Destinations
Melbourne attractions: top 10 places within 3 hours
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Summer is an ideal time to get out of the city. If you are looking for a shorter drive, there are plenty of destinations within 3 hours of the Melbourne CBD. We have chosen 10 tops spots that are close enough for a weekend trip. There is something here for everyone: the nature-lovers, food and wine connoisseurs, spa-goers, history buffs, fishers and surfers.
(Prices are based on off-peak pricing. Time from Melbourne is calculated from the CBD in low traffic times).
Do you own an RV? Interested in learning how Camplify can help you turn your caravan, camper or motorhome into $5000 - $35,000 per year? Learn more about how Camplify works for owners here
1. Cathedral Range State Park
This 3577 hectare park offers a range of activities.Take advantage of what this natural setting has to offer and relax by a clear mountain stream, or get active hiking the park’s high exposed peaks.
Stay: Cooks Mills Campground
Drive Time from Melbourne: 2 hours approximately
Features: Toilets, picnic tables, shelter and fireplaces. Sites are suitable for tent, campertrailer, campervan, small caravan and RVs.
Site Price: Unpowered sites only, from $27.90 per night
Pet Friendly: No
2. Daylesford and Hepburn Springs
This area is famous for its mineral springs. Along with its mountain scenery, forests, gardens and lakes, Daylesford and neighbouring Hepburn Springs have become an ideal destination for physical and spiritual wellness including spa treatments, massages and acupuncture.
Don’t miss:
Daylesford Boathouse
Stay: Daylesford Holiday Park
Drive Time from Melbourne: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Features: Situated just a few minutes from the centre of Daylesford, this park features drive through sites perfect for those new to towing an RV.
Powered Site Price: From $30 per night for unpowered sites, and $35 for powered sites
Pet Friendly: Yes
3. Barwon River
Barwon River is great for fishing and boating, and features a range of activities nearby such as golf, bowling, horse riding, an adventure park, nature reserve, wildlife park and renowned wineries.
Don’t miss:
Tuckerberry Hill
Stay: Ocean Grove Holiday Pak
Drive Time from Melbourne: 1 hours and 36 minutes
Features: Basketball and tennis courts, pool and playground.
Site Price: Powered sites from $40 per night
Pet Friendly: Yes, enquire on booking
4. Torquay
Situated at the official start of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is Victoria's surfing and beach capital. Visitors can enjoy its natural beauty with its towering cliffs, sandy beaches, coastal vistas, and the beautiful Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.
Don’t miss:
Torquay Farmers Market – every Saturday 8am – 1pm
Australian National Surfing Museum
Bells Beach
Stay: Torquay Holiday Park
Drive Time from Melbourne: 1 Hour and 32 Minutes
Features: Within walking distance of most of Torquay’s beaches. Solar heated pool and spa, and jumping pillow.
Site Price: Powered site from $34
Pet Friendly: No
5. Bendigo
Bendigo features lavish heritage buildings in the European and Chinese styles, many of which were built during the goldrush. During this time, 20 per cent of Bendigo’s population were from China. They came as miners and merchants, and with them came their customs and culture. The remnants of this era are preserved and treasured in Bendigo.
Don’t miss:
Stay: BIG4 Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park
Drive Time from Melbourne: 2 hours
Features: Saltwater pool, jumping pillow, mini golf, and camp kitchen.
Site Price: From $39 powered
Pet Friendly: Yes, subject to conditions
6. Shepparton
Home to the award winning Shepparton Art Museum, this town offers family friendly attractions as well as a busy schedule of live theatre, festivals, sporting events and more.
Don’t miss:
Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton
Shepparton Motor Museum and Collectibles
Stay: BIG4 Shepparton Park Lane Holiday Park
Drive Time from Melbourne: 2 hours 10 minutes
Features: Solar-heated pool, recreation lounge, playground, go-karts.
Powered Site Price: From $36 per night
Pet Friendly: Yes, at the manager’s discretion
7. Castlemaine
Historic Castlemaine's streetscapes and grand public buildings have been maintained since its goldmining days. The Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park is a great opportunity to view remnants of the goldmining era.
Don’t miss:
Stay: BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park
Drive Time from Melbourne: 1 hour and 29 minutes
Features: Giant jumping pillow, games room, camp kitchen and go-karts.
Site Price: From $40 unpowered, $42 powered
Pet Friendly: Yes, check with management prior to booking
8. Yarra Valley
This beautiful region is known for its fruit and cool climate wines. Flanked by the Great Dividing Range, the Yarra Valley’s glorious scenery is matched by its amazing food and wine.
Don’t miss:
Hiking
Stay: Doon Reserve Caravan Park at Yarra Junction
Drive Time from Melbourne: 1 hour and 23 minutes
Features: River swimming, bathrooms and ensuites, and camp kitchen.
Site Price: From $40 per night unpowered, and from $45 powered
Pet Friendly: Please check with management prior to booking
9. Phillip Island
With an array of wildlife sanctuaries, working farms, and outdoor activities, Phillip Island is the perfect place to bring the family.
Don’t miss:
Churchill Island Heritage Farm
Koala Conservation Centre
Stay: BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park
Drive Time from Melbourne: 1 hour and 58 minutes
Features: Games room, giant jumping pillow, buggy hire and adventure playground.
Site Price: Powered sites from $36 per night, and unpowered from $31 per night
Pet Friendly: No
10. Apollo Bay
A seafood village at the beginning of the Great Ocean Walk, where you can relax in to a slower pace of life. Swim in protected bays, enjoy endless Great Otway National Park trails, and on your return tuck into the fresh local food and wine.
Don’t miss: Hiking Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary Great Ocean Road Brewhouse Stay: Marengo Park, near Apollo Bay Drive Time from Melbourne: 2 hours and 40 minutes Features: Right on the beach at Mounts Bay, Camp Kitchen, adventure playground, and outdoor BBQ area Powered Site Price: From $32 per night unpowered, and from $44 per night powered Pet Friendly: Yes
Get more travel inspiration with our list of the best road trips from Melbourne!
Do you own an RV? Interested in learning how Camplify can help you turn your caravan, camper or motorhome into $5000 - $35,000 per year? Learn more about how Camplify works for owners here
The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.