab some favorites from the stalls for a makeshift picnic at the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, or head to the 165-year-old The Farmers Arms Hotel. From oysters to baked Camembert and house-smoked brisket, the menu is far from average pub grub, and the atmosphere is just as snug and warm as your belly will be after eating.

Cap off your day with a final visit to the Daylesford Cider Co. and sample a few different styles (including an alcohol-free option) before building your own box of favorites to bring home.

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5. Phillip Island

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Phillip Island’s natural beauty and magical wildlife make romance easy for a couples day trip from Melbourne. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, your eyes will be met with cliff-side landscapes and crashing waves as you cruise towards the Sunset Strip.

Summer is the best time to visit and witness the famous Penguin Parade – where Little Penguins (blue, white and weighing around 2.2 pounds) emerge from the sea after catching their dinner. The 180-degree viewing platform means you won’t miss a moment of these majestic creatures waddling across the shore and back to their dune homes. It’s one of the top reasons to visit Phillip Island and an experience you won’t forget.

Home to not only penguins, the island is also a great place to spot seals, dolphins and whales. If you happen to be visiting in winter, a cruise out to sea will help you get a closer look at these marine mammals. Or stay on land and walk to the edge of The Nobbies, a collection of rock formations where a penguin or two can also be spotted.

Complete the seaside atmosphere with some fish and chips from San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op and witness the pelican feeding at noon by the peer. Or head to the Phillip Island Winery to share a grazing board and a glass or two before browsing the curated selection of fresh produce, flowers and keepsakes found on-site at The Yards.

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6. Bellarine Peninsula

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Located southwest of Melbourne, the Bellarine Peninsula is the wetland gateway to several vibrant towns, including Portarlington, Queenscliff and Ocean Grove.

On your way there, stop at Fork N Flower for a coffee, where you’ll be welcomed by friendly staff, and then stop next door at the Geelong Flower Farm. If you manage to come away without a bouquet to take home, your willpower is strong.

From here, we suggest heading to the north of the Bellarine to Portarlington. Take a stroll across the bay and out along the pier, and then head to Jack Rabbit Vineyard to enjoy lunch and an uninterrupted view across the water to the You Yangs.

Head south to Point Lonsdale in the afternoon and walk from the Ripview Lookout to the lighthouse for a slice of tranquility and ocean breeze. If you get hungry, make your way to Mi Shells Seafood in Queenscliff to sample some oysters and mussels straight from the local boats in the harbor.

Take a slice of seaside paradise home with you by stopping via Annie’s Provedore & Produce Store in Barwon Heads on your way home. From delicious cheeses and wine to cured meats and pasta, the store showcases all the best produce from the region in one place. We told you that empty cooler would come in handy!