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In Melbourne without a car? Car free – Care free! We’re going to show you the best places to explore in Australia with your own two feet.
We all know that a road trip is the quintessential Australian experience, but not having a car in Australia shouldn’t stop you from experiencing the country. Renting a campervan will get you to some of the most iconic places in Australia, but exploring the cities and countryside the local way will just make your experience that much more local!
Did you know that just 90 mins from Melbourne we have one of the World’s 36 Foodie Cities? That’s right. In 2019 Bendigo was deemed a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The only Australian city to make the list. Bendigo is a walkable city. Most of the food experiences I discovered were down interesting laneways. The Gastronomy Guide Map means tourists can be strategic in their planning. Don’t miss hidden hole-in-the-walls as you explore the art filled alleys like Chancery Lane.
Our favourite? Ghosty Toasty aka part toasty joint and part film processing lab. But most people come for the good chats and welcoming atmosphere “I see how isolation affects people when they’re not connected in their community,” says owner Nick Styles.
Getting there: The V/Line to Bendigo takes two hours.
Located just outside of town, The Dandenong Ranges are a great place to go for a day trip without a car. The best way to get there is via public transport, and it’s not that far away. Once you’re there, you can enjoy nature and some of the most beautiful views in the world.
Once you arrive at your destination, you can continue on foot for some lovely hikes. It’s hard not to appreciate how beautiful everything is. There are plenty of places where you can stop and rest while appreciating how much nature surrounds you on all sides.
Getting there: The Belgrave line to Upper Ferntree Gully, then walk across the station, past the steam train and into the park. You can also grab a local bus to take you further into the ranges.
Perhaps not as famous as The Mornington Peninsula, The Ballerina Peninsula is the underrated little brother. It is also a beautiful place to go for a day trip. It has plenty of beautiful beaches, cozy cafes, and scenic views. It is also home to some of the best wineries in the world and it’s not too far from Melbourne – be sure to check out Scotchmans Hill.
A popular way to explore this area is on foot- you can take many walking trails that will lead you to all sorts of sights. You can also take a ferry or bus for a more relaxed experience. Port Phillip Ferries takes off daily from the Docklands, and the journey only takes 70 minutes, making it an easy destination for those without a car.
Getting there: 70 min Ferry from the Docklands
The Yarra Valley is a picturesque wine region in Melbourne. It is home to over 200 wineries and has more than 100 cellar doors. There are many tours and tasting experiences available for visitors, it is an excellent option for a daytrip without needing a car. One of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in the Yarra Valley and discover its secrets is to let the locals take charge. The Yarra Valley tours are famous for their wine, art, history and heartfelt stories.
For a full list of tours and transport and to plan your perfect excursion by mapping out your own tour here.
Getting there: The V/Line to Kyneton (Bendigo line) takes around 70 minutes.
The St Kilda Esplanade Markets are a great way to spend a Sunday. The markets offer a range of fresh food, clothing and other items for sale. You can also enjoy the beautiful beachside location and iconic views of Melbourne from the pier. The market has been the destination of choice for those seeking high-quality and authentic Australian products since 1970. It is the perfect place to find a range of arts, crafts and other original creations to take home.
The St Kilda Esplanade Markets are open every Sunday from 10am-4pm.
Getting there: Easy 15-minute ride from the city on the 16 or 96 trams.
There you have it, Melbourne’s top 5 getaways without a car needed. Who said you need wheels to truly experience Australia? Not us!
From all of us here at Oscar we hope you enjoyed this post on day trips from Melbourne, please share!
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