Top 8 Day Trips from Melbourne

1.Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 775 reviews · from $125Our pick

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island in an air-conditioned coach with a local driver-guide. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, and the Nobbies before watching Little Penguins return from the sea. The 9.5-hour outing includes general Penguin Parade viewing, reserve entry, live commentary, and a maximum group size of 38.

“It’s a long drive from Melbourne to see this beautiful place and well worth the time. Plan on something to do to occupy yourself on the bus. Make sure you have a wire for your phone (usb, not c). The bus rows do not allow for a great deal of leg room. The penguin parade is charming and will delight all age groups”

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2.Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 566 reviews · from $150

Leave Melbourne in the afternoon for Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s famous sunset penguin parade. A guide such as Travis, Josh, or Adam leads the small group, shares wildlife facts, and helps you find the best viewing spots. Expect a long evening, chilly coastal air, and about eight hours on the road.

“Our tour guide Travis was very engaging & enthusiastic which was contagious. Although the day was rainy the experience at the sanctuary Amazing - the koalas, wallabies and kangaroos were awesome!!! They were all friendly and the experience of petting and feeding them was memorable. This tour is something everyone coming to Australia should experience.”

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3.Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 383 reviews · from $172

Spend about 9.5 hours with an English-speaking guide on Phillip Island, visiting the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, and the Nobbies before watching little penguins return from the sea. The Penguin Plus platform offers a closer view than general admission. Guides may include Fiona, Craig, Vicky, Ben, or Linda.

“The Penguin viewing is excellent but the visit at Cowes is super boring and nothing to do. It is suggested to include places in the tour which is more interesting and memorable. The tour guide John is very helpful and friendly. He introduced a lots about the places during the tour. Overall, the trip was good.”

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4.Small-Group Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 281 reviews · from $154

Spend about 11 hours touring the Great Ocean Road in an air-conditioned minivan with a maximum of 11 people. Your guide may be Shane, Fred, Gary, Sarah, or another Oceania Tours and Safaris driver. Expect Apollo Bay, a rainforest stop in Great Otway National Park, native wildlife, the Twelve Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge.

“Our guide Fred was amazing. He knew how to make this trip even more magical than it was before. The places were magnificent and the day went by so quickly. I recommend this experience 100%!”

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5.Day Trip to Mt Buller by Premium Tour Coach

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 220 reviews · 1 day · from $105

Ride a direct coach from Southern Cross Coach Terminal to Mt Buller Village Square, arriving around 10am and leaving at 4:30pm. You get more than six hours for snow play, tobogganing, skiing, mountain views, cafes, and village walks. Resort entry and return transport are included, but ski equipment and lift tickets are not.

“The whole travel was fine. We arrived as per the expected time. Driver explained clearly how will the trip go. They sent notification before and after the travel.”

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6.Small-Group Grampians Great Wildlife Escape Day Trip with Hiking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 160 reviews · from $111

Travel from Melbourne to Grampians National Park in a small air-conditioned minibus. Walk to Boroka Lookout, the Balconies, and MacKenzie Falls, spot kangaroos and emus, and visit Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Guides such as Lauren, Graham, Jacob, and Tara are praised for clear commentary and friendly care. Expect a full 12.5-hour day.

“My girlfriend and I looked on Viator for some full day sightseeing options, and really got interested in seeing the Grampians, even though neither of us had ever heard of the national park. This had the best reviews and we loved the toRead more”

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7.Reverse Great Ocean Road Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 123 reviews · from $96Best value

Leave Melbourne early for the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, then return along the Great Ocean Road through Apollo Bay, the Otways rainforest, and koala country. A local English-speaking guide drives a 28-seat vehicle, with lunch, Wi-Fi, USB charging, park fees, and translation apps included.

“We had a great trip. Definitely a recommendation! We also saw a koala and a kangaroo on our tour.”

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8.Small-Group Great Ocean Road Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews

Spend about 12 hours exploring the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne in a custom Mercedes Sprinter with up to 11 people. Your English-speaking guide leads coastal stops, wildlife spotting near Kennett River, lunch of local fish and chips in Apollo Bay, an ancient rainforest walk, and the 12 Apostles. Guides such as Paul, Andy, and Brendan are known for lively local stories.

“This was the best tour you can get. Everything was wonderful. The driver was enjoyable, with stories, history, refreshing inclusion in his telling of history, how to spot animals, how the land was formed ions ago, etc. My DH brought his folding electric wheelchair and the driver was gracious to help get it on and off the vehicle. I cannot say enough about this wonderful trip. And the weather was very cooperative that day. The vehicle was in great shape, had a smooth ride. What can I say more? It was thorourly enjoyable.”

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