It’s good to get away from it all, but going on holiday can be really tricky, especially with the cost of living right now. And while we might not have enough annual leave for an overseas holiday, a weekend getaway feels a lot more achievable. According to research from Airbnb, three in four working Australians aren’t taking regular holidays, and nearly 70 per cent of Aussie travellers would like to be more spontaneous with future travel. Quick weekends away can help travellers take a break from the daily grind, feel more present, and reduce the likelihood of burnout. And if you’re itching for some time off, Airbnb has some recommendations for the Top Weekending Spots in Victoria.
Make 2026 the ‘Year of Weekending’
Unfortunately for us, Airbnb has named Victoria as the most time-poor state, with 91 per cent of workers struggling to take long term leave. Making the most out of your weekend by going on a short trip around the state might be enough to switch out your routine and help you feel refreshed.
“Living repetitive cycles of work and family life without taking regular breaks can cause temporal compression, or a sense that your life is speeding up as days blend together, impacting our mental and emotional wellbeing,” said psychologist Sabrina Read. “Two to four days of novel experience is enough to shift your brain back into active memory making, increasing levels of life satisfaction and fulfilment.”
The Top Weekending Spots in Victoria, according to Airbnb
The team at Airbnb have named Warrnambool and Inverloch as the best spots for a weekend away, based on what they have to offer, as well as their distance from Melbourne. These two coastal towns provide a great summer escape, with scenic views, outdoor adventures and awesome history.
Warrnambool
Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours
Last year, Warrnambool was named as the Top Tourism Town in Victoria. Go for a walk or ride your bike through some stunning locations like the Botanical Gardens. Check out one of the many beaches nearby, such as Childers Cove, and look out for whales in winter at Logans Beach. Experience a bit of history at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and stick around in the evening for their spectacular Sound and Light Show. If you need to unwind, you can’t go wrong with a blissful soak at Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs. For more nature, go a little further to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve.
For a weekend away, Airbnb has recommended places to stay like this luxury home and this Honey Flower House.
Inverloch
Distance from Melbourne: 2 hours
Nestled between Phillip Island and Wilsons Prom, you’ll find the popular seaside destination, Inverloch. This coastal gem is packed with walking trails and beaches. If you don’t feel like swimming or surfing, go on an expedition to The Caves beach, and see the Dinosaur Dreaming dig site, where over 15,00 bones, teeth and fossils of small dinosaurs were discovered. Continue further west to see Eagle’s Nest, a rugged rock formation on the coast. After a day outdoors, relax in one of the buzzing restaurants and cafes. While you’re in town, check out the local winery, Dirty Three Wines.
For a stay in Inverloch, Airbnb recommended places like Birdsong Cottage and Tides on Toorak.
For more inspiration, or to see what other towns around the country made the list, click here.