6 of the best winter day trips from Melbourne

Discover some of the best places you can visit in a day from Melbourne this winter.

Winter is here and you’re stuck wondering how you can spend a day. The long daylight hours are gone, and spending time at the beach is out of the question.

Melbourne’s winters are cold, wet, and very windy at times, so leaving home sometimes isn’t a desire.

But if you’re feeling up for a change and want something to do for a day, here are some of the best places you should go for a day trip.

1. Mount Buller

Mount Buller will give you the ultimate winter experience. Just over a three-hour drive from Melbourne, you’ll end up at a winter wonderland!

At Mount Buller, you can go skiing or snowboarding. But if you’re not into snow sports, you can play in the snow, go tobogganing, or just enjoy the cozy village.

You can book a one-day tour down to Mount Buller here and you can hire or pre-purchase packages for clothing and equipment.

2. Yarra Valley

Spend a day in Yarra Valley taste-testing the local wines. Yarra Valley produces some of the best pinot noir, sparkling wines, and chardonnay in Australia. Be sure to grab a delicious lunch at a restaurant, cafe, or at one of the wineries.

The best way to do a wine tour of Yarra Valley is to book a tour. Booking a tour allows you to not have to stress about driving from place to place after testing a few different wines.

3. Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is right for you if you’re wanting a peaceful day at the beautiful hot springs. Enjoy a day relaxing in the mineral-rich waters, or the replenishing bathing pools.

There are also magnificent views to enjoy from Arthur’s Seat, or the iconic colourful bathing boxes to see while you’re out of the water.

If a relaxing day at the hot springs sounds like your kind of winter day trip, it can take just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Or alternatively, you can book a day tour here!

4. Phillip Island

Phillip Island is about a two-hour drive from Melbourne and you can spend a whole day discovering the island. From the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Penguin Parade, and the Nobbies, there’s plenty to do on Phillip Island.

5. Lake Mountain

Only a two-hour drive from Melbourne and you can have a fun day in the snow. Lake Mountain has an alpine scenery with many activities you can do. From tobogganing to skiing, going on the flying fox, or just playing in the snow and building your very own snowman, there’s plenty to do.

You can drive down to Lake Mountain or book an adventurous day tour here.

6. Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most scenic drives. Along the 243-kilometre road, you will come across rainforests, coastal views, multiple towns, and many unique limestone stacks.

The most famous attraction you can see on the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles.

We hope you have found your day trip from Melbourne out of these destinations. Whether you head to the hot springs, go skiing, or relax tasting some wine, we hope you enjoy your day out.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.