Sometimes, all you need is one day to experience a whole variety of gorgeous views, exciting wildlife, yummy food, and breathtaking sunsets. Here are our favourite one-day adventures in Victoria.

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Epic adventures in Victoria that you can experience in one day…

Just like every state in Australia, Victoria’s natural scenery chops and changes in every direction. Head to the coastline for dramatic ocean panoramics, or venture inland to experience the hilly landscapes of Victoria’s alpine regions.

So wake up nice and early, and you’ll be amazed at how much of Victoria you can cover in just one day! 

The best day trips in Victoria: Our top 5 picks

Victoria promises heaps of cool adventure spots, but here are our top 5:

  1. Great Ocean Road
  2. Great Alpine Road
  3. Ballarat and Sovereign Hill
  4. Wilson’s Prom
  5. Phillip Island

1. Great Ocean Road

This classic one-day road trip from Melbourne, is a mighty 240km-long stretch of coastal road. The Great Ocean Road explores some of the finest coastline in the whole country. This incredible, epic journey explores endless blue views etched with a rugged coastline. And the best part? It’s completely doable in just one day. Expect a day packed to the brim with stunning views, wild Australian animals, cute surfy beach towns, iconic lighthouses and lush green rainforests. 

Highlights:

  • Grab coffee and stroll along the beach in Lorne
  • Spot wild koalas in Kennett River
  • Soak up the vast ocean views at Split Point Lighthouse
  • Wander through the rainforest in Melba Gully
  • Watch the sunset over the iconic landscape of the 12 Apostles
Coastal views with lighthouse
From the iconic Split Point Lighthouse, to the peaceful Melba Gully - the Great Ocean Road promises plenty of sightseeing

2. Great Alpine Road

This one is for the adventurous! Calling all outdoor lovers – the Great Alpine Road sits in Victoria’s regional east. For a road trip full of cycling and hiking opportunities, as well as delicious gourmet foods, the Great Alpine Road has it all. If you’re after a slightly off-grid adventure in Victoria, then the Great Alpine Road is for you!

The Great Alpine Road winds around tall trees and ventures through the mountain ranges and lush alpine rainforests. Hike through ferny forests, look up to spot Australian rainforest wildlife, and snap views of gorgeous mountain views. Through green rainforests, lush gullies, and trimmed vineyards, and open plain summits, this sealed road takes you through Victoria’s most diverse mountain scenery.

Start in Wangaratta and end up in Metung. Key stops include Milawa, Bright, Omeo and Metung. 

Highlights:

  • Explore the delicious gourmet scene of Milawa and the King Valley (make sure you sample some Milawa cheeses!)
  • Soak up the mountain views of Bright and Mount Hotham
  • Enjoy the Gold Rush town of Omeo
  • Take a hike at Dinner Plain
  • Eat dinner by the lake at Metung
green ferns in rainforest
Experience the lush green rainforests of Victoria, nestled within the mountain ranges of Victoria's eastern ranges

3. Ballarat and Sovereign Hill 

Experience a day in the life of Gold Rush era Australia! This golden day trip is for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and families! Head up to Sovereign Hill for a fun-filled day that promises plenty of history and lots of photo opportunities. In 1851, gold was found in this small regional Victorian town – and it’s been a cultural hub ever since. 

A day trip to this Gold Rush era village will transport you back to the 1800s.

With plenty of family-friendly activities, this is a day out for all ages. 

Highlights:

  • Pan for gold and collect shiny treasures
  • Take a mine tour underground
  • Dress up in 1800s Victorian clothing (make sure you snap photos of your friends and family)

Come with us for a day trip to Ballarat and Sovereign Hill, on our one-day tour departing from Melbourne!

4. Wilson’s Promontory 

Only a 3-hour drive from the city of Melbourne, Wilson’s Prom feels like nowhere else on Earth. With a splash of Tasmanian scenery, Wilson’s Prom has a serene remoteness that makes visitors feel a million miles away from the city.

Whether you’re birdwatching, hiking, or relaxing with a coastal backdrop – Wilson’s Prom is one of Victoria’s gems.

Highlights:

  • Walk along Squeaky Beach
  • Hike up Mount Oberon
  • Look out for wombats as the sun sets
  • Take a picnic to Tidal River and soak up the views
lake views with mountains
This stunning part of Victoria prom-ises views that stop conversations, and hikes that'll make you feel as though you're the only person on earth

5. Phillip Island

Just a short drive away from Melbourne, Phillip Island promises wonderful scenery, stunning views of a dramatic ocean and of course – the iconic Penguin Parade!

Catch the little penguins as they make their way across the beach from the ocean shoreline to their cosy burrows on the side of the beach. 

Top highlights of your Phillip Island day trip:

  • Spot wild fur seals at Seal Rocks
  • Wander around the Nobbies boardwalks
  • Take a walk along the beach at Cape Woolamai and watch the surfers
  • Watch the little penguins as they come out of the ocean at dusk

Come with us! Check out our one-day trip to Phillip Island, departing from Melbourne.

big rock in the middle of ocean
Phillip Island is a hub of scenery, wildlife and gorgeous vistas

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Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.

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