The Sydney Morning Herald recently put together a list of exciting day-trips you can take from the bustling city of Melbourne.

We’ve included a few of them here, as well as some of our own. So, grab a Melbourne CBD car hire and explore a world beyond the city. We know you’ll have a fabulous time!

Warburton

If you drive for approximately one hour and 20 minutes east of Melbourne, you will come across Warburton. The trip here is breathtakingly beautiful – we encourage you to wind those windows down and enjoy the refreshing, mountainous air of this region.

When the weather’s nice, walking down one of the many paths that hug the Yarra River is a great way to spend an afternoon. Make sure you cross the Brisbane Bridge, then find a nice, quiet spot along the bank to have a picnic. You can also try swimming in the Yarra River, or partake in some trout, fly or lure fishing.

Healesville

It will take you just over an hour to reach Healesville in your car hire Melbourne Tullamarine Airport if you travel along the Maroondah Highway. It’s located north-east of the city, and will take you through the suburbs of Fitzroy North, Balwyn North, Croydon and Chirnside Park – to name just a few.

So, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to hop out of the car, get some fresh air and experience what Victoria has to offer. And, once you get to Healesville, there will be even more to see and do. The Sydney Morning Herald recommends heading to Healesville Sanctuary, which is home to a koalas, wombats, kangaroos and a wide range of other animals.

Mount Dandenong

Take the M3 east for 50 minutes and check out Mount Dandenong. If you drive to the top, you will be greeted by magnificent views of the city of Melbourne. The Mount Dandenong Observatory is well worth a visit and will take you to one of the highest points above sea level in the area.

There are a variety of quaint eateries on the way here that you should definitely stop in if you’re feeling a little peckish!

A blog called ‘Passionate About Life’ drew our attention to Miss Marple’s Tea Room, a small cafe on the Mt. Dandenong-Tourist Road that serves a delicious Devonshire Tea. It was named after Agatha Christie’s beloved elderly detective.

Flinders

If you drive south on the M3 for about an hour and a half, you will reach the lovely town of Flinders. Because this area is located right on the water, it makes for the perfect summer day-trip destination.

Go for a walk along the white, sandy Flinders Ocean Beach and enjoy the salty sea air. Its many rock pools full of fascinating sea creatures make this spot a favourite among families. You can also surf, dive, swim and snorkel here in complete privacy and enjoy some time among the reefs.

Anglesea

Head along the M1 for just under two hours and pull over in Anglesea for a day of unforgettable fun. Like Flinders, this is another seaside town that simply has to be visited when the sun is shining. On your way here, you’ll pass through the bustling town of Geelong. We recommend stopping here for a quick look and a bite to eat, as it has a lot to offer the savvy sightseer.

In Anglesea, you should pay a visit to the Alcoa Open Cut Mine. There are lookouts surrounding it, so you can get a good view across the mine and take some amazing pictures!