Melbourne and surrounds in one day or less

Sometimes you want to get away for just a day. A short break from the hustle and bustle of the city. You don’t want to drive for long – an hour or two at most. If you want to get away from the crowds, take a long walk by the sea or enjoy a fabulous lunch in the countryside, Victoria has just what you need.

Travel down the eastside of Port Phillip Bay and out through rolling countryside to the Bellarine Peninsula. A one-day tour of the Mornington Peninsula gives you the chance to enjoy both the turbulent beaches of Bass Strait and the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay.

Less than an hour’s drive, and ideal for either a half-day or full-day tour, are the Dandenong Ranges, the hills that can be seen from most vantage points in the city. Drive through the tall trees and cool fern gullies and stop off for a picnic at one of the state’s great gardens.

The Yarra Valley, just a bit further out, offers more than 30 wineries to visit and plenty of fresh local produce to taste. Hint: join a tour group so you can relax and enjoy your wine tasting experience without having to drive home.

A day trip to Phillip Island offers everything from hand-feeding wild pelicans to watching the world-famous nightly parade of penguins as they return from the sea to their burrows.