Novotel Melbourne Preston - Family & Business trip hotel - Discover Melbourne's North: Spring & Summer Day Trips Beyond the CBD

Melbourne is famous for its laneways, world-class dining, the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Mornington Peninsula and celebrated wine regions. But when you’re looking for fresh air, family-friendly adventures and memorable day trips, Melbourne’s north offers plenty of hidden gems waiting to be explored.

From scenic walking trails and wildlife encounters to thrilling attractions, the northern regions of Melbourne deliver experiences that go beyond food and wine. Whether you’re planning a spring day out or a summer escape packed with outdoor activities for the family, you’ll find countless ways to discover a different side of Victoria without venturing too far from Melbourne, all within easy reach of the city and Novotel Melbourne Preston.

Bundoora Park Farm

One of Melbourne’s best family-friendly attractions is located just 15 minutes from Novotel Melbourne Preston. Bundoora Park combines expansive parklands, playgrounds, picnic facilities, sunset viewing, a public golf course and the popular Bundoora Park Farm.

Families can meet farm animals including guinea pig handling sessions, watch feeding sessions, wildlife rides that view the farm’s kangaroos and emus and give children a taste of country life without leaving metropolitan Melbourne.

The wider park is equally worth exploring, with open green spaces, 4 children’s playgrounds just within the first few hundred metres of the park alongside barbecue facilities and picnic spots, perfect for spring and summer afternoons. Or, plan a game of golf at Bundoora Park Public Gold Course open all days of the week.

As the sun begins to set, head up to Mount Cooper Lookout at the northern end of the park and be treated to beautiful views across the parklands.

Address: 1069 Plenty Rd, Bundoora VIC 3083 

Distance from Novotel Melbourne Preston: 6.6km (14 minutes by car)

Travel to Bundoora Park Farm with public transport: Just a short 240m walk from the Novotel Melbourne Preston, ride 15 stops (15 minutes) on the #86 tram, taking you right out front of Bundoora park! Tap on for your journey with a Myki or your credit card.

Best for: Families, young children, BBQ Picnic areas, animal encounters, outdoor activities.

Montsalvat

Hidden among the leafy streets of Eltham, Montsalvat Artist Community is a heritage listed-site that feels like stepping into a European village. Established by artists in the 1930s, the privately-owned precinct is Australia’s oldest continuously operating artists’ community. You can admire the mudbrick cottages, galleries, gardens and creative studios.

Discover the history of Montsalvat with a guided tour every Sunday, or simply wander through the grounds, browse art exhibitions and attend seasonal events, workshops and performances. Spring and summer are particularly beautiful times to visit when the gardens are in bloom and outdoor spaces come alive. However all year round (during open days/times) you’ll enjoy an on-site café and winebar to slow down and feel like you really got away.

Make a day of it and enjoy a walk nearby with the Dimond Creek trail and Wingrove Park Trail only 1km from the entry of Montsalvat.

Address: 7 Hillcrest Ave, Eltham VIC 3095

Distance from Novotel Melbourne Preston: 16.8km (25 minutes by car)

Travel to Montsalvat with public transport: Right out front of Novotel Melbourne Preston, take the #513 bus route for a 45 minute, direct ride  to Eltham. A short 1km walk to the entry of Montsalvat.

Best for: Art lovers, photographers, outdoor exploration, couples, architecture enthusiasts.

Heide Museum of Modern Art

Spanning sixteen acres, ‘Heide’ (as known by locals) combines contemporary art, heritage architecture, a sculpture park and perfect picnic parklands. The Heide Museum of Modern Art is open all year round and a popular meeting place not only for art but for families and friends gathering on sunny days to enjoy the lawns and expansive gardens. Heide has become one of Victoria’s premier cultural attractions.

Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions across five galleries, before exploring the extensive grounds and a bite to eat at Heide Kitchen for a meal packed with local and fresh produce or ‘Heide Arvo Tea’ and even picnic baskets ready to enjoy on-site.

Address: 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen VIC 3105

Distance from Novotel Melbourne Preston: 7.5 km (15 minutes by car)

Travel to Heide Museum of Modern Art with public transport: Just 240m from Novotel Melbourne Preston, take the #86 tram north for 3 stops to connect to the #903 bus route. A short 30 minute ride will take you just 500m to the entry of Heide.

Best for: Art lovers, garden enthusiasts, couples, cultural experiences.

Funfields Themepark

Funfields is a blend of a waterpark, theme park and amusement park in Melbourne and has grown to cater to the whole family, with different zone for younger kids, all the way to adults.  Opening in the spring and summer months

The park features thrilling waterslides, splash zones, lazy rivers, alpine toboggans and attractions suitable for both younger children and adrenaline seekers. Whether you’re planning a full day of family fun or looking for school holiday activities near Melbourne, Funfields delivers one of the best outdoor entertainment experiences in Melbourne’s North.

Choosing accommodation in Melbourne’s inner suburbs such as Novotel Melbourne Preston will give you the perfect location for the best of the city and access to the fun of Funfields Themepark just a short drive away, or using public transport for a day out.

Best for: Family day out, kid friendly activities, adrenaline activities, teenagers, school holiday activities, summer adventures.

Address: 2365 Plenty Road, Whittlesea VIC 3757

Distance from Novotel Melbourne Preston: 30km (40 minutes by car)

Travel to Funfields Themepark with public transport: The #382 bus route will take you directly out front of Funfields Funpark. From Novotel Melbourne Preston, connect to the #382 bus via starting your journey on either the #86 tram route, by connecting at the Bundoora RMIT tram stop, or the Mernda Train line, by connecting at the Mernda train station.

Season: Spring – summer months (weather pending).

Kinglake National Park, Fruit Picking & Mason Falls

Kinglake offers the perfect escape from city life. The region combines scenic drives, seasonal fruit picking, picnic areas and one of Victoria’s most accessible waterfalls, Mason Falls.

During spring and summer, local orchards welcome visitors to pick fresh raspberries and blueberries straight from the vine, while Kinglake National Park provides walking tracks through towering forests and native bushland. Mason Falls is a highlight of the region, rewarding visitors with spectacular views and a peaceful natural setting.

This destination offers a classic Victorian day trip experience without requiring a long drive from Melbourne.

Address: Kinglake Raspberries: 92 Tooheys Rd, Pheasant Creek VIC 3757

Higham Blueberries: 430 Extons Rd, Kinglake Central VIC 3757

Masons Falls: Masons Falls Rd, Kinglake West VIC 3757

Distance from Novotel Melbourne Preston: 46km (1 hour by car)

Best for: Nature lovers, waterfalls, picnic areas, fruit picking, families, Melbourne day trips.

Macedon Ranges & Hanging Rock

The Macedon Ranges are known for their wineries, but their natural landmarks are equally impressive. The region is home to Hanging Rock, one of Victoria’s most famous geological formations and a destination rich in Aboriginal and colonial history.

Visitors can climb to the summit for panoramic views across the countryside, explore walking tracks around the rock formation and enjoy the surrounding reserve with BBQ picnic areas.

Or if you’re looking for a lesser-known hike with a view to break up a day of exploring the country township, wineries and bakeries of Macedon, head to Camel’s Hump. Another rocky outcrop made by volcanic formations be prepared for a steep ascent and 1.8km walking route to complete this circuit track.

Distance from Novotel Melbourne Preston: 1 hour drive (60-70km)

Address: Hanging Rock: 139 S Rock Rd, Woodend VIC 3442

Camel’s Hump: 409 Cameron Dr, Mount Macedon VIC 3441,

Best for: Hiking, photography, BBQ Picnic area, viewpoints

Looking for day trip accommodation outside of Melbourne?

When discovering the best day trips across Victoria, Novotel Melbourne Preston offers a convenient and comfortable base in Melbourne’s inner north. Located close to major freeways and arterial roads, the hotel provides easy access to destinations across Melbourne’s North, the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges and beyond, while avoiding the traffic and parking challenges of staying in Melbourne City.

Novotel Melbourne Preston is well placed for visitors wanting modern hotel accommodation in Melbourne’s inner north. Located on Bell Street in Preston, the hotel offers contemporary rooms, on-site dining, parking, a 24-hour gym and easy access to public transport, making it a practical base and peaceful retreat outside of Melbourne city.

Book your stay with Novotel Melbourne Preston or contact the reservations team today