6 cool day trips from Melbourne to do with kids

Melburnians pack your bags and load up the car and embark one of these fun day trips from Melbourne.

Yarra Valley

For: Wining and dining
Drive time: 1 hour

The beautiful Yarra Valley has long been a staple day trip for those visiting Melbourne, with the big drawcard being its peaceful wineries and vineyards. With rolling hills and farmland, the area is an undeniably beautiful place to explore for those embarking on a walk or bike ride through the region, or simply eating and drinking the day away.

Must do:

• Soar into the skies via a hot air balloon with Global Ballooning Australia.
• Head to Healesville Sanctuary for close up encounters with native wildlife.
• Indulge like never before at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.
• Make the most of the local produce and go family fruit picking at Rayners Orchard.
• Visit Coombe Yarra Valley to explore the home of the famous Dame Nellie Melba, and enjoy an outstanding meal or high tea at the acclaimed restaurant.

Ballarat

For: Museums and mines
Drive time: 1.5 hours

A celebrated gold rush town, Ballarat is packed with history and the perfect place to visit for families hoping for more than just a good view. The town has retained a lot of its rich heritage in the form of architecture and open-air museums, leaving visitors feeling as though they have stepped back in time and are seeking the same good fortune as their predecessors.

Must do:

• Travel through time at the town’s gold-star attraction, Sovereign Hill, and pan for gold.
• Learn about the plight of the miners at the Eureka Centre.
• Walk, bicycle, barbecue and bird watch at the urban Lake Wendouree.
• Buy a beer at Hop Temple, where they have over 40 options to peruse.

Keep reading:

• The best holiday parks in Victoria
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Daylesford

For: Fresh produce and mineral springs
Drive time: 1.5 hours

Cosy, quiet and with a heavy emphasis on spas, Daylesford is the place to go for some R&R. Surrounded by postcard-worthy countryside and boutique wineries to boot, visitors of the area can enjoy the history, take to the hills or a dip a toe into the springs – whatever ticks the boxes when it comes to achieving the ultimate recharge.

Must do:

• Get the ‘gram at Hanging Rock, which offers the best view in the region.
• Visit the historic and award-winning RedBeard bakery for what many consider the best sourdough in the world.
• Do as the locals do and enjoy the spoils of Lake Daylesford with either a picnic or a sleepy stroll.
• Head into Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, which has been dealing in relaxation since 1985.

Phillip Island

For: Wildlife and waves
Drive time: 2 hours

Just off the coast, Phillip Island boasts incredible natural beauty and plenty to do for wildlife lovers and adventurers. The sandy shores are perfect to watch the sun come up, catching a wave or spotting the feathered friends for which the island is so famous.  Make sure Phillip Island is at the top of your list of day trips from Melbourne to do this year.

Must do:

• You haven’t been to Phillip Island unless you’ve caught sight of the famous penguin parade, which happens every evening at sunset
• Catch sight of fur seals and visit the blowhole along the Nobbies
• Wander woodland walkways and tree-top trails at the Koala Reserve.
• Get lost in the optical illusions and puzzles of A Maze’N Things.

Keep reading:

• 11 family-friendly things to do on Phillip Island
• 8 incredible places to holiday in Victoria

Bright

For: Hiking and a good brew
Drive time: 3.5 hours

The sub-alpine town of Bright is nestled in the Ovens Valley, surrounded by the Australian Alps. Charming and full of character, Bright is all about slowing down and enjoying the view, whether that be from an outdoor activity among the surrounding topography or from a stool at one of the areas many craft breweries.

Must do:

• Have a beverage at the Bright Brewery, which overlooks an impressive playground for kiddies.
• Pedal through picturesque landscapes along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.
• Wander the one-hour-return Canyon Walk for suspension bridges, rock formations and stunning vistas.
• Catch your dinner or simply feed the fish at the trout and salmon farm in Harrietville.
• Scoff a share plate at Ginger Baker Wine Bar & Cafe, with waterfall views over the Ovens River.

East Gippsland

For: Pristine national parks and lakes galore
Drive time: 4.5 hours

East Gippsland is one of our favourite day trips from Melbourne. Take a little longer and East Gippsland will certainly make it worth your while; this spectacular stretch of wilderness encompasses some of the most remote and untouched national parks in the state and too many charming towns than are possible to visit in one visit.

Must do:

• Explore the ever-popular Gippsland Lakes, including Lakes Entrance, Loch Sport, Paynesville and Metung, which all have plenty of accommodation availability now and in weeks and months to come.
• Take a swim at Marlo, Ninety Mile and Lake Tyers beaches.
• Visit the koalas on Raymond Island, aka Koala Island, for some guaranteed oohs and ahhs. The tiny island is just 200 metres across the water from Paynesville and is only accessible via the free ferry!
• Take a ride on the Rail Trail, a quirky bike track that passes through forest and farmland with occasional views of the Gippsland Lakes and lots of opportunities for wildlife spotting.

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Main image: Walhalla © Destination Gippsland

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Victorian family accommodation