There are many great destinations for sightseeing near Melbourne – including the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, Grampians and more.
If you are planning a visit to Melbourne and want to do some sightseeing outside the city – we’ve got you covered! Here’s some great ideas for destinations to visit and explore.
Whether you want coastal views, bushland scenery, or to get up close to native animals in the wild. You can do it all near Melbourne!
Take a day tour from the city to discover some fun and memorable destinations. The Great Ocean Road might be the most famous. But we know you’ll enjoy our other suggestions as well.
The Grampians offers spectacular mountain scenery and native wildlife. The Mornington Peninsula is a coastal paradise with stunning beaches and colourful bathing boxes. The Dandenong Ranges is home to an iconic steam train journey.
Wilsons Promontory has incredible coastal trails and Philip Island’s coastal views are only made better by the resident Little Penguins!
Check out our list of the best sightseeing destinations near Melbourne.
Great Ocean Road
Travel along an iconic coastline on the Great Ocean Road. It’s the place to see wildlife, beautiful beaches and of course the famous limestone stacks – the Twelve Apostles. Explore Victoria’s Surf Coast and visit picturesque townships along this world-famous coastline. Soak up the history of sites like the Loch Ard Gorge and take a tour of the world-famous Twelve Apostles.
Highlights:
- Enjoy morning tea on the picturesque beaches of Victoria’s Surf Coast
- Scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road
- See the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park
- Visit the Loch Ard Gorge, the site of the Loch Ard shipwreck
- See koalas in their natural habitat in the eucalyptus forests of the Kennett River township
- Visit the charming coastal township of Apollo Bay
Grampians
The Grampians national park is the place to experience wildlife, walks and waterfalls. It gives you a break from the city and a chance to connect to nature. Walk with your guide along bushland trails to learn about the Aboriginal history of the area. Keep an eye out for native Australian wildlife such as wallabies, emu and cockatoos. Gaze at the tree-covered mountains and valleys from various lookout points. You’ll even finish off the tour by viewing kangaroos in the town of Halls Gap.
Highlights:
- Viewing wild animals in their natural habitat
- Descend the stairs to the base of MacKenzie Falls
- Explore the impressive Grand Canyon
- Walk through bushland to Silverband Falls
- View the Victoria Valley from Reeds Lookout
- Take in the incredible mountain views from Boroka Lookout
Wilsons Promontory
Wilson Promontory is affectionately known as The Prom to Melburnians. It is a coastal national park with pristine beaches, an idyllic coastline and untouched bushland. It is also home to many native Australian animals. This makes for great fun spotting animals in their natural environment. Look out for kangaroos, emus wallabies and wombats. Take to the walking trails for panoramic views of the coast. Or stick to the beaches and enjoy the untouched beauty of this national park.
Highlights:
- Hear the sand squeak beneath your feet on Squeaky Beach
- Take the coastal walk to Tidal River
- Join a guided walk to the summit of Mount Bishop for stunning coastal views
- Spot native wildlife like kangaroos, wombats, and emus
Dandenong Ranges
Climb aboard the famous steam train Puffing Billy at Belgrave Station. When the whistle blows you’ll take a scenic journey through the rainforest in Melbourne’s magnificent Dandenong Ranges. The Dandenongs are well-known for their cool climate rainforest. Lush ferns line the sides of the Puffing Billy railway. The quaint village towns among the hills are a great escape from the city and a ride aboard the iconic steam train is a joy for everyone.
Highlights:
- Ride aboard Puffing Billy through Sherbrooke Forest in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges
- Listen for the whistle to blow and watch the steam billow out as you begin your journey
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is the place to view Little Penguins in their natural habitat. But it is also home to spectacular scenery. The Nobbies are dome-shaped rock formations that can be viewed from the boardwalks at Point Grant. Viewing the Nobbies before sunset gives you fantastic views out to the Southern Ocean and across Western Port Bay. You’ll also be able to see Seal Rocks, which are home to Melbourne’s largest colony of Australian fur seals. Spend some time sight-seeing before watching the nightly Penguin Parade.
Highlights:
- Visit Point Grant to view the Nobbies and Seal Rock
- Stroll the coastal boardwalks to enjoy amazing panoramic views
- See the penguins waddle up the Phillip Island Penguin Parade at sunset
Mornington Peninsula
Discover the beauty of Melbourne’s seaside playground – the Mornington Peninsula. View the Peninsula’s famous, colourful bathing boxes. Explore ocean beaches and historic seaside towns. Ride the Arthurs Seat Eagle Gondola for fantastic Peninsula views. All this and some delicious local produce to enjoy as well!
Highlights:
- Explore the coastal enclaves of Portsea and Sorrento
- Visit the Peninsula’s iconic and colourful bathing boxes
- Ride on the Arthur’s Seat Eagle for spectacular peninsula views
Travel with Go West Tours
At Go West Tours we pride ourselves on exceeding industry standards for excellence and customer service. Travel with us to Victoria’s best destinations – the Great Ocean Road, Grampians, Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, Wilsons Promontory, and the Yarra Valley.
With 22 years in business, Go West Tours is still a family-owned and operated tour business and we are as committed to providing guests with an unforgettable experience as we were back in 2000.
Our tour guides are knowledgeable, passionate and ready to share our amazing National Parks with you. Walk with your guide through the rainforest, along bushland trails and to spectacular waterfalls. Discover the rich history, culture and flora and fauna of our incredible landscape.
We are the most highly-awarded tour operator in Melbourne and we guarantee to provide you with an experience that is memorable for all the right reasons.
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
