Best Day Trips from Melbourne
We have unlocked the best day trips from Melbourne. Melbourne offers an embarrassment of riches in terms of arts and culture, food, music and lifestyle. But also it boasts a fine array of destinations not far from the CBD. Here are some of the best:
Mornington Peninsula
Drive time from CBD - approx 1 hour
A fabulous region full of world class wineries famous for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Also visit some excellent beaches, charming towns and breweries. The Mornington Peninsula is a world class food and wine region.
Recommendation: Merricks Creek Winery
Merricks Creek Winery is one of Victoria's best kept secrets. It showcases the best of the Mornington Peninsula with its relaxed charm, stunning vineyard views, and standout wines. Merricks Creek Pinot Noir is rates by some as among the best Pinot Noir in the nation. They offer a range of standout wines at their impressive modern cellar door. A family run winery with plenty of soul, it has become a favourite for many. A big point is that the wines here aren't sold in liquor stores - you have to visit Merricks Creek to experience them and it's worth it! Dr Peter Parker is a phenomenal winemaker and wonderful knowledgeable host at cellar door.
Gourmet plates are top not notch and offer in our opinion the best value dining on the Mornington Peninsula. Current dishes include Raclette Cheese with cornichons and potatoes, a sublime dish, or choose the Pork and fennel meatballs. Vegetarian dishes are also excellent including a Vegetarian lasagne. Cheese platters are also fabulous including a Double cream Fromagerie Guilloteau d'Affinois Campagnier.
A bespoke Mornington Peninsula experience.
Yarra Valley
A region famous for its wineries but now seeing the rise of distilleries as well, and a plethora of foodie options.
Drive time from CBD: approx 1 hour
Recommendation: Oakridge Winery
Oakridge Winery has become a standout experience in the Yarra Valley with a first class cellar door and wide range of quality wines on tasting. Then move through to the restaurant which has won a Good Food Guide hat and plenty of acclaim. An amazing garden on the property means the kitchen is well stocked with its own local produce, and there's an emphahsis on local, fresh, seasonal and sustainable! People also come here for the views, and even from the cellar door you take in the rolling hills and can even see the weather changing with the vast expanse of sky.
Daylesford
Daylesford boasts several attractions including superb parks, wineries, a stunning lake and a charming main street where you can stroll and enjoy top notch boutique shops, cafes and galleries. Nearby natural springs in Hepburn Springs are another popular visit.
Drive time from CBD: approx 1 hour 30 minutes
Recommendation: The Lakehouse Restaurant
The Lakehouse Restaurant has been a favourite of many discerning foodies from Melbourne, as well as visitors to the region. First class dishes from this Good Food Guide hatted restaurant with local seasonal produce. The restaurant boasts views of the lake and the decor and ambience is top notch. Worth a drive to Daylesford for this experience alone.
Bendigo
One of the great historic cities of Australia, dating back to Gold Rush days, combining old world charm with modern development. You can see the wealth of its gold heritage in the wide streets, stunning buildings and parks.
Drive time from CBD: approx 2 hours
Recommendation: Masons of Bendigo Restaurant
Masons of Bendigo is a super popular Good Food Guide hatted restaurant and you may need to book a table. The dishes are a perfect mix of comfort food and impressive technique by skilful chefs. Nick and Sonia Anthony take a bow for their exciting innovative and rewarding Modern Australian food (with several influences). Kangaroo carpaccio was a clever dish and spoke of the flair displayed with Australian native ingredients. Check out the fine presentation!
Gippsland
Gippsland is on the rise, boasting fine scenery and up and coming food and wine destinations. Not to mention magnificent walking trails.
Drive time from CBD: 1 hour (to fringe) then 3 hours or more to other destinations (it's a huge area).
Recommendation: Cannibal Creek Winery
Its relaxed at Cannibal Creek, with nuances of a French approach, featuring a standout changing menu based around produce sourced in large part from Gippsland neighbours. This technique and approach is complemented by the onsite Kitchen Garden and orchard. The range of Cannibal Creek wines is first class from the Cannibal Creek Sparkling Blanc de Blancs, to the Cannibal Creek Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and Cannibal Creek Chardonnay. Not to mention the Cannibal Creek Pinot Noir and Cannibal Creek Cabernet Merlot.
