Roaming with Red

Having spent majority of my 26 years living in Melbourne, I’ve been lucky enough to experience some of the best places surrounding this city. While Melbourne itself has so much to offer, from both a sporting and cultural perspective, experiencing what lies beyond Melbourne’s borders will give you a much better understanding of what makes the state of Victoria so special. From days spent by the sea to hiking trails leading to waterfalls to relaxing wineries overlooking the vines, Victoria is lucky to have a wide range of experiences to offer, all within easy, day tripping distance from Melbourne. One word of warning, day trips from Melbourne are much easier done with a car. While there are tour operators or some public transport to these places, a car gives you much more flexibility to explore at your own pace and see more in one day.

So, if you’re thinking of visiting Melbourne soon and want to enjoy something beyond the city confines, below are my top tips!

Visit the home of Australian Surfing Along the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast

As a surfer, this suggestion is very close to my heart and I’ve spent many a weekend down by this coast. Torquay is considered the start of the Great Ocean Rd and is a good starting point for any day trip down to this part of the state. From eating fresh fish and chips by the water to watching the surfers do their thing at Bells Beach, there is plenty to see and do in Torquay. However, while Torquay is a perfect starting spot, the real beauty of this coastline is found when you venture a little further away from the crowds.

From Torquay you have two choices – head East and explore the Bellarine or head further SouthWest and see more of the surf coast. Both are great options and will provide you with stunning ocean views and a laid back coastal lifestyle. If you head to the Bellarine, make sure you stop in at Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale before spending an afternoon at Queenscliff. If you’ve decided on the Surf Coast, a stop in Anglesea and Airey’s Inlet is a must. All these places provide delicious produce and the opportunity to experience the stunning Australian coastline with it’s towering cliff-face and rolling hills. If it’s warm enough and you’re a good swimmer, I’d suggest getting into the water for a bit – there’s not better spot to view the coastline than from the ocean itself.

Combine Hills and Ocean at the Mornington Peninsula

Continuing on the seaside vibe, try going the complete opposite way out of Melbourne and you’ll find yourself discovering the Mornington Peninsula. While still a beautiful example of the Aussie seaside way of life, this coastline is very different to the Bellarine and Surf Coast. Staring straight out onto Bass Strait, the ocean is a bit more wild and the beaches are much more open. Drive along the coastal roads and you’ll stumble across bustling coastal towns such as St Andrews and Flinders not to the mention the many surf and swimming spots available along this coast.

One of the best parts of a day trip down to this part of Australia is the ability to combine a coastal view with a more forrest forward view. Drive slightly more inland and you’ll come across towns like Red Hill and Arthur’s Seat. Nestled amid the green and blue Australian bushland, this area is a famed red wine district and has ample places for you to choose from if you’re in the mood for a lazy winery afternoon. Try Foxey’s Winery for a more relaxed vibe with a stunning view over their vineyard or Pt Leo Estate if you’re looking for something a bit more fancy but still as lovely. If you’re more of a beer drinker, try St Andrew’s Brewery for a great local beer spot. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area of a weekend, you may even get the opportunity to enjoy the Red Hill market, a local favourite for everything craft and produce related.

Enjoy Some of the Best Victorian Wines in the Yarra Valley

The Mornington Peninsula is not the only place to experience the famed Victorian wine culture. Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD, the Yarra Valley is bursting with winery locations for you to enjoy. An extremely well known region, making delicious Australian wines of all varieties, a day in the Yarra Valley will not disappoint. Not only is the area beautiful for its forests and scenery but the sheer volume of wineries makes for a guaranteed fun day out. For a few recommendations, try Soumah or Yerring Station for a taste of a good Aussie wine.

Many of these wineries also provide some form of lunch option, ranging from more relaxed to a full sit down dinner, so you’ll be well provided for from a food perspective. While you’re here, also try to spend a bit of time in the township of Healsville. This charming town is the heart of the Yarra Valley and is often the main stopping point to find some beautiful produce and a good coffee or snack. Stop in at Four Pillars distillery in Healsville and try something a little different to wine. Potentially one of Australia’s most successful recent exports, Four Pillars Gin distillery helped kick start the gin renaissance in Australia and their gins are genuinely delicious. They provide guided tastings if you want to learn a little bit more or you can sit in the roomy beer garden and bar and enjoy a drink or three at your own pace.

Walk your Way Through the Dandenong Ranges

If you’re more inclined to go for a walk rather than a winery lunch, the Dandenong Ranges is the perfect place for you. From places such as Olinda to the 1000 Steps, there are so many beautiful walking tracks in this area to explore. Put on your walking boots and experience the beauty of the Australian bushland. This part of the state is the perfect example of the rich colour palette typical of much of Australia’s bushland, as the deep blues and greens of a lush forrest contrasts with the earthy tones on the river banks. The trails range in length and difficulty and you can do anything from a short round trip or discovering a beautiful waterfall. For some recommendations, I would suggest you make a stop at the 1000 Steps (it’s a local favourite) or Sherbrooke Falls if you are looking for walks that aren’t too difficult to enjoy but still provide beautiful scenery. As mentioned above, there are also ample towns in this area to enjoy a long lunch or a lazy afternoon tea while you experience the peace and tranquility of the Australian bush.

Pamper Yourself at One of Victoria’s Many Hot Springs

Who doesn’t love a bit of pampering every now and again? A day at the hot springs is the perfect way to escape the busy city life and take some time to relax and recover. Luckily, there are plenty of options in the surrounding areas of Melbourne to enjoy a day at the spa while also physically leaving the city boundaries. If you want to be closer to the Seaside, Peninsula Hot Springs is the place to be. These mainly outdoor natural mineral springs are the perfect way to relax in proximity to the ocean. Alternatively, if you prefer to be surrounded by bushland, Hepburn Springs is the way to go. An hour and a half drive outside of Melbourne, these hot springs sit surrounded by beautiful bushland and are a perfect escape in Summer or Winter. From massages to private or public bathing, these springs offer everything you could need to enjoy some R&R. The township of Hepburn and Daylesford are also charming places to stop at on your way to and from the spas. Both are filled with the classic country charm and have delicious bakeries and eateries to stop at to make the day extra special.