If you’re hoping to take your new Suzuki out for an adventurous spin this weekend but don’t want to spend hours in the car, there are plenty of day trips to take within an hour of Melbourne.
At Mantello Suzuki, there’s nothing more we love than exploring everything Victoria has to offer. Here’s our list of the best day trips in Melbourne that take an hour or less to get to.
Heide Museum of Modern Art
You might not have heard of it, but the Heide Museum in Bulleen features Australian art in three exhibition buildings set in 15 acres of beautiful gardens. Take a stroll amongst sculptures and explore the gorgeous café featuring fresh produce grown in their kitchen garden.
Admission is $20 for adults and children can get in for free. The museum and café are both open Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays.
Bacchus Marsh
Take a day trip to Bacchus Marsh and discover the town’s rich history, seasonal produce and beautiful parks. From wildflowers to lush green forests, it’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and those up for a stroll in the fresh air. If you’re heading there in summer, why not take advantage of strawberry picking and market stalls?
Brighton
Just a 20-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD, Brighton is a great place to head if you’re looking to escape the city. Get some fresh air, enjoy the beach and explore the town. Don’t forget to check out the historic and famous Brighton Bathing Boxes that have been around since the 19th century.
If you’re into golf, check out Brighton Public Golf Course, and an 18-hold course in the Bayside Sandbelt. There are a multitude of levels suitable for both beginners and more advanced players.
Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley has so much to offer if you’re looking for a day trip within an hour of Melbourne. As Victoria’s oldest wine region (dating back to 1838) it has rolling green hills, kangaroos and enough food to satisfy you for way more than just a day.
If you’re less into wine and more into gin, head to Healesville and check out the Four Pillars gin distillery. The former timber yard has been transformed into a distillery and distillery door that is open seven days a week for tastings and a selection of nibbles.
Dandenong Ranges
Whether you’re in a nifty Swift or a fun-loving Jimny, why not take a trip to the Dandenong Ranges for a green, relaxing escape? There are beautiful gardens, hiking trails, cute villages and lots of amazing views. You can’t miss the 1,000 steps in the Dandenong Ranges National Park – a challenging climb that steeps through eucalyptus trees and ferns.
Hanging Rock
Created 6 million years ago by magma pouring from a narrow vent in the rock, Hanging Rock is a great example of a mamelon mountain. Just an hour from Melbourne, it’s an ideal day trip destination. Take the short walk up to the summit and explore all the amazing rock formations at the top. What makes this destination so famous is that a group of schoolgirls disappeared thereafter a picnic in 1900 that inspired both a book and a movie.
Melbourne has so much to offer – whether you’re hoping for a relaxing day trip or an adventurous weekend away – where will you choose?
