Updated on June 11th, 2026
If you are planning a tour for two or three days, you can add Grampians National Park, Ballarat, and Sovereign Hill, as all three destinations are on the same route if you are going from Melbourne. 235 km west of Melbourne, Grampians National Park is an oasis of diversity, with an abundance of things to see and do, including Aboriginal art sites, bushwalking, wine tasting, native wildlife spotting, waterfalls, and mountains. Other activities in the Grampians include cycling, rock climbing, and fishing. The Grampians are also home to many kangaroos, koalas, emus, and many birds. There are so many stunning lookouts and free-flowing waterfalls, all adding to the region’s natural beauty. A wide range of recreational activities, such as bushwalking, rock climbing, horse riding, fishing, and bird watching, can make your trip memorable.
Ararat: A Beautiful Town
If driving from Melbourne, head towards the gold mining town of Ballarat through the Western Freeway; Ararat is the next important destination on the way. It is an attractive, old gold-mining town. A Chinese person discovered gold here in 1857, and soon, people moved here, and this town came into being. After the discovery of gold mines, this place became a boomtown that continued into the early 20th century. Ararat is surrounded by several mountain ranges, including Grampians National Park, Mount Langi Ghiran, Mount Cole, Mount Buangor, Ararat Hills Regional Park, and the Pyrenees Ranges. All this makes Ararat an ideal base for visiting these natural attractions. There are so many wineries in the surroundings of Ararat. If you are in your vehicle, you can stop for a while and taste different wines.
Halls Gap
Another beautiful place near Ararat is Halls Gap, which provides an ideal base for exploring the region. It is famous for fine dining in the area. There are several motels, hotels, and caravan parks in town that provide accommodation if you are staying for a few days in Grampians Park. Waterfalls are another attraction of this region. McKenzie Falls is one of the best waterfalls, which attracts tourists. Halls Gap is home to the Aboriginal Cultural Centre. In the picturesque township of Halls Gap, there are so many restaurants catering to fine dining. You can also enjoy the Halls Gap swimming pool in the summer months.
Dandenong Ranges
Like the Grampians region, the Dandenong Ranges is another destination with abundant opportunities to be close to nature. Just 35 km east of Melbourne, it can be your party time destination whenever you feel like it. Dandenong has an abundance of beautiful things where you can escape to breathtaking beauties. The scenic attractions of Dandenong are outstanding, and you can’t stop yourself praising them. Enjoying nature, exploring wildlife, and other outdoor activities like walking, hiking, cycling, golf, and camping can be your favourite things to do in Dandenong. Several locations throughout the ranges offer excellent views. Mt Dandenong offers a beautiful skyline from which you can see the whole of Melbourne. A fairytale-like forest makes the entire region a perfect destination for a romantic weekend.
For nature lovers and outdoor adventurers, this place is like heaven. As it is just on the doorstep of Melbourne, I used to go there frequently. You can experience nature by cycling, walking, skiing, camping, golfing, ballooning, and other outdoor activities. You can also disappear in a mystical forest to breathe more fresh air, to see the beauty of birds, and listen to the sound of thundering waterfalls. This place is also known for its flair for food and atmospheric eateries like tearooms and restaurants with stunning views. As a popular wedding destination, Dandenong offers many features that make it even more romantic.
Sky High is a popular restaurant where you can arrange your romantic dates with your partner. This place is Melbourne’s unique ‘special occasions‘ venue. You can enjoy your day at this beautiful place. A deep forest surrounds beautifully landscaped gardens where you can sit and enjoy a variety of cuisines with coffee or wine. After sunset, you can see Melbourne’s skyline from the heights of Dandenong. The glittering lights of the city seem like stars and diamonds glowing from one horizon to another.
Puffing Billy Train
Dandenong Ranges are full of wonders and excitement. The famous Puffing Billy Railway, a steam engine tourist railway, runs through the southern parts of the Dandenong Ranges. Just 40 km east of Melbourne, this fantastic steam train runs every day except Christmas Day from Belgrave to Lakeside and Gembrook. Throughout the whole track, the train passes through scenic forests and breathtaking views.
Puffing Billy is now a major tourist attraction. You may plan a one-day picnic trip to this place. Hanging your legs outside or wrapping your arms over the window safety bars, you can feel the fresh air on your face.
The trestle bridge is a famous point on this track. Its timber bridge has 15 spans, 91.4 m and 12.8 m in height. It offers a thrilling feeling when the train passes over this bridge.
Lakeside (Emerald Lake) is a regular stop for trains to fill their locomotives’ water tanks. This place is lovely for spending a few hours in the surrounding forest, with a gigantic pool, paddle boats, walking tracks, and cafes nearby.
The Puffing Billy Railway line has been in operation since 1900. This train was used to transport vegetables, fruits, and other farming goods in the early days.
Phillip Island
Mt Buller, Phillip Island, Yarra Valley wineries, and the Great Ocean Road are a few more important destinations you can’t miss visiting.
Phillip Island, situated approximately 130 km southeast of Melbourne, is a major tourist destination, attracting surfers to its beaches. We know Phillip Island for its coastal scenery, best surfing conditions, and world-famous penguin parade. It’s the world’s largest colony of little penguins. Thousands of little penguins emerge from the sea at sunset and march across the beach to their dune burrows.
The day I visited this place with my friend, it was drizzling and freezing. They made fenced platforms from where you can see moving penguins. I still feel the romance of waiting for little penguins. The thundering sea, darkness, and drizzle were making those moments really memorable. As we did not have an umbrella, we covered ourselves with our long jackets. Suddenly, a few little penguins appeared from the sea, and in a few moments, there was a full parade of thousands of penguins. It was really amazing to see them moving towards their natural shelters.
As a whole, the surroundings of Melbourne have an abundance of things to see and to do. I am in love with this city. I wish to be there soon. Not once, but again and again.
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2 Comments
Thank you for this elaborated post. Being a traveller, I highly appreciate it.
Thanks, Tanima.