
Living in Melbourne is incredible, but it’s always good to get out of the city when you need a change of scene. And thankfully, Melbourne is surrounded by incredible towns around Victoria that are easy to reach for weekend getaways. Drive for just a few hours, or take public transport, and find unforgettable coastal landscapes, majestic forests, historic spaces and picturesque valleys. Breathe in the fresh air and explore some stunning national parks, or find plenty of relaxation with wineries, spas and more. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there are plenty of weekend getaways around Victoria for you to try the next time you feel the urge to travel.
The best weekend getaways from Melbourne
Mornington Peninsula
If you don’t want to travel too far, a quick trip to the Mornington Peninsula is a great choice if you’re looking for weekend getaways from Melbourne. Just one hour away from the city, this coastal area is packed with fun things to do. Take in the view from Arthur’s Seat and ride on the gondola, then have plenty of fun among the trees at the nearby Enchanted Adventure. Head down to the beach for those carefree holiday vibes, and unwind with a visit to one of the many wineries in the area. Find your bliss at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, or retreat to the popular Peninsula Hot Springs, which also has eco lodges and glamping facilities for overnight stays. Enjoy art, including a Yayoi Kusama pumpkin sculpture, at Pt. Leo Estate. Then, go for a stroll around Panorama Garden Estate and look out for adorable farm animals.
Bellarine Peninsula
Go an hour west of Melbourne to the Bellarine Peninsula. Hang out in Geelong, take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront and take a dip in the enclosed sea bath. Have a fun day out on the rides at Adventure Park, or take the kids on a scenic ride along the Bellarine Railway. Older riders can have a leisurely day out on The Q Train, which travels between Drysdale and Queenscliff and includes a degustation menu. You’ll find plenty of wineries around the Bellarine, as well as scenic towns for you to explore like Portarlington and Barwon Heads. Hop on the ferry from Queenscliff and travel across the bay to Sorrento if you can’t decide between Mornington and the Bellarine.
Yarra Valley
Less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a region that will take your breath away. Amid the highs and lows of the valley, you’ll find an abundance of lush greenery and delicious food. The first vineyard in Victoria was planted here, and now, there’s plenty of top-tier wineries for you to explore. If you plan on drinking, take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
Soar over the Yarra Valley on a hot air balloon, or keep your feet on the ground and check out some beautiful local gardens, such as Alowyn Gardens or Blue Lotus Water Garden. Explore an edible forest, then have fun at Healesville Sanctuary. For something indoors, check out the TarraWarra Museum of Art. Not sure where to stay? Why don’t you sleep overnight at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat?
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs
If relaxation is what you’re after, then Daylesford and Hepburn Springs is the way to go. Just 90 minutes away from Melbourne, this tranquil pocket of Victoria is a marvellous place for weekend getaways. Relax in the soothing mineral waters of one of the many spas and bathhouses. Get some fresh air with a stroll around Lake Daylesford, a walk around Wombat Hill or an adventure through Hepburn Regional Park. Then, indulge in some excellent cuisine from notable restaurants like Lake House Daylesford and Sault. Just a short drive away, you’ll also find the charming Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, which is filled with dreamy gardens and friendly animals. If you’d prefer to stay indoors, find plenty of art inside Convent Gallery.
Phillip Island
Escape to the beloved Phillip Island and see their famous penguin parade. Then, look out for plenty of other wildlife, including koalas, seals and whales. Have a thrilling race around a go-kart track, which is a scale replica of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Explore the island with a coastal walk, check out one of the galleries and find fun for the whole family at A Maze’n Things. Pop over to the nearby Churchill Island for more adventures.
Ballarat
Ballarat is simply bursting with things to do. This historic city is easy to get to, and is about 90 minutes away by either car or train. Apart from the iconic Sovereign Hill, there’s also the beautiful Botanical Gardens, the picturesque Lake Wendouree, the adventurous Kryal Castle, Ballarat Wildlife Park and more. See Australia’s oldest regional gallery, The Art Gallery of Ballarat, and check out other cool museums like the Eureka Centre. Feast on regional produce at one of the amazing cafes, restaurants and bars around town.
While you’re in the area, drive just half an hour away to explore the booktown Clunes or go mountain biking at a massive park in Creswick.
On top of that, there’s always a festival, market event or exhibition on, so you’ll always have something new to see when you visit. Plan your weekend getaway around events like the Ballarat Begonia Festival, Ballarat Heritage Festival, Ballarat Winter Festival and more.
Castlemaine
The historic town of Castlemaine is just 90 minutes away from Melbourne. There’s plenty of history to discover in this town, with heaps of gold rush architecture, museums and vintage treasures. Take a trip to the nearby town of Maldon on the Victorian Goldfields Railway, an authentic steam train.
Don’t miss The Mill Castlemaine, an 1870s woollen mill filled with fresh produce, a coffee house, an ice cream store, a tap room, a bakery, vintage stalls and more. If you like shopping, there’s farmers markets and artists markets to check out on a monthly basis. For something outdoors, there’s plenty of tranquil walks to try, as well as the picturesque Botanical Gardens. You can also explore the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park and cool off in one of the swimming holes.
Bendigo
A trip to Bendigo takes about 90 minutes by train and two hours by car. Learn about its heritage by visiting the gold mines that put them on the map. Then, get your fill of art and culture at places like the Bendigo Art Gallery, Golden Dragon Museum and The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, also known as the largest Buddhist stupa in the western world.
Find out why Bendigo is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy by checking out its excellent culinary scene. Visit nearby wineries, check out some breweries, visit a farmers market and more.
If you’re visiting in spring, you can’t miss the Bendigo Annual Tulip Display. Walk around Pall Mall, the Conservatory Garden and more to see thousands of tulips in a whole range of colours and sizes.
Warburton
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with a trip to Warburton. Roughly a 90 minute drive away from Melbourne, this lovely town is surrounded by forests. Explore the majestic redwood forest, and surround yourself with almost 1500 towering trees. Find plenty of other nature walks, including a trip to the ancient Ada Tree and a walk towards the lovely La La Falls. Nearby, you’ll also find Mount Donna Buang, where it snows during winter.
Walhalla
The next time you’re in Gippsland, take a trip to see the goldrush town of Walhalla. This historic, mountain town was once home to over 4000 people in search of gold. Now, it has just 20 residents. Walk around town and admire the heritage buildings, and step back in time with a trip to the gold mine. Go for a ride on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway and try not to get haunted when you stroll around the cemetery. This town is particularly beautiful in autumn and is roughly 2.5 hours away from Melbourne.
Wilsons Promontory
Discover the southernmost tip of mainland Australia at Wilsons Promontory National Park. Located around a three hours drive from Melbourne, The Prom stretches across 50,000 hectares, and is filled with coastal trails, lovely beaches and scenic views. Dip your toes in the water at places like Squeaky Beach and Norman Beach, climb to the summit of Mt Oberon, and see wildlife like wombats and seals. Embark on a cruise and explore the waters of the marine national park, taking in sights like Skull Rock. Stay overnight at a camping ground to maximise your adventure, or sleep under the stars in a bubble.
Great Ocean Road
At almost 250 kilometres long, the world-famous Great Ocean Road has plenty of adventures for your next weekend getaway. This scenic drive is packed with charming coastal towns, such as Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Warrnambool. It’s also bursting with plenty of spectacular sights, including the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and more. Swap beachside views for forest adventures and venture into the Otways for glow worms and waterfalls.
The Grampians
Up for an adventure? Make the three hour drive west to the Grampians, and find plenty of incredible things to do over your weekend escape. Explore the great outdoors of Grampians National Park, and search for stunning waterfalls like Mackenzie Falls, or brilliant natural formations like the Grand Canyon or Hollow Mountain. Find plenty of ancient Aboriginal rock art and more park information at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre. If you’d rather be on the water, there’s also plenty of lakes to choose from.
The area is also filled with wineries if you’d prefer something more leisurely, and there’s also plenty of fun for the whole family, like Halls Gap Zoo. With lots of towns to choose from, including Halls Gap, Dunkeld and Horsham, there’s so many possibilities when it comes to weekend getaways in this part of Victoria.
Echuca
Travel three hours north of Melbourne to Echuca, which sits on the border of Victoria and New South Wales. This bustling port town on the Murray River is filled with nostalgic paddle steamers. Hop on one of the boats for a delightful ride along the river, and learn more about the town’s history at the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre. Check out the Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum and find plenty of activities at Billabong Ranch Adventure Park. Just 30 minutes away, you’ll Kyabram Fauna Park.
Beechworth
Drive three hours away from Melbourne to the gold mining town of Beechworth. This historic town has a thriving food and drink scene, and is home to the eponymous Beechworth Bakery, as well as Bridge Road Brewers, the two-hatted Provenance, Beechworth Honey Shop and more. After you’ve had your fill of food and drink, walk around town and admire the heritage streetscapes. Go back in time with a trip to the Old Beechworth Gaol, or take a ghost tour around the former lunatic asylum.
Bright
Escape to the High Country and spend a weekend in the beautiful town of Bright. Roughly 3.5 hours away from Melbourne, this town is particularly stunning in autumn, but is also a splendid place to visit all year round. Take a stroll along the Ovens River, and explore the surrounding areas, including Mount Buffalo National Park. There’s plenty of tracks for cycling, including the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. There’s also some excellent breweries and cafes for you to visit.
Lakes Entrance
For lovely long weekends, drive four hours east of Melbourne to Lakes Entrance. This holiday town is filled with an abundance of water-based activities. Explore the waterways and go fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and more. After checking out the waterways, cross the footbridge to hang out at the stunning Ninety Mile Beach. Walk along the waterfront and pop into one of the cafes and restaurants for your seafood fix. If you’re after some rest and relaxation, Metung Hot Springs is just a 25 minute drive away.