If you’re looking for a short overnighter or weekend away, Victoria really is the place to be. It offers a diverse range of options to suit every type of traveller, from those seeking an alpine adventure to those wanting a simple glass of wine and stunning views at some of the best wineries Australia has to offer. There are also plenty of options for those who want to explore the great outdoors, and for those who simply want to stretch out with a good book on the beach.
The best part? There is no need to waste days travelling to experience these incredible locations. All these options are within just a few hours of Melbourne, and with so much variety, Victoria can be yours to enjoy any weekend, all year long.
Here are our picks for the best weekends away to dramatic coastlines, spa country, and kid-friendly locations, all within easy reach.
The Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is Victoria’s premier holiday destination, and for good reason. The road extends along the southwest coast of Victoria, starting in Torquay and ending in Warrnambool. While the entire drive is about four hours without stopping, it’s the destinations along the way that make this a worthwhile road trip getaway.
Key highlights include:
- Torquay Surf Beach and the nearby Jan Juc offer incredible surfing opportunities, stunning beach views, and coastal walks. You can also find the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay, a must-see for any surfing enthusiast.
- Bells Beach offers a world-famous surf break with dramatic cliffside views.
- Aireys Inlet is home to the Split Point Lighthouse, an iconic coastal lighthouse that was also featured in the classic Australian TV series Round the Twist.
- Lorne is a beautiful seaside town and a perfect stop for a good meal and beach walks. It is also close to the stunning Great Otway National Park, which offers dense rainforest and waterfall walks.
- Apollo Bay is a beautiful seaside location, offering more great seafood options and coastal walks.
- The Twelve Apostles are iconic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, and are one of the most iconic sights along the route.
- The Grotto is located near Port Campbell and offers a stunning coastal formation where the ocean meets a natural sinkhole, creating a window-like view through the rocks and out to the sea.
- Warrambool is the end of the line for the Great Ocean Road, but what a way to finish. With plenty of wildlife encounters, coastal trails, and of course, its whale watching attraction (from June to September), Warrambool has it all.
The Twelve Apostles. Photo by Victor on Unsplash
Phillip Island
Victoria’s southeast is home to the Bass Coast, which offers over 180km of coastline, along with the ever-popular Phillip Island. Most famously known as home to the largest colony of little penguins, every night you can experience the magic of watching them waddle home from the ocean to their burrows in an incredible Penguin Parade.
Located just under two hours from Melbourne, Phillip Island is the ideal weekend escape, particularly for those with children. It also offers:
- The Nobbies Centre with boardwalk views over Seal Rocks (home to a large fur seal colony)
- A Maze N’ Things is a kid-friendly attraction offering a large outdoor maze, fun illusions, puzzles and games, and a mini-golf course.
- The Koala Conservation Reserve allows you to wander among the treetop boardwalks to watch koalas up close. You can also wander the woodlands and enjoy abundant birdlife and even echidnas.
The Dandenong Ranges
For a mix of nature and that unmistakable “cosy village” vibes, the Dandenong Ranges is an hour from Melbourne and is the perfect place for those who want to explore the great outdoors. Set among lush, low mountain ranges, the Dandenong Ranges is an easy one to tailor for couples, families, or relaxation.
Some fun activities include:
- Puffing Billy Railway is an iconic steam train located in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges. You can ride the train daily as it passes through lush fern gullies and past towering Mountain Ash trees.
- For a closer look at the Mountain Ash trees or for a waterfall experience, take a stroll through the Sherbrooke Forest, or better yet, bring a picnic. Be sure to look out for lyrebirds.
- Sassafras is a quaint little village straight from the 19th century, where you can discover fun tearooms, bakeries, and artisan chocolate shops to indulge in.
- The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk in Ferntree Gully hosts the iconic 1,000 Steps trail. The steep trail offers a challenge for any fitness guru.
- For those of you who are interested in more new age spirituality, the Dandenong Ranges are also home to some of the quirkiest crystal shops in Melbourne.
Daylesford
Tucked away at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range of Victoria is Daylesford, a premier weekend destination for those who love spa days, gourmet food, and many different boutique accommodation options.
For a peaceful escape that includes lake walks, wineries, and art galleries just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Daysleford offers:
- Home to over 80% of Australia’s natural mineral springs, Daylesford is abundant with spa offerings, including the famous Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa.
- For gourmet food options, try the popular Lake House or Sault restaurants, among many other offerings.
- For a little retail therapy, take a stroll down the main street and check out the many breakfast options, cheese and wine storefronts, boutique stores, and art galleries.
- Try the famous mineral water from the various taps located in the area – it might not be quite what you expect, but it is worth the experience.
- If you’re a wine aficionado, Daysleford has several cellar door locations to visit. Spend an afternoon indulging in the beautiful food, cool-climate wines, and take a stroll through the vines to finish it off.
