Destinations
10 Best Places to Visit in Melbourne and Beyond
Explore 10 places to visit in Melbourne and beyond, from the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island to Puffing Billy, wineries and colourful beach huts.
10 Must-Visit Places in and Around Melbourne
City streets, coastal roads and country mornings — discover Melbourne at your own pace.
Follow the Great Ocean Road, watch little penguins return to shore, and take a heritage steam train through the forest. Leave time for a city coffee and a country sunrise, too. These ten places bring together Melbourne and regional Victoria, with plenty of room to shape the trip around what you enjoy.
01 | Great Ocean Road
Follow a winding coastal road past ocean views, dramatic cliffs and seaside towns. The Twelve Apostles and the lookouts at Loch Ard Gorge are memorable places to stop, take in the scenery and enjoy the coastline at your own pace.
Highlights: Coastal drive · Twelve Apostles · Gorge views
02 | Phillip Island
One of Phillip Island’s most memorable moments arrives around sunset, when little penguins return from the sea. Watching them cross the beach and waddle towards their burrows is a lovely way to end a day exploring the island.
Highlights: Penguin Parade · Coastal scenery · Family experiences
03 | Sovereign Hill
Step into Ballarat’s gold rush past at Sovereign Hill, where a recreated 1850s township brings history to life. Historic streets, traditional craft demonstrations and the chance to pan for gold make it an engaging day out for adults and children alike.
Highlights: Gold panning · Historic streets · Living history
04 | Mornington Peninsula
With its bayside scenery, wineries and natural hot springs, the Mornington Peninsula invites you to slow down. Take a walk by the water, enjoy a winery lunch, then set aside time for a warm soak and a little rest.
Highlights: Coastal scenery · Winery dining · Natural hot springs
05 | Yarra Valley
Vineyards, rolling hills and distinctive wineries give the Yarra Valley its country charm. Visit a cellar door for a tasting or settle in for lunch overlooking the vines — this is a place to leave a little extra time in your day.
Highlights: Vineyard views · Wine tasting · Country lunches
06 | Melbourne City Highlights
Explore the lively stalls of Queen Victoria Market, then discover St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street Station and the street art of Hosier Lane. Stop at a café along the way and enjoy a little of Melbourne’s everyday life between its familiar landmarks.
Highlights: Queen Victoria Market · City landmarks · Laneways and cafés
07 | Wilsons Promontory National Park
Sandy beaches, granite peaks and coastal walking trails make Wilsons Promontory a rewarding escape into nature. Take your time along the tracks, enjoy the sea views and keep an eye out for native wildlife, including wombats and kangaroos.
Highlights: Beaches and bays · Nature walks · Native wildlife
08 | Puffing Billy Railway
Travel through the forests and hills of the Dandenong Ranges on a heritage steam railway with more than a century of history. Vintage carriages, timber trestle bridges and an unhurried pace make this a delightful experience to share with the family.
Highlights: Heritage railway · Forest scenery · Steam train ride
09 | Sunrise at Hang’s Tree
Head north of Melbourne to watch the morning light gradually reveal the hills around Hang’s Tree. A lone tree and distant ridgelines frame a peaceful sunrise scene, with the chance of valley mist when conditions are right.
Highlights: Country sunrise · Lone-tree silhouette · Valley views
10 | Brighton Bathing Boxes
Brightly painted bathing boxes bring a cheerful splash of colour to the Brighton foreshore. Pick a favourite for a photo, then wander along the sand and enjoy a relaxed moment by the bay.
Highlights: Colourful bathing boxes · Seaside photos · Beach walks
At a Glance | Choose Your Next Stop
| No. | Destination | What to enjoy | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Great Ocean Road | Twelve Apostles, coastal drive and gorge views | Direct link |
| 02 | Phillip Island | Penguin Parade and coastal scenery | Direct link |
| 03 | Sovereign Hill | Gold panning, historic streets and living history | Direct link |
| 04 | Mornington Peninsula | Hot springs, wineries and coastal scenery | Direct link |
| 05 | Yarra Valley | Vineyards, wine tasting and country lunches | Direct link |
| 06 | Melbourne City Highlights | Queen Victoria Market, cathedral and city laneways | Direct link |
| 07 | Wilsons Promontory National Park | Bays, nature walks and native wildlife | Direct link |
| 08 | Puffing Billy Railway | Heritage trains, timber bridges and forest views | Direct link |
| 09 | Sunrise at Hang’s Tree | A lone-tree silhouette, sunrise and valley views | Direct link |
