Day Trips from Melbourne: Public Transport Edition

Living in Melbourne comes with the perk of having frequent and generally reliable public transport. As avid explorers, we’re putting it to the test to discover incredible places near Melbourne without needing a car!

All you need is a Myki card. We bought ours from a local 7-Eleven and top it up with at least $10.60 to cover a full day of public transport.

Yarra Bend Park

Yarra Bend Park, located on the outskirts of Melbourne, offers a variety of trails ideal for day hikes. There is abundant wildlife here, including the incredible flying fox colony.

Public transport to Yarra Bend:

Take bus route 304 towards Doncaster SC from the CBD (e.g. Hardware St/Lonsdale St). Stay on the bus for 20 minutes, then get off at Princess St/Earl St. Walk 25 minutes to Bellbird Park, where you can enter the Park and head towards the Flying Fox Viewing Point. If they aren’t there, follow the noise. Head back to Bellbird Park at sunset for an unreal view.

Alternatively

Take bus route 207 towards Doncaster SC from the CBD (e.g. Hardware St/Lonsdale St). Stay on the bus for 17 minutes, then get off at Yarra Bend Park/Studley Park Rd. Walk 15 minutes to Dight’s Falls (click the link for info on a trail loop).

Thousands of flying foxes at Yarra Bend

Plenty Gorge Parklands

We underestimated the vastness of Plenty Gorge and were pleasantly surprised during our visit here. With several side trails, it’s easy to get disorientated, so be prepared. We covered 6 miles/10 km here in four hours, with a few tough climbs, so sturdy boots are a must. Highlights include walking through a variety of landscapes, with Blue Lake as the main attraction.

Public transport to Plenty Gorge:

Take tram 86 towards Bundoora RMIT from the CBD (e.g. Swanston St/Bourke St #6). Stay on the tram for 1 hour 7 minutes, then get off at Janefield Dr/Plenty Rd (near the Uni Hill DFO). Walk through Plenty Gorge Park and explore the various trails on offer. Remember your route back to the tram stop!

Plenty Gorge

Point Cook Marine Sanctuary

Point Cook may seem like a rogue, residential location, but hear me out before you lose your head! Despite being accessed through a suburban area, the sancturary boasts a protected coastline, filled with wetland birds and wildlife. You might even spot loads of black swans, a surreal sight on the ocean. Plus, there was no one else here, so if you like peace and quiet, this is ideal.

Public transport:

Take the train towards Werribee from Flinders St Station. After 40 minutes, get off at William’s Landing. Catch the 497 bus to Saltwater Coast Estate, then after 20 minutes get off at Citybay Dr/Saltwater Prom. From there, enjoy a 35 minute walk down a long, straight road, until you reach the welcoming sign for the Reserve. The coast is just behind the Homestead.

You can read all about our day trip to Point Cook Marine Sanctuary here!

Point Cook Marine Sanctuary

1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk

For lush rainforest easily accessible by public transport in Victoria, the Kokoda Memorial Track, also known as the 1000 steps, is ideal. While the hike involves constant stair climbing (shock), the unique vibe of the area makes it worthwhile, especially being so close to Melbourne!

Public transport to Kokoda Memorial Track:

Take the train towards Belgrave from Flinders St Station. After one hour, get off at Upper Ferntree Gully. The beginning of the walk is a 15-20 minute stroll from the train station.

1000 steps trail

Jell’s Park, Mulgrave Wetlands & Dandenong Valley Wetlands

Looking for nature within an hour of Melbourne? Head to Jell’s Park, with plenty of green, open spaces, and a big lake perfect for spotting wildlife. After you’ve walked the trails here, you can head to Mulgrave Wetlands and further down to Dandenong Valley Wetlands. We even spotted a group of Kangaroos near Mulgrave Wetlands, just along the path!

Public Transport to Jell’s Park:

Take the train towards Glen Waverley from Flinders St Station. After 45 minutes, get off at Glen Waverley, the end of the line. Head to the bus stop and get on the 754 bus towards Rowville. After 15 minutes, get off at Heysham Dr/Jells Rd to enter Jell’s Park.

Jell’s Park

Healesville & Maroondah Reservoir Park

Located in the stunning Yarra Valley, you’ll find Healesville, a cool little town, with a small high street full of cute cafe’s, bakeries, book shops, and restaurants. We enjoyed lunch in Monroes, a burger/BBQ restaurant, before heading to the Maroondah Reservoir Park for a lovely walk, taking in the fresh forest air. Yarra Valley isn’t just for wine!

Public transport to Healesville:

Take the train towards Lilydale from Flinders St Station. After 50 minutes, get off at Lilydale, the end of the line. Head to the bus stop and get on the bus towards Healesville through the scenic Yarra Valley. After 30 minutes, get off the bus at Healesville, or further down on the Maroondah Highway, then walk along the road to Maroondah Reservoir Park (be careful along here!).

Sherbooke Forest, Dandenong Ranges National Park

Located in Belgrave, there is the stunning Sherbrooke Forest. Within this luscious spot of the Dandenong Ranges, you can find plenty of hiking trails to suit your fancy. It’s super easy to get here via public transport, as conveniently the trainline “Belgrave” will take you right to Belgrave from Flinders St in Melbourne in just under an hour. Take a ride on the Puffing Billy too while you’re here!

Public transport to Belgrave:

This one is easy! Take the train towards Belgrave from Flinders St Station. After an hour, get off at Belgrave. From here, walk past the Puffing Billy, over the track, once you see the 23% incline sign you know you’re in the right place!

Sherbrooke Forest

Any others?!

I’m very excited to add to this list and find some more hidden gems outside of Melbourne by Public Transport. Reach out if I’ve missed any!

If the specific service I’ve listed isn’t available, Google Maps is the best way to figure out how to get there. There are plenty of combinations of trams, buses, or trains that can get you to where you want to go.

Thank you for reading ❤

Love, Lydia x

LYD1A KERR