10 Best Weekend Away Locations Near Melbourne
The accessibility of everything is what makes Melbourne such a wonderful city, and a fantastic base to explore the rest of Victoria!
There are several wonderful weekend getaway options close to Melbourne, just a few hours drive away. There is always something for you to do, whether its heart-racing or you just relaxing. The city is surrounded by picturesque peninsulas, thick woods, gold-sand beaches, and undulating peaks, all of which offer quick access to the outdoors.
You can take one of the world's best road trips, the Great Ocean Road, in less than two hours from the city centre. The Southern shoreline of the region's continent is shown in all its cliff-fringed, untamed splendour by this epic voyage. Some of Victoria's greatest coastal areas are located near national parks where waterfalls cascade into fern-fringed valleys and golden beaches border crystal-clear bays. Animal enthusiasts will have many opportunities for thrilling creature encounters.
You'll find lots of locations to escape the city bustle, whether you're an energetic family seeking outdoor activity, a beach lover seeking some sun, sand, and sea, or a couple seeking romantic getaways with fine meals. Browse our guide to the best weekend getaways from Melbourne, Victoria, for suggestions on your next trip.
1. Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is the ideal weekend vacation if breathtaking beauty is top on your list of things to see - and why wouldn’t it be? This iconic journey, which is less than a two-hour drive from Melbourne, is also one of the most well-liked day excursions from Melbourne. Great Ocean Road is a 300-kilometer scenic coastal drive from Melbourne, offering breathtaking views of the southern edge of Australia. The road is known for its stunning seascape, including the iconic 12 Apostles, surf breaks, and artisanal food and wine. The area also offers beautiful beaches and fresh air. For an unforgettable experience, consider skydiving to see the Surf Coast and Bells Beach from 15,000 feet. Port Campbell National Park is a popular attraction, with soaring rock spires like the Twelve Apostles. Outdoor activities include hiking trails, ziplining, and surfing big waves at Bells Beach. Wildlife is also a popular attraction, with whales and koalas at Warrnambool and Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve.
2. The Mornington Peninsula
Want to spend your weekend unwinding? A vacation to Mornington is just what you need.
The Mornington Peninsula, just over an hour from Melbourne, offers a relaxing getaway with its mineral-rich thermal springs and stunning coastline views. The Peninsula features charming seaside villages and golden shores. Beaches are popular during summer, perfect for families and active pursuits like surfing. Visitors can also enjoy cliff-hugging trails in Mornington Peninsula National Park and Point Nepean National Park, or explore the luxurious holiday homes along the Millionaire's Walk. For culture and pampering, Peninsula Hot Springs offers soothing hot springs, and you’ll find abundant art galleries, gourmet food and wineries in the area.
And if you’re looking for winery recommendations, check out our blog on our favourite Mornington Peninsula Wineries.
3. The Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley
For Melburnians, weekends away to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are attractive options. The area has an array of hiking routes, places to see wildlife, and beautiful waterfalls. A 20-minute drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is renowned for its white wines and beautiful scenery. Wine tours, hot air balloon rides, and stunning bushwalks are all on offer. A haven for foodies, the Yarra Valley offers farm-fresh fruit and rich cheeses. Devonshire Tea and farm-to-table eating are available alternatives in quaint towns like Olinda. With its laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking scenery, the area is the perfect weekend retreat from Melbourne. Visitors will enjoy getting up close to native animals like dingos, wombats, platypuses, and echidnas at Healesville Sanctuary and exploring the charming William Ricketts Sanctuary in search of hidden outdoor sculptures. A trip on the 100-year-old Puffing Billy Steam Railway is also recommended.
4. Lorne
A popular coastal vacation destination is Lorne on the famous Great Ocean Road, particularly in the warmer months. This charming village, which overlooks the bay, is located less than two hours from Melbourne. Swimming, surfing, and fishing are the most popular activities on the stunning golden beaches, which is the area's centre point. For dinner, pick up some freshly caught fish from the neighbourhood dock. Away from the beach, you can explore the outdoor sculpture garden at Qdos Gallery, enjoy a coffee or meal at cafés, eat at one of the fantastic restaurants, and explore more of the Great Ocean Road. Teddy's Lookout provides breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. The Otway National Park can be reached from Lorne as well. Here, you can stroll along picturesque hiking routes and gaze at stunning waterfalls that flow into fern-lined rivers. A favourite is Erskine Falls.
5. Wilsons Promontory
If you're a fan of the outdoors, a photographer, or just adore the ocean, "The Prom" is the best option for an enjoyable weekend getaway from Melbourne. The greatest coastal wilderness region in the state is located around three hours' drive from the city on this strip of land at Australia's mainland's southernmost point. Come to Wilsons Promontory to experience cool-climate forests, squeaky white beaches, towering granite peaks, and spectacular views. The best activities at Wilsons Promontory include trekking the numerous picturesque trails and scuba diving, snorkelling and swimming in the area's pristine seas, which are a component of a marine national park. For the greatest views of the Tidal River and the shore, make sure to walk to Mount Oberon. With its dazzlingly white quartz sands, Squeaky Beach is another highlight. Whiskey Bay's weathered boulders also provide lovely photo subjects. Other well-liked pastimes include canoeing, camping, swimming, and fishing. The park is home to a remarkable variety of birds, as well as kangaroos, wombats, and emus.
6. Grampians National Park
The Grampians National Park has rocky cliffs, wildflowers, waterfalls, and animals, among other things, making it a great escape from the city. Other features of this well-liked wilderness region, which is about a three-hour drive from Melbourne, include breathtaking views of steep sandstone peaks and valleys covered with vegetation. Active tourists can stroll magnificent routes, scale cliffs, and rappel into the valley. Nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the untamed magnificence here. For an introduction of the park's most notable features and cultural history, start your journey at Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre where you can reserve a spot on an Aboriginal rock art or bush tucker. The tallest falls in the state are MacKenzie Falls, while Beehive Falls and Fish Falls are other beautiful waterfalls. Visit the Pinnacle and the Balconies, as well as the Boroka and Reeds lookouts for breath-taking views. Some of the animals you can view are kangaroos, emus, echidnas, red-necked wallabies, koalas, and possums. Even though the area is known as "The Grampians," it is particularly stunning in the spring, especially in October when the vibrant wildflowers are in bloom.
7. Phillip Island
Wildlife enthusiasts and those looking for an unforgettable weekend escape from Melbourne frequently travel to Phillip Island. Visitors can enjoy a range of wildlife encounters at the many attractions available, such as the well-known Penguin Parade, the Nobbies, and the Koala Conservation Centre. Koalas can be seen in their native habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre, and wallabies and kangaroos can be seen up close at the Phillip Island Wildlife Park. Another must-see site is Seal Rock, home to the biggest colony of fur seals in Australia.
8. Daylesford
The Daylesford and Hepburn Springs area is referred to as Australia's spa capital and is around a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. This charming town offers a relaxed ambiance, therapeutic mineral spring waters, and regional foods. It's the ideal location for weekend trips with friends or retreats for couples. The best spa in Daylesford, Lake House, offers a soothing stay as skilled masseuses ease stiff muscles. In addition, the region is well-known for its picturesque views, art galleries, organic farms, and antique stores. Food is excellent, with organic farm-fresh produce being the ideal complement to a restful vacation.
9. The Grampians
Want to experience enjoyable bushwalks that will reward you with breathtaking vistas – then the Grampians needs to be on your list for a weekend getaway. The Grampians offers everything, including delicious food, breathtaking scenery, and a rich history. Without a visit to Grampians National Park, no trip to the area is complete. The over 170,000-hectare park's abundance of trekking opportunities is one of its greatest features. The Victoria Valley can be seen in great detail from the Balconies route, which is a short 2-kilometer hike that is ideal for families with young children. Try the Boronia Peak trail for a more difficult option; you'll need to climb a little bit before you get a glimpse of Lake Fyans. The magnificent national park is home to the famous Pinnacle walk, one of the largest collections of Indigenous rock art sites in south-east Australia, and stunning wildflowers in the spring. However, did you know that the area is also home to some of the top restaurants and vineyards in our state? The region's natural attractions are unquestionably a must-see if you're planning a trip, but you'd also be unwise to skip out on sampling some of the famed local food and cool-climate wines.
10. Ballarat
Looking for a historical-themed weekend trip from Melbourne? Ballarat is a great choice. Ballarat, which has one of the richest goldfields on earth, served as the setting for significant occasions in Australian history, and its top-notch museums allow you to learn about these interesting tales. Ballarat has a lot to offer, although it is most renowned for its involvement in the Gold Rush. Visit Sovereign Hill, which was awarded Australia's finest major attraction for four years, for the most immersive experience possible. You'll feel as though you've travelled back in time as you search for gold, pass individuals dressed in 19th-century garb, and see the production of hand-dipped candles just over an hour from Melbourne. It’s one of the most distinctive weekend trips from Melbourne!
Take a self-guided Historic Streetscapes Walking Tour on Lydiard Street to explore some of the city's architectural and historical features, and visit the Eureka Centre Ballarat to learn about the famous 1854 Eureka Stockade uprising. At the Ballarat Wildlife Park, you can get up close to Australian creatures. Additionally, try to fit in a beautiful drive to one of the rural communities nearby, like as Bendigo, Mount Macedon, Maldon, Kyneton, or Castlemaine. Whatever you decide to do, you can finish it off with some delectable cuisine; Ballarat is another popular destination for foodies.
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