20+ places to go within 2 hours drive of Melbourne on a budget

Do you want to experience Victoria on a budget?

See the list below for places which are practically free to visit all within 2 hours drive of Melbourne.

Bayside 20 min from Melbourne, Bayside is a good place to unwind. Feel the buzz of St Kilda Esplanade Swim safely outside Elwood Life Saving club beach Dream of owning one of the famous beach boxes at Brighton Beach Window Shop through Church street Brighton

Mornington Peninsula A perfect weekend drive 1.5hours from Melbourne will take you to the picturesque Mornington Peninsula Swim in the crystal clear waters in Dromana Beach View Mornington Peninsula from Arthurs Seat lookout Learn about the Marine History in Cape Schanck

Gippsland Would you like a taste of the country? 1.5-2hours out of Melbourne, Gippsland has lots of opportunities to rest. Shell fossicking on Smith's beach Phillip Island Take a wander down along the main street in Cowes Take your Boogie Board with you to Woolamai Beach Visit the country town of Wonthaggi Bathe in the shallow waters of Inverloch Enjoy the coastal walks Bunurong Coastal Reserve Majestic falls including Anges Falls, Cyathea Falls and the beauty of Toorongo Falls in Noojee

Yarra Ranges Are nature walks more your style. Yarra Ranges has plenty to chose from grand views across Melbourne. Cora Lynn Falls, Snobs Creek Falls and Steavenson Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Victoria. Coffee and a wander along the eclectic shops of Belgrave. Watching an electric storm approaching from Sky Heights Mount Dandenong Conquering the Kokoda 1,000 steps in Upwey

This is a quick list of my favorites. Visit Victoria has even more to choose from.

If you have a favorite destination within 2 hours of Melbourne, please comment below.