Melbourne Travel Guide 2026: Things to Do & Day Trips
The best things to do in Melbourne and the top day trips — laneways and coffee, the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island penguins and the Grampians. When to go, what it costs and how to plan.
Melbourne is Australia's culture capital — laneway coffee, street art, sport and food. The best day trips are the Great Ocean Road (the Twelve Apostles), Phillip Island for the nightly penguin parade, the Grampians for wildlife and waterfalls, and the Mornington Peninsula hot springs and wineries. It's the launch point for southern Australia's most scenic drives.
In This Guide
Dundee Picks in & Around Melbourne
Three of the day trips our team books most for Melbourne visitors.
Bucket listPhillip Island Penguins & Koalas
The nightly Penguin Parade plus koalas and wildlife — the most-loved day trip out of Melbourne.
View & Book
NatureGrampians National Park Wildlife Tour
Waterfalls, lookouts and free-roaming kangaroos and emus in the rugged Grampians ranges.
View & Book
RelaxMornington Peninsula Hot Springs Spa Day
Soak in geothermal hot springs on the Mornington Peninsula — the perfect slow day out of the city.
View & BookPlan Your Melbourne Trip
When to go
Melbourne is famous for "four seasons in a day". March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring) are the most pleasant. Summer (Dec-Feb) is warm and event-packed; winter is cold but cosy, with great food and culture.
How long to stay
Give the city 2-3 days for the laneways, markets and neighbourhoods, plus 1-2 more days for day trips to the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island.
Getting there
Fly into Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine), about 30 minutes from the city, with airport buses to the CBD.
Getting around
The free City Circle tram and the wider tram network make the centre easy. For the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island and the Grampians, a guided day tour covers the long distances and gets you to the highlights at the right time (penguins at dusk).
Where to stay
The CBD and Southbank are central and walkable; Fitzroy and Collingwood have the best bars, cafes and street art; St Kilda suits beachside stays. Backpackers cluster in the CBD and St Kilda.
What Does a Melbourne Trip Cost?
Prices vary with season and inclusions, so we show live prices on each tour. As a planning guide:
| Great Ocean Road day tour | Live price | Twelve Apostles and coast — the classic drive |
| Phillip Island penguins | Live price | Nightly Penguin Parade, timed for dusk |
| Grampians / Mornington day | Live price | Wildlife and waterfalls, or hot springs |
| City trams (free zone) | Free | Free tram zone covers the CBD |
All tours booked through Dundee show live availability and a live price with instant confirmation and no hidden booking fees.
Dundee Local Tip
Do the Great Ocean Road as a full-day tour and let someone else drive — the road is long and winding, and you'll want to be looking at the coast, not the corners. Time Phillip Island for the evening Penguin Parade and dress warmly; it's cold at dusk even in summer. [Dundee team: replace or add your own first-hand tip here.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Melbourne?
Explore the laneways, coffee and street art, visit the Queen Victoria Market and NGV, and take day trips to the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island penguins and the Grampians.
What is the best day trip from Melbourne?
The Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles is the iconic one. Phillip Island for the nightly Penguin Parade is the other favourite.
How many days do you need in Melbourne?
Two to three days for the city, plus one or two more for day trips to the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island.
When is the best time to visit Melbourne?
Autumn (Mar-May) and spring (Sep-Nov) for the most pleasant weather. Summer is warm and event-filled; winter is cold but great for food and culture.
Related Travel Guides
Sydney Travel Guide 2026: Things to Do & Day Trips
The best things to do in Sydney and the top day trips — the harbour and beaches, the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley wine country and more. When to go, what it costs and how to plan.
Adelaide & South Australia Travel Guide 2026
How to plan a South Australia trip from Adelaide — the wine regions, Kangaroo Island and the wildlife of the Eyre Peninsula, including the famous Port Lincoln shark and sea lion swims.