Lonely PlanetSep 8
The Best Car-Free Day Trips from Melbourne
From forest trails to steam railways, these inspiring spots around Melbourne make for great day trips, and none of them require a car to reach.
Popular spot for a snack or beer
17 things in this story
- Hanging RockSightPicnic site made famous by a novel and film
- Holgate BrewhouseRestaurantPopular spot for a snack or beer
- Elsewhere
- Yarra ValleyNeighborhoodMelbourne, AustraliaVictoria's oldest wine region, known for cool-climate wines
- Yering StationRestaurantYarra Glen, AustraliaOldest vineyard, tastings in 1859 winery building
- Helen's HillRestaurantLilydale, AustraliaFamily-run winery producing chardonnay and pinot noir
- Hop ItPlaceMelbourne, AustraliaDaily hop-on, hop-off bus tour into the Yarra Valley
- Sovereign HillMuseumBallarat, AustraliaHistorical village recreating gold rush era
- Hope BakeryBakeryBallarat, AustraliaOne of several places to eat in Sovereign Hill
- United States HotelRestaurantBallarat, AustraliaDining room in Sovereign Hill
- Ballarat Wildlife ParkZooBallarat, AustraliaLocal attraction near Sovereign Hill
- Art Gallery of BallaratMuseumBallarat, AustraliaAcclaimed local art gallery
- Warburton Rail TrailTrailLilydale, Australia38km walking and cycling route through Upper Yarra Valley
- French IslandSightWestern Port Bay, AustraliaIsland national park with off-grid living
- Naturaliste ToursPlaceFrench Island, AustraliaOffers tours of French Island in an ex-mining vehicle
- Pobblebonk SwampSightFrench Island, AustraliaLocated on French Island, home to resident frogs
- French Island General StoreRestaurantFrench Island, AustraliaThe island's only shop, offering lunches and bike rental
- Puffing Billy RailwayAttractionBelgrave, AustraliaRestored steam train ride through Dandenong mountains