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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Come for a couple of unmissable festivals, stay for a long, leisurely weekend of wining, dining and exploring all the heritage-rich glory Ballarat has to offer.
Far from a sleepy town, the historic city of Ballarat is an unexpectedly vibrant cultural and culinary destination. Year-round, it hosts a roster of events and experiences – including the upcoming Ballarat Heritage Festival, a celebration of the city’s past, and the new Ballarat Craft and Design Week, a must for fans of all things handmade and thoughtfully designed.
Beyond the festivals, there’s a bevy of things to see, do, eat and drink – making a weekend in Ballarat an absolute no-brainer.
Plus, just 90 minutes away from Melbourne by car along the Western Freeway or an easy train ride from Southern Cross, getting here is simple and stress-free.
Day 1
Morning
Peruse works by local First Nations artists at Perridak Arts. (Credit: Tony Evans)
Start your Ballarat jaunt at Johnny Alloo, a beautifully restored cafe harking back to the 1870s with original details and contemporary touches. Order a seasonal plate from the all-day brunch menu alongside a cleverly reimagined ‘cup of tea’ – the cafe’s very own Earl Grey-infused early bird spritz.
Next, head to Perridak Arts, a First Nations-owned and operated gallery filled with powerful works by local First Nations artists. Your next stop is Hop Lane, an alleyway crowned by a floating canopy of technicoloured umbrellas and centred on Hop Queen, a striking mural of a commanding female figure.
Afternoon
Create your own artworks at The Pottage. (Credit: Mass Motion)
Cobb’s Coffee is a firm favourite for consistently good coffee and thoughtful food, making it a solid lunch spot. The cafe’s signature sandwiches and toasties are well worth trying as you take in the heritage surrounds.
While away your afternoon at The Pottage, where Ballarat ceramicist and social media favourite Shelby Sherritt has just moved into brand-new digs. Try a throwing workshop, or pick a piece of pottery to paint from the extensive collection (the team will post it to you once it’s fired).
Now it’s time to check into Hotel Vera, the newest boutique accommodation in the city’s already-impressive line-up. The hotel presents a modern spin on Ballarat’s gold rush-era past – think design-led rooms, gold detailing and a curated art collection. There are only seven suites, each as beautifully finished as the next, with high-quality linens and plush furnishings.
Evening
Sit down to a seven-course feast at Babae. (Credit: Einwick)
Treat yourself to a pre-dinner drink at Grainery Lane. The saloon-style bar has rich, period-inspired decor (including an original bar top sourced from Chicago) and drinks reminiscent of 1900s classics, crafted with local ingredients.
Head back to Hotel Vera for a seven-course feast at Babae. This intimate dining room serves up a refined, ever-evolving menu made with exceptional produce and is a truly memorable experience.
Day 2
Spend the day at Ballarat Craft and Design Week. (Credit: Klapper Films)
Linger over a slow breakfast at Hotel Vera. You’ll graze your way through a spread of locally sourced treats, from toasted granola and pastries to seasonal fruit, and will need a strong coffee before a busy day at the main event: Ballarat Craft and Design Week.
This year marks the event’s inauguration, a celebration of artists, makers, designers and manufacturers. It’s a testament to Ballarat’s position as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.
The festival features a thoughtfully curated roster of events and activities, including free talks, hands-on workshops where you can craft your own keepsake, displays, studio tours and more. The central theme is Bound, with a flagship exhibition hosted in Ballarat’s grand and iconic Mining Exchange. The exhibition brings together five immersive projects designed to be touched, explored and experienced.
Afternoon
Discuss your favourite artworks over lunch at Pancho. (Credit Einwick)
The Craft and Design program continues at The Unicorn Collection. The gallery is hosting Why Are You Here?, an installation presented by artists from the community that centres on the meaning of Ballarat as home.
Recharge with lunch at Pancho, which turns out vibrant food from across Central and South America. Make sure to order from the specials board, often featuring dishes from more far-flung locations.
For a top-up of local craftsmanship, a visit to Wootten is a must. This workshop and retail space is a Ballarat institution, making and selling made-to-order and customised footwear alongside a selection of handcrafted leather goods.
Evening
Ballarat’s streets contain incredible dining options. (Credit: Tony Evans)
Book a table at Mr Jones, headed by chef Damian Jones, who’s worked in Michelin-Starred restaurants around the globe. The modern Asian menu changes weekly, but you can always expect the very best ingredients cooked with precision and restraint.
Finish off your day of art and exploration with a nightcap (and maybe a cheeky late-night snack) at Renard. This intimate and atmospheric cocktail bar does clever drinks alongside French-leaning small plates – we love the smoked trout pate and goat’s cheese doughnuts.
Day 3
Morning
Stop into Black Cat Truffles before heading home. (Credit Einwick)
It’s your final morning in Ballarat (that is, until you inevitably return), so it’s worth making it an unhurried one. Turret Cafe is your best bet for a relaxed and satisfying breakfast, with a produce-driven all-day menu and excellent coffee inside a character-filled setting.
A wander around the leafy Ballarat Botanical Gardens, followed by an excursion to Ross Creek Gallery, is the ideal way to stretch your legs after your morning feast. The gardens are replete with seasonal flower displays and heritage-listed trees, while the gallery is hosting a group exhibition centred on printmakers from across the region as part of Craft and Design Week.
Farewell your weekend escape – and fuel up for the journey home – at Black Cat Truffles. True to its name, the restaurant serves truffle-infused dishes (alongside regular fare) and the surrounding farm hosts truffle hunts and experiences. Pair your meal with a drop from the on-site Meredith Wines cellar door.
