Beyond the CBD: A Journey Through Victoria's Natural Wonders
The recent online discussions about Melbourne day trips brought a smile to my face. There’s something endearingly typical about how we locals tend to get caught up in the technicalities of what constitutes “Melbourne” versus “Victoria.” I’ve seen this debate play out countless times over coffee at Hardware Lane or during weekend brunches in Brunswick.
The truth is, one of the best things about living in this corner of Australia is how accessible these magnificent natural wonders are. Sure, they might not be within the technical boundaries of Greater Melbourne, but they’re all part of what makes living here so special. The Great Ocean Road, Buchan Caves, and various coastal formations are all within a day’s reach - even if that day might involve a fair bit of driving.
Speaking of driving, I recently took my family on a weekend trip to the Great Ocean Road. It’s fascinating to see how things have changed over the years. Some areas, like Thunder Cave and parts of Loch Ard Gorge, are now closed for safety assessments. It’s a reminder that these natural formations are living, changing entities, not just tourist attractions frozen in time.
The discussion online about these locations being “not Melbourne” reminds me of conversations with international friends who’ve visited. To them, these destinations are absolutely part of their “Melbourne experience,” just like how tourists visiting New York might consider the Hamptons part of their New York trip. It’s all about perspective.
The debate actually raises an interesting point about how we market our tourism. While technically these spots might be closer to Geelong or Warrnambool, Melbourne serves as the natural hub for visitors exploring Victoria’s wonders. Sitting at my desk in the suburbs, looking at flight simulator routes between these locations (yes, I’m that kind of nerd), it’s clear that Melbourne is the logical base for exploring these treasures.
What I find particularly interesting is how protective we can be about geographic accuracy. Sure, it’s important not to mislead visitors, but sometimes we risk missing the forest for the trees. These natural wonders are part of our broader community, our shared heritage, regardless of which city claims them on a map.
The next time you’re stuck in traffic on the Monash, remember that in roughly the same time it takes to cross the city during peak hour, you could be standing at the Twelve Apostles, exploring limestone caves, or watching waves crash against ancient rock formations. That’s pretty special, regardless of whether it’s technically “Melbourne” or not.
These places belong to all of us - Melburnians, Victorians, and visitors alike. Perhaps instead of debating the geographic technicalities, we should focus more on preserving these natural wonders for future generations to enjoy. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer adventure, these destinations are all part of what makes living in this corner of the world so remarkable.
The next weekend looking a bit empty? Jump in the car and head out to any of these spots. Just remember to pack some snacks and download your podcasts beforehand - it might be a bit of a drive, but it’s always worth it.