The thought of Melbourne comes hand in hand with several amazing sceneries; You automatically think about Australia’s beautiful buildings, creative art, and well-preserved culture.
However, the more you go beyond Melbourne City, the more dazzling views you come across; the serene beaches, glorious scenery, ancient artifacts, spectacular views and beautiful towns, all of which will blow your mind.
Melbourne City is close to the Grampian National Park, a famous spot for skiing on Mount Muller and Dandenong Ranges. Victoria in Australia has also not been left behind with scenery; the City brags the Great Ocean Road, with the most dazzling views, ideal for road trips.
On your visit to Melbourne City, you will enjoy various wildlife views and natural sceneries in every spot you explore. There are multiple spots to visit, from Phillip Island, famous for Penguin parades, to the national parks full of Kangaroos, among other wild animals. The City is also highlighted by various seaside towns, which are the perfect spots for picnics or family getaways.
If you intend to have the most adventurous road trip, you should get an elegant car that will keep you comfortable as you explore the various sceneries; An EV or a Tesla is the right car for the road trip.
A Quick History of Melbourne
Traditional books indicate that you will find Melbourne City in the middle of the Kulin nation, the ancient name of Melbourne. The Europeans changed the name in 1837; shortly after, it became a city.
Currently, it is the City with the most diverse number of cultures worldwide; Dja Wurrung Taungurung Wurundjeri Wathaurung and the Boonerwrung are the different tribes common in the country. It is also popular where people prefer to meet for various reasons, like sports, to honour culture, for education and other social events.
Like other countries, the British had occupied Melbourne, as well, because the British because they did not want the French to take over the coast of Victoria. However, by the time it was the 19th century, the beach had been widely explored by both the Fresh and the British explorers.
In 1803, a rumour was that the French were about to occupy Melbourne. Therefore the British sent Lieutenant David Collins, who came with a group that comprised both free settlers and convicted people in an attempt to set up a colony. They established their temporary settlement on the Port Phillip shore on the Mornington Peninsula.
In 1804, Collins passed all the necessary tests and transferred his colony to Van Diemen’s property. However, the British abandoned the idea he had to settle. From 1810 to 1820, Port Phillip was a familiar spot for the sealers and the wailers who took care of the shore from South Australia to Tasmania(Van Diemen’s land)
However, the actual colonisation resulted from land explorers who had adventured the southern area of Sydney, crossed past the famous river in Murrumbidgee and went beyond to get closer to the South coast. Hovell and Hume arrived at Port Phillip in 1824, where they settled for about two years. After they realised they had confused Port Phillip for the Western Port, and they set up a convict outpost and a military base that lasted for 13 months.
In the same year, John Barman, an entrepreneur who had settled in Tasmania, attempted to seek permission from the New South Wales governor to live in the Western Port as he had had rumours that the area was fertile and favoured agriculture. However, out of fear of having another colony in the land, he refused to permit John.
However, There were better actions that the governor could have taken. About eight years afterwards, Edward Henry went against the governor’s ruling and decided to settle at Portland Bay. In 1935, after realising what Henry had done, Barman followed suit, ignored the rules and settled in the Western area of Port Phillip, where he had purchased the land.
Barman took the opportunity to explore Port Phillip and the shore; he picked a site where he set up a village — by the time the year was over, Melbourne Town had grown towards the Yarra River banks.
Although there were various attempts to end the settlement, New South Wales eventually gave in after some time and started looking at Victoria as an autonomous yet very successful colony. In 1837, Melbourne, with magistrate Captain William Lonsdale from Sydney present to ensure everything went smoothly.
The changes became actualised when the newly appointed Superintendent, Charles La Trobe, started ruling over Port Phillip in 1839. When he arrived, he set up his colony with a different set of customs offices, an army force and a Lands Office to govern the district.
In 1851, the Britain officials officialised the Victoria Colony. By then, there were over 75000 people who had settled in the southern area of Murray-Murrumbidgee and owned more than 5 million sheep. The location was well-established and had rich grazing lands.
Ideally, the locals intended for Victoria to remain a traditional economy, but everything changed when the settlers discovered the gold mine; in 1851, out of the 75000 people in the state, about 20,000 lived in Melbourne.
15 Places to Visit Near Melbourne by Car
1. Great Ocean Road
It is the most spectacular road you can have your road trip on, where you enjoy seeing the ocean as you traverse through the coastline. On this trip, being in a fast, light and bright EV or a Tesla would be the best way to experience the road trip on the road entirely. The Great Ocean Road is a 200 KM stretch that begins in Torquay from Eastern Melbourne to Allansford and is just the perfect road for your daily road trip.
If you choose to have your road trip on this road, ensure you make a stopover at the Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell Park, which both rise above sea level. Additionally, as you come to the end of the road, you will come across the Port Fairy seaside town, where you should stop to taste their perfectly cooked delicacies and unique, eye-catching art. It’s a beautiful town near Warrnambool that is rich in scenery.
Other extraordinary stopovers you should make are to explore;
- The Great Otway National Park
- The London Arch
- Dramatic Shipwreck Coast
There are many other roads in Australia, but they are far from offering the experience the Great Ocean Road gives.
Charging
You can take a break and charge your car at the Lorne Visitor Information Centre, the Best Western Apollo, or the RACV Torquay Resort.
2. Hanging Rock
You will find The Hanging Rock in Macedon Range, about an hour’s drive towards the Northwestern side of Melbourne. It is an extinct volcano that’s about 105 meters high. So, if you have been looking for the perfect wilderness destination, hanging rock has got you covered.
Apart from the beautiful experience, Hanging Rock is also A significant part of Aboriginal history. Until now when you visit it, you’ll still find the eroded columns coming from the landscape, which is a beautiful sight. Ensure your camera is ready to capture these fantastic sightings when you can.
Regardless of what got you on the Hanging Rock, nature or history, it is one of the most beautiful sceneries you will ever experience. During the Gold Rush, the landmark was a hiding spot for bushrangers. Therefore, it has various areas ideal for hiking or picnics.
Hiking to the mountain and back will take about an hour, depending on your speed. The rock formations beautified the area, making it a perfect spot for the kids to explore.
Charging
There are several charging spots that you can recharge In, like the Radio Springs, Chargefox or the CTR Woodend Hotel. The pick of your charging spot will depend on where you are driving from.
3. Dandenong Ranges
Dandenong Ranges, located about 40KMs on the eastern side of Melbourne, are just the perfect spots for a family day trip. The area has wildlife, historical sceneries, unique delicacies and quaint villages.
The journey begins by driving through the volcanic hills and the lush forest until you get to Dandenong Ranges. The journey should take you about an hour. Once you get there, you can picnic on the grounds or hike in the rainforest, all of which are exceptional choices. There are also native birds that you can feed as you enjoy your stay.
During your visit, ensure you pass by the Alfred Nicholas Gardens and William Ricketts Sanctuary for a trip down on the Puffing Billy train in Belgrave; history says that the steam train is centuries old.
The Yarra Valley is quite famous among wine lovers because of Domaine Chandon. When you get there, explore their dazzling cafes, where you can taste locally produced foods and the artisan shops for outstanding products. You should also pass by the Valley Dairy in Yarra to taste their farmyard handmade cheese.
Charging
The journey to Dandenong Ranges is now relatively easy, all thanks to the fantastic Charging stations near it. Yarra Valley Nissan Chargefox, Proserpina Bakery Sassafras, and the Croydon Train station are the most popular.
4. Sovereign Hill at Ballarat
Sovereign Hill is a famous museum at Ballarat, about one hour past Melbourne. For the longest time now, historians have recorded it as the ideal place to go if you want to discover more about the gold rush in a fun way. It is a perfect place for family-based trips.
Your day tour will start by watching goldsmiths working in Victorian houses and shops. Then, head to the underground gold mine and try mining for the precious metal.
In 1850, Ballarat was a popular spot for Australia’s Gold Rush. Being a hot spot for gold mining back then, it’s now a historic location where people gather to learn more about the history of Australia.
Another hotspot in Ballarat is the Art Gallery, wildlife destination and the Botanical Gardens. After a calm evening, you can take your Tesla back to Ballarat for a fun day.
Charging
The charging spot close to Ballarat is the Llanberris or Craig’s royal hotel, which has a Tesla charger.
5. Peninsula Hot Springs
You will find Peninsula Hot Springs in Mornington Peninsula, which is in the southern area of Melbourne. The destination is famous for its steamy Spring pools, unique, organic delicacies and massages. Generally, if you are looking for pampering, this is the destination to be in.
Peninsula Hot Springs has almost everything you can think of. You get a perfect holiday from the Turkish steam baths, dips in the cave pool, and reflex walks to explore the neighbouring area’s beautiful views.
The area is carefully designed to produce water from mineral springs or underground pools to ensure the guests have the most relaxing baths. The spa is open for all kinds of travellers; whether you travel solo, with your lover or on a family trip, you can be sure you will have the best time.
You can also decide to soak yourself in a spa in Daylesford, located 90 minutes from Melbourne. The idyllic Lake House Hotel or the Hepburn Springs is just the perfect location for a holiday trip.
Charging
You can charge at One Four Nelson, Nepean Country Club or the Moonah Link.
6. Phillip Island
Phillip Island is about 2 hours South of Melbourne City. It’s known as the penguin parade because guests gather around the shore every sunset to see the penguins as they waddle up on the beach. Phillip Island might be your perfect holiday spot if you are a sucker for wildlife and nature.
In addition to the penguins, Phillip Island is also rich in wildlife. Within the day, you get to hand-feed the wallabies and the kangaroos and take walks on the beach for the most beautiful view of seabirds.
You will also come across the Nobbies Centre, a museum dedicated to giving free information about the area’s distribution and ecology. Although penguins are the most common sight of Phillip Island, there are still more amazing views, like Seal Rock, Australia’s most prominent fur seal colony.
Charging
The Silverwater Resorts, Cowes Transit and Clifftop in Phillip Island have a Tesla charger you can charge from
7. Port Phillip Bay
Melbourne City surrounds Port Phillip Bay, so you often see it when you visit Melbourne. Although you see it often, you should still find some time to explore it further to see its beautiful scenery.
Its coastline is a great swimming spot for people of different Ages. It has a shallow area perfect for children to enjoy and soak in the sun. Although the Mornington Peninsula is more popular than the Bellarine Peninsula, the Bellarine Coast has diverse activities you can enjoy there.
However, the most popular places to explore are the various wineries found there.
As the terrain is flat, you can cycle on the bike trains or ride on your Tesla around the beautiful roads.
Charging
You can charge your Tesla at the Pullman Melbourne, the Prince Hotel or the Lorbek Luxury Cars.
8. Pentridge Prison
It’s about 30 mins from the central City of Melbourne. Most people believe the place has ghosts haunting it because of the 44 dead bodies and Australia’s criminal record history. You should visit and explore the area to learn about Australia’s history.
Pentridge Prison was set up in 1851 and closed in 1997 after disagreements about killings in prison. Among other inmates, the most famous are; Chopper Reed, Ned Kelly and Ronald Ryan. The tour is to show you the life these criminals lived and the cells they occupied.
Charging
You’ll charge at Pentridge Shopping Centre, Chargefox or CERES.
9. Wilsons Promontory National Park
If you’re a nature lover, this is the real deal.
Locals call Wilsons Prom to ease the pronunciation. It’s located on the Eastern side of Melbourne, about two hours from the City, and an extension of the coastal wilderness. It may be a long drive, but the sceneries, unique rock formations, and landscapes will be worth it.
Once you get there, try to hike up to Mt. Oberon; the summit will blow your mind with beautiful and relaxing views. Also, trek through bushland and take photos of the Giant Rock. Then, later relax on the white sand of Squeaky Beach.
Different kinds of activities you can take while at the Wilson’s include:
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Birdwatching
- Camping
- The marine park
You can also extend three hours on the Western side of Melbourne City and enjoy Grampians National Park.
Charging
Charging is less standard than in the other areas, but there are still a few spots you can charge on. Look for Gourney’s Cider, Promhills Cabins or Tidal River Campgrounds to charge your car.
10. Grampians National Park
Grampians Park is the home to the Kookaburra and the Wallabies but is famous for its wild animals and sandstone mountaintops. Additionally, it is a historic spot for the indigenous people of Australia because it is rich in artefacts and monuments. You’ll see platforms, boulders, engravings, and art of red ochre pigments representing Australia’s tradition.
In the middle of Grampian National Park, you’ll find the Halls Gaps, the park’s main tourist attraction. When people explore the park, they often choose to start at the Halls Gaps and get a souvenir that will make their time at the Grampians memorable as they proceed to other locations.
The terrain is very rocky and Is well-guided by the walking tracks throughout the park. Be ready to cover about 67HA of this fantastic park.
11. Venus Bath
You will find Venus Bath in the Halls Gaps region within Grampian National Park. In the early 20s, women bathed on the spot, hence the name “Venus Bath.” It’s famous for its unusual rock formations full of fresh water, with tiny Stony Creek water-cut rocks that make up the pool.
The rocks in the pool are the perfect spots to slide on on a sunny afternoon. Even if you’re not in the mood for the slides, you should refresh yourself in the water after a tiring hike. It’s only 2.3 away, which should take a few minutes to arrive.
Directions:
- Drive to Halls Park through National A8 and M8, which will take about 3 hours from the City.
- On the West of School Road, walk on the opposite side of Halls Gap.
- Follow the walking tracks to find the pool.
12. Moonlit Sanctuary
Moonlight homes more than 60 wildlife species, including the endangered and the rear species like the Tasmanian devil of the Squirrel Glider. The only Southern Bettongs that remain in all of Australia live there.
If you’ve always wanted to hang out with animals, you must visit Moonlit Sanctuary. In there, you will find her a chance to play with Koala bears, kangaroos and pythons. When the sun sets, you notice wild animals touring around the sanctuary.
Usually, the nocturnal animals start to roam as they hunt for food. You can also feed a Southern Bettong or have a Squirrel climb all over you.
Bonus: You get to pick a seven or 3-day pass that will grant you unlimited access to the SEA Life, Melbourne Zoo, Moonlit Sanctuary, and the Melbourne River Cruise.
13. Point Nepean National Park
This National Park is part of the Mornington Peninsula and crucial to Australian history and nature. Being there gives you a clear view of the dazzling Port Phillip coastline, not to mention the cool breeze. You will also explore beautiful sightings like the old engine house, the barracks tunnels, and gun emplacements, all decades old.
Do you know this is the exact spot where the British Empire took its initial gunshot during World War II?
The terrain is friendly for hikers and cyclists, with various routes. The Fort Nepean route leads to Fort Nepean. The trail is about a KM long, surrounded by scenic coastal views. If you are walking, it should take around 1-2 hours to get there.
You can also walk the extended Range Area, which is about 1.8 km long. The most exciting part is that you’ll pay through a historic Rifle Range, Light Tower and a Monash Break as you walk.
The best route:
- Drive for about 36 minutes on Browns Road, Branch South and take on the Shads road
- Follow the Melbourne and the Browns Road until you reach the Napean Road in Portsea.
- Take the Napean Road till you see Nepean National Park.
There may be better ideas than renting a car since it’s a day’s trip; take your vehicle and experience the best of Australia. About an hour from Melbourne, Mornington is a point full of adventurous exploring areas and the best outdoor park that would appeal to anyone.
14. Daylesford
Daylesford, officially known as Victoria’s Spa Country, is the perfect destination for a slow, relaxed weekend with good and healthy food.
It is a destination filled with top-notch facilities, from treated spas to natural hot springs, to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Additionally, the state of their resorts and the calm atmosphere in the country will keep you hooked throughout your vacation.
The spa is positioned in a laid-back and slow location that allows you to sip in all the country’s silence and atmosphere only if you let yourself lose. (Your destination will take care of you)
The area is a pool of new delicacies to give you a unique experience with each bite. Hence, the place will be perfect for you if you love food.
Daylesford Produce is a trail that will give a new food experience. It’s filled with the most amazing delicacies; hence, if you are a food lover, this is the perfect spot to quench your curiosity.
There are also various homestays, boutique hotels and cozy accommodation rooms in Hepburn Springs and Daylesford. You can pick one of those comfortable villas and make yours a perfect holiday.
15. Silo Art Trail
Silo Art Train bow follows Australia’s Greatest outdoor gallery filled with various kinds of art mixtures. It is an area where artists take up street art in silos, presenting it in a completely different dimension.
Additionally, there is a 200km stretch filled with wheat and other silos that artists painted with huge murals. They completely hide all the top parts of the silo to represent the rural traditions. The main intention of the paintings is to celebrate heroes, rural communities and the hard work of the people that came before them.
Within a short duration, the murals have become the centre of attention, with people coming from the mainland and other regions to see the art. That area would still be unheard of if not for the art.
Among The people the paintings have attracted are the Australian street art icons, the likes of Rone, Matt Adnate and Fitgan Magee, who have taken part in painting them. You can take a day to visit the Rupanyup, the closest silo to Melbourne.
It is a stretch of 300 km from the City, meaning you can drive all the way, spend some time there and return in good time; in about 9 hours, you should have returned.
However, to discover more about the murals, you’ll need to organise a camper van where you can spend your night since there are few accommodation centres in the region. You can also opt to purchase second-hand campervans, which are affordable and use them for an adventurous overnight tour.
16. Melbourne’s North
Take a personal holiday and drive up to the Northern side of Melbourne to learn and discover amazing things about Australia. In a week, you will learn many exciting things, including the history of Australia that is rare to many people.
From the list above, select a few towns you can stop over and the various activities you’ll take and book before the hotels you intend to spend the night in. The north region is an ideal place to visit during winter, unlike the ocean area, that’s cold with everything frozen at that time. It is the heart of various delicacies, especially pastries of different cultures.
For relaxed and laid-back weekends, visit the Daylesford in Victoria for the most relaxed hot springs and well-kept spas. It’s also filled with various musical activities, world-class restaurants and artisans available year-round.
The countryside will also blow your mind with its touch of cultural heritage, galleries, unique bars and excellently prepared coffee.
Conclusion
Melbourne is a fantastic place to explore various beautiful sceneries and sightings, all within a few hour’s drive. Whether you are a wine lover, adventurer, history savvy, artist, or food lover, Melbourne has something for everyone.
Yarra Valley is a perfect place for wine lovers. The area is full of long stretches of vineyards and wineries that are decades old; they have almost every kind of wine.
A few minutes from the City, you’ll find the Mornington Peninsula, the perfect spot for beach views, coastal landscapes and beautiful sightings of wild animals.
Bendigo and Ballarat are the best spots to visit if you are looking for a touch of Australian culture. The area is full of good architecture and museums, enough to tell you all about the history of Australia.
If you are adventurous, you can tour the great ocean road, where you’ll find the twelve apostles, Phillip Island, towering cliffs and the ocean vistas, all of which have breathtaking views.
On Philip Island, you can watch the iconic Penguin parades during sunsets and feed the wildlife.
Dandenong Ranges are famous for the rainforest, unique villages and extended walking areas perfect for an adventurous tour.
Each place in Melbourne is famous for its kind of scenery. Therefore you should drive up there to discover the various gems of Australia.
Regardless of the days you spend in Melbourne and the neighbouring locations, you can be sure you will have the perfect holiday and memories you’ll hold for a very long time.
FAQs
Can We Have a Road Trip to Sydney if You’re Coming From Melbourne?
You can opt for the shortest route, the Highway through Goulburn and Albury. The stretch is about 900 km, equivalent to 10 hours of continuous driving. You can also go past Sydney towards the coast.
How Long Should I Set Aside for the Perfect Experience in Melbourne?
You can take at least three days off to explore Melbourne and its neighbouring areas for your first visit. However, five days is much better to exhaust most of the regions.
Is Sydney Close to Melbourne?
The shortest airline from Melbourne to Sydney is about 714 km, while the fastest road between the two is 870 km, equivalent to 10 hours on the road.
How Long Can It Take to Cover the Distance From Perth to Melbourne?
Perth is located in the western side of Australia, while Melbourne is in Victoria. The two are separated by a road stretching about 3500 km, equivalent to about 7- 10 days on the road through the Highway but with stopovers. However, a non-stop drive will take about 37 hours.
How Much Will I Spend on Fuel From Sydney to Melbourne?
The distance between Sydney and Melbourne is about 9 hours one way. The total number of hours l to and from is 18, which will cost you about $340.50 for fuel.
Are There Specific Days That Are Recommended to Travel to Melbourne?
Mondays and Tuesdays are the perfect days to travel to the countryside. It’s because most people in that area are working, making it a tranquil location on those days. You’ll only find the explorers and tourists roaming around on those days.
Which Is the Best Month to Drive Up to Melbourne?
September and November or March and May are ideal for driving up there. The temperatures are friendly, the streets are quiet, and therefore the air prices and accommodation costs are fair compared to the holidays.
Why Is Melbourne Famous?
It has several landmarks; it’s home to the cultural heritage of Australia and home to many wild animals, both extinct and rare kinds.
Are There Trains Available From Melbourne to Sydney?
The NSW train will take you from Melbourne to Sydney in about 11 hours. It’s comfortable; therefore, you enjoy various scenes on your way to Sydney. However, hiring an EV or a Tesla for flexibility is better when you get there.