If you’ve been dreaming of a getaway but had to hold back due to time or budget, winter in Victoria might just be the answer. With fewer crowds and lower prices, it’s the perfect time to explore the state without draining your savings. The season offers everything from local festivals and hearty meals to crisp hikes and perfect economical adventures. Plus, you’ll have a much more enjoyable experience without battling the summer crowds. Victoria’s natural beauty is yours to enjoy for free, and the cooler months make it even more inviting, so why not take advantage of it? Here are some of the best affordable winter getaways around Victoria to add to your itinerary this year.
1. Beechworth
Tucked into Victoria’s High Country, Beechworth is a heritage town that comes into its own in winter. Expect gold rush-era streets, crisp mountain air, and cosy pubs serving up warm winter treats. For low-cost or free things to do, take a leisurely stroll around Lake Sambell, go on a self-guided tour through the streets of Beechworth, explore Woolshed Falls, just a 10-minute drive from town, or warm up with a local brew at Bridge Road Brewers. Despite its popularity, Beechworth is an accessible destination, offering stays ranging from motels to charming cottages, many of which start around $100 per night. Budget-savvy travellers can also camp lakeside at Lake Sambell Caravan Park, starting at just $45-$50 per night.
2. Olinda
Tucked into the lush hills of the Dandenong Ranges and right on the edge of the Yarra Valley, Olinda is easily one of regional Victoria’s cosiest small towns. Some of the best things to do here won’t cost you a cent: take a walk through the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, hike to Olinda Falls, or pack a picnic and soak up the scenery. You’ll find a charming mix of antique stores, craft shops, galleries, and cosy cafes to warm up in around town. Accommodation options range from cottage-style stays and B&Bs starting around $100 a night, with Airbnb options from as low as $50. Plan a trip here.
3. Yackandandah
Packed with charm and character, Yackandandah is a historic gold rush town tucked deep in the Stanley State Forest. Affordable adventures can be found aplenty in this region. Take an underground tour of the old Karrs Reef Gold Mine, walk out to the scenic Yackandandah Gorge, or hit the local mountain bike trails. The historic cemetery is free to wander, and a visit isn’t complete without an indulgent hot chocolate and fresh pastry from The Happy Baker. Stays in town include cosy B&Bs and cottages, with prices starting around $70-$120 a night.
4. Mallacoota
Mallacoota is a year-round affordable getaway, but especially so in winter when the crowds thin out. Tucked into East Gippsland, it’s a great base for exploring unspoiled beaches, lakes, and coastal wilderness. The town offers some of the warmest winter temps in the state, so it’s the place to be if you’re chasing sunshine over snow. Accommodation is generally cheaper in the off-season, and you’ll find walking trails, birdwatching spots, and quiet stretches of coast to explore without spending much at all.
5. Trentham
Trentham might be small, but it punches well above its weight. With no more than one main street, this quaint spot is made for a slow, scenic escape. Like most off-season getaways, Trentham is likely to be cheaper in the cooler months than during the peak spring and summer seasons. Don’t miss Trentham Falls, Victoria’s tallest single-drop waterfall, and one of the easiest to access, or the town’s cosy bakeries and cafes. Budget stays range from charming cottages to campgrounds like Firth Park, with Airbnb options starting from around $50 a night.
6. Daylesford
Daylesford draws crowds all year round, thanks to its famous mineral springs, spa retreats, and boutique charm, but winter is your best bet for a more affordable escape and slightly fewer crowds. The town is ideal for a cold-season escape with snug cafes, charming vintage stores, and nearby hot springs to warm up in. While prices can be on the higher side, it’s not uncommon to find off-season deals with B&Bs and Airbnb stays starting from around $70 a night. Find our full winter guide to Daylesford here.