Melbourne is meant to be one of the world’s most liveable cities, but now and then, it is great to get out of Melbourne on a weekend getaway to discover Victoria. So if you are after suggestions for some great Melbourne weekend getaways to discover Victoria then you’re in luck, because I have a great list of suggestions for you.
There are so many excellent places in Victoria worthy of a weekend getaway. From wineries, great hikes, beautiful beaches and quaint towns with award winning bakeries. There is really somewhere for everyone – for families waning a weekend trip to spend time together, to solo travellers exploring and couples seeking a romantic getaway. There are many places in Victoria to find your perfect Melbourne weekend escape. Here is my handpicked collection of best Melbourne weekend getaways to explore Victoria and all are within a few hour’s drive of Melbourne’s CBD.
I’ve really enjoyed writing this post as it has been getting me out and about from Melbourne. So this weekend trip from Melbourne guide has got you covered. Without further ado, here is my absolute awesome guide to easy Melbourne weekend trips. I’ve listed my getaways from Melbourne in alphabetical order, and not in any order of preference. Where will you go first from my list of suggestions?
Scroll through until you find one of the short breaks from Melbourne, which is just perfect for you!
If you haven’t explored Melbourne yet read my post What to See and Do in Melbourne.
Table of Contents
How to Travel on your Melbourne Weekend Escape
The best way to visit the places mentioned in my best Melbourne weekend escapes guide is by your own transport, preferably a car. If you don’t have one, get prices and availability to rent one through DiscoverCars here. Having a car provides you with more flexibility to get around to different places. However, most can be reached by public transport on the train and bus network.
Easy Weekend Getaways from Melbourne
Ballarat
For this Melbourne weekend escape step back in time in Ballarat. Ballarat is the third largest city in Victoria and was built from the gold rush in the 1800s. Even though there are many things to see and do in Ballarat the major thing to visit is Sovereign Hill. Here you can pan for gold and watch and participate in the hustle and bustle of an 1850s gold mining settlement. A highlight is the AURA sound and light show telling the story of the Eureka Rebellion – big part of Australia’s history. When reforms were sought by gold prospectors they clashed with government forces. They constructed a fortification in the Eureka goldfield, known as the Eureka Stockade. And it became a victory for the miners.
Distance and Time: Ballarat is 115km away from Melbourne, about 1.5 hour drive. You can catch public transport to Ballarat. There are a number of regular train and bus services that leave from Melbourne’s CBD.
Click here to check out where to stay in Ballarat for your weekend escape from Melbourne.
Belgrave, Yarra Ranges
Belgrave is a wonderful option in the Dandenong Ranges for a weekend escape from Melbourne. The town is quaint and there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes to enjoy. But the piste de resistance is the Puffing Billy Railway. The railway is over a hundred years old and a must is to take a ride on the steam train, known as Puffing Billy.
The ride is spectacular and very scenic. Having a ride on the train is a highlight for many not only families on a break from Melbourne with kids but adults alike. Sit with your legs dangling out the side – so much fun! The full Puffing Billing train experience can take a few hours from Belgrave to Gembrook and return. The train line is a dedicated line used by Puffing Billy trains only. If you don’t go on the train, just a walk along the train station will see you step back in time.
You can buy a ticket for Puffing Billy at the station or book your trip on Puffing Billy online here to ensure you don’t miss out. There are also dinner options available.
Distance and Time: Puffing Billy in Belgrave is some 35km east of Melbourne. It will take about 30-45 minutes to reach the area by car. You can catch a train to Belgrave Train Station and the Puffing Billy Station is short 2 minute walk.
Click here to check out where to stay in Belgrave
Bendigo
Bendigo is a large city north of Melbourne and a great Melbourne weekend getaway. It was originally a gold rush boom town in the 1800s. There are grand buildings still standing from this time. You can ride a vintage talking tram through the city listening to an audio commentary on its rich gold mining history. During the gold rush many Chinese came to Bendigo to make their fortunes. You can learn all about this at The Golden Dragon Museum. Still on gold, visit the Central Deborah Gold Mine and take a mining tour underground.
For something not about gold, visit Bendigo Pottery, Australia’s oldest working pottery to discover traditional pottery skills from its beginning in 1858 to today. Or simply walk around the Botanic Gardens or along the streets in town and appreciate the boutique stores within heritage frontages. I’d definitely pop into a cafe or restaurant to get a bite to eat or visit one of the many local Bendigo wineries.
Distance and Time: Bendigo is some 150km or about a 2 hour from Melbourne’s CBD. You can catch a train to Bendigo or take the drive up the Calder Freeway through some fabulous Victorian countryside.
Click here to check out where to stay in Bendigo
Daylesford
If in need of some pampering, head to the town of Daylesford and nearby Hepburn Springs for a weekend away from Melbourne. Known as being the spa capital of Australia due to the many soothing mineral springs, wellness centres and day spas found here. Many people looking for romantic getaways near Melbourne or a girls weekend from Melbourne for some pampering will love a weekend escape from Melbourne to Daylesford.
After you have enjoyed the pampering enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants serving seasonal local produce. But don’t forget to browse the town’s quaint shops, antique markets, art galleries and historic buildings.
Distance and Time: Daylesford is around 115km from Melbourne. It will take about 1.5 hours to drive.
Click here to check out where to stay in Daylesford for your weekend of pampering.
Echuca
If seeking a great family weekend away from Melbourne then head to Echuca to ride the paddle steamer boats. Echuca is an Australian town in northern Victoria on the Murray River. It is actually one of the twin towns along the Victoria-NSW border with Moama, being on the NSW side of the river.
First stop in Echuca should be at the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre housing lots of exhibits on the 19th-century Murray river trade. Then jump aboard one of the paddle steamers and ride along the Murray River. I loved our ride on the Emmylou as did my kids. So if you are looking for a family friendly weekend escape from Melbourne, Echuca is perfect.
Echuca is much more than being a river town, it is home to the Holden Museum, which car enthusiasts will love while everyone will find The Great Aussie Beer Shed unique and interesting. And there are plenty of eateries in Echuca to grab a bite to eat, from fast food at McDonalds to one of the eclectic local pubs with typical Aussie pub food on the menu.
Click here to check out where to stay in Echuca.
Geelong
Geelong is on the western side of Port Phillip Bay. It is one of the oldest cities in Victoria and is in fact, the second largest city in Victoria. Geelong has a scenic harbour front with many highly-rated restaurants. This is where most visitors head first, and I don’t blame them, as you can easily spend your time dipping your toes in the waters, walking along the promenade and enjoying good food. So if you are seeking a beach weekend escape from Melbourne, Geelong may be the place.
If you leave the water side the city also has a cultural precinct at the west end of Little Malop Street. Here you will find the Geelong Gallery, the Geelong Library, City Hall and the Old Post Office that add an air of history and grandeur to discover.
Like Melbourne, Geelong has a number of street-art murals and laneways to explore. And if you are visiting during winter you may want to catch an AFL game of the local Geelong team.
Distance and Time: Geelong is around a 75km drive from Melbourne. It will take just over an hour to reach. You can catch a train to Geelong from Melbourne’s CBD. You can also catch
Click here to check out where to stay in Geelong.
Glenrowan
Glenrowan is often used as rest stop for those doing a road trip along the Hume Freeway. As well as being a popular resting spot, it is a great place for a Melbourne weekend escape to learn about one of Australia’s best known bushrangers, Ned Kelly.
Ned Kelly roamed Victoria in the 1800s and there are many places he visited. But it is Glenrowan, scene of his final siege and capture that calls people to visit Glenrowan each year. Walk around the siege site, visit the fabulous new Ned Kelly Discover Centre and maybe have some afternoon tea in one of the coffee shops.
Glenrowan also has some fine wineries to enjoy. The region is known for full bodied reds, particularly shiraz and fragrant whites.
Distance and Time: Glenrowan is around a 240km drive from Melbourne and will take some 2.5 hours to reach – one of the furtherest Melbourne weekend escapes.
Click here to check out where to stay in Glenrowan or in Wangaratta, some 14km away.
The Grampians
Get back to nature for your Melbourne weekend getaway in The Grampians. If you love seeing dramatic panoramic views over valleys and mountains, visiting majestic waterfalls, see wildflowers and lots of native animals then a weekend escape to the Grampians from Melbourne should be on your radar. Some three hours west of Melbourne, the Grampians make for great weekend of hiking and views that can take your breath away.
The best way to appreciate the Grampians is go on one of the world-famous hiking trails so ensure to bring your walking shoes with you on this weekend escape from Melbourne. Hike to the highest peak, Mount William or one of the plethora of walks around Halls Gap. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are more relaxing pursuits in the Grampians to enjoy. Fishing, canoeing or kayaking are popular things to do in The Grampians many creeks and streams.
Distance and Time: The Grampians is around a 260km drive from Melbourne and will take some 3 hours to reach – one of the furtherest Melbourne weekend escapes.
As The Grampians is a national park, most accommodation available is of the camping and outdoor kind. Or preferring other options, Halls Gap offers some unique accommodation for the adventure seeker who doesn’t want to sleep outdoors.
Click here to check out where to stay in Halls Gap.
Hanging Rock, Newham
About an hour up the Calder Freeway you will find yourself in the Macedon Ranges. With a number of quaint towns like Woodend, Trentham and Mount Macedon the area is known for one of its most famous landmarks – Hanging Rock.
Hanging Rock, or Mount Diogenes is a rare volcanic formation which is a great example of a volcanic plug. Years of weathering and erosion has resulted in its current formation which stands 105 metres high. It was made famous as being the location for Peter Weir’s iconic film, Picnic at Hanging Rock, based on the book by Joan Lindsay. The rock is also important to local aborigines and was a refuge for bushrangers during the Victorian gold rush.
Start your journey at Hanging Rock in the Discovery Centre. Gain the history before ascending the rock yourself. There are two ways to climb the rock. The fastest is via the stairs or you can meander along the windy footpath. But the view from the top is spectacular. After your climb you may want to sit in the grounds and enjoy a picnic or head to one of the nearby local towns and enjoy the local produce in the cafes, bakeries, restaurants and pubs. There are also a number of wineries to visit.
Distance and Time: Hanging Rock is about 75km away from Melbourne. It will take about 1 hour to reach. You can catch a train to Macedon Train Station and a bus to Hanging Rock.
Click here to check out where to stay near Hanging Rock (Woodend).
Healesville, Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is an easy drive from Melbourne. In fact, it is less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD. So one minute you’re in the CBD or the suburbs and the next minute you are surrounded by rolling hills covered in grape vines.
The Yarra Valley is world-renowned for producing cool-climate wines and you are spoilt for choice of the number of vineyards with cellar doors that you can visit. In fact, there are over 80 vineyards in the Yarra Valley. But one of my favourite towns in the Yarra Valley is Healesville and it is a great place to base yourself for exploring the Yarra Valley.
Healesville town is a gorgeous place in itself, the main street has plenty of old buildings filled with eateries, eclectic trinkets and gourmet produce. Walk along the tree-lined Main Street calling in to each building as you walk along. And if looking for somewhere to grab a bite, there are a number of pubs, a Beechworth Bakery Healesville and the renowned Four Pillars Gin House where you can sample gin with your meal.
Healesville is well known for its animal sanctuary, the Healesville Sanctuary. Deep in the Yarra Hills National Park this is a fabulous zoo to get up and close with the local animals. You can even book a swim with a platypus! You can purchase your online entry ticket to the Healesville Sanctuary here.
Distance and Time: Healesville is about 65km away from Melbourne CBD. It will take about 1 hour to reach. You can catch a train to Lillydale Station and a bus to Healesville.
Click here to check out where to stay in Healesville.
Lorne, Great Ocean Road
Lorne is one of my favourite Melbourne beach weekend getaways. Located along the Great Ocean Road, Lorne is more than a swimming and surfing destination. There is a vibrant town with many boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. What I love the most about Lorne is that you can head inland to Teddy’s Lookout which provides sweeping views over the town and along the coast. Then, take a drive in to the state park to visit Erskine Falls. Set amidst a rainforest with ferns and Bell Birds, the waterfall is reached by walking along an easy walking track.
Distance and Time: Lorne is about 145km away from Melbourne CBD. It will take about 1.5 hours to reach. The best way to get to Lorne is by car.
Click here to check out where to stay in Lorne.
Mansfield
Mansfield is one of the gateways to Victoria’s high country and is a great Melbourne weekend getaway if you want to get back to nature. And there are plenty of easy hikes for families with young kids on weekend away in Mansfield to more experienced hikers. Not interested in getting some exercise? Then you may want to visit Mansfield Zoo. Yep, Mansfield has a zoo. This 30-acre zoo has over 100 animals offering visitors the chance to spend the day or even camp overnight with the animals during the warmer months? What a unique weekend getaway from Melbourne experience this could be!
Mansfield town itself is a vibrant town during the day with plenty of cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. I like to use Mansfield as my base to visit and enjoy the surrounding area. Not to far away is beautiful Lake Eildon where you can enjoy waterspouts and hikes. If you are a bike rider, you could ride the Great Bike Trail. Or head into the high country and mountain bike in summer at Mount Buller, or if visiting during the winter months, catch the bus up for a day of skiing or snowboarding.
Distance and Time: Mansfield is just over 200km away from Melbourne CBD taking about 2.5 hours to reach. The best way to get to Mansfield is by car.
Click here to check out where to stay in Mansfield.
McCrae, Mornington Peninsula
McCrae is one of those places that’s perfect whether you’re looking for one of those family weekend road trips from Melbourne, a girls or guys weekend Melbourne getaway or even a romantic weekend holiday with your bestie. It’s situated in a great position on the Mornington Peninsula for visiting many places including Arthur’s Seat for a Birdseye view over Melbourne, to peninsula wineries and all the beachside towns like Rosebud, Dromana and Sorrento.
McCrae’s beach is a fabulous bay beach great for swimming and water sports when the weather is hot. There are plenty of colorful little beach boxes along the shore adding plenty of character to the shoreline. McCrae Yacht Club near the beach boxes is a great place to learn to sail the waters of Port Phillip Bay.
When tired of the beach pop across Point Nepean Road to enjoy a meal at one of the cafes or restaurants. The Wildflower Cafe (nee Blue Bay Cafe) is a particular favourite.
Distance and Time: McRae is about 90km away from Melbourne CBD. It will take just over an 1 hour to reach. There is no direct train line to reach the Mornington Peninsula. You can catch a train to Frankston, then a local bus to get to McCrae.
Click here to check out where to stay in and around McCrae.
Milawa Gourmet Food Region
Milawa is a small town situated in the heart of the Milawa Gourmet Region. If you are a purveyor of find food and drink, then a weekend escape from Melbourne to this area is a must. A trip here is dominated by wineries, farms, restaurants, local produce and craft. Not all too interesting for families with kids wanting to escape Melbourne for a weekend – best left to those who enjoy the best Milawa local produce.
Major attractions include the Brown Brothers Winery, the Milawa Cheese Company, Milawa Mustards and the Olive Shop. My mouth is watering just writing this. If this isn’t enough, in Milawa town centre you will find the usual selection of shops, cafes and a bakery. Bring plenty of bags to take home you produce!
Distance and Time: Milawa is around a 250km drive from north of Melbourne up the Hume Highway. It will take close to 3 hours to reach.
Click here to check out where to stay in Milawa.
Macedon Ranges
About an hour north of Melbourne is the beautiful Macedon Ranges area. If you love easy walks to the top of volcanic rocks and granite boulders offering fabulous views and enjoying great artisan food and wine, then a weekend road trip from Melbourne to Macedon Ranges should be on your agenda.
There are many great local towns and villages to discover in the Macedon Ranges. Macedon, Mount Macedon, Romsey, Gisborne and Kyneton to name a few. One very close to Mount Macedon and well worth a visit is Woodend. This quintessential rural village has a wide tree-lined main street with gourmet food stores, cafes and the award-winning Bourkie’s Bakehouse for its vanilla slices – definitely have a coffee and vanilla slice here. And there are a number of local wineries to go wine tasting at including Hanging Rock Winery.
Distance and Time: Mount Macedon is about 60km north from Melbourne CBD. It will take about an 1 hour to reach by car. There is a direct train line to Mount Macedon and from the station you can walk into town.
Click here to check out where to stay in and around Mt Macedon.
Olinda, The Dandenong Ranges
The Dandenong Ranges, often referred to as The Dandenongs or The Nongs have been a favourite weekend getaway for Melburnians for a long time. They are a low mountain range rising some 633 metres and are full of nature and wildlife, cute villages, great food and a historic train known as Puffing Billy. They can burn with bushfires during the summer months and there can be snow in the winter months.
One of my favourite quaint towns in The Dandenongs is Olinda. To get there you will wind your way up the mountain passing under towering Mountain ash trees and forest ferns and through quaint villages like Sassafras and Kalorama before reaching Olinda.
Olinda is a great base in The Dandenongs for a scenic drive through the Dandenong Ranges or for going on one of the many hikes. Make sure to head to the top of the mountain to SkyHigh Mount Dandenong for panoramic views over the Dandenong Ranges and back to greater Melbourne and the bays. If hungry, there are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants to enjoy. Maybe head for a pie at ‘Pie In The Sky’ restaurant in Olinda then walk along the Main Street and enjoy the boutique stores of trinkets and clothes.
Distance and Time: Olinda is around 35km east of Melbourne. It will take about 30-45 minutes to reach the area by car. You can catch a train to Belgrave Train Station then a bus to Olinda.
Click here to check out where to stay in Olinda.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island would have to be one of the ideal weekend escapes from Melbourne as it has something for everyone. Beach-side accommodation for easy access to the beaches, a vibrant main town of Cowes with plenty of cafes and restaurants including the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory where you can see the chocolate being made and of course enjoy some. There are plenty of hikes to do on the island, or perhaps go surfing or visit the Phillip Island race track, home to the Phillip Island Motorcycle Grand Prix.
The highlight of going to Phillip Island for a weekend escape from Melbourne has to be the nightly parade of the penguins. Each evening the colony of Fairy Penguins come home from a day fishing and waddle up the beach to their nests. This truly is a magnificent site and fun for all the family. For more options of what to see and do on Phillip Island read my post here.
Distance and Time: Phillip Island is 142km away from Melbourne, about 1.5 hour drive. There is a bus from Melbourne’s CBD taking you to the island.
Click here to check out where to stay while on Phillip Island.
Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula
Sorrento is a favourite beach-side getaway from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne. Located almost to the end of the Mornington Peninsula, Sorrento is known for its heritage buildings, high-end boutiques and fabulous cafe culture. There are also plenty of mansions located on what is known as Millionaire’s Walk overlooking Port Phillip Bay, of which you can casually stroll to check out some of the mansions!
Sorrento can also be your base to explore this area of the Mornington Peninsula. You can head down to Point Nepean National Park where you could enjoy hiking on the back beach trails. Or maybe catch the Sorrento to Queenscliff Ferry and back.
Sorrento has two beaches. Sorrento Front Beach is sheltered on Port Phillip Bay offering family-friendly waters. While those who like heavy ocean surf head to Sorrento Back Beach. During the summer months the popular swells with many people coming to enjoy the water and the atmosphere that comes with Sorrento. From families enjoying a weekend escape from Melbourne, to couples on a romantic break from Melbourne or those seeking a fun weekend getaway, Sorrento has loads to offer.
Distance and Time: Sorrento is about 150km from Melbourne, taking about and hour and half depending on the traffic down the Peninsula Freeway.
Click here to check out where to stay in Sorrento.
Torquay
Known as being a town near the start of the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s best road trips, is the seaside town of Torquay. If you are looking for a weekend beach getaway from Melbourne, then this town is a great option.
There are plenty of surf beaches near Torquay like Bells Beach and Jan Juc Beach to enjoy. And there are plenty of great cafes and restaurants plus the shopping is fabulous, particularly if you love surf wear. It was way back in 1969 when two board short companies created by four local surfers set up backyard business. These businesses are Quicksilver and Rip Curl – now two of the surf industry’s leading surf brand of clothes and both have their headquarters in Torquay. So if you are looking for surf gear head to Surf City Plaza where you will find all the best surf brands. And if looking for a bargain, head around to Baines Crescent where there are a number of surf brand factory outlets with loads of bargains. I’ve spent many a great weekend in Torquay stocking up on beach gear!
And if the surf isn’t pumping, or you’re sick of shopping, head to the Australian National Surfing Museum to get the history of surfing. It’s a great way to enjoy a weekend escape from Melbourne.
Distance and Time: Torquay is about 100km from Melbourne, taking about and hour and half depending on the traffic down the M1 and Surf Coast.
Click here to check out where to stay in Torquay.
Warrnambool
Founded in 1855, the town of Warrnambool makes for a great weekend escape from Melbourne if wanting to discover all things about the ocean. After all, it is at the end (or beginning) of the Great Ocean Road.
At the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village discover the area’s seafaring history and the shipwrecks that occurred along the nearby coastline. Kids will love the interactive activities this village and museum offers. Plus see many artefacts from the shipwrecks including the beautiful peacock.
Warrnambool is a vibrant town offering everything you need for your weekend escape. From cafes, restaurants and boutique restaurants. But it is some of the beaches that may attract you. Visit Thunder Point Coastal Reserve with its rocky ocean scenery. Or head to Logans Beach to enjoy the water or spot Southern Right whales from the Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform between June and September as the whales return to calve.
Distance and Time: Warrnambool is some 260km from Melbourne, taking about 3 hours to drive. There is a direct train to Warrnambool. One of my longer distance weekend trips from Melbourne.
Click here to check out where to stay in Warrnambool.
Williamstown
One of the closest weekend getaways in Melbourne is to the historic, bay-side town of Williamstown. A mere 15km or so drive south-west of Melbourne, this is the first site of European settlers in the state of Victoria to build a harbour.
There is a rich maritime history here and this is evident as you stroll the foreshore buildings and colonial landmarks like Timeball Tower and Fort Gellibrand. Many yachts dock alongside Gem Pier highlighting this seaside town. Ensure to visit the convict-built Nelson Place that now houses many craft shops and restaurants. Or maybe sit on the southern shore in the park or dip your toes in the waters of Williamstown Beach. Whatever you decide to do, it’s nice to know there is a great weekend getaway spot so close to Melbourne.
Distance and Time: Williamstown is only 15km from Melbourne, taking about 20 minutes to reach. You can catch a train or bus from Melbourne’s CBD to Williamstown.
Click here to check out where to stay in Williamstown.
Melbourne City
Lastly, why even leave Melbourne for a weekend away when you can enjoy a weekend in Melbourne? This probably sounds weird if you live in Melbourne, but when was the last time you had a staycation in Melbourne?
The best things about having a weekend in Melbourne is that most of the top attractions are right at your doorstep for you to get to know or reaquaint yourself with. Take the free City Circle Tram. Meet under the clocks at Flinders Street Station. Walk around a museum or perhaps go to the MCG to enjoy a game of AFL or cricket and stay nearby. Read my Free Things to See and Do in Melbourne here. The possibilities are endless.
There is, of course a stack of great accommodation options in Melbourne for all budgets and styles. Click here to read my guide on where to stay in Melbourne and click here to check out Melbourne accommodation options.
Are You Ready for a Melbourne Weekend Getaway?
There are many more weekend getaways from Melbourne I could have included on this list. Give me time, and I just may add to it, after I have visited some of them. In the meantime, the ones in my post should get you out and about for weekend getaways in Victoria.
Lorne looks like a fantastic spot to visit!
Lorne is beautiful. It has a great beach, a vibrant town with plenty of coffee shops, restaurants and boutique shops and then there is the rainforest behind it with gorgeous waterfalls amongst the trees. What more can you ask for!
I haven’t heard about a few of these places around Melbourne! I’d love to visit Melbourne again and explore the surroundings! Thanks for sharing your recommendations!
Yes, definitely, there are so many gems to visit outside of Melbourne.
I really need to make it down to Australia one day. Melbourne seems like the kind of city I could spend months in and have a great time. From your list, Torquay, Warrnambool, and the Grampians are standouts for me. Can’t wait! Thanks for the inspo! 🙂
There are so many more places I could have put on my list for weekend getaways from Melbourne but I agree with you, Warrnambool, Torquay and the Grampians are standouts.
The Great Ocean Road is a bucketlist drive for me and I had never heard of Lorne and its waterfall. Thank you for putting it on my radar!
The Great Ocean Road is a truly spectacular road trip in Australia. I hadn’t heard of the waterfall either until I saw a little sign telling me ‘it’s that way’ and I followed and I am so glad I did. It’s only about 10 minutes drive behind Lorne – a great find.
Wineries, hiking, and beautiful beaches, sign me up! Each place sounds like a great weekend getaway, but Phillip Island is calling my name.
Yes, there are so many different and unique weekend escapes away from Melbourne. I think you would really enjoy Phillip Island – the penguins are so cute!
When I finally make it to Melbourne, I now have a great selection of breaks to head off on. Wineries and hikes -love them. Great round-up!
Thank you. Melbourne and its surrounds has plenty of interesting places to offer the visitor and locals – from wineries, to hikes, to quaint towns – plenty to see and do. I hope you get to visit many of the places suggested.
Wow! So many wonderful places to discover. Great article! Will save this one for future planning!
Great. Melbourne and its surrounds has a lot to offer visitors and locals. It’s always great to get out of the city sometime.
Saving it all for my dream trip to Australis, hopefully soon!
Wonderful, I have plenty more ideas throughout the website.
I would love to see the waterfalls in Lorne. Thanks for the great ideas for a visit.
Yes, beautiful – I loved the waterfalls in Lorne too!
So many amazing places! I can’t wait to make it to Australia!
Yes, Melbourne is surprising – it isn’t as spectacular as Sydney, but still has a lot of wonderful places to visit in and around Melbourne.