Best Weekend Breaks in Victoria | Australian Traveller

A weekend in Victoria offers the chance to indulge in the state’s best bits including fresh country air and heritage charm. Here, the best weekends away in Victoria for your hit list.

Loch

Located in the rolling, lush farming countryside of South Gippsland in ‘Prom Country’, Loch is the kind of delightful small town that Victoria does as stock-and-trade.

An easy drive from Melbourne, the township was bypassed back in 2008, which led to a revival of quaint here. The main street is infinitely strollable, passing by small shops filled with antiques and collectibles and cosy cafes like Udder & Hoe.

Udder & Hoe, Loch.

Basing yourself in Loch also allows you to sample the wares of the craft breweries, distilleries and wineries that thrive in the area.

The quaint town of Loch is the heart of Gippsland.

Dunkeld

With a population that hovers well under the 1000 mark, Dunkeld is a picture-perfect town that is also a gateway to the impressive scenery and nature of the Southern Grampians.

Divide your days into nature-based pursuits in the morning like hiking the mammoth forms of Wurgarri (Mt Sturgeon), Mud-Dadjug (Mt Abrupt) or Bainggug (the Piccaninny) to absorb panoramic views of the Southern Grampian range, and then spend the afternoon wandering the Dunkeld Arboretum walking track and browsing the shops along the main street before retiring to the Royal Mail Hotel to sample its acclaimed menu (you can – and should – stay here, too).

Clunes

This former gold rush town in Hepburn Shire holds the distinction of being an internationally recognised Book Town, one of only 15 in the world along with the likes of Montereggio in Italy and Ingstrup in Denmark.

The title comes into its own with the staging of the annual book festival; this year’s month-long Turn the Page event will see author talks, panel discussions and workshops held over two weekends in May.

Outside of this, the town is a gem to discover, with much of its gold rush architecture – such as the Clunes Town Hall – wonderfully preserved.

Clune’s Town Hall, Victoria.

Mildura

Sitting proudly on the mighty Murray River near its junction with the Darling, the fertile soils around Mildura have earned it an enviable reputation for fruit growing, from the juicy citrus variety to the ones you can make seriously good wine out of.

Sample the fruits of the city’s labour (pun intended) at any of the restaurants and bars dotted along Langtree Avenue, or go straight to the source at the cellar doors, farm gates and roadside stalls scattered throughout the region.

Fuel up on coffee and bagels slathered with local avocado at Nash Lane before riding one of the vintage paddle steamers that cruise the distinctive brown waters of the Murray.

Nash Lane, Mildura.

Metung

The peaceful waterfront village of Metung is a bit of a secret gem of the East Gippsland region for interstaters, but Victorians love it come holiday time.

Find out what they know by visiting to soak up the lazy village atmosphere, swim, fish and boat its calm waters and enjoy the local produce and fresh seafood that is in plentiful supply; plan your trip to coincide with the farmers’ market, held on the second Saturday of the month.

Finish each day here walking the boardwalk before scoring a table at a nearby café with a glass of something dry and fruity in hand.

Metung on the Gippsland Lakes.

Halls Gap

If your idea of the perfect weekend away involves less lounging and more adrenalin, then Halls Gap is for you.

Right in the heart of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, days here can be filled with everything from abseiling to bushwalking, rock climbing and cycling, before heading back to the village for great coffee and food at any of its cafes and restaurants.

Lookout over Halls Gap.

For those who like to take things a bit slower, try a Grampians wine tour or discover the Aboriginal rock art at Gulgurn Manja that tells the stories of the local Jarwadjali people.

Play ‘Paper Scissors Rock’ to determine designated driver before visiting the microbrewery of the same name and checking into your dinky Dulc cabin.

Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co., Halls Gap.

A dinky Dulc cabin in Halls Gap.

Queenscliff

The history and attractions of the Bellarine Peninsula town of Queenscliff belie its size and general laid-back demeanour.

Its position at the entrance to Port Phillip bestowed the town with strategic importance in times gone by, leaving behind a historic fort that you can visit as part of a guided tour, and its distinctive black stone lighthouse – Queenscliff High Light – which is one of only three black lighthouses in the world.

Weekenders should also tick off a visit to the town’s pier, built in 1884, a shopping expedition around its galleries and antique shops, and a snorkelling expedition to swim with the sea lions that dash and dart through the waters offshore.

Queenscliff streetscape.

Trentham

Another gem of a town in Hepburn Shire, Trentham boasts lovely tree-lined streets and a thriving local food scene.

The latter is not surprising considering the rich volcanic soil of the Great Dividing Range is the perfect base for growing all manner of produce – from chestnuts to olives and fruit. But it is the humble spud that is the star here, with many considering Trentham potatoes to be the best around.

The town also has an award-winning bakery – Red Beard Bakery – that produces crunchy, tangy sourdough you are going to want to take away with you.

While here, make time to walk to Trentham Falls – it will help work off the bread and potatoes!

Healesville

This Yarra Valley town and its surrounds are home to a divergent roster of attractions, from verdant national parks to manicured vineyards to a statement-making art gallery with a sharp, modern design that sits in pleasing contrast to the rolling hills of the countryside it looks out at.

Plan to fill a few days here by sampling all of these: wander through the Rainforest Gallery in Yarra Ranges National Park and climb the stairs to its vertiginous observation platform; hit up the cellar doors at TarraWarra Estate and nearby Oakridge Wines; spend an hour or two browsing the art at TarraWarra Museum of Art.

And, while you are in town, it would be remiss of you not to pop into Four Pillars Distillery, which has put the Victorian township on the gin map.

Melbourne

Melbourne has long topped the list as an ideal city to dash to for a quick break filled with shopping, eating and exploring.

Add headlining sporting events, abundant galleries and museums and big-name theatre productions and you still haven’t scratched the surface.

The best thing to do is book a flight now and add to the list yourself.

The Mornington Peninsula’s newest bathhouse just became a complete wellness destination with the addition of The Sanctuary.

It’s a quiet luxury mood board come to life. That’s my first thought when I enter the brand-new villa. It’s one of five perched at the highest point of the 15-hectare property that’s also home to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa. I remember meeting Kadi Morrisson, Alba’s Director of Sales & Marketing, at an industry event in 2024 as she excitedly revealed the renders of what was to become the luxury accommodation I’m now standing in. I can see that her excitement was completely warranted. This retreat is something special.

Location

The Sanctuary is located in the seaside town of Fingal on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Supplied)

Tucked away on an idyllic seaside pocket of land in the Mornington Peninsula, The Sanctuary accommodation is the newest addition to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a 15-hectare bathhouse and wellness sanctuary fed by the region’s underground mineral springs. The seaside town of Sorrento, as well as world-class restaurants, wineries and pristine beaches, is all minutes away. It’s also an easy 90-minute drive south from Melbourne Airport, making it within reach of an interstate wellness weekend getaway.

Rooms and villas

The Sanctuary’s five luxurious stand-alone villas and two additional studio rooms opened in June 2025. I’m staying in one of three villas that feature an en suite with an oversized stone bathtub set in front of a floor-to-ceiling glass wall (villas 1-3 only). It means I’m treated to expansive views of the bay and native bushland while soaking in Alba’s signature bath salts – a blend of native Australian botanicals, moisturising oils and mineral-rich salts. Aesop amenities are also supplied in the shower and bathroom.

Glass doors open onto a private deck from the en suite and bedroom; the perfect place to sit with a cheese board and wine at the end of the day to watch the sunset or to stargaze come nightfall. And if you’re feeling in the mood for a stretch come morning, make use of the provided yoga mats and salute the sun at daybreak.

My second-favourite addition (after the bath) is the indoor log fireplace that is set of an evening by the concierge (they can be called to add another log before 10pm as needed). Listening to the crackle of the fire from the comfort of the king bed makes drifting off to sleep a breeze.

Find wine from 10 Minutes by Tractor in the villa’s bar. (Image: Supplied)

The extensive all-inclusive (minus champagne, cocktails and spirits) mini bar champions local businesses with wine from Ten Minutes by Tractor, St Andrews Beach Brewery beer, Peninsula Cold Press Juice Co. and Alba’s Signature tea. Snacks include Chappy’s kettle cooked chips, Choca Mama peanut brittle, pretzels and nude nuts. As well as still and sparkling water and T2 tea. An Illy coffee machine and pods are also included.

Style and character

Local design studio KWD in Mt Martha crafted the interiors from a soothing palette of muted hues – think every shade of cream imaginable. I’m greeted by soft afternoon light leaking through the chiffon curtains; it makes me feel like I’m sinking into a cafe latte-inspired dream. With accents of wood and black metal, as well as exquisite design details like the subtle silver sheath covering the bedside lights, this is understated luxury at its best. I never want to leave.

Facilities

Undoubtedly, one of the major drawcards of a stay at The Sanctuary is inclusive access to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa for each day of your stay, plus you get to enjoy one upgrade to a private pool (The Terrace, The Clouds or The Salts). Concierge transfers via buggy between your villa and the springs are also available – but it’s an easy walk if you don’t mind the hill up to the villas.

Alba Thermal Springs and Spa

The Terrace at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa

The Terrace is one of the private pools at Alba that guests get access to once during their stay. (Image: Supplied)

Opening in 2024, Alba’s pools and landscape architecture were designed by MALA Studio. The team transformed the expansive property into six regions through the thoughtful curation of over 60,000 native and endemic plants.

There are 34 pools, a mix of geothermal, cold plunge and herbal-infused botanical, that range in temperature and design – some to create a feeling of seclusion, while others invite social connection – all fed by natural geothermal mineral waters that flow from 550 metres below ground. I gravitate towards The Hemisphere, with its dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge and dreamy open-air pool called The Hide. I leave my robe at the entrance, slip into the sunken geothermal pool and immediately feel the tension from my travels melting away.

Inside, Alba has 22 spa treatment rooms, including a steam room, Vichy shower, and single or double massage rooms with a spa menu designed to renew, repair and recalibrate guests. The wristband that acts as a key to your villa also gives you access to the change room and bathhouse – just speak to reception on arrival. In addition to lockers and showers, the change rooms also feature a clever swimsuit drying spinner – I find this makes for a more comfortable dining experience (more on that below) in your robe minus wet swimmers.

Thyme Restaurant

Breakfast at Thyme by the springs is included. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Breakfast is included at the in-house restaurant Thyme throughout your stay. I opt for yoghurt panna cotta with toasted house granola topped with local honeycomb, fermented blueberries and berries. But I admit to having FOMO when I see my husband’s choice of poached eggs, Adelaide Hills bacon, layered thyme potato with roasted mushroom and fresh sourdough arrive at the table. Barista-made Little Rebel coffee, smoothies and cold-pressed juices, as well as tea, are also included.

The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the springs. It’s strongly encouraged to dine in the provided robe, which means you can easily go from soaking in the pool to dining and back again without needing to change.

Both The Sanctuary breakfast menu and The House menu for lunch and dinner were created by award-winning chef Karen Martini, with head chef Mario Di Natale at the helm. Expect fresh, healthy and flavour-driven dishes made with sustainability in mind. For dinner, my husband and I ordered the tuna crudo, scallop and prawn wontons for entrées and roasted cod and sake-braised beef short rib for mains to share with seasonal greens.

Does The Sanctuary have access for guests with disabilities?

The pools at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa are designed to welcome all guests, and a full accessible studio is part of The Sanctuary.

Is The Sanctuary family-friendly?

Guests of all ages are welcome at The Sanctuary, and rollaway beds or cots can be provided upon request. The springs require adult supervision for children aged under 16, and the private pools and spa are reserved for visitors aged 16 and over only. However, I didn’t see any children during my visit.

Details

Best for: A romantic retreat or indulgent girls’ weekend away

Address: 282 Browns Rd, Fingal, Victoria

Room rate: Prices start at $1300 per night for two guests in a Villa with bath, $1150 for Villa without bath.

Tips for visiting Alba Thermal Springs and Spa:

1. Pack waterproof footwear so you don’t have to walk on the cold paths barefoot (plus, footwear is required inside the restaurant).

2. Phones and smartwatches are not permitted – leave them in your locker or room.

3. The minerals in the water can cause jewellery to tarnish; lock them away in the in-room safe.

4. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at the drinking fountains – you will dehydrate quickly in the pools and saunas.

Ultimate weekends away in Victoria