If you’re keen to broaden your horizons with a day trip or overnight stay, there are several beautiful places to visit in Victoria that are within two hours of Melbourne, each offering a unique experience.

Torquay – Head 1.5 hours from CBD to drive the Great Ocean Road, one of Victoria’s most popular scenic road trips. At four hours in duration, you can drive it in one day, but you’ll definitely want to linger longer with a seaside stay.

Yarra Valley – In less than an hour’s drive from the CBD, you can be in the bucolic Yarra Valley for cellar doors, rolling hills and rural chic.

Phillip Island – Just two hours away from Melbourne, Phillip Island is famous for wildlife parks and an annual Motorcycle Grand Prix, but the main drawcard is the adorable nightly fairy penguin parade.

Dandenong Ranges – Drive just over an hour from Melbourne to land in the lush Dandenong Ranges National Park for verdant fairytale forests, charming hilltop towns, cascading waterfalls and unique birdlife.

Mornington Peninsula – A 90-minute drive south from the CBD nets you beaches, wineries, wildlife, day spas, hot springs and gardens galore.

Bellarine Peninsula – Melbourne’s ‘other’ peninsula offers wineries, craft breweries and distilleries on tap among seaside villages within one hour from the CBD.

Lake Mountain – Only two hours from Melbourne, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is a winter wonderland for snow bunnies in the cooler months and an outdoor mecca for biking, hiking, bushwalking, picnicking and trail running in summer.

Sorrento – A 90-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD, take the Sea Road ferry between seaside Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula and beachy Queenscliff on the Bellamarine Peninsula for a taste of both destinations.