15 Best Weekend Getaways Melbourne, Victoria 2025
Looking for a break from Melbourne’s nonstop energy? Sometimes the best way to recharge is with a spontaneous weekend escape. Luckily, Victoria is full of hidden gems waiting to be explored.
From charming coastal towns and world-class wine regions to adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures and soothing spa retreats, this guide will help you discover the very best weekend getaways near Melbourne.
15 Top Scenic Melbourne Weekend Getaways Within 3 Hours
Looking for quick weekend getaways in Melbourne Vic? Within just a few hours’ drive, you’ll find coastal towns, wine regions, mountain retreats, and charming country escapes. Here are 15 of the best scenic weekend getaways within 3 hours of the city.
1. Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is only an hour’s drive out of Melbourne and is one of Victoria’s best-loved weekend spots. Vineyards spread across green hills, and the cool air makes it a refreshing break in any season. Many visitors begin with a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for sweeping views.
Local wineries such as Innocent Bystander are known for Pinot Noir and share plates that feature regional produce. Driving the Black Spur is another highlight with its tall mountain ash and fern-filled gullies.
Local Favourite: Sunrise balloon ride and wine tasting at Innocent Bystander
2. Bringalbit
Bringalbit is in the Macedon Ranges, about an hour and a half from Melbourne. It’s a small, quiet place with gardens around Woolshed Hill House. You can wander along stone paths, open lawns, and shaded corners that feel old and well cared for.
Close by are Mount Towrong and Hanging Rock wineries, both known for cool-climate wines. Bringalbit is a place to slow down and enjoy simple country detail.
Local Favourite: Heritage gardens at Woolshed Hill House
3. Healesville
Healesville sits in the Yarra Valley and works well for a short trip. The Healesville Sanctuary is the main draw, with kangaroos, koalas, and a bird show that runs each day. In town, there are cafés, cellar doors, and small shops to explore. Picnic spots on the edge of town give plenty of open space and fresh air, making it one of the best picnic spots Melbourne.
Local Favourite: Healesville Sanctuary and bird show
4. Seymour
Seymour is at the foot of the Tallarook Ranges and feels like a true country town. The Prince of Wales Hotel is a reliable stop for a pub meal, and the Goulburn River runs close by for walks or fishing.
Families often drive to the Avenel Maze nearby, which keeps kids busy for hours. Seymour is close to Melbourne but feels far enough away to switch off.
Local Favourite: Tallarook Ranges and the Prince of Wales Hotel
5. Daylesford
Daylesford is best known for its mineral springs and spa culture. The Lake House Spa offers mineral baths and treatments that leave visitors feeling rested.
Restaurants in town make the most of produce from nearby farms, so meals are always fresh and seasonal. Shops, galleries, and lakeside walks fill the rest of the weekend.
Local Favourite: Mineral spa at the Lake House
6. Lavandula Lavender Farm
Lavandula Lavender Farm is just outside Daylesford. Rows of lavender fill the air with fragrance in season, and the old stone farmhouse adds to the setting.
Visitors can walk the fields, buy handmade soaps and oils, or stop at the café for lavender scones and simple meals. The farm is colourful, calm, and easy to enjoy in the afternoon.
Local Favourite: Lavender fields and café serving lavender dishes
7. Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula has beaches, wineries, and hot springs. It is a weekend getaway Melbourne destination that can fulfill every item on your wishlist. Families enjoy calm bayside beaches and adventure parks, while adults often book long lunches at vineyards or spend a night in a spa resort.
The Arthurs Seat Eagle chairlift gives wide views of the bay. The Peninsula Hot Springs are a favourite, especially in the evening under the stars.
Local Favourite: Arthurs Seat Eagle chairlift
8. Phillip Island
Phillip Island offers an array of exciting activities that will leave you dazzled, from the world-famous penguin parade to adrenaline-pumping racing experiences. Families also enjoy the chocolate factory, which combines learning with tasting.
The picturesque landscapes make it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Bringing along one of the best solar generators for photo shoots can make your outdoor sessions more efficient and hassle-free.
Local Favourite: Penguin parade at sunset
9. Ballarat
Ballarat carries its gold rush history in its buildings and wide streets. Sovereign Hill is the main attraction, with costumed guides, old shops, and mine tours that show life in the 1850s.
The city also has an art gallery and botanic gardens that add culture and space to walk. Ballarat feels like a city shaped by history but still lively today. It's worth a visit for weekend getaways Melbourne Australia.
Local Favourite: Sovereign Hill open-air museum
10. Bellarine Peninsula
The Bellarine Peninsula is known for food, wine, and quiet beaches. Jack Rabbit Vineyard is one of the most popular stops, with bay views and meals made from local produce.
Small farms and makers across the peninsula sell cheese, fruit, and seafood. The beaches are open and calm, offering space to walk or sit by the water without crowds.
Local Favourite: Lunch and wine at Jack Rabbit Vineyard
11. Anglesea
Anglesea is the first town on the Great Ocean Road. It has a quiet, easy feel. You can pick up fresh produce in town before heading to Point Addis.
The walk passes through bush and wildflowers and opens to wide ocean views. Kangaroos and birds are often spotted along the way.
Local Favourite: Point Addis walking track
12. Bendigo
Bendigo grew during the gold rush and is now a lively regional city. You can take a tour of the Central Deborah Gold Mine and walk underground through old tunnels.
Above ground, Lake Weeroona is good for a stroll or a picnic. The Bendigo Art Gallery holds major exhibitions and adds a cultural edge.
Local Favourite: Central Deborah Gold Mine tour
13. Inverloch
Inverloch is a small seaside town on Gippsland’s coast. Anderson Inlet is calm and good for boating or fishing. The Bunurong Coastal Drive runs for 14 kilometres, with cliffs, beaches, and fossil sites along the way. The town has a family-friendly feel, with cafés and shops close to the water.
Local Favourite: Bunurong Coastal Drive
14. Lake Mountain Resort
Lake Mountain Resort is the closest snowfield to Melbourne. In winter, it offers skiing, tobogganing, and snow play for families. In summer, the mountain has hiking and cycling tracks.
The air is clear and the views are wide. It is simple to reach and works in every season.
Local Favourite: Skiing in winter and hiking in summer
15. Apollo Bay
When talking about weekend trips from Melbourne, how can we not mention the world-famous Great Ocean Road? Apollo Bay is one of the highlights of the Great Ocean Road.
The beaches are wide, and seafood is fresh from local boats. Marriners Lookout gives a high view of the coast, and Cape Otway Lighthouse shows part of Australia’s maritime history.
Local Favourite: Marriners Lookout
If you're planning longer travels, consider our Melbourne to Adelaide road trip route to experience broader southern Australian scenery.
What to Pack for Your Weekend Escapes Melbourne?
Weekend trips are short, so keep packing simple. Focus on essentials that cover comfort, weather, and daily needs without weighing your bag down.
Clothes: Light outfits for daytime and a warm layer for cooler nights, enough for two or three days only.
Shoes: Comfortable pair for walking and casual use, plus light sandals or slip-ons if the weather is warm and dry.
Emergency Items: First aid kits, insect repellent - safety first!
Toiletries: Small kit with toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, sunscreen, and personal care items, packed in travel bottles to save space.
Outdoor Gear: Waterproof backpacks, thermal water bottles, folding chairs make picnicking and hiking more comfortable.
Snacks: Simple, non-messy food like fruit, nuts, or muesli bars to keep energy up during drives or outdoor activities.
Tech: Phone, charger, and power bank to keep connected, take photos, and use maps or guides when needed.
Photography Equipment: Cameras, extra batteries, portable hard drives - don't forget to bring a tripod to capture stunning sunrises and sunsets!
Power Supply Equipment: During weekend getaways in Victoria, devices like phones, cameras, and drones often need power. The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station can charge multiple devices simultaneously, preventing power disruptions during your explorations.
Flexible Expandable Capacity: 2–6kWh (167Ah@12V), reaching up to 6144Wh when paired with 2 smart extra batteries. Suitable for travel, caravanning, home backup, and other scenarios.
Super Long Durability: Equipped with an LFP battery supporting 3000 charge cycles, enabling 10 years of daily use (still retaining 80% of its original capacity).
Powerful Output: Delivers 3300W in X-Boost mode, capable of powering 99% of household appliances. It can charge 13 devices at once, including 4 AC outlets.
Fast & Efficient Recharging: Features X-Stream dual charging (AC + solar). With 1000W solar input, it can be fully charged in as little as 2.3 hours. Its 99% MPPT efficiency maximizes solar energy utilization during daylight hours.
Smart & Convenient Management: The app supports customization of charging priorities and real-time monitoring of battery level and power consumption.
Reliable Warranty: 5-year warranty
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station
Conclusion
Weekend getaways Melbourne offer the perfect reset—fresh air, open roads, and simple moments that recharge the spirit. Victoria’s landscapes invite short escapes filled with nature, food, and quiet charm. With so many destinations just a few hours away, it’s easy to plan something spontaneous. For those who rely on tech during the trip (cameras, drones, phones), a reliable EcoFlow portable power station keeps everything charged, so the adventure never has to pause.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to plan a weekend getaway from Melbourne?
Spring (Sep–Nov): Mild days around 15–22°C and some rain. Good for walks, gardens, and outdoor exploring.
Summer (Dec–Feb): Hot at times but great for the coast. Best season for Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, and Great Ocean Road towns.
Autumn (Mar–May): Cool and crisp. Forests and mountains glow with autumn leaves, perfect for photos and hikes.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Cold but rewarding. Best for skiing at Mount Buller or soaking in hot mineral springs at Daylesford.
Are there family-friendly weekend destinations near Melbourne?
Absolutely! Family weekend getaways Melbourne are dizzying in their abundance. Here are a few that kids and parents both enjoy:
Phillip Island: Famous for the Penguin Parade at sunset. The Chocolate Factory is another family favourite.
Churchill Island Heritage Farm: Hands-on fun with sheep, cows, and horse riding. Great for kids raised in the city.
Healesville Sanctuary: Kangaroos, koalas, emus, and the “Spirits of the Sky” bird show. A mix of education and fun.
Do I need a car to reach these Melbourne weekend escapes?
A car gives you the most freedom, but it’s not the only option.
Driving yourself:
Stop when you want and make your own schedule.
Handy for families or photographers with lots of gear.
Lets you reach remote spots where buses don’t go.
Without a car:
Train and Bus: V/Line trains link Melbourne with Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, and more. Buses connect to towns nearby.
Tour Buses: Easy day trips and weekend tours run to the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, and Yarra Valley.
Charter Vehicles: For small groups, booking a driver and van can be cost-effective and stress-free.