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Melbourne Tourist Attractions

World-class wineries, charming oceanfront road trips, mineral-rich hot springs - explore all of these on just a day trip from Melbourne.

Melbourne Tourist Attractions
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Few cities are in such a privileged position for day tripping as Melbourne. An hour or two from the city, you can tour through ancient rainforests, see wild penguins and koalas, or admire world-class art. With a pretty seaside town, a 100 year old steam train, and some of the best restaurants in the countryside, there are plenty of reasons to travel just outside the city.


ENJOY DAYLESFORD'S ATTRACTION

Melbourne Tourist Attractions
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With breathtaking views of Central Highland and a variety of healthy lifestyle choices, Daylesford is 90 minutes from Melbourne is the perfect location for your outdoor activities. Spend the morning browsing the eye-catching outlets and galleries. Highlights include the expansive Paradise Bookshop, the impressive Convent Gallery and the spectacular studios and galleries of artists David Bromley, Bromley and Co. Complete with a sumptuous lunch at Lake House, one of Australia's best regional restaurants, or perhaps the simpler choice at Mercato. Another great alternative is Frank and Connie's Kitchen on Hepburn Springs road where you'll also find the Hepburn Bathouse and Spa. End your day with a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich water and perhaps enjoy a massage, before returning to Melbourne.


EXPLORE THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Melbourne Tourist Attractions
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You should spend a few days exploring the Great Ocean Road; however if you only have one day, you can still trace the attractions on the eastern end of this route. It takes 90 minutes from Melbourne to arrive in Torquay, one of Australia's most famous surf towns which is also the birthplace of the surf clothing labels Rip Curl and Quiksilver. With a 45-minute drive, you'll find Lorne, another stunning seaside town known for its rich arts (don't miss Qdos Arts) and a one-kilometer (0.6 mile) stretch of beach. Enjoy lunch here before continuing on to the most popular tourist attraction on the Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles. Nearby, the charming Loch Ard Gorge is also worth a visit before you head back to Melbourne.


ENJOY WINE AND MARGASATWA AT YARRA VALLEY

Melbourne Tourist Attractions
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Wineries are not the Yarra Valley's only tourist destination. Your first stop, Coombe, which is about an hour from Melbourne, is a historic building with heritage gardens belonging to Australia's international opera star, Dame Nellie Melba. From here it is only a short drive to Domaine Chandon, one of Australia's leading producers of sparkling wine. After tasting it, head to Healesville Sanctuary to meet kangaroos, koalas, wombats, dingoes, lyrebirds, platypuses and Tasmanian devils. Ready for some more wine tasting? You are advised to visit Innocent Bystander and TarraWarra Estate because each of these places has a special restaurant. Before returning to Melbourne, stop by the TarraWarra Museum of Art, which presents a stunning collection of works by renowned Australian artists, such as Brett Whiteley.


EXPLORE THE GREEN NATURE IN DANDENONGS

Melbourne Tourist Attractions
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The towering forests and majestic gardens of Dandenongs are perfect for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Start your adventure at the National Rhododendron Gardens, about an hour from Melbourne. This 42-hectare (104 acre) land is filled with azaleas, camellias, and cherries and rhododendrons. From here it's a short drive to Kallista, with the Grants Picnic Ground being the starting point of the scenic 6.6-kilometer (4-mile) loop of Sherbrooke Forest through fern-filled trenches where kookaburras and parrots nest. Continue on to another charming village, Belgrave, for a journey back in time on the 100 year old steam train known as the Puffing Billy. Order lunch in the train cabin and enjoy a return journey through towering forest before returning to Melbourne.


EXPLORE THE COASTAL OF MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Melbourne Tourist Attractions
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Countryside with gorgeous beaches, excellent wineries and restaurants make the Mornington Peninsula a memorable year-round destination. It takes about an hour from Melbourne along the road to reach the McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery in Langwarrin which features more than 100 works by renowned Australian artists. From here, start exploring the winery region known for its variety of Pinot Noir and cool climate Chardonnay. Some of the best wineries, such as Montalto and Ten Minutes by Tractor, also have well-known restaurants that are perfect for brunch. After lunch, head to Peninsula Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in mineral hot springs before exploring historic seaside towns such as Portsea and Sorrento. Both have well-maintained historic buildings and beautiful beaches that are perfect for snorkelling. From Sorrento, enjoy a ferry ride to the equally exciting city of Queenscliff before heading back to Melbourne.


JOIN THE PENGUIN PARADE IN PHILLIP ISLAND

Melbourne Tourist Attractions
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Head to the fishing village of San Remo, which is about two hours from Melbourne, before noon to watch pelicans and stingrays scrambling for food every day. From here, there is a bridge that connects you to Phillip Island. Walk past rugged Cape Woolamai with its striking pink granite cliffs and golden sands. The next stop for racing fans is the Grand Prix Circuit which hosts the Motorcycle Grand Prix every October; take a guided tour or try out circuits with professional racers. After lunch at Harry's on the Esplanade, join an outdoor cruise to admire one of Australia's largest fur seal colonies. End your day at the Penguin Parade, when hundreds of little penguins come to Summerland Beach after a long day swimming in the ocean. The island is also a habitat for koala conservation. Here you can walk along the tall wooden walkways for an up-close look at koalas in their natural habitat.