Mount Dandenong

 The Dandenongs is a great example of the classic Aussie bush that you can experience without even leaving Melbourne.

You'll need at least a half day to do this trip. I drive to get there. Getting there is pretty self explanatory - just make your way to the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, which goes through Ferntree Gully and Mount Dandenong.

You can stop anywhere along the way and there are a number of hikes accessible from the road. Take a walk through the dry bush and gum trees.

There's plenty of places to picnic, and if you do, keep an eye out for the colourful Australian parrots (like the red-bellied Rosellas). They tend to flock towards the picnic tables waiting for leftovers, so you should be able to see a few. There will be signs requesting that you not feed the birds.

Along the drive there will be restaurants and cafes to eat at too, still being in the suburbia of Melbourne. If you want to drive further East out of Melbourne, you could venture to the Yarra Valley for morning tea or lunch, and return via Mount Dandenong. If doing both in one day, keep in mind that many wineries in the Yarra Valley close as early as 3-4pm.