Melbourne, Victoria is one of Australia’s most loved destinations—buzzing with city life, coastal charm, and cultural treasures. But beyond the laneways and skyline lies a whole other side that many travelers miss out on. Victoria beyond Melbourne is all about hidden beaches, self-driving routes, natural hot springs, and adventure-packed escapes, just perfect for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and foodies alike.
So, ready to go beyond Melbourne, Victoria? Here are some of the top places to visit in Melbourne, Victoria that deserve a place in your itinerary—and just might have you planning your next trip before the first one ends.
Top Places to Visit in Melbourne, Victoria
Let’s get straight to it and discover the must-visit attractions in Melbourne, Victoria that promise unforgettable experiences.
1. Melbourne
Melbourne is the perfect starting point for any Australian expeditions. Known for its café culture, sporting spirit, and artsy laneways, this city comes alive with events, shopping, and architectural charm.
Key Highlights:
- Melbourne Cricket Ground- Australia’s largest international cricket ground.
- National Gallery of Victoria– Perfect for art lovers with French impressionism, live performances, and more.
- Go Boat – Captain your own eco-friendly cruise on the Yarra River.
- Shopping & Foodie Trails– Expedition to Australia’s finest culinary scene.
2. Great Ocean Road
Let’s be real—no trip to Australia is complete without hitting the legendary Great Ocean Road. This epic coastal drive is full of jaw-dropping beaches, rugged cliffs, wildlife, and chilly seaside towns all along the way. The views? Total postcard material. The trails? Just as fun as the ride itself. If you’re into nature, road trips, or just want a break from the city buzz, this is one of the fun things to do in Melbourne, Victoria.
Key Highlights:
- Helicopter Ride over 12 Apostles- Take a thrilling helicopter ride with jaw-dropping views of limestone rock formations rising from the sea.
- Warrnambool- Visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and enjoy a 70-minute-long theatrical sound & laser show named ‘Shipwrecked’.
3. Self-driving Routes
Melbourne, Victoria, is made for road trips. Whether you’ve got a weekend or a week, there’s a self-drive route for you that winds through dramatic coastlines, misty mountains, vibrant wine regions, and charming countryside villages. It’s the perfect way to experience the region at your own pace—with plenty of photo ops and foodie stops in between.
Key Highlights:
- Go Beyond Melbourne– Epic self-drive route through Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island, and the Mornington & Bellarine Peninsulas.
- Great Southern Touring Route- Australia’s iconic five-day round trip—from Melbourne to Apollo Bay, Port Fairy, Halls Gap, Ballarat, and back.
4. Grampians
If rugged mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls, and Aboriginal rock art excite you, head to The Grampians. Ideal for hikers and history enthusiasts, it offers panoramic views, challenging trails, and opportunities for wildlife encounters.
Key Highlights:
- MacKenzie Falls – One of Melbourne, Victoria’s largest and most spectacular waterfalls.
- Brambuk Cultural Centre – Home to world-famous hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, and ancient Aboriginal rock art shelters.
5. Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
Where rolling vineyards meet lush fern forests—Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are Melbourne, Victoria’s ultimate twin escapes. Just an hour from Melbourne, this region blends gourmet indulgence with nature-soaked adventures, making it perfect for couples, foodies, and weekend wanderers.
Key Highlights:
- Yarra Valley Chocolateries and Ice Creamery- Just 5–10 minutes away, watch chocolatiers at work and sample from 150+ handcrafted chocolate varieties.
- Hot Air Balloon Flights- Fly above Yarra Valley at sunrise and wrap up with a romantic champagne breakfast at Yarra Valley Lodge.
- Healesville Sanctuary- See koalas, kangaroos, and platypus up close. Don’t miss the Spirits of the Sky bird show or go VIP for guided encounters and premium seating.
- Puffing Billy– Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway.
- Vineyard Visits– Enjoy wine tastings and visit world-famous vineyards Chandon, Fergusson, Hubert estate and more.
6. Phillip Island
Just under two hours from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a crowd favorite for wildlife encounters, coastal views, and hands-on attractions. From little penguins and chocolaty adventures to gravity-defying illusions and high-speed karting—it’s the ultimate getaway for all ages.
Key Highlights:
- Phillip Island Nature Park – 3 parks pass through the iconic penguin parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, Churchill Island Farm, and premium penguin experiences.
- Amaze N’ Things – A world of optical illusions, puzzles, and mind-bending challenges. Great for families, with fun interactive rooms that defy logic.
- Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolates – Handcrafted chocolates, fun game to lift a giant chocolate block, and 400kg molten chocolate waterfall – all awaits!
- Phillip Island Circuit – Go Karting – A 760m-long go-kart track that’s a mini replica of the iconic 4.445 km Grand Prix Circuit. Thrill-seekers, this one’s for you.
7. Mornington Peninsula
Just an hour from Melbourne, Victoria, the Mornington Peninsula blends laid-back luxury with wild natural beauty. Think of steaming cliffside springs, vineyard lunches, sea-dragon snorkeling, and lavender-scented strolls. It’s a destination where nature meets outdoor adventure—perfect for every traveler.
Top Highlights:
- Natural Hot Springs: Peninsula Hot Springs, an award-winning geothermal day spa features a cave pool, reflexology walk, Turkish hammam, a stunning hilltop pool with 360° views and all-new glamping experience.
- Scenic Golf: Tee off with sea breezes at championship coastal courses like Moonah Links and The Dunes.
- Watersports & Wildlife: Snorkel with sea dragons, swim with dolphins, or kayak through the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay.
Latest Posts
- 7 Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia During Summer
- Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in Mammoth Lakes
- Discover Sabah: Malaysia’s Hidden Gem Waiting to Be Explored
Wrapping Up
Melbourne, Victoria is a melting pot of natural landscapes, adventurous activities, and epic scenery. But if exploring the unique side of Australia is something you really want, fill your itinerary with these top places to visit in Melbourne, Victoria. From untouched beaches, diverse landscapes, and iconic self-drive routes to exceptional culinary experiences, these top Melbourne, Victoria attractions have it all!
Top Places to Visit in Melbourne, Victoria FAQs:
What is the best time to visit Melbourne, Victoria?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the best time to visit Melbourne, Victoria based on different types of holidays.
• Summer (December to February) – Perfect for beach hopping, water sports, or chilling on the mountainside.
• Autumn (March to May) – Great time for outdoor adventures like kayaking, scenic rail trails, mountain trekking, and more.
• Winter (June to August) – Perfect for viewing snow-capped mountains, glamping, spooky ghost tours, and enjoying meals and drinks at cozy regional bars.
• Spring (September to November) – The best time to attend festivals, go on hiking adventures, biking or cycling trails, and sip cocktails at quaint villages.
Can I see wildlife in Melbourne, Victoria outside of zoos?
Absolutely! It is home to a diverse range of unique wildlife, including penguins on Phillip Island, koalas at Healesville Sanctuary, and kangaroos in many national parks. Various reserve parks also offer immersive experiences.
What outdoor activities are popular in Melbourne, Victoria?
This place has tons of popular outdoor activities. The best recommendations are listed below:
• Scenic self-drives
• Hiking
• Biking
• Hot air ballooning
• Whale watching
• Water activities – kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, & more
Are there any festivals or events worth planning a trip around?
Melbourne, Victoria has a packed calendar of seasonal events. However, the most popular ones are as follows:
• Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
• Great Ocean Road Running Festival
• Phillip Island MotoGP & the list goes on!
Which top places to visit in Melbourne, Victoria must be a part of every family itinerary?
The best places to visit here with families are:
• Phillip Island
• Billabong Ranch Adventure Park (Murray)
• Great Ocean Road
• Yarra Valley
