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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A change is as good as a holiday, but never more so than in the Bendigo region when it’s the seasons putting in the transformative work.
With its gold rush history, opulent architecture and booming food and wine industry, there’s no denying that the Bendigo region is beautiful to visit at any time of year. Visit between March and May, however, and you’ll find the Bendigo in autumn really comes alive. Foliage erupts in a canvas of golden colours and the cooling air makes immersing yourself in nature all the more enticing.
Need a few ideas to get you started? We’re so glad you asked.
1. Tackle the bike trails
Pink Cliffs Reserve in Heathcote can be seen on the O’Keefe Rail Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)
Welcome to a region that punches well above its weight when it comes to cycling. This is where hammies are tested on multi-day rides, and first-timers fall in love with the sport on short (and ridiculously pretty) trails.
The 49-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail is the headline act, following the old railway line between Bendigo and Heathcote. Cross the Campaspe River at Axedale Recreation Reserve and pause at the Platypus Compass Sculpture and the First Nations mural marking the connection between Djaara and Taungurung Country, with Axedale acting as the perfect halfway stop to refuel at a pub or cafe.
Pedal a little further Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve to be rewarded with views of sculpted pink clay cliffs and narrow gorges that are perfect for a photo stop. Searching for a different type of reward? The Heatchote Wine Region is full of inviting cellar doors.
There are plenty of other options in the Bendigo region, from the 210-kilometre Goldfields Track, to the Bendigo Creek Trail and Back Creek Trail – both ideal for riders of all abilities. The 3.7 kilometre Little Lake Boort loop is a great family-friendly option.
Prefer something more adventurous? Spring Gully Mountain Bike Park has been keeping BMX Bandits’ dreams alive for years.
2. Enjoy the crunch of autumn leaves
Pack a picnic and head to the Valley of Liquidambers.
Blinding clusters of crimson, burnt orange and brilliant yellow; here, autumn leaves are crisp confetti of fire and gold. See the magic up close with a slew of parks seemingly dedicated to showcasing Mother Nature’s colour wheel, especially from mid April to early June.
Pack a picnic for an afternoon at Valley of Liquidambers in Heathcote, where Liquidamber trees transform into a wonderworld of magical foliage. Don’t miss taking a leisurely stroll across the swinging bridge back towards the main street.
Rosalind Park might be celebrated for its annual tulip display come springtime, but it’s hard to compete with the theatre of autumn. Here, many trees date back to the 1800s, and there’s no better place for a romantic stroll than along the elms, oak and Queensland Kauri that dominate this park.
Head straight to Lake Weeroona, where an ornamental lake begs for a leisurely lap around its edges, either on foot, or with pedal power.
3. Immerse yourself in First Nations culture
Explore Kooyoora State Park on a cultural tour.
Its ‘Mountain of Light’ (Guyura in the Dja Dja Wurrung language) title is impressive, but so too is Kooyoora State Park’s rugged landscape of granite outcrops, rocky ridgelines and wide-open skies.
While there’s nothing to suggest you couldn’t explore Kooyoora’s walking tracks on your own, the best way to understand the 40,000 years of history behind its natural wonders is to book a 2.5-hour Kooyoora Cultural Tour with Dumawul Tours.
Led by Djaara cultural guides, expect a traditional Welcome to Country smoking ceremony, before engaging storytelling rewinds the clock to reveal the deep cultural significance of the land, its flora, fauna and its continuing connection to Country.
Keen to stay a little longer? Consider staying overnight at the campground and committing to the park’s wealth of walking trails, such as the 5.3-kilometre hike from the camping ground to the lookout on the Long Rock Walking Track.
4. Splash in the region’s waterways
Paddle through Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail. (Image: Visit Vic)
Water babies rejoice: the Bendigo region offers a wealth of waterways to explore.
Flowing 392-kilometres from the Great Dividing Range to the Murray River, the best way to enjoy Loddon River is with a stop at Bridgewater. Here you can swim in the natural infinity pool or tackle the all-abilities, five-kilometre Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail before browsing the cute stores in town. Hungry? Grab a bite at Bridgewater Hotel.
Lake Eppalock is popular for water activities, but don’t miss a visit to Little Lake Boort and Big Lake Boort. Birders, in particular, will love the former, thanks to the large variety of bird species that nest in the boardwalk area surrounding the lake.
Meanwhile, Big Lake Boort is celebrated for its significant Indigenous history and over 400 scarred trees, and offers an opportunity to spot birds and go canoing.
Meanwhile, watersports and recreational activities at Crusoe Reservoir, located on the outskirts of Bendigo, are the order of the day. Take a walk to the picnic spots of No. 7 Park nearby, and maybe even camp there for the night.
5. View epic lookouts
Spend time at Peregrine Ridge.
Sometimes a holiday requires a phenomenal spot on which to perch as you survey your temporary kingdom below. The Bendigo region, happily, doesn’t do anything by halves.
Located in Heathcote-Graytown National Park, Viewing Rock Lookout – a rocky outcrop offering spectacular views over Heathcote and surrounds – remains a popular choice. Take the hour-long Viewing Rock Circuit Walk and try your hand at gold prospecting nearby.
Prefer the romance of sunrise or sunset? Pyramid Hill, a stunning granite hill rising 187-metres above sea level, is the place to be (preferably with a coffee and a bagel)
Over in Terrick Terrick National Park, a walk to the summit delivers a full 360-degree panorama of woodlands, farms and open-sky plains. Pack lunch – and perhaps a tent – as picnic tables and camping are available.
Carve out time for Peregrine Ridge, a vineyard situated at the eastern side of Mt Camel Range with an elevation ranging from 250-290 metres. Be rewarded with delicious wine and a cellar door which offers floor-to-ceiling views.
6. Enjoy the Bendigo region’s parks and gardens
Stroll through Bendigo’s best gardens. (Image: Visit Vic)
Rosalind Park, located right in the centre of town, is considered Bendigo’s backyard and rightly so. Home to the Bendigo Easter Festival, it’s just as popular year-round for its sixty acres of rolling lawns, towering elms, fernery and winding paths – not to mention the playground which has plenty of little fans of its own. A short drive away, Bendigo Botanic Gardens– established in 1857 – offers a more tranquil space for deep-level nature immersion.
Those who favour something a little more formal, cottage-style Canterbury Park Gardens– famous for its dahlias in autumn – delivers. Stroll through its meticulously maintained ornamental gardens before checking out Lake Tom Thumb and Lake Neangar nearby.
