This was published 5 months ago

No petrol needed: The Victorian holiday spots you can get to by train

April 10, 2026 - 12.38am

Taking a day trip or weekend away doesn't have to mean overpriced tanks of petrol or slow-moving drives in freeway traffic.

One of the best things about Victoria is its extensive rail network, meaning you can jump on a train in Melbourne and zoom straight to the heart of a new town or city.

And with free train travel until the end of April, now is the best time to start exploring Victoria.

Here are the best destinations that are just a short train trip from Melbourne, whether you're escaping for the day or taking a few nights away.

Bendigo

Distance from Melbourne: 2 hours

Calling all foodies – this is the place for you. Bendigo is almost like a mini Melbourne - without the stress and bustle - and was recently named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for its thriving food culture.

View gallery

The absolute best places to park your campervan in Victoria

Start your day with a walk from the station to Rosalind Park, explore the city's Chinese heritage at the Golden Dragon Museum, or take a "talking tram" through the city. You can also head underground at the Central Deborah Gold Mine.

Must-eat spots include The Woodhouse for premium steak, Terrae at Hotel Ernest for seasonal local produce, and The Dispensary for craft drinks and locally sourced modern dining.

Castlemaine

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour 30 minutes

This town in the Goldfields region is a creative town popular with artists, giving it a quirky-but-cool vibe.

The Mill Castlemaine is right across from the station - an old woollen mill turned into a precinct for vintage markets, coffee, and local artisans. Don't miss the Botanical Gardens or the Victorian Goldfields Railway, a steam train that runs to Maldon.

Castlemaine is also one of Australia's top destinations for cheese lovers.

Belgrave

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour 20 minutes

A historic town and gateway to the Dandenong Ranges, Belgrave is a fern-filled paradise tucked into the rolling hills.

The station where you'll arrive is also the starting point for the world-famous Puffing Billy Steam Railway, which travels through scenic fern gullies and forests.

You can also explore the independent shops and cafes in the village or hike through the towering mountain ash trees in Sherbrooke Forest.

Kyneton

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour 10 minutes

This town is a foodie's paradise, with a heavy focus on "paddock-to-plate" dining, celebrated restaurants and cool cocktail bars.

The main street is lined with historic bluestone buildings, and manages to be both sophisticated while quietly rural - it's the ultimate long lunch destination, and thanks to the train, no one has to drive.

Head straight to Piper Street, the town's historic main drag, which is lined with award-winning restaurants, antique shops, and gin distilleries.

Traralgon

Distance from Melbourne: 2 hours 15 minutes

Traralgon is known as the largest, fastest-growing city in Victoria's Latrobe Valley and the entertainment capital of the Gippsland region. It is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, dining scene, and tree-lined streets.

Explore the Victory Park gardens, visit the Latrobe Regional Gallery, or use it as a base to explore the nearby Tarra-Bulga National Park, which you can get to by bus.

Traralgon offers a great mix of big-city amenities with Gippsland's lush green rolling hills just a few minutes away.

Warragul

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour 30 minutes

Hop off the train to explore this picturesque, thriving dairy-country town surrounded by some of the greenest hills you'll ever see. The station is right in the centre of town - visit the West Gippsland Arts Centre, stroll through the boutique shops, or walk the Linear Park Arts Discovery Trail.

Bring a cooler bag as you'll no doubt want to stock up on plenty of local produce while you're here.

Warrnambool

Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours 30 minutes

This rugged, beautiful coastal city is at the end of the line, where the country meets the Southern Ocean, and you can connect to the iconic Great Ocean Road.

It's one of the few places where you can take a train directly to the coast, and the view of the ocean as you arrive is spectacular.

And it was named the Victorian Top Tourism Town in 2025.

Walk to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village to learn about shipwrecks, or head to Logans Beach (in winter) to spot whales from the shore. The Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground is also a huge draw for families.