Melbourne was voted as the world’s most liveable city and is known for its arty, music culture, modern architecture, and busy (but not too busy) city life. It is also surrounded by picturesque landscapes and nice little towns that are all within reach by train.
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day and get a taste of the natural beauty of Victoria you don’t always have to drive to these places. There are plenty of locations you can get to via train where you can relax, read a book, listen to some tunes and not deal with any traffic.
Here are my recommended 7 best day trips from Melbourne by train.
1. Geelong and the Great Ocean Road – Coastal city views (1 hour 15 mins)
Just over an hour away from Melbourne by train, Geelong is a city that’s come up fast. It has a nice mix of modern gentrification but a bit of local history too and is based just on the coast. Go and walk along the historic waterfront or see the Geelong Gallery. If you’re looking for some impressive views then don’t miss the chance to ride the iconic Geelong Skywheel for panoramic views of the city and bay.
If you want to sample the Great Ocean Road you can venture a bit further from Geelong though it will need an additional bus to get down to Torquay or Jan Juc and see the real ocean surf. The waves here are stunning and there are good beaches to relax on and enjoy the best of the Victorian coast.
2. Ballarat – Gold rush history (1 hour 30 mins)
Step back in time with a day trip to Ballarat, a city that was a huge base during Australia’s crazy gold rush era. Visit Sovereign Hill, an outdoor museum that recreates the 1850s gold mining town, and try your luck at gold panning and see if you can strike gold yourself.
The Ballarat Botanical Gardens and the Art Gallery of Ballarat are also worth a visit. Overall you will feel like you’ve stepped back in time and all within 90 minutes of Melbourne City.
3. Dandenong Ranges – A real taste of Victorian nature (1 hour 15 mins)
For a breath of fresh mountain air and real rainforest, hop on a train to the Dandenong Ranges, just over an hour away from Melbourne. Enjoy the lush green rainforest landscape, cascading waterfalls, hilly terrain, and nice little villages like Olinda and Sassafras.
The Puffing Billy Railway is a must-do experience as it offers a great scenic journey on a century-old steam train through the Dandenong ranges. If you like a challenging walk then try the ‘Thousand Steps’ Kokoda track memorial walk.
4. Phillip Island – A wildlife sanctuary – (2 hours 45 mins)
This is quite a bit further afield but well worth the trip, Phillip Island is famous for its amazing penguin parade at sunset, and the island also offers a good chance to spot seals, koalas, kangaroos, and giant Pelicans.
The penguin parade will take an hour or two around sunset but is definitely worth the visit as you get to see them acting naturally in their habitat without hiding behind rocks. Enjoy the coastal scenery at the Nobbies and relax on the island’s rugged beaches, which have great island scenery like the Great Ocean Road. This journey does involve a train change and a bus but is worth it to catch a few rare experiences.
5. Daylesford – Unique springs and independent shops (2 hours)
Daylesford is a charming little town. It was once unknown but is now a popular place to come at the weekends for Melbournians. It’s renowned for its idyllic landscapes and spa culture. The town has some modern rejuvenating mineral springs and wellness retreats. Try Hepburn Bathhouse or explore the tranquil Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens.
There are also bustling Sunday markets with loads of little regional treats. Daylesford Lake is another highlight nearby for leisurely walks, picnics, and paddle boats.
6. Mornington Peninsula – Coastal heaven (1 hour 30 mins)
Accessible by train and a short bus ride, the Mornington Peninsula is a great coastal peninsula featuring quite a few vineyards and great coastal landscapes. There are great beaches to relax on here too.
Try the Peninsula Hot Springs, which is a brilliant multi-pool spa retreat with natural mountainous vibes. Try some wine tasting in a local winery and explore the charming seaside towns of Sorrento and Portsea which have their own local personalities.
7. Bendigo – A cultural gem (2 hours)
Bendigo located North-West of Melbourne is a city known for its historical mining heritage and unique architecture. Visit the historic Central Deborah Gold Mine, which offers a deep underground journey into the mines to allow you to feel how the miners felt as they went to work every day mining for gold using explosives. This is a really immersive and enjoyable hard hat tour.
The city has a decent arts scene and beautiful gardens which are right next to the shopping areas. There are a couple of good lookout towers and charming architecture to admire here along with some good galleries if you’re into art.
Melbourne’s efficient octopus-like train network makes exploring the regions of Victoria pretty convenient and at a decent speed. But remember while they go out on a single line it’s not easy to change over to another regional line once you leave so ensure you get on the correct line or you’ll be heading back to the start to change.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or coastal landscapes, these seven day trips from Melbourne offer a great range of choice so try and do as many getaways as you can while you’re in Melbourne.