sovereign hill day tour from melbourne

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1 Day Sovereign Hill Tours from Melbourne

Sovereign Hill , an outdoor museum and re-creation of the town of Ballarat after the first discovery of gold in 1851.

Bacchus Marsh

• Ballarat Wildlife Park

Eureka Stockade

Giant crushing battery, gold museum, new york bakery, red gully creek, red hill mine, sovereign hill.

• Tasmanian Devil

The Chinese Village

• Departs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday from Melbourne
• Group Size 20
•   Vehicle Coach
• Mobile ticketing accepted
• No credit card fees
• 7 days a week support
• Entrance to Sovereign Hill
• Entrance to Gold Museum
• Entrance to Red Hill Mine tour
• Entrance to Ballarat Wildlife Park with a VIP wildlife experience (available only on the 1 Day Sovereign Hill Tour with Wildlife Close Encounter)
• Free Wi-Fi on coach

What do you get when you combine the west, gold and history? Sovereign Hill , an outdoor museum and re-creation of the town of Ballarat after the first discovery of gold in 1851. Wandering around Sovereign Hill really does take you back in time and is exemplary as an outdoor museum that reflects Ballarat ‘s history with gold discovery in the 1850s. Take a town tour of Ballarat en-route to Sovereign Hill where you will spend the majority of your time seeing and experiencing the gold rush era. The original shops are a real treat such as the blacksmiths and a favourite for many is the lolly shop where you can purchase homemade boiled lollies. Enjoy the rustic and western atmosphere of your lunch (optional-extra cost) venue at the New York Bakery in Main Street. 

• Departing Melbourne Travel the Western Highway , a stagecoach route of the 1850s
• Enjoy a journey around Ballarat and learn of its gold period history
• See the site of the 1854 miner’s rebellion, the Eureka Stockade
• Explore the living museum of Sovereign Hill , an authentic recreation of a 1850s gold mining town
• Try your hand at Gold panning in Red Gully Creek
• Join the “ Red Hill Mine Tour” and explore an underground mine
• See demonstrations of machinery used in the Gold mining era and witness original working conditions
• Stroll the main street and explore the many original shops selling period items and watch the daily parade
• Visit blacksmiths and traditional craftsmen plying their trades and hear about their role in Ballarat ‘s history
• Watch the pouring of a bar of gold and hear of the process involved
• Learn of the history of Chinese settlers at Ballarat and their role in the goldfields
• Visit the Gold Museum and learn of the discovery and evolution of Ballarat and the importance of gold in the region
• Add a wildlife aspect to your day out to Sovereign Hill with an opportunity to visit Ballarat Wildlife Park (optional-extra cost)

The below itinerary can change due to cultural reasons, seasonal changes, operational logistics and accessibility.

Pick-up from Federation Square East

Travel the western highway, ballarat wildlife park (optional-extra cost), 1. choose your tickets, 2. choose your optional extras.

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Visit Sovereign Hill

Gold was discovered in Ballarat in 1851, triggering the greatest alluvial gold rush the world has ever known. Our amazing living museum delivers an immersive experience from this era. There's so much to see and do, so start planning right here as you explore all the different ways to get the most from your visit. The joy of discovery is just a click away. We can’t wait to see you.

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View our visitor maps and start planning your Sovereign Hill adventure.

Plan your day

Whether it’s your first time or you’re coming back for more – there’s always something new to discover. Check out our recommended itineraries for great ways to explore Sovereign Hill.

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Tours & Activities

Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Private Day Tour

Step back in time and witness Australia’s history come alive at Sovereign Hill on our Ballarat day tour. From Main Street’s traditional goldfields costumes to the excitement of Red Hill Gully Diggings where you can pan for gold, experience working shops, hotels, schools, a theatre, crafts, a wheelwright, a candle maker, a confectioner, and steam-driven machinery.

Ballarat Day Tour: Discovering History and Heritage

Indulge in a two-course lunch and explore magnificent Victorian streetscapes that showcase the wealth generated during the gold rush. Visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, Arch of Victory, and the Ballarat Botanical Gardens – one of Australia’s most significant cool climate gardens.

These luxurious private day tours in Ballarat are entirely customised to your interests, allowing you to experience this unique piece of history in style.

• Tour Highlights
• What's Included

Golden Trails Overview: Experience Rich Heritage in Ballarat Day Tour!

Embark on a journey through time and discover the rich history of Ballarat and Sovereign Hill on this Melbourne highlights day tour . Victoria’s largest inland city, Ballarat, is a sophisticated destination that blends contemporary arts with a fascinating heritage backdrop on our Sovereign Hill day tour. Be transported to the 1850s and witness the gold rush that made Ballarat the world’s wealthiest town. Sovereign Hill offers an immersive experience of a bustling gold mining settlement, complete with traditional goldfields costumes, real gold panning, working shops, hotels, schools, and even steam-driven machinery.

Highlights of Ballarat’s Architectural Splendour

After a sumptuous two-course lunch at the elegant Gallery, Craig’s Royal Hotel, or the charming New York Bakery in Sovereign Hill, wander through the magnificent Victorian and Edwardian architecture of Ballarat’s Lydiard Street. Marvel at the stunning Ballarat Train Station, Art Gallery of Ballarat featuring Australia’s most famous artists, Old Colonists’ Hall, Mining Exchange, Former Ballarat Post Office, the legal precinct, the Ballarat School of Mines, and the remnants of the former Ballarat gaol.

Ballarat’s Botanical Gems and Historical Landmarks

Discover one of Australia’s most significant cool climate gardens, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, with its remarkable collection of mature trees, marble statues, and the Prime Ministers Avenue. Visit the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, Arch of Victory, and the Eureka Stockade Memorial.

This tour is the perfect blend of sophistication, history, and adventure. It’s a journey through time that will leave you enchanted and intrigued by Victoria’s past. Join us on this exciting tour and discover the magic of Ballarat and Sovereign Hill.

• Australia’s largest outdoor museum Sovereign Hill
• Historic buildings
• Botanical gardens
• Guided mine tour and Gold Pour
• Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial
• Arch of Victory and Eureka Stockade Memorial
• Pick-up and return to your hotel or private address
• Morning or Afternoon tea
• Landmarks of City and Garden
• 2-course lunch at the Gallery, Craig’s Royal Hotel or the New York Bakery in Sovereign Hill
• Flexible and fully customised itinerary
• Luxury vehicle with free wifi & bottled water

WHAT TO BRING

• Warm jacket, sturdy footwear, gloves and headwear if cold day

Is Ballarat worth a visit?

A Ballarat day tour with Melbourne Elite Tours provides the perfect opportunity to delve into Australian history and immerse yourself in the captivating tales of the gold rush era amidst the city’s rich cultural landscape, well-preserved architecture, museums, and historical sites.

How many days do we need in Ballarat?

Depending on your interests and level of exploration, we can customise the package number of days you need in Ballarat. Visiting Red Hill Gully Diggings, touring the city’s historical monuments and museums, taking a day excursion to Sovereign Hill, and maybe even visiting the surrounding area to explore other sights are all possible activities during a normal vacation to Ballarat. A stay of 2 to 4 days is the most advised.

Can I bring my own food to Sovereign Hill?

Yes, you can bring your own food to Sovereign Hill. You are welcome to bring your own food to the picnic places. However, there are also dining options available within Sovereign Hill if you prefer to purchase food on-site.

Is there gold at Sovereign Hill?

Sovereign Hill is a recreated gold rush town, and while you won’t find natural gold nuggets there, you can participate in gold panning activities and potentially find some gold flakes.

What time does Sovereign Hills open?

Sovereign Hill is open to the public six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday, with operating hours from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s closed on Mondays. These hours are subject to change, especially during holidays or special events, so we will update the proper time during the time of booking.

What can I see at Sovereign Hill?

At Sovereign Hill, you can experience life as it was during the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s. Our tour highlights include visiting underground mines, watching gold pours, interacting with costumed characters, exploring historical buildings, and participating in hands-on activities such as gold panning and candle making.

How much time do you need at Sovereign Hill?

The amount of time you’ll need at Sovereign Hill depends on your interests and how thoroughly you’d like to explore the site. Many visitors spend a full day there to take in all the attractions and activities, but you can also choose to spend less time, at least 4 hours if you have other plans or interests in the area. We can personalise it according to your preferences.

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1 Day Sovereign Hill & Ballarat

Great value family tour

Includes Sovereign Hill ticket

1 Day Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Tour

This historic and cultural 1 Day Ballarat Tour with Sovereign Hill will expose you to the fascinating gold rush history of Australia. In the 1850s, Victoria was well-known for its gold-mining community and there are still plenty of little towns that pay homage to this past. Throughout the day, you’ll learn more about the incredible history of the region and visit picturesque towns along what’s now dubbed as the Golden Trail.

Operates: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

Departs: 8:15am

Returns: 5:30pm

Child prices are available for children aged 4 - 14 years. Infants under the age of 4 years travel free on the lap of a parent. 

1 Day Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Tour Itinerary

The tour begins in Melbourne, where we’ll quickly make our way to the Goldfields. During the gold rush in the mid-19 th century, a number of small towns popped up in the goldfields to cash in on the rush, and on this tour you’ll get to sample a couple of them.

Firstly, we’ll head to Ballarat, a perfect example of an old town that prospered during the gold rush. It’s a charming city filled with 19 th century buildings, manicured gardens, and a whole host of history. We’ll take a complete town tour here, taking you through the impressive streets, past notable churches, and the Eureka Stockade Centre.

We’ll also visit Lake Wendouree while we’re in the area before we move on to Sovereign Hill.

Sovereign Hill is a well-known heritage park that sits on the site of the richest gold rush in the entire world. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the most pivotal parts of history, including the Red Hill Gully diggings, the Gold Museum, and Main Street. To get the full historic experience, you can also ride a stagecoach, check out the blacksmith, and tuck into some Devonshire tea at the New York Bakery (own expense).

We’ll then take you back to Melbourne where you’re foray into the past sadly comes to an end.

Related article:  Mining for Gold at Sovereign Hill

• Admission to Sovereign Hill
• Admission to Gold Museum
• Red Hill Mine tour
• Comfortable coach transport with wifi onboard
• Melbourne and St Kilda pick-up & drop-off
• Friendly and informative local guide

1 review for 1 Day Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Tour

1 day sovereign hill & ballarat availability.

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About sovereign hill tours in 3 mins.

• Sovereign Hill

Ballarat is steeped in history from the Gold Rush days of the 1850’s where people from around the world came to seek their fortune. The town’s gardens are exquisite and well-preserved architecture a great example of a bygone-era. Sovereign Hill, located just outside the town centre, is a premium outdoor museum that re-creates Ballarat’s discovery of gold in 1851. An enjoyable and memorable experience for any age! Gray Line are the experts for Sovereign Hill tours, book your tour online here!

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• Mandarin Live Commentaries
• Multilingual Audio tour commentaries（Smart Devices Required）
• Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
• Admission to Sovereign Hill
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Friendly and informative Driver and guide
• Entry/Admission - Sovereign Hill
• English Live Commentaries
• Admission to the Red Hill Mine
• Food and drinks
• Entry/Admission - Cooks' Cottage
• Option 1 42 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Time: 08:20 AM Location: Melbourne City Address: 42 Russell Street (In front of Grand Hyatt）
• Option 2 913 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill VIC 3128, Australia Time: 07:50 AM Location: Box Hill Address: 913 Whitehorse Road (Outside Discount Warehouse)
• Infants must sit on laps
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Pushchair accessible
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• Please provide us with your email address so we can send you the tour confirmation
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 56 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You’ll have 2 starting options See departure details
• 1 St. Patrick's Cathedral Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 2 Fitzroy Gardens Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 3 Cooks' Cottage Stop: 20 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 4 Sovereign Hill Stop: 4 hours - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• 241rainiez 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic A fantastic trip! Thanks our tour guide Frank. The itinerary is well organized, with natural landscapes and wildlife, with wonderful beaches and fine food. I will consider this tour operator again for my next trip to Melbourne. Read more Written 9 March 2024
• T1979ACcarolz 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing tour! The trip was amazing. Not only was the guide friendly and professional, he was also very calm in a sticky situation when a passenger suddenly interrupted him during the drive and demanded for him to stop speaking Chinese, as the passenger didn’t speak it. He patiently explained that this tour was supposed to be mainly a Chinese speaking tour. He actually has tried his best to speak English and looked after the English speaking passengers as well. In addition, a QR code for further information in both Chinese and English has been provided. The driver was Heny/Henry, who was exceptionally kind and understanding. The guide explained well, and clearly told us what the locations were, how long we were staying at the locations, where to go, and when to come back to the bus. He also gave long descriptions of the locations and their history. Thank you Henry/Heny, you’ve made our day! Read more Written 15 January 2024
• Y7721HUamys 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Pretty views but misleading trip - please be aware Description of tour was very misleading on what was written compared to what we actually did. This needs to be updated as the chocolate factory closes too early for the tour bus to get there on time, there is no seals to be seen during this time of year, and we did not get time to go to the nobbies center, just a quick stop to take photos. Only accurate things were the stop at the animal park where you are given 1 hour and seeing the penguins. The bus AC was also broken for the trip during a super hot day. Read more Written 6 January 2024
• Princess_ariel72 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best tour guide Excellent tour with excellent service from the driver.driver super friendly and kind. Highly recommended if you looking for tour.go for tripadvisor Read more Written 1 January 2024
• SN355 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Tour was a very good experience The tour was very good. The bus arrived in time and commenced as scheduled The driver cum guide was very informative.He shared his historical knowledge very well. Spoke in English well. The bus was also comfortable. Giving little more time at locations is suggested. Read more Written 30 December 2023
• b0utr 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Very little English is available I will say the bus ride was ok and the driver was professional. That's about all the good points. This trip needs better information/ transparency as it is for Chinese tourist. If you are like me and you don't know that you have to sit to an all day tour 90% in Chinese, which is unacceptable for an all-day tour when you don't know that's what you are getting into. The bus driver provided a QR code for a mobile app guided tour in English, which doesn't help tourists who have no headphones, wifi or way to charge their phones. And when the bus stops at a Chinese restaurant for lunch, it is just more of the same disappointment along this trip. The restaurant did have other food options, but still blah. I'm trying to be totally honest which is why I won't give it a 1 because, like I said, it was professional, but the tour operator should be ashamed of not notifying patrons of what they are getting into. Read more Written 25 December 2023
• Q6313ALemmaj 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Very disappointing!! Would not recommend this tour company at all. 1. They were late picking up and we didn’t get notified about it 2. The tour guide didn’t welcome us. We even had to ask other passengers to make sure we got on the right bus as the driver didn’t answer. Very unprofessional! 3. When we got to Maui Koala sanctuary we got told that it wasn’t included in our ticket. However, on their website it clear says it’s included. I even showed our guide that it says it’s included in the price we paid. But he insisted on us talking to his boss on his phone. The boss was confident that it wasn’t included but said he could look it up and call back which he never did. Eventually the driver called his boss again who said that we should be let in for free as it’s included in the price. But the boss was rude on the phone and I had to firmly argument for them to listen. They didn’t even apologize for the inconvenience. This is unprofessional and extremely annoying. The driver and his boss also spoke in Chinese with each other which I thought was rather disrespectful as we couldn’t understand anything they were saying. 4. We arrived at the Koala sanctuary 3.45 pm and had 50 min there. According to the tour intinery we were supposed to go to the chocolate factory after this. However, when I asked the driver about this he said the chocolate factory closes at 4 pm so we don’t have time. This is unacceptable as it is supposed to be a stop on the tour and a reason for why we choose to go with this tour. Even if the driver hadn’t been late for pickup we still wouldn’t have had time to go to the chocolate factory, which is crazy! I would also like to mentioned that if I hadn’t asked the driver about the chocolate factory we wouldn’t have know we didn’t have time to stop there. The rest of the people on the tour didn’t get this information as they didn’t ask. We just drove past the factory without the tour guide giving an explanation. Terrible! 5. The tour guide didn’t say anything about the tour or where we were going. I have been on numerous tours recently with other tour companies and every time the driver has said information about where we are going, how long it will take to get there, where we can get food etc. The drivers usually also say interesting facts along the way and explained what we were seeing. However, nothing like that was done during this tour which was very disappointing. According to the intinety we were supposed to pass by Cape Woolamai but I’m unsure if we even did I as the driver did it say anything about it. A reason for me for going with tour companies is the information and facts that the driver says, but nothing was mentioned on this trip. Also everytime we stopped at different locations we had to ask what time we had to be back. The driver didn’t say anything regarding this. 6. Even though we choose an English speaking tour the driver mostly spoke in Chinese with very limited English. A few times other passengers had to translate to us so when we knew what time we had to get back to the van again. 7. We only had about 40 min by the penguins parade. The penguins were estimated to arrive 8.30 pm and we had to be back at the van by 9.10 pm. We would have liked to have way more time there as that is the highlight of the day. The penguin parade was continuing until 9.45 pm so we were barely there for half of it, which again was very disappointing. Once we arrived for drop off the driver didn’t even say bye or thank you. He just dropped us off and closed the door. The only good thing about this tour was that the van was new and had good legroom. This is definitely not a tour company I want to support. I excepted way more and got really disappointed by the tour guide and how the company handled situations. I booked a tour, not a driver! Also I booked it in English and not in Chinese. Additionally, I booked this tour to be able to go to for example the chocolate factory which we didn’t have time for. Terrible!!! Read more Written 10 December 2023
• IanC4703 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Outstanding view and good value Nice weather and amazing view! Great trip with friendly driver David. The ride there and back was smooth but a bit rush cus we really love the view in each stop! If you dont mind the audio guide. It's good value for the money. Read more Written 30 November 2023
• Q2983SFninac 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Penguin parade, simply amazing! It was worth sitting in the rain, would recommend the experience Amazing experience seeing the penguins, was worth sitting in the rain, would recommend the experience to anyone. Also would like to say thank you to our wonderful driver Bin from Evergreen Tours! Read more Written 26 November 2023
• 777letstravel 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Spend your money elsewhere Old bus, no where to charge your phone, no aircon and uncomfortable seat belt that you had to wear. Rude driver, was late to pick up. Saw him trying to charge people for water. Luckily went on a less hot day otherwise it would be worse. Could do with less time at the Loch Ard George and have it added to the 12 Apostles. Wasn't enough time to see much there. At lunch time got dropped off further from the strip of restaurants around the block. Would recommend the American diner we went to for lunch though. Read more Written 10 November 2023
• Cust0mer27 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great evening out. Fiona was an excellent guide. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Amazing experience with the penguins. We also visited a koala sanctuary which was stunning. Read more Written 9 November 2023
• Strawberryrosecrown 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles 1 day tour, disappointing to say the least. We went on the 1 day tour on the 3rd November 2023, the driver was late to pick us up (almost an hour late). The tour guide was not very helpful and mostly spoke Chinese, he didn't translate everything and even he admitted it was too much for him. We couldn't understand what he was saying. The tour guide is more like the bus driver than actual the tour guide. It would be nice to tell us more of the history and information where to go etc. instead of just dropping off. We had to look for our own directions. There wasn't enough time to see everything and take pictures. We missed so many points and have to rush back because of the short time constraint. We have to choose what to see as there is not enough time for all look points at the 12 Apostles. I felt pressure and didn't have time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. We have 5 stop in total including the Chocolate factory, one hour lunch break. When we had a toilet break on the last stop, he didn't tell us and again only speak Chinese so we have to guess as to what he was saying. On the way back from the tour, he didn't take us back to the where he picked us up. He didn't say anything and we didn't know what was going on. He gave some people lift to their hotel and stop at the City Centre. I asked him where is the train station so we can catch the train back or be dropped off. He said he didn't know. I found him bias and not friendly. It would be helpful if he speaks English so people can understand and give notice to where we're going or being dropped off to. The trip is not exactly cheap either, not worth the price. The bus is very uncomfortable if you're over a size 12 (Australian), the seat belt is suffocating and can't move at all. Read more Written 8 November 2023
• 579wangy 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Pleasant experience The driver picked us up on time, the ride was smooth, there was plenty of time for each scenic spot, it was a pleasant experience! Read more Written 13 October 2023
• lumR1536ZO 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unforgettable day A day trip signed up with friends, unforgettable day, beautiful scenery, good guide, careful introduction, humorous speech. Read more Written 13 October 2023
• 170lij 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good service Very happy and relaxed day, the itinerary is well arranged, the ride is smooth, the guide talks funny, will come with friends next time. Read more Written 13 October 2023

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The Top 5 Melbourne Weekend Getaways

From the bubbling mineral springs of Daylesford and the rugged coastlines of Wilsons Promontory to Ballarat’s step-back-in-time adventures and Lorne’s beautiful Erskine Falls, if you’re after a short break from Melbourne, you’re definitely spoilt for choice here. Here are our Top 5 Melbourne weekend getaways.

1. Visit Daylesford for Mineral Springs, Art Galleries and Divine Local Wine

If you’re after a weekend escape north of Melbourne, set your GPS to a north-westerly direction and glorious Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Bathe in the region’s bubbling restorative springs, enjoy a splash in one of the local swimming holes, or bliss-out with a relaxing day spa experience.

Or why not take a stroll through some of the area’s quaint villages and historic gardens, which offer country-style hospitality and a myriad of studios, art galleries and cultural heritage sites to explore.

Love your food? Blessed with rich fertile soils and crisp mountain air, this region will certainly help you work up an appetite! Experience fine dining in one of Australia’s best restaurants, enjoy a fireside feast at one of the rustic pubs, or pack a picnic basket of fresh local produce to munch on after a long hike through some of the area’s rugged bushland. And don’t forget to pick up a bottle of local wine at one of the rustic cellar doors before you leave!

2. Take a Drive to the Dandenongs for Bushwalking, Flower Gazing and Steam Train Dining

The perfect Melbourne day trip only an hour east of the city is in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, which is brimming with outdoor adventures and bushwalking opportunities. The Ferntree Gully area offers several short walks including the 1000 Steps, where you’ll be surrounded by native wildlife. Once you’re at the top, you have the option of taking the Lyrebird Track (and yes, you may spot a lyrebird or two!), or continuing onto One Tree Hill where you can unload the backpack for a spot of lunch.

If that’s a little too taxing for your untrained walking boots, why not discover the area’s local flora? William Ricketts Sanctuary has a host of wonderful mystical sculptures half hidden among the fern-filled pathways, and the National Rhododendron Gardens feature over 15,000 rhododendrons and over 12,000 azaleas.

Heritage Hill offers a great Melbourne day trip experience, and it’s the perfect spot for history lovers, with almost a hectare of landscaped gardens, three beautifully preserved buildings, and a range of unique experiences including tours and workshops.

Or if you’re looking for a bit of childlike fun, hop aboard the Puffing Billy steam train, where you can meander your way through over 24 kilometres of Mountain Ash forest, while enjoying lunch in the First Class dining carriage.

3. Take a Trip to Wilsons Prom for Surfing, Nature Spotting and Coastline Cruising

Around two and a half hours south-east of Melbourne you’ll find the 50,000-hectare Wilsons Promontory National Park, an enchanting world of granite mountains and bushwalker-friendly rainforests.

If you’re after a summer getaway that includes an ocean splash or two, Norman Bay offers decent surf  and  a tidal river that’s kid-friendly and the perfect spot for a fish ‘n’ chip feast.

Wildlife spotters will love the flocks of black swans that inhabit Miller’s Landing, or head to the Loo-Errn boardwalk track, for a chance spotting of a wombat, echidna or wallaby.

For an adventurous off-land experience, why not take a cruise around the Prom’s stunning coastline? Much of this area is marine national park, filled with fur seals, leatherback turtles and migrating whales, and it offers visitors the chance to see this unique destination from a wonderful new perspective.

And to finish off the perfect Melbourne day trip, take a hike up glorious Mount Oberon, where you can watch the sun setting over the pink-hued ocean and take in the serenity of the Tidal River below.

4. Head to Lorne for Fishing, Bike Riding and Waterfall Action

The perfect spot for a Melbourne weekend getaway, Lorne offers a range of great water activities including whale watching, paddle boating and pier fishing. Adventurous types should also consider hiring a sea kayak, or catching a few waves on some of the superb breaks around the region, including at The Point or popular Cathedral Rock.

If exercise is a big part of your weekend trip away, don’t miss a walk up to Teddy’s Lookout for spectacular views of the Great Ocean Road coastline, or hire a bike and discover Lorne’s hidden treasures while getting active at the same time!

For those who love bushwalking, no visit to Lorne is complete without a trek to Erskine Falls. Plunging 30 metres into a lush tree fern gully, its upper lookout is an easy five-minute walk from the car park, or for a more challenging route, walkers should tackle the 240 steps that lead to the lower lookout for views of one of the highest drops in the region.

5. Explore Ballarat And Its Gardens, Observatory and Gold Rush Town

Once the most significant Victorian-era-gold-rush town in Australia, a trip to Ballarat is like stepping back in time. Sovereign Hill’s costumed actors and perfectly painted set constructions breathe authenticity into the experience, and activities include a range of gold mine tours that will take you deep into the underground heart of this touristy treasure.

Not quite your thing? Then consider a tour of the historic Ballarat Observatory, where you can view historic stained glass windows, watch 3D movies, or take a peak through their collection of vintage telescopes.

And if your Melbourne short break involves getting back to nature, take a wander around the 40-hectare Ballarat Botanic Gardens, which feature flourishing rose gardens and statue-filled Prime Ministers Avenue. Or explore Ballarat Wildlife Park, which is filled to the brim with Aussie creatures including koalas, crocodiles, kangaroos and wombats.

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city?  Contact Hughes  on 1300 615 165 and hire one of our luxury chauffeured cars today!

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