In the previous article, we talked about the possibility of planning a road trip in Melbourne and all of its high-level costs involved for a group of 4. It’s a part of a series where we explore planning out a complete itinerary for a trip.
The goal was to provide researching materials and references for everyone to have a head start in planning your own trip, or to explore new ways of traveling in a place you might already be familiar with.
If you haven’t already check that out: https://graytravelnotes.com/trips/lets-go-on-an-easy-road-trip-in-melbourne-this-september/
Today, let’s refine our itinerary by looking at what activities we can do, what to see and where to go to start filling the days up!
In and Around Melbourne
Sometimes we don’t always have to travel out and afar to see great things. There are also plenty of interesting attraction points worth checking out in and around Melbourne itself.
In the earlier itinerary, we would only have up to a maximum of 3 days that we’re spending in the city. But depending on your configuration, that might be longer or shorter or even extended days too.
If you’re just spending a night or two in the city, you might want to take into consideration of travel time needed for some of the locations below. Personally, I would just walk around the streets like a local to explore the urban areas and leaving a day just for Chinatown or South Melbourne Market for some shopping sprees!
However, if you decide to spend longer in the city, you may want to check these out and see what fits your liking.
1. See native Wildlife in Healesville Sanctuary
If you’re heading to Melbourne as a family (with your kids), Healesville Sanctuary is a must go for you. Not only does the location have lots of wildlife for you to explore and observe, but in certain areas you can also give them a good pat! I’m sure your kids would love it!
Spot native wildlife such as Kangaroos, dingoes, Koalas, Lyrebirds, Wombats, Tasmanian devils and Platypus. What’s really interesting about this location is that, it’s actually a Zoo but not really an entirely enclosed “caged-up” type of Zoo. Trust me, it’s worth a visit for a different Zoo experience!
Find out more about the Healesville Sanctuary here: https://www.zoo.org.au/healesville/
Did you know? Healesville Sanctuary was previously known as the Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary, named after Dr Colin MacKenzie who had setup the Institute of Anatomical Research here in 1920.
2. Wilsons Promontory National Park
Hidden gem in Aussie to see wildlife, rugged mountains across the landscape. Make a wilderness retreat by camping or staying in cabins or lodges at Tidal River. You can also dive in the waters for an even more spectacular view of the marine life!
Tidal River Campground is hugely popular location and in fact, is the main location for accommodation in the National Park. With more than 400 camping sites, visitors and campers have plenty of options to choose from. But note, you must pre-book the campsite no matter when you visit the National Park. Due to the overwhelming number of visitors, it’s best to book your slot much in advance to secure a place.
Learn more about the National Park here: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/wilsons-promontory-national-park
Did you know? The Tidal River Campground is fully equipped with Visitor Centre, a General Store for basic groceries and emergency supplies, as well as takeaway food! Family with young ones don’t have to worry much now. What’s more, there’s also an outdoor cinema to keep you entertained!
Interested in the Outdoor Cinema? Here’s a link for you: http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/57445
3. How about some water activities in Portsea
After the road trip, the family is pretty exhausted on the road. Perhaps, a little tiresome from the long drives too. So how about treating everyone to some water activities down at Portsea?
Visiting Portsea and things to do: https://bayplay.com.au
Cool the heat off and enjoy deep diving into the sea to observe the marine lives, or perhaps ride on one of those powerful jetski and feel the sea breeze across your face?
No matter your choice, Portsea would definitely be a fantastic add-on to your itinerary for great water sports and an epic way to end the trip.
4. The Famous Melbourne Cricket Ground
If you’ve some extra free time during the day, you should definitely check out this Australia’s largest stadium! Built in 1853, MCG has had seen many glory days hosting major sport events including Australian Football League, World Cups and many others.
Also known as “The G” by the locals, the stadium also had the world’s highest attended league event, AFL Grand Final, hosted right there!
5. Experiencing Chinatown or South Melbourne Market
A great addition to your list if you’re keen on exploring the local grounds and have a feel of what’s available.
Melbourne’s Chinatown is quite a scene for being one of the most distinctive and well-known area in the city. If Asian delicacies or festivities is your cup of tea, you will find yourself completely immersed in this location and indulging in some of the best foods available there.
Otherwise, you can also choose the alternative – The South Melbourne Market, to experience the local daily grocery locale.
Note: I didn’t mention Phillip Island because it was mentioned in the earlier article in this series. Plus, it’s also a very popular location and not much is needed to introduce this place. A family-friendly and very chill island to relax your mind, it’s a perfect option to end your trip on the last day here.
6. Get on some Outdoor adventures and many Hiking Trails!
Last but not least, if you’re a very outdoorsy person, it’s very worthwhile to put aside at least a day to pick a short trail to hike near Melbourne. There are so many trails all around Australia and you’re never running out of options.
But of course, depending on the amount of time you have at hand, you may only get to go to the closer ones. And here’s a list of them for you to choose from!
Along The Great Ocean Road
Most of us are probably very familiar with the Great Ocean Road by now, and some of us may have been there a couple of times.
And perhaps you may also have already been to some of the more common (or even uncommon) attractions, but it’s always worth checking them out again as the seasons, occasion and company could change too.
1. Cape Otway Light Station Lookout
One of those fine locations right at the start of the Great Ocean Road, is the Cape Otway Lighthouse.
This location offers an extraordinary sunset view when visiting at the right time. If you’re planning to stop by here, you should definitely optimise your timing so that you would reach here during sunset hour.
2. Hopetoun Falls
Another cool location you can check out as you depart from Cape Otway Lighthouse is directly northwards into the woods. This route takes you deeper into the forest and with a little short hike, you will discover this hidden gem – A beautiful and tranquil waterfall that is quite popular on this stretch too.
3. Californian Redwoods
There’s more to this area too! Just right around the corner before you depart Hopetoun Falls, you may wish to hike a little more to get to this place. The majestic size of these trees put you in perspective and in complete awe when you tilt your head upwards trying to see the canopy of the trees.
Don’t jaw-drop for too long before anything foreign drops right from the top!
Did you know? As the name suggests, these trees aren’t native in Australia. It is said that the seeds or saplings were brought and planted here. Eventually, they grew over the decades and is now a wonder for travellers all over the world driving along the stretch of road.
4. Loch Ard Gorge
A great location further down the Great Ocean Road, is the Loch Arch Gorge. What’s awesome about this place is how it’s conveniently located right after you depart from the Redwoods.
Stops after stops, there’s so much to see and yet so little time! Be careful not to stop by too many locations before you run out of light.
Because there’s so much to see and do, we tend to fall into the trap of doing too much. Especially if this is your first time driving overseas, you may wish to space it out a little for the first few days.
Once you gain more confidence, drop by 1 or 2 more stops each day if you want to be sure to cover as many as you want.
5. Grotto
Next on the list but not the final one, is Grotto. I picked this location not only because it’s wonderful .
And alternatively, you can choose to go straight to the end of the Great Ocean Road to drop by the Childers Cove as your last stop on this road trip.
Explore: Magic Rocks is probably a very cool stop to do while on the road trip. However, on my last research of this location, it’s a little less accessible as it requires some trekking along slippery and uneven surfaces to reach. So be mindful if you’re heading there and take note of who you’re bringing along with you.
Planning the road trip on Google Map
There are many more things to see and do in Australia, the list above is just a beginning. But even so, the exhaustive list above would have ensured that every day you’re visiting a new location or attraction.
So what does it look like when you plot all of them on Google? Is it achievable and are we doing any detours? How long is the entire journey then?
Here’s a snapshot view of what your road trip on the Great Ocean Road in Australia would look like if you did all the above suggested activities.
What do you think? Do you have better locations to recommend? Or did a particular location or activities caught your attention? Let me know down in the comments below!
Check out more on Trips and Reviews…
Grab all the latest complete travel itineraries and guides for your next trip!
Read all about the latest products and locations reviews before your trip!
Like these content you’re seeing? Support the blog today!
Benefits of being a Patreon:
★ All benefits of a Member.
★ Exclusive Signature Images for Prints & Wallpapers.
★ Receive genuinely handcrafted Photo Album(s) of each destination.
Benefits of being a Member:
☆ Handcrafted content in newsletters just for you.
☆ It’s free and no-obligation or hard-selling of anything!
☆ Receive exclusive Travel Highlights and Epic Picks for members only.
