Melbourne day trips: Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles, Phillip Island penguins and more

The most popular Melbourne day trip is the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles, but it makes a very long day. Phillip Island is about 90 minutes away and its penguins appear at dusk. The two lie in opposite directions, so do them on separate days and pick a tour, self-drive or an overnight stay to suit your time.

Can you do the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles in one day?

It can be done, but it is a long day with several hours of driving each way. Travellers who do not want to rush should stay overnight on the coast.

Australia drives on the left, as Thailand does, but distances are long and signal can drop out. Thai licence details are in the guide “What is an International Driving Permit, how do you get one, and can you actually drive abroad with it?”.

What should you know about the Twelve Apostles and other stops?

The Twelve Apostles are the limestone stacks that headline the Great Ocean Road, but the route also has many coastal lookouts and rainforest stops.

1. 1Pick your main stopsChoose three or four stops that fit your time rather than trying to see everything.
2. 2Plan around daylightLeave early so you are not driving back in the dark on roads where wildlife can appear.
3. 3Allow for the weatherCoastal weather changes fast and can be windy, so bring a windproof layer and check the forecast.

Check each site's official website before you go for visiting arrangements, as they can change with the season.

How do you see the penguins at Phillip Island?

The Penguin Parade on Phillip Island is about 90 minutes' drive from Melbourne, and the penguins come ashore at dusk.

• Check sunset time for your date and leave early enough to arrive before dusk.
• Book tickets and a viewing time on the operator's official website before you go.
• Bring warm layers, as the sea wind is cool even in summer (December to February).
• You return to the city at night, so arrange your way back to your accommodation in advance.

What other day trips leave from Melbourne?

Besides the two big trips there are the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges and Mornington Peninsula, which take less time.

These shorter trips suit days when you have less time, since most can be done there and back without the rush of the Great Ocean Road. Pick one trip per day and leave room for the roadside stop or restaurant you want.

• Puffing Billy: check the running schedule and booking on the official website first.
• Yarra Valley: for tastings choose a tour, because the driver must not drink.
• Mornington Peninsula: best in summer, December to February, for the beaches.

For the city days, see the companion guide on a Melbourne itinerary for 3, 5 or 7 days.

What happens to phone signal on day trips outside Melbourne?

Cities are well covered, but many coastal, hill and forest areas have no mobile coverage whichever network you use.

• Download offline maps in Google Maps before leaving Melbourne.
• Tell your hotel or a friend your route and return time, especially when self-driving.
• Keep tour tickets and bookings as screenshots in case pages will not load.
• Check beforehand that your phone supports emergency calls to 000 over Australia's 4G.

Choosing a data plan is covered in “Internet for Australia: How to Choose an Australia eSIM”. When you are ready, browse Australia eSIM plans below.

Lihat pelan eSIM Australia

When is the best time of year for Melbourne day trips?

Tourism Australia notes that Australia is in the southern hemisphere: summer is December to February, autumn March to May, winter June to August and spring September to November.

Melbourne day trip questions