Reset in Geelong, Grampians, the Goldfields and and beyond with these unforgettable weekend getaways in Victoria.
From snowy alpine ranges and rugged coastlines to electrifying cities and heritage gold rush towns, Victoria’s locales are as diverse as they are delightful. Discover why these spots make the cut among the top weekend escapes in Victoria.
A slow few days exploring the Murrindindi Shire
Villa Minto is a luxury stay on a working flower farm. (Credit: Saskia K Photography)
What? An hour north-east of Melbourne, Murrindindi Shire (or Dindi, as the locals call it) is an underrated escape of boutique stays, passionate producers and nature-filled adventures.
Tell me more: Spend the weekend hopping between local cellar doors, artisan stores and hidden natural wonders across Dindi. Check into the luxurious Villa Minto on a working flower farm, browse sustainable homewares at Dindi Naturals, savour woodfired pizzas at Bonfire Station and spot platypus along the Yea Wetlands.
A lazy long weekend in the Bellarine
Don’t miss a seaside stroll along Geelong’s waterfront.
Born & Bread is a favourite local spot for fresh loaves and pastries.
What? Just over an hour’s drive or ferry trip south-west of Melbourne, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula are all about long lunches and seaside strolls.
Tell me more: Ease into the weekend with a walk or cycle along Geelong’s foreshore before settling in for a pint at Pavilion Geelong. Then explore the colourful collections at Geelong Gallery or hunt for vintage treasures at The Amazing Mill Markets – making sure to squeeze in a stop at Ket Baker or Born & Bread Bakehouse for fluffy leavened goods. From there, head to the tranquil river beaches of Barwon Heads on the Bellarine, where a relaxed lunch by the water is all but mandatory.
A nature reset in a Grampians tiny house
Savour your way through a Gariwerd/Grampians escape at Nook On The Hill. (Credit: Mark Watson)
What? A reboot in nature for those who appreciate good design with a lashing of the great outdoors.
Tell me more:Nook On The Hill is a handcrafted sustainable tiny house located in the foothills of Grampians National Park, just a 10-minute drive from Halls Gap and three hours west of Melbourne. This lovingly designed space offers the ultimate slow escape in nature.
Wilderness close to home in Wilsons Promontory
Admire the views from Mt Oberon Summit in Wilsons Promontory. (Credit: Emily Godfrey)
What? The southernmost tip of mainland Australia, Wilsons Promontory is a grand sweep of coastal bushland and granite-framed beaches you’ll fall madly in love with.
Tell me more: While just 2.5 hours from Melbourne by car, Wilsons Promontory in South Gippsland makes for one of the top weekend getaways in Victoria; it feels worlds away from civilisation with its vast beaches, plentiful wildlife and wildflowers in spring. Bring your tent or caravan and explore its natural wonders, from Whisky Bay and Tidal River to the Mt Oberon Summit.
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A Melbourne staycation at Hannah St Hotel
The interiors at Hannah St Hotel are bold and bright.
What? Melbourne’s hottest new address, Hannah St Hotel distils the best of the city into one quintessential stay.
Tell me more: With a bold personality and richly layered design by Flack Studio, Hannah St Hotel is a microcosm of Melbourne. Get your caffeine fix at its streetside coffee window before venturing out to explore – part of Southbank, the hotel is positioned at the crossroads of the CBD, the Yarra River, South Melbourne and the Arts Precinct – then dine inhouse at Coupette Corner Bistro & Bar.
A food-driven getaway in Trentham
Tuck into an intimate, French farmhouse-style dinner at Du Fermier.
What? A charming country town where acclaimed restaurants, artisan bakeries and cosy pubs have created one of regional Victoria’s leading foodie destinations.
Tell me more: Eat your way through town with stops at RedBeard Bakery, Trentham General and the much-loved du Fermier restaurant. Break up the indulgence by browsing art galleries and homewares stores or strolling to nearby Trentham Falls, then finish with a local pinot noir or craft beer at the beautifully restored Cosmopolitan Hotel.
Three unique nights along the Great Ocean Road
Basalt Retreat is located on a vineyard. (Credit: Ample Co/Brook James)
The Monty is a refurbed motel.
What? A Great Ocean Road trip built for slowing down together, that runs the ‘wrong way’ from Port Fairy and back towards Torquay.
Tell me more: Break up the iconic drive with three very different stays. Near Port Fairy, Basalt Retreat offers adults-only cabins amid a 24-year-old vineyard. Then at Cape Otway, Sky Pods’ architecturally designed units sit on the edge of an 80-hectare private wildlife refuge with sweeping Southern Ocean views and perfect stargazing conditions – kangaroos included. Finish your journey at The Monty in Anglesea, a delightfully restored retro motel with Palm Springs polish, for a final night to toast the trip.
A heritage dash to Ballarat
Find creativity in Ballarat’s back streets.
What? This old gold-mining town turned thriving regional hub abounds in historic streetscapes and cultural experiences.
Tell me more: Check into the boutique Hotel Vera, where rooms pop with colour, then head out for a lap of the swan-studded Lake Wendouree. The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s Backspace Gallery is a must for aesthetes, while Sovereign Hill is an open-air history museum depicting the years following the discovery of gold in Ballarat.
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Soak, sleep and repeat at The Sanctuary at Alba
Check into The Sanctuary for a soul-warming stay
on the Mornington Peninsula.
Savour tasty meals
at Thyme restaurant.
What? Five luxury villas and two studios tucked away by the sea on the Mornington Peninsula offer guests a bathhouse-adjacent stay unlike any other.
Tell me more: Combine daily access to Alba Thermal Springs & Spa with an indulgent stay in the bathhouse’s luxury accommodation at The Sanctuary. Features include an oversized stone bathtub (in select villas), indoor log fireplace set by the concierge come evening and an extensive all-inclusive minibar (minus champagne, cocktails and spirits) that champions local businesses. Top it all off with dinner and breakfast onsite in your bathrobes at Thyme restaurant, and you’ll see why a stay is one of the most relaxing weekend getaways in Victoria.
A literary love affair in Clunes
Wander the charming streets of Clunes.
What? Australia’s first International Booktown just beyond Ballarat is home to a diverse collection of independent bookshops, cosy cafes and quiet outdoor spaces – ideal for bookworms with a touch of wanderlust.
Tell me more: Spend a peaceful weekend browsing shelves stacked with everything from vintage Australiana and rare collectables to new releases and second-hand editions, which can be read over coffee in one of the town’s charming cafes. Time your visit with the annual Clunes Booktown Festival (20–21 March 2027), when the streets fill with authors, readers and more than 100 booksellers.
A snow-to-surf tour
The Great Australian Snow to Surf Adventure offers the best of both worlds.
What? Wild Adventures Melbourne offers a best-of-both-worlds itinerary bound to shake you out of the everyday.
Tell me more:The Great Australian Snow to Surf Adventure is a five-day, four-night tour that takes you from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Hotham in the Australian Alps to the waves of the Gippsland coast, delivering adventure lovers a small-but-mighty action-packed itinerary.
A heritage escape to Maldon
Maldon retains its 19th-century gold mining streetscape aesthetic.
What? This well-preserved gold-rush town offers a glimpse into Victoria’s past through its heritage streetscapes, historic landmarks and vintage-style experiences.
Tell me more: Wander past ornate Victorian shopfronts before visiting the Beehive Mine Chimney and climbing Mount Tarrengower for panoramic views across the surrounding countryside. Refuel with a pie or vanilla slice from the historic Maldon Bakery, browse antique stores and galleries and explore the walking trails of nearby Maldon Historic Reserve. Don’t miss a nostalgic steam train ride to Castlemaine abord the Victorian Goldfields Railway.
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Imogen Eveson is Australian Traveller’s Print Editor. She was named Editor of the Year at the 2024 Mumbrella Publish Awards and in 2023, was awarded the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) Australia’s Media Award. Before joining Australian...
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From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.
1. Festival of Sails
The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)
When: 24–26 January Where: Melbourne and Geelong
This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.
2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)
When: 31 January – 1 February Where: The Bellarine Peninsula
Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.
3. Riverboats Music Festival
The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.
When: 13–15 February Where: Echuca–Moama
Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival. Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.
4. Neerim ArtsFest
Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)
When: 28 February – 15 March Where: Gippsland
This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.
5. ChillOut Festival
Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.
When: 5–9 March Where: Daylesford
Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival. This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.
6. Port Fairy Folk Festival
Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)
When: 6–9 March Where: Port Fairy
In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.
7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival
Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.
When: 7–9 March Where: Ballarat
In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.
8. The Bendigo Easter Festival
The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.
When: 3–6 April Where: Bendigo
Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.
9. Grape Escape
Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)
When: 1–3 May Where: The Grampians
Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.
10. Comedy in the Vines
Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)
When: 24–26 October Where: Yarra Valley
The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines, held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.
