Melbourne is a big city, but there’s no reason to stay within its limits. If you want to explore the rest of Victoria, or even just get out of town for a break from city life, we’ve got the road trips for you. We’ll show you where to go and what to do for day trips from Melbourne’s airport: everything from tree-lined country roads and beaches to cultural centers full of history!
GO TO THE FLORAL FESTIVAL:
The Royal Melbourne Show is an annual event held in the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre. It’s open from 9:30 am to 8 pm daily (except Christmas Day) from February 4 through 21, 2019, so you’ll want to plan your trip around this date if you want to see everything this festival has to offer.
Tickets are available online or at any Ticketek outlet in Australia. If you’re flying into Tullamarine Airport, there are several options available:
- Buy a ticket before arriving at the airport. Tickets can be purchased online here or at any Ticketek outlet in Australia; however, there may be a small surcharge depending on when/where you purchase them.* Purchase one once inside security.* Purchase one at a kiosk near your gate after passing through security.* Purchase one from staff members who will be walking through the terminal with their carts during boarding times (usually 1 hour before flight departure).
HEAD TO THE GRAMPS:
If you’re looking for a good place to take a walk, Gramps is the perfect spot. It’s located just ten minutes from the airport, so it’s easy to get there by car or public transport. There are many restaurants and cafes along this stretch of road including Burger Theory, which serves up some fantastic burgers made with local produce; The Coffee Club if you’re after something sweet; and Cafe Lago for Italian fare like pizza or pasta dishes.
Gramps also has plenty of shops and boutiques where you can find souvenirs or unique gifts while on holiday in Melbourne (or even if you live here!). While I was there I visited two amazing stores: one called “The Up Shop” that sells handcrafted items made by local artists; another called “Bargain Bazaar” which sells vintage clothes at affordable prices!
And finally there’s also a playground next door where children can play while their parents browse through all these different options.”
VISIT BALLARAT – THE GEM OF THE CENTRAL REGION:
Ballarat is a great place to visit. The city is well known for its mining history and its many historical sites, including the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and Eureka Stockade. If you’re looking for something more modern, take a stroll through Sovereign Hill (a recreation of an 1850s gold rush town), or check out one of Ballarat’s many museums such as the Gold Museum & Art Gallery or Heritage Railways Museum.
SEE THE BEACHES OF WESTERNPORT AND DERBY (2 HOURS):
Westernport and Derby are two popular beaches that are within easy reach of the airport. The beach at Westernport is beautiful, with clear water and plenty of places to swim. If you’re in the mood for some surfing or kayaking, this is your best bet!
Derby has its own charms as well; it’s another great place for swimming and fishing (and not just because it’s named after fish). You can also rent a boat here if you want to explore further out into Port Phillip Bay.
EXPLORE MENTONE AND HOMEBUSH (45 MINS):
If you’re looking for a quick escape from the city, Mentone is the place to go. This small beachside suburb of Melbourne has a beautiful beach and is close to the city center. It’s also popular with tourists because of its cafes and restaurants, which line Mentone’s main street. If you’re traveling by train or bus, it’s easy enough to get here–Mentone railway station is just down the road from Homebush Bay Park Reserve.
GO ON A CULTURAL TOUR OF DRYSDALE, BROADMEADOWS AND WEST FOOTSCRAY (1 HOUR):
If you’re looking to explore the history of Melbourne, this tour is for you. The area around Drysdale, Broadmeadows and West Footscray was once home to many Indigenous Australians who lived in bark shelters called wurleys. In more recent years, it was also home to immigrant communities from countries like Hungary and Poland. Today, these neighborhoods are thriving with culture as well as some great food!
The best way to get there is by car or public transport: take the train from Southern Cross Station until Sunshine Station then walk along Corrigan Road until you reach Pascoe Vale Road; turn left onto Pascoe Vale Road; cross over Essendon Airport runway before reaching Whiteman Street; continue onto McKean Street which leads into Whitehall Crescent; follow Whitehall Crescent until it turns into Grieve Parade which eventually becomes Horsham Road at Grange Reserve Park (on your right). From here all you need do is follow Horsham Road until it ends at Footscray TAFE College where there will be plenty parking spaces available if needed!
HIT UP ‘THE DUCK POND’ – GOLD COAST UNIVERSITY, CHIRNSIDE PARK AND ASPENDALE (1 HOUR 30 MINS):
If you’re looking to take a road trip from Melbourne airport, this one-hour and 30 minute journey will take you through some of Gold Coast’s most scenic areas.
Chirnside Park is home to beautiful parks and gardens, while Aspendale Beach has clean waters perfect for swimming or surfing! You’ll also pass through Southland Shopping Centre, which was designed by renowned architect John Andrews–and it’s one of the largest shopping complexes in Australia!
There are plenty of fun things to do in Melbourne just outside the city center!
Melbourne is a great place to start your road trip, but there are plenty of fun things to do in Melbourne just outside the city center! These places are within an hour’s drive from the airport and can easily be visited in a day.
Conclusion
There are plenty of fun things to do in Melbourne just outside the city center! Our favorite spots include Ballarat, Drysdale and Homebush Bay, but there are many more options out there for those who want to explore further. If you’re looking for an adventure during your next trip to Australia, consider exploring some of these destinations from the airport before heading into town!
