More than anything, people love to go on trips to get away from it all, even for just a day. The stresses of daily living, as well as the pressures of work often get too much for one human being to handle and coupled with the roller coaster motions of the economy, it is no surprise they just can’t wait for the weekend to come, pack their bags and hie off to the nearest sanctuary.

Melbourne is known as the cultural capital of Australia, and this is due to the fact that the “most liveable city in the world” teems with art galleries, film festivals, stage productions and all year round concerts and exhibitions. This city also comes alive with a vibrant music scene and a formidable food, coffee and wine culture that never fails to amaze. Many people also make Melbourne a part of their yearly trips due to particular events like the Melbourne International Film Festival held in August, the International Art Festival held in October and the Melbourne Comedy Festival in April.

In addition to a welcome dose of culture, sports enthusiasts can also get their fill of adrenalin rush with the Australian Rules football, which is more of a religion than a pastime. Then there’s also the Melbourne Cup, the city’s most popular horse racing competition, so popular that they even made a holiday out of it every first Tuesday of November. And in case you had any doubts about how much sports are a passion in Melbourne, check out the National Sports Museum, which is Australia’s only multi-sports museum.

To say that Melbourne has something for everybody is not an exaggeration but a statement of a fact. Aside from culture and sports, day trips from Melbourne also boasts of breathtaking scenery that immediately relaxes you as soon as you set your eyes on them. The lush greenery surrounding Yarra Valley inspires people and improves their perspective so that even after only visiting for a day, you feel refreshed and renewed. Only a 45-minute drive from Melbourne, those who love to explore and possess an extraordinary sense of adventure will find the various parks of Yarra city a joy to see, particularly the Alphington Park, the Coat Park and Rudder Range, the Koori Gardens and of course, the main Yarra Trail which gives glimpses of the city’s rich aboriginal past. Of course, a main attraction would be the famous wineries that surround the Valley, where you can instantly get a taste of the finer things in life, a sip of some of the most excellent wines in the world.

Another amazing experience you won’t want to miss on day trips from Melbourne would be a visit to the Healesville Sanctuary, which is home to many of Australia’s unique and indigenous animals, all bred in a natural, lush bush land setting. It is one zoo trip that lets you actually get close to the animals and experience what it feels like to have them eat out of your hand and with over 200 species to see, boredom is something you will never feel here.

Going away nowadays always means you will come back a new person, and nothing makes you feel that more than day trips from Melbourne. So go ahead, book a trip, pack your bags and be on your way.