Day Trips from Melbourne After Ballooning
After your sunrise hot air balloon flight over Melbourne, you’ll already have experienced one of the city’s most unforgettable adventures.
But your day doesn’t have to end there — in fact, it’s just beginning.
Once you’ve landed, celebrated with an optional champagne breakfast, and had your morning coffee, you’ll have the whole day ahead to explore more of Victoria’s incredible destinations.
Here are some of the best day trips from Melbourne to make your post-ballooning experience even more memorable.
1. The Yarra Valley 🍇
Travel time: 1 hour from Melbourne
If you haven’t already flown there, the Yarra Valley is a perfect follow-up to your balloon flight.
Spend the rest of the day visiting boutique wineries, artisanal chocolatiers, and scenic lunch spots among rolling vineyards.
Highlights:
Wine tasting at Oakridge Wines, Domaine Chandon, or Yering Station
Lunch at Meletos or Balgownie Estate
Dessert stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
Gin tasting at Four Pillars Distillery
It’s a relaxed, indulgent day surrounded by nature — and only an hour’s drive from the city.
2. Mornington Peninsula 🌊
Travel time: 1.5 hours from Melbourne
After your morning in the sky, head south for a coastal escape.
The Mornington Peninsula combines beaches, wineries, and hot springs — perfect for couples or those seeking a gentle day of relaxation.
Highlights:
Rejuvenate at Peninsula Hot Springs
Explore coastal towns like Sorrento and Portsea
Visit seaside wineries such as Pt. Leo Estate
Enjoy local seafood with ocean views
3. Dandenong Ranges 🌿
Travel time: 45 minutes from Melbourne
For nature lovers, the Dandenong Ranges offer fresh mountain air, lush forests, and charming tea houses.
It’s the perfect low-key escape after an early morning flight.
Highlights:
Ride the historic Puffing Billy Steam Train through the forest
Walk among giant ferns in Sherbrooke Forest
Visit Miss Marple’s Tea Room for afternoon scones
Stop by Olinda or Sassafras for boutique shopping
4. Phillip Island 🐧
Travel time: 2 hours from Melbourne
If you’re visiting Australia for the first time, this is a must.
Phillip Island offers coastal beauty and iconic wildlife experiences.
Highlights:
Watch the famous Penguin Parade at sunset
Visit Koala Conservation Reserve
Take a coastal walk at Nobbies Boardwalk
Stop by local farms and chocolate factories along the way
It’s a longer day trip, but worth it for those looking to see Australia’s adorable wildlife up close.
5. Great Ocean Road 🌅
Travel time: 2.5–3 hours from Melbourne (each way)
For those with energy to spare, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic drives in the world.
After a relaxing morning flight, it’s an incredible way to experience Victoria’s coastline and natural landmarks.
Highlights:
The Twelve Apostles rock formations
Beach towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay
Coastal lookouts and rainforest walks
Lunch with ocean views at Anglesea or Aireys Inlet
If time allows, consider staying overnight to make the most of it.
6. Daylesford & Hepburn Springs 💆♀️
Travel time: 1.5 hours from Melbourne
For a slower, spa-focused day, Daylesford is a beautiful choice.
This peaceful region is known for its mineral springs, art galleries, and cosy country cafés — the perfect way to unwind after your flight.
Highlights:
Soak in Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
Lunch at Lake House Restaurant
Browse antique stores and art galleries
Stroll around Lake Daylesford
7. Combine Your Balloon Flight with a Short Escape
If you have a full weekend in Melbourne, consider pairing your flight with:
Saturday: Sunrise balloon flight → brunch → Yarra Valley winery tour
Sunday: Daylesford spa or Dandenong Ranges forest walk
You’ll get the best of both worlds — the sky, the city, and the countryside — all in one unforgettable weekend.
The Perfect Way to Continue Your Adventure
Your hot air balloon flight is just the beginning of what Melbourne and its surroundings have to offer.
From vineyards and beaches to mountains and wildlife, every direction leads to a different kind of magic.
Start your morning above the clouds — and spend the rest of the day exploring the beauty below.
✨ Ready to plan your full Melbourne experience?
Book your Hot Air Balloon Flight, then add one of these amazing day trips to make your visit even more memorable.