Once you consider Australia’s hottest metropolis, you in all probability consider Sydney and the enduring Sydney Opera Home, however Melbourne shouldn’t be too far behind so far as recognition goes.
Apart from its bustling central enterprise district, a wide selection of avenue artwork, an intensive tram community, and historic landmarks, Melbourne can also be the gateway to unmissable sights dotted round Victoria and neighbouring South Australia.
Soaking your self within the metropolis and wandering round is an efficient solution to expertise the distinctive Melbourian tradition. However there will definitely be instances you’d wish to escape the hustle and bustle of metropolis and suburban dwelling and enterprise out into Victoria’s bountiful array of seashores and bushlands.
In case you’re on the lookout for some concepts in your upcoming weekend getaway, you’ve come to the appropriate place! Let’s look into six prime spots close to Melbourne to go to in your weekends.
1. Nice Ocean Highway
The Nice Ocean Highway is a 243-kilometre street stretching from Torquay to Allansford, and considered one of Victoria’s prime locations to drive by means of. It’s a winding street that overlooks the southern coast of Victoria—and it’s additionally the world’s largest WWI memorial.
A 2-hour automobile journey from Melbourne to the beginning of the route, spending a day or two navigating this scenic route is one exercise loved by each Melbournians and guests alike.
The Nice Ocean Highway passes by means of beautiful cliffs, coastal cities, and seashores. A fast detour from the primary route and yow will discover your self immersed in lush rainforest, pristine waterfalls, and jaw-dropping redwood bushes.
There are quite a lot of must-visit landmarks on the Nice Ocean Highway. The Twelve Apostles, The Gibson Steps, and the London Arch are some spots it’s best to add to your bucket checklist—and so they’re all conveniently a brief drive away from one another.
The coastal cities like Apollo Bay are additionally dwelling to a few of the greatest pubs, breweries, and seafood eating places. Make sure you seize a hearty meal of fish and chips as you journey by means of the street journey.
Contemplating the gap, it’s vital to have enough safety in your automobile in case issues go awry.
Driving in locations just like the Otway Nationwide Park can lead you to unpaved and dusty roads—and lots of small mountain roads will not be secure for bigger autos like campervans.
2. Adelaide and Surrounding Areas
The closest massive metropolis to Melbourne is South Australia’s very personal capital, Adelaide. Identified for its festivals, museums, and wine areas, Adelaide has a singular appeal that may make for a really fascinating multi-day street journey.
In case you swing by Adelaide throughout March, you’ll be spending your vacation amidst the Adelaide Fringe and Adelaide Cup festivities—that are annual occasions that boast the cultural aptitude of town.
Go to another month and also you’ll nonetheless end up with a lot of different issues to see and do.
A stone’s throw away from the primary metropolis centre is Glenelg Seaside—a bustling beachside city that’s excellent for catching some waves and spending some high quality time with household and buddies.
Positioned throughout the metropolis, the botanic gardens within the metropolis centre supply a terrific alternative to walk round and immerse your self in nature.
Get pleasure from museum hopping? You’ll be able to go to a few of Adelaide’s greatest museums a strolling distance away (or by means of a tram) from the gardens.
And if you happen to’re hungry, there are numerous (and we do imply many!) pubs dotted across the metropolis centre and surrounding suburbs. There’s additionally the Central Market and neighbouring Chinatown if you wish to take pleasure in native and multicultural gastronomy.
There are additionally quite a lot of locations you’ll be able to hike in Adelaide. Morialta Falls, Mt. Lofty, and Belair Nationwide Park all supply nice bushland path experiences. Additional afield is the Barossa Valley, a shocking wine area the place a lot of SA’s wines are cultivated and grown.
Driving from Melbourne to Adelaide is roughly a 12-hour journey. In case you’re driving an electrical car, guarantee that you’ve electrical automobile insurance coverage from respected insurance coverage suppliers like ROLLiN’.
3. Dandenong Ranges
Consisting of many hilltop cities, rainforest trails, and wildlife, the Dandenong Ranges is a superb close by escape for nature lovers.
Located on the Jap outskirts of Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges have a terrific array of trails that minimize by means of lush rainforests and picturesque landmarks.
You’ll be able to select many mountains to beat—however essentially the most esteemed one within the space is Mt Dandenong, a towering mountain standing over 633 metres tall. In case you don’t wish to hike all the way in which to the highest, you’ll be able to drive and park within the observatory deck.
What’s extra, there’s a café on the summit, offering a picturesque spot to loosen up and benefit from the view of Melbourne, each through the day and at evening.
One must-do exercise within the space is to journey the Puffing Billy Railway. This previous railway located in Belgrave cuts by means of the mountain ranges and offers riders an intimate peak of the untouched environment.
This vacationer attraction is exclusive as a result of it’s Australia’s oldest steam-operated practice, being round for the reason that starting of the twentieth century.
The Dandenong Ranges is a superb place to go to, that includes over 30km of scenic sights on the really useful Vacationer Highway. Make sure you cease by the Yarra Valley as properly; if you happen to’re fortunate, you’ll be able to pattern some recent wine grown straight from the vineyards of that land.
4. Phillip Island
Need to take in some solar and sea? Then take into account including Philipp Island to your bucket checklist. A two-hour drive south of the Melbourne metropolis centre and a brief ferry journey away, this vacation spot is the right weekend getaway for seaside lovers.
There are a tonne of issues you are able to do on this island. The primary attraction right here is observing the distinctive wildlife within the Phillip Island Wildlife Park—that includes native animals like penguins and koalas.
One other top-tier attraction is the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, a closed-loop race observe that permits you to drive as quick or as gradual as you need throughout chosen drive days. Alternatively, you’ll be able to simply sit again and loosen up as you witness the professionals zoom previous the observe throughout scheduled occasions.
Apart from that, there are nonetheless a plethora of enjoyable issues you are able to do with your loved ones. You’ll be able to take part in strolling excursions, museum excursions, whale-watching excursions, and even biking excursions. You may also go on a gastronomic journey with the eating places discovered all through the island.
And if you happen to don’t wish to participate in any organised excursions, it’s also possible to go fishing, boating, and {golfing} across the island in designated areas. One go to is really not sufficient on this island paradise off the coast of Melbourne!
5. Grampians Nationwide Park
Appropriate as each a aspect journey for an prolonged Grand Ocean Highway street journey or a standalone go to, the Grampians Nationwide Park is a shocking getaway from Melbourne.
This pure sanctuary options an abundance of beautiful sandstone mountains, lush greenery, and a wealthy array of endemic wildlife.
When within the space, be sure you do the Pinnacle Stroll. A stroll on this path permits you to see the mountain ranges in full view. There are additionally many Aboriginal artwork websites across the space, making the go to each an enriching pure and cultural expertise.
Some folks go the additional mile and do the Grampians Peaks Path, a 164-kilometre, 13-day mountaineering expertise. Whereas undoubtedly extra gruelling than a weekend tour, it’s a testomony to the huge community of strolling trails you’ll be able to go to (or revisit) as you discover this nationwide park.
6. Daylesford
In case you’d relatively loosen up in a single location relatively than go to a number of out of doors highlights, Daylesford presents a candy aspect journey alternative an hour’s drive away from Melbourne.
Daylesford is named one of many nearest spa cities to Melbourne, that includes swimming pools with mineral spring water straight from the earth.
Apart from the abundance of springs, Daylesford additionally has cosy cafes, quiet gardens, cultural museums, and vintage retailers—all of the makings of a pleasant weekend out of busy Melbourne.
