Planning a day out during the Australian summer can be a bit of a struggle, particularly during a heatwave. During January and February, temperatures often soar above 35˚ and when that happens, most Melbourne residents resort to lying low at home with the air conditioning running or at best, going to hide out in the cool dark of a cinema. However, when the mercury rises, one of the best ways to escape the heat is to get out of the city in order to avoid the urban heat island phenomenon. Happily, there are dozens of warm weather country day trips around Victoria where you can cool off and have fun. This week, we’ve collected together three of the best.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
35 Old Healesville Road, Yarra Glen
Sure, you can line up around a city block for half an hour to get a scoop of gelato, but why would you when you can enjoy artisan ice cream made from local ingredients whilst looking over the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley. Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery is just 60 minutes from the CBD and has 144 flavours for you to try during their Ice Cream Festival between the 8th and 19th February.
Falls Creek
Most people don’t give much thought to Victoria’s alpine region outside of the winter months, but they’re actually a fantastic place for a summer sojourn as they tend to be cooler than the rest of the state, have a wealth of well cared for natural attractions, and are often much quieter than holidaying spots along the coast. Falls Creek is a great example of the charms that the alpine region can offer during the summer months. Open year round, Falls Creek is 1600m above sea level and around 10 cooler than the valleys below. It boasts Australia’s highest lake- Rock Valley Lake, which is perfect for water sports like kayaking. Other popular activities include mountain biking, cycling around the Alpine Loop, as well as walking and hiking.
Learn to surf at Phillip Island
Phillip Island is famous for it’s unique fauna but it’s also one of Victoria’s surfing hotspots. Offering a variety of different breaks ranging from world class waves at Cape Woolamai through to mellow waves at Smiths Beach which are perfect for learners, Phillip Island is Victoria’s first national surfing reserve and has a long surfing history. A morning surf lesson from iconic local board builders Island Surfboards on Smiths Beach is a great way to escape the heat, have fun, and make the most of Phillip Island’s natural beauty.
If you’re planning a hot weather escape for you and your friends, take the stress out of journey planning by organising coach hire with Melbourne on the Move. To learn more about our services, get in touch by calling 1300 55 86 86.