From Great Ocean Road - If only we had a convertible by The Newell Post

A city of commerce, koalas, and adventure sports, Melbourne is a favorite destination for international travelers. Vibrant nightlife, impressive museums, delectable restaurants, and activities for the epicurean and the adventurous will keep visitors happily busy — but if the buzz of busyness has you yearning for wildflowers, beaches, and fellowship with wildlife, check out these ideas for fantastic day trips you can take from the city.

Grampians National Park

Stunning sandstone mountain ranges, beautiful spring wildflowers, multiple varieties of birds, plants, and animals, and plenty of things to do make Grampians National Park an excellent destination for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding, camping amidst unspoiled natural wonders like waterfalls and wildflowers, and taking scenic walks. If you’re staying for longer than a day and would rather not camp, the small town of Halls Gap is nearby, which offers plenty of cafes, shops, restaurants and activities, like mini golf, great walking routes, and fun festivals.

RealTravelers Lou & Bren recently adventured on a camping excursion in the Grampians, where they enjoyed climbing and taking in the stupendous vistas. Here’s an excerpt from their travel blog, Grampians National Park:

“…we walked up Mt William, the highest peak in the Grampians NP. The walk was a sealed road closed to traffic, but it was so steep. We struggled a bit, but eventually reached the top, huffing and puffing. The view was definitely worth the climb; a full 360o view of the Grampians mountains, and the flat plains surrounding them. We spent an hour at the summit taking photos, resting, and enjoying the view. The warm clear weather made the view even more spectacular.” (more…)

Resources:
Grampians Travel Guide
Grampains National Park
Visit Halls Gap

Healesville Sanctuary

A wonderful day trip for animal lovers, Healesville Sanctuary specializes in animals native to Australia. Just a one-hour drive from Melbourne, the sanctuary is home to kangaroos, koala bears, dingoes, Tasmanian Devils and over 200 other species of animal. Knowledgeable Keepers give daily presentations, offering insight into the lives and habits of the animals, while aviaries, exhibits, bird shows and more make a day at the sanctuary lively and fun. This is a fantastic destination for families and tour groups.

Resources:
Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Travel Guide

Philip Island

One of Australia’s most popular wildlife attractions, Philip Island is home to the adorable Little Penguins who nightly perform their famous Penguin Parade. Visitors come to see them waddle their way from the sea to their homes — burrows made in the island’s sand dunes. The Penguin Parade is just one attraction at Philip Island Nature Park; you may also visit the Nobbies Center where you’ll meet seals, sharks and dolphins; hang out with koalas in their natural habitat; or explore heritage buildings and gardens on beautiful Churchill Island.

Here’s an excerpt from RealTraveler frewbie’s blog about her fun experience at the park:

“Then in the afternoon we set off for the penguin parade on Philip Island. On our way there, we stopped off at numerous places, including Warrook Homestead to see kangaroos… which I fed… soooo cool!!! a wombat, and emu’s. We then moved on to a koala conservation center, in the bush. We saw the Koala’s and took plenty of photo’s! Finally we stopped off to see the Nobbies (Rocks out to sea) before our final destination.. the penguins. Freezing cold, we waited for the penguins to make their journey from the sea to their burrows. It took them several attempts to build up the courage to make the journey and when they finally did they were so small and cute. Much smaller than you imaging, hence, ‘Little Penguins’ because they are the smallest in the world. A great day.” (more…)

Resources:
Philip Island Nature Park

Great Ocean Road

One of Australia’s most extraordinary scenic routes, the Great Ocean Road leads travelers past stunning natural wonders, charming resort towns, coastal cities, and historic villages. Winding along the coastline, you’ll pass the beautiful rainforest of Great Otway National Park, natural rock formations near Port Campbell — including the world-famous Twelve Apostles, the Grotto, and the London Arch — some of Australia’s most gorgeous beaches and waterfalls, and a variety of lovely lighthouses.

Resources:
Great Ocean Road Travel Guide
The Great Ocean Road Homepage

For more ideas of place to travel outside of Melbourne, check out the links below, including blogs, photos, and advice from travelers who’ve been there.

More Useful Links:
The Mornington Peninsula Travel Guide
Dandenong Ranges Travel Guide
Yarra Glen Travel Guide