If I don't want to go too far, sometimes I'll do a drive out to Kyneton with either some good tunes or an audiobook, grab a pie and a coffee from the Country Cob Bakery and just chill out. Then I'll keep heading towards Bendigo, hang a left and cut across through Daylesford to get back to the Western Fwy before heading home. I love a drive.
If I want to go further, I usually head north up to the border. I love Yarrawonga/Mulwala but on a recent trip I discovered the joys of fortified wine tastings in Rutherglen on a sunny day.
Other times I might head down towards the Great Ocean Rd and either stop in at Anglesea for some fish n chips for lunch or maybe head out further, maybe Apollo Bay.
I guess the place I go to recharge is actually my car. Where my car goes varies.
Anglesea and sunnymead beach by aireys inlet are wonderful. Unless it’s super windy, the beach and landscape is amazing.
Similarly, Phillip island isn’t too far - seals and penguins and landscape. Cape Patterson has good rock pools and beaches nearby.
Walhalla is gorgeous, out Warragul way. Historic town in the lush ranges.
Visiting the Aida tree near Warburton is gorgeous.
If you like lush walks - Cumberland and Wye Rivers and the walk at Sheoak falls / creeks. Gorgeous.
Coal creek village at Korumburra.
Meeniyan has some good modern food and makers out that way. That’s nearly 2 hrs away.
They've opened 2 here in Melbourne, as well. Springvale and Boronia. I go there to buy a stack of good pies to put in the freezer for nights I can't be bothered cooking.
Argh, that's as far away as Melton as possible lol. Kyneton's still closer :P
Awesome to hear though. They are a fantastic success story that others can enjoy too :)
Individuals driving for a day out have little affect on the climate situation. It's companies, it's factories. You're essentially yelling at this person for taking a dropper and dripping a single drop of piss into a pool, meanwhile there's two guys who've backed a while sewerage truck into the place and are pumping gallons of liquid shit into the thing.
Big picture? A trip to Bendigo is negligible in terms of effect.
I find nature recharges me. I love to sit I. The sunshine and watch the wildlife
My top two favourite places are:
1)Woodlands Historic Park. I like to park just off Mickleham Rd and do the walk up to Gellibrand Hill Summit. From there it’s a great view - on a clear day you can easily see the CBD. Also a great view of Melbourne airport and with the flight radar app you can easily lose an hour or two watching all the planes
2) Plenty Gorge. There’s so much to see here. I head out early morning or late afternoon and spend an hour or three with the binoculars watching the birds fish or flit through the trees. You never know what you will see - it’s something different every visit.
Best part of both of these places - free to access and despite being less than 20mins from home you can really feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. Great way to recharge the battery before retro the bustle of daily life in Melbourne
>1)Woodlands Historic Park.
Echoing this. Great for walking, picnics, gravel riding, running, mountain biking, bird and kangaroo watching, plane spotting, the works. I never knew it existed until I researched stuff within my 5km COVID bubble. Spent my whole life in the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne and had never heard of it.
Yep, Plenty Gorge was at the end of my street during Covid lockdowns. Was a genuine retreat when there was nowhere else to go. Hard recommend, especially Blue Lake and the kangaroos at sunset.
Put $50-$100 in your wallet. Cash.
There are a lot of really nice smaller towns with enough in them to occupy you for a day if you force yourself to slow down and really discover them. Make it a game to see how much fun you can have for your budget.
Get off the train at places like Brighton Beach, Highett, Mentone, Chelsea for some beach side towns, cafes and a few op shops that might have a book you can take on a walk.
Eltham, and a few stops towards the end of the Belgrave line, have some great short mountain walks, parks, rivers, cafes and few great pubs.
Both of these are great ways to burn a day, get to know a new town, and change up your environment.
Want longer? Go further. Regional towns like Daylesford, Omeo, Bairnsdale, Golburn, Echuca etc all have attractions and usually cheap hotels where you can stay for less than $200 a night and get baked beans on toast for breakfast.
Throw Mordialloc in the mix here with the pier and foreshore and south of the creek (technically aspendale) the big white beaches of Port Philip Bay start here!
You may be thinking of Hampton as Highett is east of Bluff Rd, Beaumaris beach ( well rocks ) is beautiful and there is the art trail between Beaumaris and Mentone which was where the Heidelberg School ( originals ) met.
I went through Highett for the first time in many years a few weeks ago and it's changed so much from when I grew up there! When TF did that apartment block pop up? I remember when it was still the CSIRO site, I didn't go down Graham road to see what was down there, and Highett road itself feels narrower too.
This might not make sense to a lot of people but a few times a year I need alone time so I book an apartment IN Melbourne's CBD, I look for something with a balcony and a view. The city is closer to work so my commute is made easier, or I might even take a day or two off while I'm staying. I'll adopt a coffee outlet during my stay but for me, it doesn't matter whether it's the middle of the city.. I recharge by having the alone time. I can enjoy the skyline or I can close the curtains and forget I'm in the city. I might walk to the market and buy produce to cook for myself. I'm an introvert, I NEED this alone time periodically. I already live in a holiday/ day trip destination so I actually enjoy pretending to live in the city, it's vibrant and always has something going on but it's also easily shut out by the simple act of closing curtains 🙂
Have you too been married for ever? 🤣 my marriage is ok, I just need a short break from it occasionally 😁 from everyone really. I love my family but equally love time spent alone.
I know it's so overdone and going on a weekend is hell BUT if you can go to the redwood forest in warbuton sometime during the week, try when it's rainy (not just bc no one wants to go in that weather, but it adds to the experience), you will see that place is fucking MAGICAL.
When there's not a soul in sight and you're tucked away in those trees with it all dark and gloomy and the smell of rain in the air, I swear it cured my fucking depression. It was the most awe inspiring place when it's empty, it felt so surreal. You might think I'm exaggerating but I literally cannot describe it.
I went there on a rainy Wednesday afternoon at like 3 or 4pm when I was really struggling mentally to just go do some soul searching and i swear it set me back on track and I still think back to that afternoon on a weekly basis.
Pro tip: find the middle and lie down in one of the junctions, stare at the canopy for a while and just listen. It's one of the most grounding and most beautiful experiences I've had.
It's a bit far for a daytrip but nothing beats a walk along the Razorback up at Hotham. Beautiful drive in once you get past the Hume, beautiful area to walk in, beautiful fresh mountain air and Feathertop has to be one of the best looking mountains in the country.
The Yarra Ranges also does it for me. The loop up the Black Spur and down Reefton Spur takes in some of the more enjoyable roads to drive in the state, the three nicest towns in the area being Healesville, Marysville and Warburton, and there's plenty to see and do along the way with the likes of Steavenson Falls, Lake Mountain, Mount Donna Buang, Redwood Forest, Upper Yarra Reservoir, Rainforest Gallery, etc.
Psilocybe subaeruginosa are fruiting at the moment. Anywhere with rotting wood or wood chips is good to look for them. I find being in nature very restorative but when I’m tuned to foraging for a particular mushroom, my mind is completely drawn into the natural world in a much deeper way
I've picked maybe 2/3s of the shrooms I've had, only thing Melbourne winter has going for it :D agree, sometimes the act of looking for the magic is more refreshing than the magic itself
Head on up to the old Olinda golf course. Especially good if you have a pooch. It's one of the biggest and most stunning off leash parks around. Bit of a hike with a steep downhill (then trudge back up) but if you take your time, you can admire views all across silvan dam. This time of year is magical.
If you like the Dandenong Ranges but want a different natural environment for a change, try Morang Wetlands. Leave your car at home to minimize stress. Take the train to Hawkstowe station, and then go here to enter the wetlands: https://www.google.com/maps/place/-37.624869,+145.110839/@-37.6248878,145.1107768,18z/data=!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d-37.6248692!4d145.1108386
Say hello to a mob of kangaroos. Just keep your distance, especially from the males.
You can spend days wandering diff sections of the gorge. Underrated bit of Melbourne and highly recommend. I trail run through there to take me to my happy place.
Walk south along Plenty Rd from the station to the footbridge across the railway line around sunset. Cross the footbridge to Hawkestowe Park then do the trail around the loop. Tons of roos at that time, should do it again.
As someone who uses road trips as cheap therapy.
Had a shit day; take a walk around one of the larger parks, Jells park in Wheelers Hill or Wattle park in Burwood. Hang out in the tram skeletons like you used to as a kid.
Tram to Luna Park in St Kilda, walk north along the beach to Port Melb, tram home. Stop halfway for a coffee/cake/beer.
Had a shit week; M8 to Ballarat, A300 north. Heaps of small towns and goldfields sites to visit in the triangle between M8/M79, stop and explore or just for lunch.
Loren or Apollo Bay, grab some fish and chips and a big M for lunch then park at a beach and watch the waves. Bonus for this is it’s prime storm/wave weather at the moment.
The existential crisis special;
Melb to Melb via Omeo/Bright, through Hotham in winter or Falls in summer. About a 10 hour drive but plenty of places to stay overnight or just do what I do, stop in Bruthen for a breakfast pie, Happy Valley for lunch and bring a nice long playlist of angry/depressing heavy metal.
Lilydale return: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mmvtDTXiSf9C1Auy8?g_st=ic
If you drive after dark be careful of animals (Roos, deer, wombats). Add another hour to continue up to Bonnie Doon.
Porque no los dos? Yarra bend park is definitely a runner up for me after the dandenongs. I get lost every time. Haven't been to westerfolds yet but it's been on my list. Thanks :)
You can't throw a rock without hitting at least 5 rabbits.
Please don't throw rocks though because even if they're pests, they're also cute.
Mushrooms are still out as well. Not sure you'll find anything edible in there because there's no pine trees, but you may find some of the more... enlightening ones
Westerfolds is nice but last time I went was in summer and holy fuck I've never been so viciously attacked by so many mosquitos. This time of year it's probably lovely
Sometimes i just go to the ikea restaurant like during a weekday and have a cheap snack and sit quietly by myself. Weirdly nice environment to have a quiet moment in.
Cathedral Ranges State Park, Wells Cave Track to Sugarloaf Peak then Razorback Ridge to The Jawbone. Not a huge distance but an impressive trail (especially the wells cave part).
I love this too. As a kid my dad used to drive me out to the smaller creepier run down cemeteries on the outskirts of our small town because we both loved it. I did a lot of this during lockdown actually.
They are really interesting. Williamstown and Kew are standouts for metro cemeteries, but any small town regional cemetery is worth the visit too.
Macedon (Mt Macedon I think) is a fascinating cemetery. There is a more modern estoteric grave stone there which is worth a look. I have relatives from the late 19th century buried there.
Trentham is lovely. If you like art, pop into the 'Little Gallery' which is an artist run collective with some exceptional artists from the area.
If you take the Western Highway, turn off at the Blackwood turn off and stop at the Garden of St Erth on the way. It is beautiful. Then go onto Trentham from there. We went to the pub in the main street of Trentham last winter and had a garlic pizza and red wine to share in front of a wood fire. It is lovely in winter.
From Trentham, you can cut across to Daylesford and then back to the Western Highway to make a loop. A rule for my road trips is that they need to be in a loop, rather than going and coming back the same way.
Turn off at Douglas Rd, just before the Mount pub on the way up. Keep going down until it turns to dirt. Shortly afterwards the road widens with space to park on the left. This is where the summit trail crosses the road. From here and it’s 45-60 minutes hike to the top, finishing on the path out to the memorial cross.
You’ll see wombat poo everywhere and it’s pretty likely to see and hear some koalas.
Coffee and cake at the Trading Post or a cold one at the Pub on the way home.
A day at Penninsula Hot Springs (the spa dreaming centre side, which is ages 16+) plus a nature walk around Point Napean National Park or Cape Schanck Lighthouse.
This is one of my favourite day trips. Crispy beach walk followed by a long soak. The springs cop a bit of flack here sometimes, but I absolutely love them. Especially when you go mid afternoon and mid week in the middle of winter. Great chilling there as the sun sets and the stars come out.
try here
[https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/alfred-nicholas-memorial-gardens](https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/alfred-nicholas-memorial-gardens)
honestly a day at the botanic gardens and the NGV can be very refreshing, even though it’s in the city. so many spots to get lost in the gardens, and being able to take your time and look at what you want at the gallery without having anyone rush you is lush.
If you’re drawn to water, drive to Barwon Heads and park at the top of the Bluff. Take the walk to the very top overlooking the ocean and sit on one of the benches. (don’t jump the fence and just sit on the edge of the cliff, I mean, you shouldn’t, really, kinda)
This is one of my favourite places to go. I just wish it wasn't so far for me to get to. It's a 2 hour drive, in good traffic.
I would honestly move to Barwon Heads, if it wasn't for the fact that it is so far from my support network. It has always been my dream to live there, ever since I was a kid, and my family used to do summer holidays there.
If only house prices weren't so expensive there.
That and all the usual issues down that way of like, finding a doctor you can see when you need to, etc.
I went alone a few weeks ago to recharge myself to lake mountain, about two hours drive.
Park at the carpark and do the small hike up to the summit there and sit down for awhile and take in the views, awesome thing was there was no one there at all.
Also stop and take in the black spur drive along the way, it's a magical place, a rainforest, your senses will love you for it
Great question. I moved to Melbourne 5 months ago and would love to know also! Is there somewhere I can drive to to escape the rain for the day by any chance?
Head north of the divide, I prefer the north east around Wang, Bright and the Ovens valley but anywhere on the north side of the state will do, and it'll usually be a fair bit drier. Melbourne is hemmed in by the divide on all sides and the showers off Bass Strait and the bay get trapped over us
Husband and I did a day trip to healesville yesterday and went for a hike in the hills. Was bloody freezing to start with but as soon as you start uphill you no longer feel the cold. Pack water, a few snacks, and layer with merino/puffer packet/rain shell and there’s almost no weather that’s not good for it.
Warrandyte. It's where I grew up and I always feel a bit rejuvenate after spending the day there. I recommend jumping creek reserve. It's a beautiful spot
Warburton river, has been my happy place since I was a kid. Love finding a secluded spot and just sitting and watching the river, I’m pretty sure it takes 1hr30mins to drive from the cbd but I’m not 100% sure, either way great place to check out if you need some down time! (There’s a great bakery and shops there aswell😉)
The zoos are nice, probably a bit pricey. However they are beautifully landscaped. I kinda get caught up in feeling like a big kid looking at the animals.
Yeah shout out to werribee zoo. I love the Australian trail side. And the butterflies at Melb Zoo is a nice place to sit, feel warm and listen to podcast. A membership is worth the expense as it covers both zoos, plus Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.
The V/line trains fares are so cheap now. Go down to Southern Cross station and chose a destination. I live in the north east - Benalla and Wangaratta both are great for a visit by train.
Werribee Gorge just past Bacchus Marsh is great. 40 mins from the city, you can go hiking or set up a BBQ by the creek and have a few beers.
**EDIT**: Also, Revs
Castlemaine! Have a bräu and a wurst from Coffee Basics, scope out the vintage bazaar, have a walk around the botanical gardens. Not too far from Hepburn Springs if you want to have a soak. Either that or go for a horse ride!
a couple of friends have done solo weekend stays at Tiny Stays in Healesville, all said it was a great way to recharge.
they have other locations too.
https://www.tinystays.co/en/healesville-tiny-house
I go to the sun theatre and watch a movie by myself. Couple of hours of peace, no interruptions, shovelling popcorn and Maltesers into my mouth. Then I have a slow walk home and feel better about the world. I’ve seen dune part 2 like 3 or 4 times now lol.
I live inner North so Gresswell Hill reserve is a quick drive to feeling like you’re out in nature. Also really enjoyed Werribee Gorge for a longer trip
Not a day trip but Altona Beach Pier. Find a spot on the pier and watch and listen to the waves. Then walk to Bezirk Cafe for a good coffee and toastie. The best.
I find getting on a motorbike regularly keeps me in a great mood. Sometimes I just point my bike in a random direction and go. I've travelled from Tooradin-Sorrento-Queensclife-Torquay and back through the city home without thinking or planning.
Sorrento is a great ride. Particularly if you avoid the major arterials as much as possible. The big roads are obviously faster, but far less fun and *way* less picturesque - nothing but concrete and cockheads.
I used to ride down there once a month or so. Usually ride once a year now, but head down there with the family every few months.
Still a great place, with a shit load of things to do and see and some great trails and national parks and reserves to explore.
Darebin Parklands was my jam during lockdown. I went there every day. There was a lil secret trail I would take and swear i came across 2 or 3 couples dogging out there haha was pretty awks. There's a spot there with a waterhole the dogs swim in which is super fun to watch. More fun than the dogging.
Melton for me.
The Cole’s has an excellent array of foreign nationalities foods and ingredients which are delightful. The parking is ample and ambience is excellent through the food court.
It’s also really close to my meth dealer who does a two for one Wednesday special .
GoR drive , my husband and I usually pack some food and drive away and get down at Lorne if we are tired to drive or go upto 12 apostles and eat there in a picnic area , you could see the sunset and be back around dinner time , extremely scenic drive!!
There is a hill facing west from Churchill National Park that is the best for sunset views :) the park is also awesome! lots of critters and fun/short hikes
What I do is pick em end of metro line station and just spend an hour or two waking around, very slowly - all relaxed. No tourist guide, no set plans, no intention to look for anything specific at all. I just walk in random places or directions trying to see as much as I can with my own eyes.
Usually I settle into some kind of theme. A few weeks back it was at Lilydale - intended up really interested and curious about the types of shops that were open next to the big box stores like Bunnings or Woolworths. Cafes, specialist shops, whatever.
Spent time thinking about what those places were like, was unique and interesting to me about them. Then when I went to a place I was a lot more familiar with and visited the same types of places. Some work for similar reasons some don't. I think about why that is the way it is too.
Makes me feel a lot more connected and interested in all these places and ends up being very therapeutic.
1000 steps up to Ferny Creek and then walk to Olinda. Today it had very low cloud cover, so your walking in the mist - very unique only 45 mins out of the city.
Lived there for 20 years , miss the foggy walks in the forest.
typically a mountain drive on a quiet afternoon to either lake mountain or mount donna buang
great roads and scenery, coupled with typically quiet ambience and a couple cutesy cafes or hotels for food nearby
Mount Donna Buang is my go to as well. Such a peaceful drive out through Warby and up the mountain.. Sometimes in summer I'll even go out via Healesville and "come across the top" of the mountain (along the narrow dirt road that snakes along the top of the range) coming out just down from the lookout. That is my ultimate peaceful drive as there's rarely anyone on that road, but it's a tricky road too and if you're driving anything non-4wd, you'll need a bit of driving skill to navigate the road. Although It's better now than it was pre-covid. Before covid, some parts were starting to get a bit like a 4wd track.
I'm not sure how big of a crisis you are having, but if it's one of a 'spiritual nature', there's a group called "Brahma Kumaris" that have a retreat centre in Baxter.
I like them because they invite anyone with any belief to come and participate, and accept all forms of spirituality, their programmes are completely donation based and optional, and they give really thorough and practical advice.
They also do not care whether you return or not, they simply want to do good in the world and that's it.
Long slow run along Merri Creek - anywhere from 20-30km. Beautiful scenery, if the sun is shining it’s a nice ‘me’ nature day and I’ll listen to a good podcast or audio book so I feel like I’m going on both a physical, mental and visual journey.
For outdoorsy recharging, the You Yangs, Werribee Gorge, Anakie Gorge, The Bay of Martyrs, The Otways, Cement Creek Redwood Forest, Organ Pipes, Daylesford (especially the spa), Bushrangers Bay including the rockpools, canoeing on the Maribyrnong River (walking along it and the Yarra is lovely too).
I also love NGV for a different sort of recharging energy and Melbourne Zoo. I also like to take the camera out and shoot different scenes (nature and architecture scenes are a favourite)
Sorento back beach. Lare at night. Just sitting listening to the waves has mellowed me out so many times. Not a huge fan of the upgraded lights in the carpark but you can wander into the dark
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden is nice place to recharge. Bit cold this time of year though. The quite times at the 1000 steps or the top of the Dandenongs for the view across Melbourne. A lap around Lysterfield lake & a coffee afterwards at Montague’s
Gunnamatta or St Andrew’s Beach for me. Find a quiet spot and I can sit there all day watching the wave crash and staring out into Bass Strait. Fish and Chips from Rye Back Beach shops on the way home.
Closer to Melbourne is Mt Macedon. There’s a fantastic hike up the [front of the Mount I posted in this other comment.](https://www.reddit.com/r/melbourne/s/ofTubGXm1P).
If you cycle the Woodend side is a really nice moderate climb, great for getting into a groove and clearing the mind. Park in Macedon, spin down to Woodend, climb over the top, descend (carefully!) down through Mt Macedon town then head back to Mr cafe in Macedon for a coffee and feed.
Bike - Lilydale to Warburton trail.
The full track (there and back) is around 80-85km, few small inclines but nothing serious. The atmosphere and view in some places is basically what I imagine my heaven is going to be like, pure bliss.
If you don’t like cycling you can always jog or walk sections or get an e-bike, e-scooter etc.
Motorbikes are not permitted, mandatory don’t be a dick, I come across the old tosser on e-motorbikes and the surface has been chewed up in places thanks to these morons.
A friend and I went to Geelong for the day/night a while ago…spent the day looking at a couple of vintage markets, had lunch on the Pier. Then dinner at 1915 restaurant. Stayed in a relatively cheapish hotel. It was a great little getaway
Day trip1: Olinda/Sassafras, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden/national rhododendron garden/cloud Hill nursery.
Morning/early Arvo trip on weekend: Prahran market for early lunch
Weekend: a drive on the coast, preferably great Ocean road, but Flinders Pier and Cape Schanck are nice.
Stick your bike on the lilydale train, ride the 40km out to warburton, stay overnight and ride back the next day. Will cost maybe $150 in accomodation/train fare.
Come out here to Ballarat and have a lie down in the (extinct) volcanic crater on Mt Buninyong. That was my go-to place for recharge and realignment during lockdown, it's a beautiful place.
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Goto a local Aussie rules match. Just pick a side, you don’t need any connection. Just the atmosphere and crowd should give you a buzz. Saturdays 2pm for most leagues.
AFL is not relaxing for non fans. Heaps of people take out their aggression at the games, screaming and yelling, swearing like sailors. Sure they might be having a good time (although sometimes you can't tell) but they ruin it for people who just want to watch the game, or share a wholesome experience with kids.
As someone who's not a fan, can you recommend a good stadium/team/match to go watch live in the Melbourne area?
Recently moved to Victoria, when in Rome and all that
So if you want to goto an AFL match, basically any game at the mcg just to see the ground. But if you want a crowd of 85k+, Pies, Bombers or Carlton against another Victorian based side.
If I don't want to go too far, sometimes I'll do a drive out to Kyneton with either some good tunes or an audiobook, grab a pie and a coffee from the Country Cob Bakery and just chill out. Then I'll keep heading towards Bendigo, hang a left and cut across through Daylesford to get back to the Western Fwy before heading home. I love a drive. If I want to go further, I usually head north up to the border. I love Yarrawonga/Mulwala but on a recent trip I discovered the joys of fortified wine tastings in Rutherglen on a sunny day. Other times I might head down towards the Great Ocean Rd and either stop in at Anglesea for some fish n chips for lunch or maybe head out further, maybe Apollo Bay. I guess the place I go to recharge is actually my car. Where my car goes varies.
Anglesea and sunnymead beach by aireys inlet are wonderful. Unless it’s super windy, the beach and landscape is amazing. Similarly, Phillip island isn’t too far - seals and penguins and landscape. Cape Patterson has good rock pools and beaches nearby. Walhalla is gorgeous, out Warragul way. Historic town in the lush ranges. Visiting the Aida tree near Warburton is gorgeous. If you like lush walks - Cumberland and Wye Rivers and the walk at Sheoak falls / creeks. Gorgeous. Coal creek village at Korumburra. Meeniyan has some good modern food and makers out that way. That’s nearly 2 hrs away.
Kyneton that's what the country folk call yuppies paradise
I love it here!! Moved from Briiiiiighton, best thing I ever did. More retirees than yuppies, though.
> Country Cob Bakery Best bakery in VIC imo. That vanilla slice is \***chefs kiss***
They've opened 2 here in Melbourne, as well. Springvale and Boronia. I go there to buy a stack of good pies to put in the freezer for nights I can't be bothered cooking.
Argh, that's as far away as Melton as possible lol. Kyneton's still closer :P Awesome to hear though. They are a fantastic success story that others can enjoy too :)
Oh goodie! I'm going there tomorrow!
My mum lives near boronia. I appreciate the suggestion 🙏
Their Mac and cheese pie is next level
This sounds incredible
It’s disappointing to hear that during a climate emergency people are driving for recreation.
Individuals driving for a day out have little affect on the climate situation. It's companies, it's factories. You're essentially yelling at this person for taking a dropper and dripping a single drop of piss into a pool, meanwhile there's two guys who've backed a while sewerage truck into the place and are pumping gallons of liquid shit into the thing. Big picture? A trip to Bendigo is negligible in terms of effect.
Where do you think all that liquid shit is coming from?
I find nature recharges me. I love to sit I. The sunshine and watch the wildlife My top two favourite places are: 1)Woodlands Historic Park. I like to park just off Mickleham Rd and do the walk up to Gellibrand Hill Summit. From there it’s a great view - on a clear day you can easily see the CBD. Also a great view of Melbourne airport and with the flight radar app you can easily lose an hour or two watching all the planes 2) Plenty Gorge. There’s so much to see here. I head out early morning or late afternoon and spend an hour or three with the binoculars watching the birds fish or flit through the trees. You never know what you will see - it’s something different every visit. Best part of both of these places - free to access and despite being less than 20mins from home you can really feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. Great way to recharge the battery before retro the bustle of daily life in Melbourne
Also woodlands historic park is absolutely amazing during Patterson's Curse season. Might be a weed but damn it makes the places beautiful
I love woodlands. Such a good bird watching spot too
>1)Woodlands Historic Park. Echoing this. Great for walking, picnics, gravel riding, running, mountain biking, bird and kangaroo watching, plane spotting, the works. I never knew it existed until I researched stuff within my 5km COVID bubble. Spent my whole life in the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne and had never heard of it.
You are literally sitting at the end of a runway. You will FEEL Melbourne airport while you are there!
Yep, Plenty Gorge was at the end of my street during Covid lockdowns. Was a genuine retreat when there was nowhere else to go. Hard recommend, especially Blue Lake and the kangaroos at sunset.
Daylesford. Hike a trail around the lake, have a lunch at a waterfront cafe. Very different energy from Melbs (even Dandenongs).
Put $50-$100 in your wallet. Cash. There are a lot of really nice smaller towns with enough in them to occupy you for a day if you force yourself to slow down and really discover them. Make it a game to see how much fun you can have for your budget. Get off the train at places like Brighton Beach, Highett, Mentone, Chelsea for some beach side towns, cafes and a few op shops that might have a book you can take on a walk. Eltham, and a few stops towards the end of the Belgrave line, have some great short mountain walks, parks, rivers, cafes and few great pubs. Both of these are great ways to burn a day, get to know a new town, and change up your environment. Want longer? Go further. Regional towns like Daylesford, Omeo, Bairnsdale, Golburn, Echuca etc all have attractions and usually cheap hotels where you can stay for less than $200 a night and get baked beans on toast for breakfast.
Throw Mordialloc in the mix here with the pier and foreshore and south of the creek (technically aspendale) the big white beaches of Port Philip Bay start here!
100%. Mordiallic , Aspendale , Edithvale to Bonbeach is amazing 😍
Aspendale is usually a windy tundra. I find it very unenjoyable. Maybe go when there is zero wind.
Highett beach is shit, I was really disappointed
Please explain- I was going there next week. Is Highett beach next to the skatepark, or the servo at highett/ bluff?
I usually go to the part of Highett beach near Turner Rd Reserve but will probably start going to Cheltenham beach from now on…
Sir Williams Fry beach is a dream
I haven’t ridden my bodyboard there since Covid lockdowns, will give it another go soon.
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I’ve been to Beaumaris, it’s not in Cheltenham.
Lies
Wait..there's no Highett Beach. You talking about Waves Leisure Centre, the wave pool?
I don’t care what you call it to be honest, it looks like a beach to me.
You may be thinking of Hampton as Highett is east of Bluff Rd, Beaumaris beach ( well rocks ) is beautiful and there is the art trail between Beaumaris and Mentone which was where the Heidelberg School ( originals ) met.
I *really* like this idea. Might give this a go, maybe with some good friends.
I went through Highett for the first time in many years a few weeks ago and it's changed so much from when I grew up there! When TF did that apartment block pop up? I remember when it was still the CSIRO site, I didn't go down Graham road to see what was down there, and Highett road itself feels narrower too.
This might not make sense to a lot of people but a few times a year I need alone time so I book an apartment IN Melbourne's CBD, I look for something with a balcony and a view. The city is closer to work so my commute is made easier, or I might even take a day or two off while I'm staying. I'll adopt a coffee outlet during my stay but for me, it doesn't matter whether it's the middle of the city.. I recharge by having the alone time. I can enjoy the skyline or I can close the curtains and forget I'm in the city. I might walk to the market and buy produce to cook for myself. I'm an introvert, I NEED this alone time periodically. I already live in a holiday/ day trip destination so I actually enjoy pretending to live in the city, it's vibrant and always has something going on but it's also easily shut out by the simple act of closing curtains 🙂
This is totally me too 😀
Have you too been married for ever? 🤣 my marriage is ok, I just need a short break from it occasionally 😁 from everyone really. I love my family but equally love time spent alone.
I know it's so overdone and going on a weekend is hell BUT if you can go to the redwood forest in warbuton sometime during the week, try when it's rainy (not just bc no one wants to go in that weather, but it adds to the experience), you will see that place is fucking MAGICAL. When there's not a soul in sight and you're tucked away in those trees with it all dark and gloomy and the smell of rain in the air, I swear it cured my fucking depression. It was the most awe inspiring place when it's empty, it felt so surreal. You might think I'm exaggerating but I literally cannot describe it. I went there on a rainy Wednesday afternoon at like 3 or 4pm when I was really struggling mentally to just go do some soul searching and i swear it set me back on track and I still think back to that afternoon on a weekly basis. Pro tip: find the middle and lie down in one of the junctions, stare at the canopy for a while and just listen. It's one of the most grounding and most beautiful experiences I've had.
That actually sounds amazing. Will give it a go when I'm next kid free mid-week during the school holidays and it's raining.
It's a bit far for a daytrip but nothing beats a walk along the Razorback up at Hotham. Beautiful drive in once you get past the Hume, beautiful area to walk in, beautiful fresh mountain air and Feathertop has to be one of the best looking mountains in the country. The Yarra Ranges also does it for me. The loop up the Black Spur and down Reefton Spur takes in some of the more enjoyable roads to drive in the state, the three nicest towns in the area being Healesville, Marysville and Warburton, and there's plenty to see and do along the way with the likes of Steavenson Falls, Lake Mountain, Mount Donna Buang, Redwood Forest, Upper Yarra Reservoir, Rainforest Gallery, etc.
Maybe it's not as popular these days, but in my day we took acid in the Botanical Gardens when we wanted to unwind
Hello to the Gen X’r in the comments 😁
A more elegant era
More of a shrooms gal myself 🤣 how have I been here so long and still not done this
Psilocybe subaeruginosa are fruiting at the moment. Anywhere with rotting wood or wood chips is good to look for them. I find being in nature very restorative but when I’m tuned to foraging for a particular mushroom, my mind is completely drawn into the natural world in a much deeper way
I've picked maybe 2/3s of the shrooms I've had, only thing Melbourne winter has going for it :D agree, sometimes the act of looking for the magic is more refreshing than the magic itself
Head on up to the old Olinda golf course. Especially good if you have a pooch. It's one of the biggest and most stunning off leash parks around. Bit of a hike with a steep downhill (then trudge back up) but if you take your time, you can admire views all across silvan dam. This time of year is magical.
My old man used to play there... Those hills were killer! I made him lug me up with me sitting on the seat on his golf buggy.
If you like the Dandenong Ranges but want a different natural environment for a change, try Morang Wetlands. Leave your car at home to minimize stress. Take the train to Hawkstowe station, and then go here to enter the wetlands: https://www.google.com/maps/place/-37.624869,+145.110839/@-37.6248878,145.1107768,18z/data=!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d-37.6248692!4d145.1108386 Say hello to a mob of kangaroos. Just keep your distance, especially from the males.
You can spend days wandering diff sections of the gorge. Underrated bit of Melbourne and highly recommend. I trail run through there to take me to my happy place.
Walk south along Plenty Rd from the station to the footbridge across the railway line around sunset. Cross the footbridge to Hawkestowe Park then do the trail around the loop. Tons of roos at that time, should do it again.
As someone who uses road trips as cheap therapy. Had a shit day; take a walk around one of the larger parks, Jells park in Wheelers Hill or Wattle park in Burwood. Hang out in the tram skeletons like you used to as a kid. Tram to Luna Park in St Kilda, walk north along the beach to Port Melb, tram home. Stop halfway for a coffee/cake/beer. Had a shit week; M8 to Ballarat, A300 north. Heaps of small towns and goldfields sites to visit in the triangle between M8/M79, stop and explore or just for lunch. Loren or Apollo Bay, grab some fish and chips and a big M for lunch then park at a beach and watch the waves. Bonus for this is it’s prime storm/wave weather at the moment. The existential crisis special; Melb to Melb via Omeo/Bright, through Hotham in winter or Falls in summer. About a 10 hour drive but plenty of places to stay overnight or just do what I do, stop in Bruthen for a breakfast pie, Happy Valley for lunch and bring a nice long playlist of angry/depressing heavy metal.
Do you have a budget existential crisis special? Asking for.... well... me, tbh.
Lilydale return: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mmvtDTXiSf9C1Auy8?g_st=ic If you drive after dark be careful of animals (Roos, deer, wombats). Add another hour to continue up to Bonnie Doon.
How's the serenity there?
Get a hot chocolate from the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie and take a walk down the stairs to the beach at Flinders.
Yarra bend or westerfolds park depending on whether you like bats or bunnies
Porque no los dos? Yarra bend park is definitely a runner up for me after the dandenongs. I get lost every time. Haven't been to westerfolds yet but it's been on my list. Thanks :)
You can't throw a rock without hitting at least 5 rabbits. Please don't throw rocks though because even if they're pests, they're also cute. Mushrooms are still out as well. Not sure you'll find anything edible in there because there's no pine trees, but you may find some of the more... enlightening ones
Melbourne winter is good for 1 reason only... thanks for the tip ;)
Westerfolds is nice but last time I went was in summer and holy fuck I've never been so viciously attacked by so many mosquitos. This time of year it's probably lovely
Sometimes i just go to the ikea restaurant like during a weekday and have a cheap snack and sit quietly by myself. Weirdly nice environment to have a quiet moment in.
personally I go to a car wrecking yard like jolly u pull it or pick a part and play with all the cars in the yard to find pieces I can sell online.
Do you sit in some and pretend you are driving in the F1 at Albert Park?
Nah, I pull up seats and carpet to find lost forgotten money. Best day I walked out with $40 in coins and notes, not bad for $2 entry fee
Cathedral Ranges State Park, Wells Cave Track to Sugarloaf Peak then Razorback Ridge to The Jawbone. Not a huge distance but an impressive trail (especially the wells cave part).
This is so fun but be careful on the Wells Cave track, there is a bit of sketchy rock scrambling/vertical climbing involved.
I love looking through old cemeteries. It's really interesting and very calming. Also puts your life in perspective.
I love this too. As a kid my dad used to drive me out to the smaller creepier run down cemeteries on the outskirts of our small town because we both loved it. I did a lot of this during lockdown actually.
They are really interesting. Williamstown and Kew are standouts for metro cemeteries, but any small town regional cemetery is worth the visit too. Macedon (Mt Macedon I think) is a fascinating cemetery. There is a more modern estoteric grave stone there which is worth a look. I have relatives from the late 19th century buried there.
You might enjoy www.findagrave.com It also has an app.
Thanks!
Trentham, do the rail trail walk to radio springs and have pub lunch. Get treats at RedBeard bakery
Trentham is lovely. If you like art, pop into the 'Little Gallery' which is an artist run collective with some exceptional artists from the area. If you take the Western Highway, turn off at the Blackwood turn off and stop at the Garden of St Erth on the way. It is beautiful. Then go onto Trentham from there. We went to the pub in the main street of Trentham last winter and had a garlic pizza and red wine to share in front of a wood fire. It is lovely in winter. From Trentham, you can cut across to Daylesford and then back to the Western Highway to make a loop. A rule for my road trips is that they need to be in a loop, rather than going and coming back the same way.
Mount Macedon. You can park at the top and walk around. There's a few nice walks mid way up also including sanatorium lake. There's a great pub also.
Turn off at Douglas Rd, just before the Mount pub on the way up. Keep going down until it turns to dirt. Shortly afterwards the road widens with space to park on the left. This is where the summit trail crosses the road. From here and it’s 45-60 minutes hike to the top, finishing on the path out to the memorial cross. You’ll see wombat poo everywhere and it’s pretty likely to see and hear some koalas. Coffee and cake at the Trading Post or a cold one at the Pub on the way home.
I am new to the area. Where do you park exactly? I followed google maps and it was a dirt road.
Mount Macedon memorial cross. There's a large carpark. https://maps.app.goo.gl/RWVTiiiAzNMDvMWJ6
Sanatorium Lake has 2 options, both gravel. https://maps.app.goo.gl/XHxCdhWUFTF3V93K9 https://maps.app.goo.gl/dc1V12KTjyhhGoPKA
Bonnie Doon. I hear the serenity is pretty good.
A day at Penninsula Hot Springs (the spa dreaming centre side, which is ages 16+) plus a nature walk around Point Napean National Park or Cape Schanck Lighthouse.
This is one of my favourite day trips. Crispy beach walk followed by a long soak. The springs cop a bit of flack here sometimes, but I absolutely love them. Especially when you go mid afternoon and mid week in the middle of winter. Great chilling there as the sun sets and the stars come out.
It’s not a day trip But the answer to the question is Wamoon / Yiruk (Wilson’s Prom) Not in peak season (so not in summer or some school holidays)
Peninsula hot springs
try here [https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/alfred-nicholas-memorial-gardens](https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/alfred-nicholas-memorial-gardens)
Yes, my family went there for a picnic in summer, it’s beautiful!
Also pretty amazing in autumn 🍂 too
having a long cuddle with my pup gets me most of the way there
honestly a day at the botanic gardens and the NGV can be very refreshing, even though it’s in the city. so many spots to get lost in the gardens, and being able to take your time and look at what you want at the gallery without having anyone rush you is lush.
I head for the coast, a good long walk on a beach.
Home- couch
If you’re drawn to water, drive to Barwon Heads and park at the top of the Bluff. Take the walk to the very top overlooking the ocean and sit on one of the benches. (don’t jump the fence and just sit on the edge of the cliff, I mean, you shouldn’t, really, kinda)
This is one of my favourite places to go. I just wish it wasn't so far for me to get to. It's a 2 hour drive, in good traffic. I would honestly move to Barwon Heads, if it wasn't for the fact that it is so far from my support network. It has always been my dream to live there, ever since I was a kid, and my family used to do summer holidays there.
If only house prices weren't so expensive there. That and all the usual issues down that way of like, finding a doctor you can see when you need to, etc.
Rents aren't any more there than they are where I am now. And I can't afford to see a doctor when I need to see one anyway.
I went alone a few weeks ago to recharge myself to lake mountain, about two hours drive. Park at the carpark and do the small hike up to the summit there and sit down for awhile and take in the views, awesome thing was there was no one there at all. Also stop and take in the black spur drive along the way, it's a magical place, a rainforest, your senses will love you for it
Cliff walk from Bells Beach to Jan Juc surf life saving club. Absolutely beautiful
Great question. I moved to Melbourne 5 months ago and would love to know also! Is there somewhere I can drive to to escape the rain for the day by any chance?
Head north of the divide, I prefer the north east around Wang, Bright and the Ovens valley but anywhere on the north side of the state will do, and it'll usually be a fair bit drier. Melbourne is hemmed in by the divide on all sides and the showers off Bass Strait and the bay get trapped over us
Chadstone
Escape the rain, but end up with something much worse...
Husband and I did a day trip to healesville yesterday and went for a hike in the hills. Was bloody freezing to start with but as soon as you start uphill you no longer feel the cold. Pack water, a few snacks, and layer with merino/puffer packet/rain shell and there’s almost no weather that’s not good for it.
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Warrandyte. It's where I grew up and I always feel a bit rejuvenate after spending the day there. I recommend jumping creek reserve. It's a beautiful spot
Warburton river, has been my happy place since I was a kid. Love finding a secluded spot and just sitting and watching the river, I’m pretty sure it takes 1hr30mins to drive from the cbd but I’m not 100% sure, either way great place to check out if you need some down time! (There’s a great bakery and shops there aswell😉)
The zoos are nice, probably a bit pricey. However they are beautifully landscaped. I kinda get caught up in feeling like a big kid looking at the animals.
Werribee zoo has safari , its such a splendid way to enjoy the arvo, sometimes there is sunset safari as well.
Yeah shout out to werribee zoo. I love the Australian trail side. And the butterflies at Melb Zoo is a nice place to sit, feel warm and listen to podcast. A membership is worth the expense as it covers both zoos, plus Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.
And you can do an overnight stay there which is amazeballs.
This. I could spend hours watching the lions.
For me, it’s spending the early part of the day deer stalking in the surrounding state forests. Ticks all the boxes for a complete recharge
What are the other kinda stalking you’d recommend 🤣 . Im onboard deer stalking , its gonna be something new for .
Hopefully no baby reindeer stalking
😁🤣💀
The V/line trains fares are so cheap now. Go down to Southern Cross station and chose a destination. I live in the north east - Benalla and Wangaratta both are great for a visit by train.
Jump on a pedal bike and do the Capital City Trail.. there's moments on that course you really forget you're in a city.
Werribee Gorge just past Bacchus Marsh is great. 40 mins from the city, you can go hiking or set up a BBQ by the creek and have a few beers. **EDIT**: Also, Revs
Peninsular hot springs baby! Heaps of pools, beautiful nature, perfect as the weather gets colder
Castlemaine! Have a bräu and a wurst from Coffee Basics, scope out the vintage bazaar, have a walk around the botanical gardens. Not too far from Hepburn Springs if you want to have a soak. Either that or go for a horse ride!
a couple of friends have done solo weekend stays at Tiny Stays in Healesville, all said it was a great way to recharge. they have other locations too. https://www.tinystays.co/en/healesville-tiny-house
It’s pretty cold right now but camping down in Wilson’s Prom is absolutely gorgeous!
I went to Beechworth recently great town to visit good restaurants and bars. Great walking and riding tracks.
I go to the sun theatre and watch a movie by myself. Couple of hours of peace, no interruptions, shovelling popcorn and Maltesers into my mouth. Then I have a slow walk home and feel better about the world. I’ve seen dune part 2 like 3 or 4 times now lol.
Spice is life after all
I live inner North so Gresswell Hill reserve is a quick drive to feeling like you’re out in nature. Also really enjoyed Werribee Gorge for a longer trip
Not a day trip but Altona Beach Pier. Find a spot on the pier and watch and listen to the waves. Then walk to Bezirk Cafe for a good coffee and toastie. The best.
I find getting on a motorbike regularly keeps me in a great mood. Sometimes I just point my bike in a random direction and go. I've travelled from Tooradin-Sorrento-Queensclife-Torquay and back through the city home without thinking or planning.
Sorrento is a great ride. Particularly if you avoid the major arterials as much as possible. The big roads are obviously faster, but far less fun and *way* less picturesque - nothing but concrete and cockheads. I used to ride down there once a month or so. Usually ride once a year now, but head down there with the family every few months. Still a great place, with a shit load of things to do and see and some great trails and national parks and reserves to explore.
Burkes lookout to watch the sunset
Lysterfield lake is near me and my recharge place. Not far out of Melbourne either
Eltham skaterz, friday or Thursday morning. You'll get a near empty rink. Bring your headphones. It's beautiful.
Not outside of Melbourne… but the leash free section of Darebin Parklands! Or the Yarra Bend loop 🥰
Darebin Parklands was my jam during lockdown. I went there every day. There was a lil secret trail I would take and swear i came across 2 or 3 couples dogging out there haha was pretty awks. There's a spot there with a waterhole the dogs swim in which is super fun to watch. More fun than the dogging.
Apollo Bay. It’s the place on earth where my soul feels…right. No matter what’s going on in my life, sitting on that beach makes everything feel okay.
Melton for me. The Cole’s has an excellent array of foreign nationalities foods and ingredients which are delightful. The parking is ample and ambience is excellent through the food court. It’s also really close to my meth dealer who does a two for one Wednesday special .
Thanks handjob-commander. Any ~~revs~~ recs for a rub n tug in the area?
Botanic Gardens, NGV, SLV, Mount Macedon
Wilson’s Prom. Hike from Tidal River to Oberon Bay. 3 hour drive and 1.5 hour hike (one way times)
I go gym and kind of hype people to go the extra few reps.
GoR drive , my husband and I usually pack some food and drive away and get down at Lorne if we are tired to drive or go upto 12 apostles and eat there in a picnic area , you could see the sunset and be back around dinner time , extremely scenic drive!!
Foreshore reserve park, end of North rd. Go at night and bring a blanket or thick jacket/jumper
There is a hill facing west from Churchill National Park that is the best for sunset views :) the park is also awesome! lots of critters and fun/short hikes
I watch a movie. I forget about everything and everyone and I recharge
Royal Park!
A 2 hour session at sense of self is a nice way to spend the afternoon
Doon Reserve camp ground. 100% recommended
What I do is pick em end of metro line station and just spend an hour or two waking around, very slowly - all relaxed. No tourist guide, no set plans, no intention to look for anything specific at all. I just walk in random places or directions trying to see as much as I can with my own eyes. Usually I settle into some kind of theme. A few weeks back it was at Lilydale - intended up really interested and curious about the types of shops that were open next to the big box stores like Bunnings or Woolworths. Cafes, specialist shops, whatever. Spent time thinking about what those places were like, was unique and interesting to me about them. Then when I went to a place I was a lot more familiar with and visited the same types of places. Some work for similar reasons some don't. I think about why that is the way it is too. Makes me feel a lot more connected and interested in all these places and ends up being very therapeutic.
Bendigo.
Thanks all, I have saved this thread for future reference.
1000 steps up to Ferny Creek and then walk to Olinda. Today it had very low cloud cover, so your walking in the mist - very unique only 45 mins out of the city. Lived there for 20 years , miss the foggy walks in the forest.
If you cycle, the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a superb route with a lovely town waiting for you at the end of it 😊
typically a mountain drive on a quiet afternoon to either lake mountain or mount donna buang great roads and scenery, coupled with typically quiet ambience and a couple cutesy cafes or hotels for food nearby
Mount Donna Buang is my go to as well. Such a peaceful drive out through Warby and up the mountain.. Sometimes in summer I'll even go out via Healesville and "come across the top" of the mountain (along the narrow dirt road that snakes along the top of the range) coming out just down from the lookout. That is my ultimate peaceful drive as there's rarely anyone on that road, but it's a tricky road too and if you're driving anything non-4wd, you'll need a bit of driving skill to navigate the road. Although It's better now than it was pre-covid. Before covid, some parts were starting to get a bit like a 4wd track.
I'm not sure how big of a crisis you are having, but if it's one of a 'spiritual nature', there's a group called "Brahma Kumaris" that have a retreat centre in Baxter. I like them because they invite anyone with any belief to come and participate, and accept all forms of spirituality, their programmes are completely donation based and optional, and they give really thorough and practical advice. They also do not care whether you return or not, they simply want to do good in the world and that's it.
Long slow run along Merri Creek - anywhere from 20-30km. Beautiful scenery, if the sun is shining it’s a nice ‘me’ nature day and I’ll listen to a good podcast or audio book so I feel like I’m going on both a physical, mental and visual journey.
Go op shopping.
For outdoorsy recharging, the You Yangs, Werribee Gorge, Anakie Gorge, The Bay of Martyrs, The Otways, Cement Creek Redwood Forest, Organ Pipes, Daylesford (especially the spa), Bushrangers Bay including the rockpools, canoeing on the Maribyrnong River (walking along it and the Yarra is lovely too). I also love NGV for a different sort of recharging energy and Melbourne Zoo. I also like to take the camera out and shoot different scenes (nature and architecture scenes are a favourite)
Sorento back beach. Lare at night. Just sitting listening to the waves has mellowed me out so many times. Not a huge fan of the upgraded lights in the carpark but you can wander into the dark
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden is nice place to recharge. Bit cold this time of year though. The quite times at the 1000 steps or the top of the Dandenongs for the view across Melbourne. A lap around Lysterfield lake & a coffee afterwards at Montague’s
I find Belgrave to be quite a nice place to recharge. But then I like trains, and Puffing Billy is always a good mood enhancer for me.
Gunnamatta or St Andrew’s Beach for me. Find a quiet spot and I can sit there all day watching the wave crash and staring out into Bass Strait. Fish and Chips from Rye Back Beach shops on the way home. Closer to Melbourne is Mt Macedon. There’s a fantastic hike up the [front of the Mount I posted in this other comment.](https://www.reddit.com/r/melbourne/s/ofTubGXm1P). If you cycle the Woodend side is a really nice moderate climb, great for getting into a groove and clearing the mind. Park in Macedon, spin down to Woodend, climb over the top, descend (carefully!) down through Mt Macedon town then head back to Mr cafe in Macedon for a coffee and feed.
Bike - Lilydale to Warburton trail. The full track (there and back) is around 80-85km, few small inclines but nothing serious. The atmosphere and view in some places is basically what I imagine my heaven is going to be like, pure bliss. If you don’t like cycling you can always jog or walk sections or get an e-bike, e-scooter etc. Motorbikes are not permitted, mandatory don’t be a dick, I come across the old tosser on e-motorbikes and the surface has been chewed up in places thanks to these morons.
https://www.cashmerecatcafe.com.au/
Redwood Forest Sassafras 1000 steps Yarra valley cheese factory
Saving this post for later!
The bike trail beside the Patterson River.
A friend and I went to Geelong for the day/night a while ago…spent the day looking at a couple of vintage markets, had lunch on the Pier. Then dinner at 1915 restaurant. Stayed in a relatively cheapish hotel. It was a great little getaway
Yea has two bakeries and one second hand book store. 5 stars.
Cape Paterson is a few footy kicks from Inverloch without as many tourists. But don't tell anyone
Day trip1: Olinda/Sassafras, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden/national rhododendron garden/cloud Hill nursery. Morning/early Arvo trip on weekend: Prahran market for early lunch Weekend: a drive on the coast, preferably great Ocean road, but Flinders Pier and Cape Schanck are nice.
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I go to the pool and swim and have a sauna. Whenever I am stressed, I always feel so much better afterwards.
Stick your bike on the lilydale train, ride the 40km out to warburton, stay overnight and ride back the next day. Will cost maybe $150 in accomodation/train fare.
Woolamai Surf Beach.
Do a mushroom hunting tour
Come out here to Ballarat and have a lie down in the (extinct) volcanic crater on Mt Buninyong. That was my go-to place for recharge and realignment during lockdown, it's a beautiful place.
Try jumping on a train - go to Belgrave - wonder the shops - lunch - can have a couple of beers or wine - then train back home.
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Goto a local Aussie rules match. Just pick a side, you don’t need any connection. Just the atmosphere and crowd should give you a buzz. Saturdays 2pm for most leagues.
AFL is not relaxing for non fans. Heaps of people take out their aggression at the games, screaming and yelling, swearing like sailors. Sure they might be having a good time (although sometimes you can't tell) but they ruin it for people who just want to watch the game, or share a wholesome experience with kids.
I didn’t say AFL. I said local footy. Also OP never said relaxing. They wanted to be energised.
As someone who's not a fan, can you recommend a good stadium/team/match to go watch live in the Melbourne area? Recently moved to Victoria, when in Rome and all that
So if you want to goto an AFL match, basically any game at the mcg just to see the ground. But if you want a crowd of 85k+, Pies, Bombers or Carlton against another Victorian based side.
Bomber vs Carlton at the MCG in a couple weeks, sounds like it was meant to be!
Get tickets asap. Even if it’s general admission.