About an hour’s drive from Melbourne along The Great Ocean Road, a day trip to Geelong will have you marvelling at the city’s sun-kisssed waterfront precinct and its whimsical artwork before sampling craft beers and local wines from the Geelong wine region.

Geelong’s easy proximity to Avalon Airport makes it a popular choice among travellers, and the smooth, uncongested drive from Melbourne’s city centre is another welcome feature.

Travel tip: AirAsia passengers get access to exclusive perks on the Avalon City Express Skybus, these include free travel from December 5-12, 2018, and special fares of AUD$19.50 (one way) and AUD$37 (round-trip) from December 13, 2018 to February 2, 2019.

Stop for a picnic at the Brisbane Ranges National Park along the way or enjoy a hot cup of coffee at the 19th century-built heritage building known as the Mansion at Werribee Park.  

Proof of the city’s shared love affair with art, Geelong’s waterfront is peppered with cleverly-placed installations and sculptures that reflect the quirky personality of their surroundings.

Feast your eyes on the colourful Baywalk Bollards or the 'Cargo Boxes' display by artists Maggie Fookes and Bill Perrin.

Take your artistic adventures a step further by paying a visit to Geelong Gallery, one of Australia’s oldest regional galleries. The street art scene has not gone unnoticed, as shown at the Powerhouse Museum: a beautiful space to see artwork by Australia’s top street artists.

The Bellarine is situated about 30 minutes from Geelong, famous for its verdant vineyards, peaceful coastal villages and stunning bay views. 

Go on what’s known as the Bellarine Taste Trail and discover why this coastal getaway is a veritable foodie’s paradise. Savour as many farm-to-table treats as you can, from gourmet cheese and fresh berries to fresh seafood cooked at an artisan smokehouse like The Bellarine Smoked Fish Co. 

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Make it a point to visit the Bellarine Community Farmers Market to show your support for local growers and small food businesses. On the first and third Sundays of each month, head over to the South Geelong Farmers Market for an authentic experience of Geelong’s gourmet and artisan food culture.

Again, the Bellarine Peninsula is famed for its eclectic restaurants, cafés and wineries. Explore one-of-a-kind experiences with degustation dining at The Q Train on the historic Bellarine Railway, or take in idyllic views while you eat at upbeat eateries like Merne At Lighthouse in Drysdale or 360Q at the Queenscliff marina.

There are golf courses, hot springs, and more exotic wineries to be enjoyed at the Mornington Peninsula, a breezy beachside spot about an hour’s drive from Melbourne.

Mornington Peninsula is home Victoria’s first natural thermal mineral springs and day spa, Peninsula Hot Springs, a perfect place to relax and unwind from the long drive. If you’re not one to tire from exploring vineyards, Mornington Peninsula has around 170 of them, many of which offer top-notch fine dining experiences culminated from the best local ingredients.

The Yarra Valley is a sanctuary for nature-lovers, renowned for its leafy walking trails and equally verdant winding roads traversing vineyards, villages and national parks and art museums.  

While you’re here, trade the road trip for a different mode of transportation altogether (at least temporarily) and take an early morning hot air balloon flight to enjoy panoramic views of the valley and surrounding forests before sitting down to a hearty breakfast in one of the nearby wineries.