Make a day of it: The best excursions a short drive from Melbourne’s east

Always thought about visiting some of the attractions around the edges of Melbourne but never wanted to endure the hustle and bustle? 

Here are some easy day trips you can pull off in, well… a day!

Did we forget any prime locations? Let us know by emailing [email protected]

Mornington Peninsula

Views of Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne’s CBD skyline are the main attractions on offer throughout the Mornington Peninsula – including via a gondola ride up the 318-metre-high hill of Arthurs Seat – or a clifftop walk in Cape Schanck.

Or if you’re chasing serotonin more than adrenalin, the Peninsula Hot Springs offers a warm and relaxing retreat or check out wine tastings at a number of wineries along the coast.

Drive time: About 90 minutes

Yarra Valley

Hop on the Maroondah Highway towards Lilydale to take in the scenic drive with views of vineyards and 2,800-plus hectares of agricultural land.

It would take you a full week to cover all of the things to see and do in the Yarra Valley, but highlights include Healesville Sanctuary, a trip up Mount Donna Buang (check to see when the next forecasted snowfall is) or a chocolate treat at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.

Drive time: About 70 minutes

Phillip Island

Start with a visit to the main jetty at Cowes and embrace the brisk sea breeze. Then you can trek to the south of the island for whale spotting along the Whale Discovery Trail – or book a spot to see the nightly penguin parade at Summerlands on the island’s west coast.

If your taste leans a little more high-octane, there is Phillip Island Go Karts – which features a 750-metre scale replica of the former MotoGP track – or drift jet boat tours to see the coast from the ocean waves.

Drive time: About 110 minutes

Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenongs cover a wide range of ground from Upwey out to Warburton, so there’s no shortage of stops along the way. 

Key attractions include Puffing Billy in Belgrave, the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk or “1000 Steps” in Tremont or the Treetops Adventure in Belgrave.

For a more relaxing day out, simply go for a slow drive between the villages of Sassafras, Olinda and Kallista for some leisurely browsing of the various shops, stopping in at Sassafras’ Miss Marple’s Tearoom or the Kallista Tea Rooms on the way.

Drive time: About 60 to 90 minutes

Toolangi State Forest

Strap on your best hiking shoes for this hike along a range of trails, including the Toolangi Sculpture Trail or the Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk.

To see some special flora and fauna up close, take the short Kalatha Giant Tree Walk and check out the 400-year-old Mountain Ash. The one-hour Yea River Walk loop offers the (somewhat slim) chance to spot some wild platypuses, too.

Drive time: About 90 minutes

Warrandyte

Right on the border of north-eastern suburbia and bounded by Mullum Mullum Creek and the Yarra River, Warrandyte is a quiet and quaint township.

Connect with the town’s main claim to fame by fossicking for gold at Andersons Creek - the site of Victoria’s first discovery of gold in 1851. Don’t forget to grab a Victorian miner’s right for about $28 online.

Casual hikes are also available, including Pound Bend and Jumping Creek.

Drive time: About 40 minutes