Beat The Heat In Melbourne With A Country Town Day Trip

When the Melbourne heatwaves get too much, skip town to higher ground!  The further you get from the Earth's surface, the cooler the temperature is, and Melbourne is surrounded by altitudes above our own.  These are some of the best places to drop a couple of degrees (sometimes up to 10 degrees cooler) and get some respite. So get smart this summer and escape the city heat in any one of these fabulous spots.

Woodend

A proper country town turned modern, you can (literally) chill out in Woodend's fabulous wine stores, pubs, cafes, bookshops, bakeries and vineyards. Take in some local culture at the Black Anther or Chamber art galleries.

Splash about in the Woodend Swimming Pool if the urge strikes (you will have to check beforehand if it is open), or explore the moss-covered wonderland of Wombat State Forest.

Ballarat

This goldrush-era town is already a huge favourite among day-trippers and the fact that Ballarat is significantly cooler than Melbourne in summer makes it an attractive spot on those 40C+ days.

A great spot for a dip is the locals' secret Rokewood Swimming Lagoon. A great setup with playgrounds and picnic areas, it is worth the small entry fee.

If indoors in the aircon is your jam, head to the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Backspace Gallery, Ballarat Gold Museum, The Lost Ones Gallery, or any of the fantastic eateries in this bustling mini-city.

Daylesford

Cool off in the shady Wombat State Forest, take a leisurely stroll around Lake Daylesford, or get lost in the many quirky shops in picturesque Daylesford. While your city friends melt into the CBD sidewalks, you'll be heading out on a paddleboat, soaking up the healing waters of the nearby mineral springs, playing by the roaring sound of a spectacular waterfall, or maybe even picking up a few things from the Stony Creek Gallery.

Sassafras

A soothing drive through temperate rainforests will lead you to lovely Sassafras, near the top of the ridgeline of the Dandenong Ranges. A gorgeous spot that is popular with tourists gives you cafes aplenty, cool forest walking tracks, a village green for picnicking, the George Tindale Gardens for strolling through, tearooms for Devonshires, and boutiques and specialty shops all at a temperature much more palatable than back in Melbourne!

Main image credit: Visit Macedon Ranges

More Summer fun

Best Kid-friendly Beaches In Melbourne
Best Holiday Parks for Kids Around Melbourne
Best Things To Do When it’s Hot in Melbourne
 

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!