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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A true hidden gem, the picturesque Moorabool Valley makes for a relaxing and rewarding long weekend escape.
With its undulating hills and vineyards, the Moorabool Valley is both a beautiful sight and a generous mix of things to do and discover. Expect boutique wineries, farm-to-table eateries, charming accommodation and stunning natural scenery.
The best part? Despite its many drawcards, the region is peaceful and uncrowded, allowing you to truly switch off. It’s also only 90 minutes from Melbourne and just west of Geelong, making it an easy and accessible getaway when you’ve only got a few days to spare.
If you’re after a ready-made long weekend itinerary, the Moorabool Valley and Geelong make an ideal pairing.
Day 1
Morning
Create your own signature scent. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Start your day in central Geelong, in one of the city’s most cosmopolitan locales. The inner suburb of Newtown is leafy and vibrant, with a host of cafes, boutiques, galleries and specialty stores.
Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances is a must-visit if you’re a fragrance enthusiast. The artisan perfumer hosts hands-on workshops on weekends, when you can create your own signature scent from a selection of botanical and exotic essences. Beyond being a unique experience, the perfume is a personalised memento of your escape.
Afternoon
Head to Austin’s Wines for a relaxed, seasonal lunch.
Now it’s time to head to the Moorabool Valley for a weekend of tasting, wandering and unwinding.
Stop into Austin’s Wines for a light and seasonal lunch. The family-run winery offers a casual menu filled with locally sourced foods for snacking and pairing with their cool-climate wines – think grazing and cheese boards, flatbreads and small plates. Make sure to pick up a bottle of Austin’s signature pinot noir to take home.
While boutique accommodation abounds, Blame Mabel is a favourite – and for good reason. Check in after lunch for sweeping views over the surrounding hills, a collection of thoughtfully designed accommodation and a distinctly rustic charm. It offers a genuine country stay that allows you to really slow down. If you’re not sampling at the onsite cellar door, you’ll be spending your downtime exploring the property and your evenings warming up around a crackling open fire.
Night
Settle in for a memorable dinner. (Image: Batesford Hotel)
Dinner at the historic Batesford Hotel is a must. This welcoming venue offers country character and refined elegance in equal measure, and the food is a standout.
Order a round of share plates or pizzas with creative toppings, or go for hearty mains like slow-cooked lamb rump with ancient grains and ricotta gnocchi that melts in your mouth. If you’re travelling with little ones, the kids’ menu is surprisingly considered, with options to suit even the pickiest eaters.
Day 2
Morning
Dig into a homestyle feast. (Image: Meredith Farm Store)
It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll wake up at Blame Mabel feeling rested and recharged – and very ready for a proper breakfast.
The Meredith Farm Store is a go-to for a homestyle feast. The morning menu is simple but seriously delicious, with classics like smashed avo, Turkish eggs and breakfast muffins given a Meredith twist. Many of the dishes incorporate the farm’s famed dairy products (including the iconic goat cheese) and seasonal produce.
Pick up some sweet and savoury treats and a few drinks from the shop to fuel the rest of your day – you’re about to explore on foot.
Afternoon
Hit the trails and explore rugged beauty.
Your afternoon is best spent in the rugged Brisbane Ranges National Park, a sprawling bushland reserve with Victoria’s most significant habitat for wildflowers. Choose from a network of walks and hikes that range from relatively flat trails to more challenging terrain.
You can expect plenty of gorgeous scenery whichever path you opt for, with eucalypt forests, rocky outcrops and panoramic lookouts throughout the park. There are also several scenic picnic spots where you can savour your Meredith Farm bounty.
Night
Cosy up by the fireplace with a charcuterie board. (Image: Sarah Miles)
A busy day of exploring calls for a relaxed evening in, and Blame Mabel delivers. Whether you’re staying in the restored farmhouse, the cosy self-contained cabin or the communal lodge, you’ll have access to ample cooking facilities and plenty of cosy corners to unwind in after dark.
Finish the evening with a round of board games, cosying up with a good book from the well-stocked bookshelf or a soak in the outdoor tub under a sky thick with stars.
Day 3
Morning
On your third and final day, you’ll want to soak up the quiet beauty of your surrounds. After being woken by the soft glow of morning sunlight, enjoy a lazy breakfast of freshly collected and cooked eggs or build-your-own muesli and creamy yoghurt, paired with seasonal produce from the garden.
Once you’ve packed, ease back towards Geelong for a relaxed afternoon.
Afternoon
Take home freshly baked treats. (Image: Paddock Bakery)
Pop by the Geelong Vintage Market to wander rows upon rows of collectable retro treasures, from furniture and home decor to books and vinyl.
To wrap up your long weekend adventure, wander through the surrounding Federal Mills precinct, which houses a mix of businesses, retailers and eateries. The precinct itself is a historic and character-filled space with large-scale hand-painted murals, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Grab some freshly baked pastries from Paddock Bakery for the drive home.
