Are you and your partner in need of some time away? We get it. Whether you’re a Victorian yourself or want to explore more towards the bottom of this wide, brown land, why not hit up one of these romantic Victorian getaways? From beautiful beaches to small country towns, Victoria has something for everyone—many of which are day trippable from Melbourne.
The camper trailer we’d recommend for romantic Victorian getaways? The Weekender. The lightest of our range, the Weekender is good for light off-roading, and ideal for small- to medium-sized cars (including SUVs). If you’re not up for buying a more heavy-duty, otherwise ‘tow-happy’ vehicle, then this may be the model for you. Quick and simple to set up, the Weekender is the perfect no-fuss camper trailer for a getaway for two people. Get on it!
Hepburn Springs
Often spoken of interchangeably with the neighbouring town of Daylesford, Hepburn Springs is home to Australia’s largest mineral spring area. If you’ve ever had a drink from Daylesford and Hepburn Springs Mineral Co., it would have been sourced from Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. Man-made in 1865, this mineral reserve is Australia’s first, and a major tourist attraction. Enjoy mineral water fresh from the reserve, or feel it wash over you at the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa.
Further down is Sailors Falls Mineral Spring on Ballan-Daylesford Road.
That’s right: the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa sources water from the springs themselves and was built around the same year. Of course, it has all the standard day spa offerings, such as massages, steam- and water-based therapies, and facial and all-body treatments—ideal for a romantic getaway. If you really want to spoil your partner, treat them to luxury accommodation at the Hepburn Spa Retreat. Other surrounding accommodation includes the Hepburn Springs Escape and Hideaway @ Hepburn.
Keen to wheel out the camper trailer (possibly the Weekender)? Just outside of Hepburn Springs lies Mount Franklin Reserve: a picturesque, free camping ground near Mount Franklin.
Mount Franklin
As well as mineral water, Hepburn Springs and Daylesford are also renowned for their fresh, organic food. Among our recommendations is the Farmers Arms Hotel, which showcases seasonal produce sourced from organic farms in the local region. As you browse the menu of colourful and sustainably sourced dishes, enjoy complimentary water from Daylesford and Hepburn Springs Mineral Co. Even their mineral water is local!
For a standard pub fare, the Daylesford Hotel is a local staple. Order from the sports bar and, if the evening is warm enough, you can sit outside on one of their wooden picnic benches. It’s a peaceful atmosphere situated in the centre of town, right beside the major roundabout. This is the turning point for further adventures! In which direction will you drive next?
Red Hill
Calling all wine connoisseurs! Red Hill is the hidden ruby of the Mornington Peninsula, seemingly named after its boundless stretches of vineyards and wineries. In actuality, Red Hill earned its name from its distinctive red soil. This tranquil slice of red (velvet) is among the more underrated of romantic Victorian getaways.
For a small space, Red Hill boasts an impressive range of wineries. You’re spoilt for choice, but one noteworthy visit is Foxeys Hangout: home to award-winning varieties including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Shiraz. What sets Foxeys apart from the other wineries? They stock the Mornington Peninsula’s first range of certified organic-biodynamic wines. The vineyard is the passion project of brothers Michael and Tony Lee, who began biodynamic farming in 2007. Duck into Foxeys from Friday to Monday to take in a light lunch, as well vineyard views that span the valley. Duck in any day of the week for wine tastings.
Are you visiting Red Hill anytime from September through to May? Will you be there on the first Saturday of any of these months? If so, you’ll need to check out the Red Hill Community Market, which has run since 1975. This monthly market features fresh, seasonal produce and home-grown goodies from passionate growers. It also offers a range of garden decorations and colourful plants. If you’re camping with the Weekender in tow, be sure to pull out the kitchen and prepare some locally-sourced grub.
Of course, there are all the standard affairs for nature-lovers, such as bike trails and bush walks. Be sure to check out Endeavour Fern Gully: the Mornington Peninsula’s original rainforest spanning 27 hectares. If you’re not big on hiking, don’t freak out: their walking loop is only 2km long and takes 30–45 minutes to complete. After something a bit longer? Try the 6.5km Red Hill Rail Trail.
Forested land backing onto a beach along the Mornington Peninsula.
In terms of places to stay, Point Leo Foreshore Reserve has upwards of 165 campsites available. Looking to get some good grub? Check out Red Hill Cellar & Pantry and The Epicurean. The former is similar to Daylesford’s Farmers Arms in the sense that it serves up fresh, locally-sourced food—and alcoholic bevvies are to Red Hill as mineral water is to Daylesford (except you won’t be getting the alcohol for free. You’ll need to cough up for that). The Epicurean serves up homemade pasta and woodfired pizza. Red Hill is a foodie’s delight, just a stone’s throw from the Mornington Peninsula’s many beaches.
Torquay
And finally, we can’t discuss relaxing getaways without throwing in a beach location! Forming part of Victoria’s must-do drive, the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is less than two hours from Melbourne. Renowned for its surf beaches and chilled ‘surfer’s vibe’, this beachside town is a great springboard for further Great Ocean Road exploration. Alternatively, enjoy a beach walk or surf nearby at Bells Beach or Jan Juc Surf Beach. Hiking couples will delight in The Surf Coast Walk, which spans 44km and branches off into many different trails of varying competency levels.
Bells Beach feat. surfer dude. The Great Ocean Road truly is the second-tier surfer’s paradise of Australia.
Where can you eat in Torquay? Among the recommendations are Bomboras and Il Matto. The former is a classic beachside dining experience along The Esplanade. Enjoy a salad, pizza, or main meal in their outdoor dining area complete with wooden benches and tables. Breathe in the beachside air as you take in the neutral, rustic surroundings. The latter is a classic Italian fare, to the point where Italian words comprise half the menu! Whether you’re after an antipasto or ‘insalate’; pasta, pizza, or ‘secondi’—Il Matto brings the authentic Italian experience to the Australian beachside. Keen for a bevvy? Be sure to check out Bells Beach Brewing, or wineries such as Bellbrae Estate and Jack Rabbit Winery.
There are some great camping sites near Torquay, including Torquay Foreshore Holiday Park. This park has many campsites available from $52 per night. Is your dog third-wheeling your romantic getaway? If so, Torquay Foreshore also has dog-friendly campsites available. There’s also Ingenia Holidays Torquay, which has powered and unpowered sites available.
Romantic Victorian getaways ahead!
There are so many great places to visit in Victoria, especially for a romantic getaway. These places bring the rural and coastal vibes, and—would you believe it?—they’re all less than a two hours’ drive from Melbourne. Whether you want to ‘go country’ or just escape the city, this needn’t be a time-consuming process. It can be comforting to realise that you’re never too far away from a refreshing holiday!
The Weekender fully set up!
There are so many things to do in Victoria beyond the city centre. How will you and your partner spend your much deserved time away? Pick a spot, hit the road, and go make some memories!
