The top 6 day trips from Melbourne without a car

While Victoria is ideal for a classic road trip, those visiting Melbourne without a vehicle can still experience the best this stunning Australian state has to offer.

Thanks to Melbourne's outstanding public transport, city dwellers can easily board a train or bus to trade the hustle of urban life for tranquil forest trails, spa towns, and scenic steam train rides – all without the hassle of parking. Here’s your guide to the ultimate day trips from Melbourne.

1. Enjoy a picnic at Hanging Rock

Travel duration: 1 hour

To the north of Melbourne lies the sacred Hanging Rock, a striking formation revered by the Wurundjeri people (the traditional guardians of this land). This enigmatic site, a remnant of a volcanic eruption, rises majestically from the surrounding plains, creating a unique multi-headed mound of lava.

Hanging Rock gained fame through Joan Lindsay’s novel that narrates the mysterious vanishings of Victorian-era schoolgirls on Valentine’s Day 1900. The story was adapted into the 1975 film by Australian director Peter Weir and the 2018 TV series featuring Natalie Dormer and Yael Stone.

Hanging Rock is an ideal destination for a day trip from Melbourne: it’s a perfect spot for a picnic. The Discovery Centre offers insights into the region’s history and geology. After exploring its exhibits, take the path to the summit. For refreshments afterward, stop by the well-loved Holgate Brewhouse in Woodend on your way back.

Getting to Hanging Rock from Melbourne: Located northwest of the city, you can catch a train from Southern Cross Station to Woodend. From there, it’s an 8km (5-mile) walk or bike ride (feel free to bring your own bike) or a quick 10-minute cab ride to Hanging Rock Reserve.

2. Walk or cycle along the Warburton Rail Trail

Travel time: 1 hour

At its peak, Victoria’s passenger train network reached every corner of the state. Unfortunately, that extensive reach has faded over time, but in recent years, many of the old rail corridors have been transformed into 'rail trails' – scenic walking and cycling paths that connect towns and traverse stunning landscapes. These trails are designed to be easy to navigate, making them perfect for family-friendly outings.

The most accessible rail trail from Melbourne is the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail. This charming 38km (24-mile) route stretches from the eastern outskirts of Melbourne into the Upper Yarra Valley, meandering past farmlands, native forests, the Yarra River, and several quaint towns, offering numerous dining options and delightful old pubs. Be sure to pack your own snacks and water for the main trail walk.

How to reach the Warburton Rail Trail from Melbourne: The trail begins in Lilydale, located on the eastern fringe of Melbourne. Trains operate from the city center to Lilydale. Bus 683 runs from Lilydale to Warburton, primarily following the trail, allowing you to explore a shorter section and then catch the bus back if you need a break.

3. Experience off-roading on French Island

Travel time: 2 hours

French Island is located just outside Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs, nestled in the heart of Western Port Bay. Named by a French exploration team in 1802, it retains an air of enigma for those on the mainland.

The island’s population and agricultural activities have fluctuated over the years, and today, the residents largely live off the grid. With 70% of the island designated as a national park and no bridge connecting it to the mainland or local transport options, visitors often find it challenging to explore its rich history and stunning landscapes.

Currently, Naturaliste Tours offers regular excursions to the island, where guests ride in a robust ex-mining vehicle designed to navigate the rugged tracks leading into the interior. Highlights include a visit to Pobblebonk Swamp, home to its resident frogs, a tour through an abandoned chicory farm featuring haunting deserted structures, and opportunities for koala-spotting among the island’s trees. The tour concludes with a stop at the French Island General Store, the island’s sole shop, where lunches, bike rentals, and accommodations are available.

How to reach French Island from Melbourne: French Island is situated southeast of Melbourne. To get there, take a suburban train to Frankston, then transfer to a V/Line train bound for Stony Point. The French Island ferry departs approximately every two hours from there.

4. Relive history at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat

Travel duration: 1 hour, 25 minutes

The regional city of Ballarat served as the heart of the Gold Rush during the 1850s – one of the largest in history. Over the years, this rough-and-tumble miners’ settlement evolved into a charming city, brimming with frontier spirit along the way.

Those thrilling times are brought to life at Sovereign Hill, a historical village built around a former gold mine located in the city’s suburbs. This remarkable site features streets lined with meticulously recreated buildings from the Gold Rush era, including pubs and Chinese temples. Many of these establishments showcase the crafts and trades of that time. Dining options on-site range from Hope Bakery to the dining room of the United States Hotel.

Family-friendly activities include gold panning, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a tour of an old mine shaft. To enhance the experience, costumed actors regularly perform entertaining (and historically accurate) skits throughout the site. If time allows, other notable attractions in the area include the Ballarat Wildlife Park and the renowned Art Gallery of Ballarat.

How to reach Ballarat from Melbourne: Ballarat is located to the west of Melbourne. Direct trains operate from Southern Cross Station in central Melbourne to Ballarat Station.

5. Unwind in the mineral springs of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs

Travel duration: 2 hours

Promoted as the 'spa capital of Victoria,' these neighboring towns are immensely popular as weekend retreats for Melburnians. Nestled amidst the picturesque hills, lakes, and forests of the Central Highlands, this year-round destination allows you to relax in warm, mineral-rich waters and enjoy meals at some of the finest regional eateries. The local community is a vibrant mix of New Agers, urban dwellers, and grounded farmers, with a notably welcoming attitude toward the LGBTIQ+ community.

The healing benefits of the area’s mineral springs were first touted in the 1870s, drawing in fashionable Melburnians in droves. The well-preserved and restored architecture reflects the prosperity of these towns, along with the enduring legacy of the Swiss-Italian miners who once worked the nearby tunnel mines. In addition to the springs and bathhouses, visitors can enjoy picnic spots, BBQ facilities, children’s playgrounds, and scenic walking trails.

How to travel to Daylesford from Melbourne: The quickest route is to take a train from Southern Cross Station in central Melbourne to Woodend, then catch a bus to Daylesford.

6. Explore the Dandenongs aboard the historic Puffing Billy steam train

Travel duration: 1 hour

Taking a train to ride another train may seem unusual for a day out, but Puffing Billy is anything but ordinary. Cherished by many Melburnians, this iconic restored steam train chugs through the Dandenong mountain range, offering a scenic five-hour round trip from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park and Gembrook.

You can hop on and off along the route to enjoy a picnic or take a walk, making it a fantastic outing for younger travelers and train enthusiasts alike. On total fire ban days, when extreme heat prevents any fires from being lit in Victoria, a diesel locomotive takes the place of the steam engine.

How to reach Puffing Billy Railway from Melbourne: The Puffing Billy Railway is situated to the east of the city. The most convenient way to get there is by taking a train from Parliament Station in central Melbourne to Belgrave Station.