Melbourne, being the second largest city in Australia can get a little hectic, particularly if you’re staying a while on a working holiday visa. Sometimes you just need a break from city life. Well look no further, here are some awesome day trips, easily accessible via public transport to provide a refreshing change from city life.
Dandenong Ranges
A perfect nature trail day out, The Dandenong Ranges are close enough to the city, in zone 2, so will only be around $8.80 return with a myki pass (2019 price). There are lots of trails from easy to difficult. A popular but steep track is the 1000 steps trail.
I stuck to fairly easy walks, getting lost in the tall trees, even spotting a couple of wallabies which, I’m not gonna lie, scared the living daylight out of me! The pretty sounds of nature, mountain fresh air and green trees are a world away from the city.
Also don’t forget to watch out for the Puffing Billy steam train that you will see near the entrance to the park.
How to get there: From Southern Cross, Melbourne Central or Flinders St take the Belgrave line (towards Belgrave) to Upper Ferntree Gully, then you can walk from across the station, past the steam train and into the park. You can also grab a local bus to take you further into the ranges.
Journey Time: 1 hour (each way)
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Soverign Hill- Gold Rush Town
This is a town set up exactly like it was back in the 1850’s after the discovery of gold in the area. You can walk into actual shops, bakeries and schools, all as they were back in the day.
I even saw a school group on a trip that were dressed up in old uniforms and were having a strict lesson by one of the actresses playing the teacher! You can take a gold rush tour, down in the make shift mine or watch the horse drawn carriages, or even dig for gold yourself in the stream.
It’s quite expensive at $62 (2019 price) but it’s something different, great for some quirky and interesting photos and to get an insight into life as it was back then.
How to get there: From Southern Cross Station take the V/Line to Ballarat, then walk outside to the bus terminal. There is a free bus that goes to Sovereign Hill and they will hand out 10% discount tickets if you’re lucky! If you miss the free bus then take the number 21 local bus (towards Buninyong) to Sovereign Hill.
Journey Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (each way)
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road stretches for 243 kilometresย and is one of the world’s most scenic drives. There are many day tours operating from Melbourne but it’s easy to spend several days here stopping along the way.
The day tour is a long one but you get to see many sights along the way like wild koalas, coastal towns, beaches and the famous 12 apostles. You will also see Loch Ard Gorge which many say is the highlight of the trip.
How to get there: Book at any tour company or online, buses usually meet outside Federation Square.
Journey Time: Roughly 12 hours return
National Rhododendron Gardens
Now called the Dandenong Botanic Gardens, these are close to the small village of Olinda. Another nature one but it’s so pretty I had to put it in! The village is lovely, with small craft shops, cute little cafes and a traditional sweet shop.
The gardens are 500 metres from the town and completely free. Full of full of flowers, pretty scents, and several different sections to explore, this makes a lovely day trip out of the city, especially in Spring. You can stick to the well paved path or take the more ‘off track’ path where it’s much quieter. The gardens are a great place for a stroll or to sit and read a book. They also have a cafe and small shop.
How to get there: From Southern Cross, Melbourne Central or Flinders St take the Belgrave line (towards Belgrave) to Upper Ferntree Gully, walk outside along the station to the bus stop, take the 688 bus towards Croydon, getting off at Parsons Lane/Monash Ave (Olinda)
Journey Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (each way)
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