10 Surreal Spots Near Melbourne for an Unbelievable Adventure

From the surreal landscapes of Lake Tyrrell to the beautiful beaches of the Mornington Peninsula, these are some of Victoria’s most unique and fascinating destinations. Victoria is a great state in which to live – from its thriving and vibrant cities to its fascinating regions, there’s never a dull moment in this wonderful corner of the world.

And when it comes to beautiful and otherworldly destinations that seem like they’ve been plucked from a fairytale, Victoria has an array of fascinating regions that are worth the trip. Some suit a local outing, while others call for a longer trip around the state. So get out of the CBD and venture forth into nature’s surreal beauty.

At a Glance

Here’s a collection of some of the most beautiful places near Melbourne and around Victoria.

• For an artistic and historical escape: Montsalvat, Eltham
• For a reflective journey through nature’s giants: California Redwood Forest, Warburton
• For breathtaking coastal and wildlife experiences: Phillip Island
• For a scenic drive through iconic Australian landscapes: Great Ocean Road
• For an otherworldly underground adventure: Buchan Caves, Buchan

1. Lake Tyrell, Mallee District

Lake Tyrrell is a giant salt lake in Victoria’s Mallee district. When a shallow layer of water lies still across the lake, it can mirror the skies above, creating a place where it’s unclear where the earth ends and the sky begins. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place for stargazing under clear, dark skies.

Sunrise and sunset can bring colours ranging from pink to orange and gold. Lake Tyrrell can also take on a pink hue at times – this is a result of the algae within the lake, though the colour varies with conditions. There’s a designated viewing area, and vehicles must stay on designated roads.

• Address: Lake Tyrell, Mallee District, Victoria
• Distance and travel time from CBD: Located in the Mallee district of north-west Victoria, several hours’ drive from Melbourne CBD.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DzPrHtB65uhxvLc6A

2. Mornington Peninsula

A haven for those seeking an idyllic beachside escape, the Mornington Peninsula offers everything from beaches to wineries to luxurious spas – it’s the ultimate relaxing trip.

From sipping on a glass of local Pinot Noir at a quaint vineyard to relaxing in a rejuvenating thermal hot springs experience, the Peninsula is sure to exceed expectations.

Catch a wave at Gunnamatta Beach, explore one of the national parks on foot, or gaze at a historic lighthouse – whatever your idea of a perfect holiday is, chances are that the Mornington Peninsula has it.

• Address: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
• Distance and travel time from CBD: Approximately 75 km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours by car.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyFrxdvT2Vvmp2xc8

3. California Redwood Forest, Warburton

Over 1,400 majestic redwood trees grace this unique and fascinating attraction near Warburton in the Yarra Valley region. First planted in the 1930s, the redwood trees stand tall and provide a haven of tranquillity and beauty for those visiting the forest.

An ideal location in which to soak up the surrounds and contemplate life’s big questions, the forest in Warburton is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of CBD life. For budding artists, the filtered light in this beautiful and tranquil location makes it an ideal setting in which to capture some striking photographic works. The forest remains open during upgrade works, though some riverside paths may be closed; follow the signs on site.

• Address: Cement Creek Road, Warburton VIC 3799, Australia
• Distance and travel time from CBD: Approximately 72 km east of Melbourne’s CBD, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours by car.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HfUNVrivj9cngT1v8

4. Grampians National Park

The Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) is a haven of natural beauty in western Victoria. Towering over the region’s flat and vast plains, the Grampians offer everything from lookout points like the Pinnacle, with breathtaking views of the region, to waterfalls, fascinating native animals and ancient Aboriginal rock art.

Visit the charming and quaint town of Halls Gap at the heart of the national park where you can keep an eye out for the local kangaroos that freely roam the area and admire the beauty of Victoria’s sandstone mountains. Many visitor areas have reopened after the fires, but some roads and walking tracks remain closed, so check Parks Victoria’s current conditions before travelling.

• Address: Grampians National Park, Victoria
• Distance and travel time from CBD: Approximately 260 km west of Melbourne’s CBD, with a travel time of around 3 hours by car.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SZZSwbsTVrN62QxA9

5. Phillip Island

Phillip Island is a must-do attraction in Victoria. From the iconic and utterly captivating Penguin Parade – an astonishing natural phenomenon in which little penguins return to shore at dusk each night – to encounters with native animals like koalas and fur seals and an array of birdlife, Phillip Island is a feast for the eyes.

Visitors can also check out local villages, enjoy stunning ocean views from the Nobbies boardwalk or visit the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, which hosts world-class sporting events. Phillip Island is also home to several boutique wineries – why not pop in for a glass or two?

• Address: Phillip Island, Victoria
• Distance and travel time from CBD: About 140 km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours by car.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/inDxHuT3k51FaXpw7

6. Great Ocean Road

Stretching along Victoria’s south-west coast is the Great Ocean Road. With epic, rugged cliffs and scenic surf beaches, the Great Ocean Road will leave you speechless. Highlights of the drive include stops at the world-famous Twelve Apostles and the beautiful rainforests found in the Otway Ranges.

Stop in the gorgeous coastal towns along the way. From koala spotting to treetop zip-lining, there is plenty to see and do along the Great Ocean Road.

• Address: Great Ocean Road, Victoria
• Distance and travel time from CBD: The road begins about 103 km southwest of Melbourne, near Torquay, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours to the start of the road.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/v7pbqVVSj4b4Hoew5

7. Wilsons Promontory

Nicknamed ‘the Prom’, Wilsons Promontory is a gorgeous national park at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. With plenty of wildlife including emus, kangaroos and wombats, Wilsons Promontory promises to be a memorable and unique getaway.

Explore pristine bushland on day hikes or multi-day walks, relax on secluded beaches like Fairy Cove, Whisky Bay or Cotters Beach, or make the hike to the iconic Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse – an imposing and historic structure.

• Address: Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria
• Distance and travel time from CBD: Approximately 225 km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD, with a travel time of around 3 hours by car.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/muURvPBRWcFCudY97

8. Buchan Caves, Buchan

The magical, underground wonderland that is the Buchan Caves is a top tourist attraction in Buchan and East Gippsland. Formed as water dissolved limestone, the cave system contains enormous caverns and an underground stream. Read more: major tourist attraction for Buchan and for East Gippsland.

The surrounding Buchan Caves Reserve is a feast of natural beauty including bushland, picnic areas, walking tracks and an abundance of native animals. Cave entry is by guided tour only, and tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.

• Address: Buchan Caves, Buchan, Victoria
• Distance and travel time from CBD: Approximately 360 km east of Melbourne’s CBD, with a travel time of around 4.5 hours by car.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RvZmVYT6R9mwWTE87

9. Montsalvat, Eltham

Montsalvat in Eltham is like entering into a fairy tale. Escape to an artists’ colony surrounded by lush, beautiful gardens and experience another era at this iconic and unique attraction. Wander around Montsalvat to discover stunning sculptures, colourful mudbrick buildings, artists’ studios and galleries.

Stay longer with a range of other attractions including Montsalvat’s on-site café, music concerts and art classes – Montsalvat is sure to capture your imagination. The Meeting Pool Café serves food on Montsalvat’s open days; café-only visits do not require admission, but a fee applies if you also explore the grounds.

• Address: 7 Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham VIC 3095, Australia
• Distance and travel time from CBD: Approximately 20 km northeast of Melbourne’s CBD, with a travel time of around 37 minutes by car.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vc7exH6HyECcH5fB9

10. The Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford

Not to be missed when travelling through Melbourne is the heritage-listed Abbotsford Convent. With its beautiful 19th-century buildings, the historic Convent is a cultural, educational and artistic treasure now open to visitors.

Today the Convent has been lovingly repurposed with cafés, a bakery, artists’ studios, event and performance venues and much more, making Abbotsford Convent a hub of activity and creativity. Its gardens are free to explore. The neighbouring Collingwood Children’s Farm is a separate attraction with its own admission fee.

• Address: 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia
• Distance and travel time from CBD: About 4 km from Melbourne’s CBD, which is a short drive or approximately a 10 – 15 minute walk from Victoria Park Station.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4gg1PGuP33PHbfw69

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some surreal places to visit near Melbourne?

From the Great Ocean Road to Lake Tyrrell and the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria has an array of beautiful and unique regions just waiting to be explored. Montsalvat and Abbotsford Convent offer outings within Melbourne, while places such as Buchan Caves take you further around Victoria.

How far are these places from Melbourne’s CBD?

The distances vary: Montsalvat and Abbotsford Convent are within Melbourne, while the redwood forest near Warburton and Phillip Island take you further out. Lake Tyrrell and Buchan Caves call for longer trips. Check the route to your chosen stop, especially along the Great Ocean Road, where the distance depends on how far you travel.

What activities can I do in these places?

Walk beneath the giant redwoods near Warburton, explore Montsalvat’s studios and galleries, or witness the adorable little penguins return to their burrows at dusk on Phillip Island. Along the Great Ocean Road, stop at the Twelve Apostles, while at Buchan Caves you can explore the underground wonderland on a guided tour.

Are these places accessible all year round?

Opening days, weather and local closures can affect a visit, so check current conditions before heading out. Montsalvat opens Wednesday to Sunday. At Buchan Caves, check tour availability and reserve conditions; at the Penguin Parade, the number of penguins appearing varies from season to season.

Do I need to book in advance to visit these places?

For Buchan Caves, a guided tour is compulsory and tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours ahead. Montsalvat’s ordinary entry tickets can be bought on arrival, but guided tours require pre-booking. For the Penguin Parade, check current ticket availability and book ahead, especially for busy periods.