First published on TripZilla, in collaboration with Scoot and Visit Victoria.

Melbourne is widely known as Australia's coffee capital and arts central - and is a great place to take a trip with your girlfriends! Just think: long languid days of cafe-hopping, strolling down pedestrian avenues and taking OOTDs against the colourful street art.

However, did you know that there are plenty of things to see outside Melbourne as well? Here are 8 whirlwind side trips out of the city that you definitely won’t regret taking with your girlfriends!

1. Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road (GOR) is the quintessential Australian experience. Feast your eyes on a trio of azure blue skies, sparkling turquoise waters and drop-dead gorgeous views! Pile into a car with your girlfriends and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime. Gaze upon spectacular views every step of the way; don’t forget those cameras and bikinis – you’re gonna need them for sure!

Perhaps the most iconic landmark of the GOR would be the 12 Apostles. Fun fact: They’re known as 12 but now only 8 remain. We recommend visiting the Apostles just before sunset – there’s nothing quite like watching the skies dance above the rock stacks!

Another unique way to view the Apostles would be from up above – take a helicopter ride to have a stunning aerial vantage view! 

Image credit: portengaround

After all, which female can resist a cute cuddly koala? Go on a koala-spotting adventure at Kennett River and surround yourself with these adorable creatures. Also, did we mention that these koalas are completely wild? 

The GOR can be done within a day from Melbourne, but be warned that it will be a very, very, very long day. Our tip for you? Don’t rush it all in one day; the GOR definitely deserves more time than that! Put up for a night or two in the towns located along the stretch, such as Torquay, Lorne, Kennett River (where the wild koalas are!), Port Campbell or Apollo Bay.

2. The Grampians National Park

Image credit: ghatamos

Venture to the Grampians National Park for some peace and quiet when you just need a break from the city. Lace up your hiking shoes and explore one of the many hikes the park has to offer. 

The Grampians is home to numerous walking trails and beautiful waterfalls. Take a leisurely bush-walk through the flora and fauna or, if your gang is the adventurous sort, spend a couple of days camping amidst the wilderness! Nothing will bond your girlfriends and you more than spending time with nothing else but each other and nature.

In addition, you'll be able to about the Aboriginals from the many stunning art pieces found throughout the park. 

Choose to stay a night in Hall’s Gap, a town just beside the Grampians National Park, and watch as the “Oval” (a large piece of grassland) becomes overrun with wild kangaroos just before dawn breaks. Yes, wild kangaroos! If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch a friendly boxing match between the kangas right on your doorstep. It'll feel just like watching a scene from National Geographic come to life before your eyes!

3. Phillip Island

Image credit: Visit Melbourne

Phillip Island is located a mere 90 minutes from Melbourne and attracts visitors from around the world. Every day at sunset, experience the magic of watching hundreds of fairy penguins no taller than half your calf waddle up to shore from the sea to nest. Welcome to the world-renowned Penguin Parade! During the hotter months, you can even sit on the beach and have the penguins walk up right next to you. 

Even though many make the trip just for the Penguin Parade, Phillip Island is well-worth a day of your time! Visit the Koala Conservation Centre, or gaze upon the surreal sea cave nicknamed the “Blowhole”.

Take a stroll at the Nobbies and be rewarded with sweeping views of electric blue sky and sea. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a couple of penguins even before the sun begins to set!

Sweet tooths will be delighted to visit the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. Go on a tour to watch skilled chocolatiers churn out marvellous chocolately creations and view giant chocolate reproductions (such as one of Michelangelo’s ‘David’ sculpture). The entry ticket is even made of chocolate! 

Image credit: Visit Melbourne

Be sure to check out their EcoBoat Adventures as well, where you can get close to the rugged coastline of Phillip Island, and check out the various fur seals, orcas, and dolphins dotting the waters.

Image credit: Visit Melbourne

If, however, you girls wish to take it slow, simply head on over to the Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies. This virtual show offers an immersive experience of this extreme continent – all within the comforts of the Nobbies Centre!

4. Yarra Valley

Image credit (top and bottom): Visit Melbourne

Indulge in some of Australia’s best wines at Yarra Valley, a region known for its extensive vineyards and exquisite vino. Go on winery tours to see first-hand how wine is manufactured. Race your girlfriends in-between the never-ending rows or simply sit back and clink those glasses of bubbly. Engage in a precious HTHT session; as we all know, secrets tend to come out a lot easier through rose-tinted wine glasses. Take it from us – you’ll get to know your girlfriends a whole lot better after a visit to Yarra Valley!

Image credit: Global Ballooning

Wake up bright and early for an absolutely gorgeous hot air balloon flight across the landscape. After the flight, enjoy a breakfast of – do you even need to ask? – wine, of course!

Image credit: (top) Visit Melbourne; (bottom) Jason Tabarias

The gastronomic experience of course begins and ends with wine, but Yarra Valley is also well-known for its wide range of delectable cheeses and divine chocolates. Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Creamery as well as Yarra Valley Dairy are places that definitely deserve a spot on your itinerary.

Fun fact: You can even rent your own cherry tree! ‘The Cherry Boys’ will maintain your tree for you throughout the year and inform you when the cherries are ripe for picking. 

5. Dandenong Ranges

Just a stone throw’s away from Yarra Valley lie the magical Dandenong Ranges, where every bit of the region feels like a real-life fairytale. Feel dwarfed by the giant towering trees in the Sherbrooke Forest and wander awestruck beneath the canopy overhead.

Feel like a kid again on the Puffing Billy steam train, a nostalgic ride that maneuvers you through the dense forest. Scream with delight as you and your girlfriends dangle your legs over the railings; where else are you able to dangle your legs out of the carriages? 

Also, grab the chance to feed cockatoos at the Sherbrooke Forest! Take turns with your girlfriends to feed these curious birds who may even take the liberty of landing on your head.

Image credit: Tesselaar Tulip Festival 2016

If you’re heading down to Melbourne in spring, do check out the Tesselaar Tulip Festival as well!

The best part? The Dandenong ranges can be reached within an hour from Melbourne. A refreshing oasis is indeed just a day trip away!

6. Sovereign Hill (Ballarat)

Image credit: Mike Lehmann

Travel back in time to the goldrush era of yesteryear at Sovereign Hill, a town which looks completely frozen in time. Give your time-turners a twirl and saunter down cobblestone streets lining old-school shops and houses.

Image credit: Peterdownunder

There are so many things to do here – go deep underground on a gold mine tour or take a horse-drawn coach ride around the town. Characters in costume roam the streets as well, and are ever ready for a nostalgic photo or two. 

Image credit: Sovereign Hill Facebook

Did you know you can even pan for real gold at the river? That’s something that we’re sure no one can resist - you and your girlfriends can even consider staging a contest of sorts to see who can collect the most gold!

Alternatively, visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park and squeal at the cute native Australian animals, on top of fun activities such as crocodile or alligator feeding. 

Image credit: Chris Fithall

And if you find yourself at Sovereign Hill anytime soon from the 25th of June to the 24th of July, you’re in luck – just in time to catch the Winterland Wonderlights! Be wowed by the merry Christmas atmosphere, with carolers, snowplay and the highlight of the evening: the spectacular Christmas Wonder Lights show.

Sovereign Hill is located just 90 minutes away from Melbourne, making it really easy to get there.

7. Mornington Peninsula

Image credit: Visit Melbourne

Mornington Peninsula is situated along the coast, with dramatic views in every direction. Located just an hour from Melbourne, the region is full of pristine beaches, wineries, cafes and galleries. It's also home to the renowned Peninsula Hot Springs!

Image credit: Visit Melbourne

Just imagine relaxing in the soothing hot spring as you girls chat about anything and everything under the setting sun. You can also challenge your girlfriends to some stand-up paddle boarding, an activity that is highly popular in the area. See who loses their balance first – it’ll be a day of sun, sand, sea, glorious tans and laughter.

Image credit: Equestrian Life Facebook

As we all know, Australia is famous for its wine. Many choose to go on tours through wineries and sample the best the region has to offer. However, why not go one step further and explore the wineries on horseback? There’s nothing quite like soaking in the views with your trusty steed. Top it all off with a couple of glasses of wine for quite the experience!

Image credit: Visit Melbourne

If horseriding isn’t your thing, partake in a couple of rounds of golf! Mornington Peninsula is home to 15 breathtaking golf courses, all juxtaposed with beautiful natural backdrops. Loosen up those knots in your shoulders and get ready to take a swing!

Image credit: The 3B's

These rainbow bathing boxes add a splash of colour to the coast of the peninsula. They are without water or electricity and serve as a creative backdrop for many summer photos. 

8. Daylesford

Image credit: Visit Melbourne

Find respite from the city here at Daylesford, an idyllic retreat tucked away in the corner of the country. Located about 1.5 hours away from Melbourne, your girlfriends and you will be treated to a day full of pampering, relaxation and indulgence. Take a stroll along the large tranquil lake or pack a picnic of wine and cheese to snack on.

Image credit: Visit Melbourne

Known as Australia’s spa capital, Daylesford is littered with luxury spas aplenty, decadent gourmet offerings, as well as natural mineral spas and massages. Also, do pay a visit to the Lavandula Lavender farm, located North of Daylesford.

So there you have it, 8 side trips from Melbourne that you absolutely won’t regret taking. Have a whirlwind of a time with your girlfriends!