As well as Federation Square and the Eureka Skydeck, what springs to mind when you think of Victoria’s state capital? As any local will tell you, there are lots of things to do in Melbourne. In its central business district and inner-city suburbs, you will find a smorgasbord of theatres, sporting events, and specialty lattes crafted to perfection. There are many interesting places to visit in Melbourne, but this capital city is also a great starting point for more rural adventures. And might we add—what better way to tour country Victoria than in our Weekender? This small- to-medium-sized car companion is the lightest we have to offer. It is popular among couples or very close pals who don’t mind sharing a smaller space. The best part about the Weekender is that it’s easy to set up. This convenience is ideal for any two or three-day adventure.
Without further ado, here are our top three weekend getaways not far from Melbourne.
Falls Creek, The High Country
Want to see Falls Creek at its peak? Then you should visit during the winter months. Prefer to forgo the snow? Falls Creek is still a suitable tourist location year-round.
In winter, Falls Creek is home to North-East Victoria’s largest ski field. Perhaps it’s its 1,000 acres of skiable snow that earns it the title of North-East Victoria’s premier alpine resort. Boasting over 65 kilometres in ski trails—as well as a crisp, white winter wonderland as far as the eye can see—skiers and snowboarders will fall in love with Falls Creek. If you need to brush up on your skills, why not sign yourself or your family up for skiing classes? Falls Creeks’ classes cover all ages and competencies.
Falls Creek at its (snow-capped) peak during wintertime: a scene to melt even a summer lover’s heart.
In spring and summer, Falls Creek trades its white, snow-covered trails for colourful fields of wildflowers. Without snow, you can mountain bike, horse ride, or fly-fish free of slippery hazards—or of frozen bodies of water. If you’re up for a scenic drive, give Bogong Alpine Way a burl. Enjoy the scenic alpine views as you travel through popular holiday spots such as Mount Hotham, Mount Beauty, and Bright. Alternatively, take a hike through Bogong High Plains. The contrast between its winter and summer appearance is truly striking.
Bogong High Plains, Falls Creek in late spring. Yes, it’s still the same place!
Enticed by the snow-capped mountains or the warmer alpine walks? There are plenty of apartments and alpine lodges you can book for a weekend getaway. May we suggest QT Falls Creek? Choose from apartments hosting up to three bedrooms, all of which feature a luxurious day spa. There are options to suit singles, couples, friends, and families.
Daylesford/Hepburn Springs
Daylesford is a delightful little regional town just 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne by car. Come here if you’re looking to unwind at a day spa—or sample premium mineral water.
Have you ever had a drink from Daylesford and Hepburn Springs Mineral Co.? These drinks source their water locally from Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve: Australia’s first mineral reserve, man-made in 1865. One of Daylesford’s major attractions, you should visit this reserve with depleted water reserves. Will you fill your canteen with water from the Soda, Sulphur, Locana, Wyuna, or Argyle springs? Let the fresh, pure mineral water wash over your tingling tastebuds between bites of your park picnic or barbecue. Venture slightly beyond the reserve to find the Pavilion Cafe and the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa.
Venture even further and you’ll find Sailors Falls Mineral Spring, located up Ballan-Daylesford Road. This is one of its twisty, turny paths.
The Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa is as old as the mineral springs themselves. What sets it apart from any other day spa? It sources its water directly from the neighbouring springs, of course! Soak in private baths of pure mineral water or enjoy custom wellness packages. Of course, it wouldn’t be a day spa without all the standard offerings: massages, facial and all-body treatments, and steam- and water-based therapies. You could even book luxury accommodation at the Hepburn Spa Retreat, or any of the surrounding accommodation, such as the Hepburn Springs Escape or Hideaway @ Hepburn.
Daylesford is a town of natural beauty, so ensure not to skimp on the nature walks! Take a stroll around the sapphire-blue Lake Daylesford and see what we mean. For a quick circuit around a quaint little park, be sure to check out the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens. Take in the lush view from a miniature lookout tower, duck into its forested pockets, and enjoy the vibrant plants that line this little green gem.
The beautiful Lake Daylesford.
What other Daylesford or Hepburn highlights that spring (ha!) to mind? You must check out at least one of the art galleries. The Convent Daylesford has a rich history. It once stood as a Catholic Church, and its stained-glass chapel is still accessible from the inside. Nowadays, The Convent is an art gallery frequently rotating the works of local artists. Come back here again and again to see different contributions from different artists throughout the Daylesford area.
Phillip Island
Perhaps the most famous holiday destination Victoria-wide, Phillip Island is a short day trip for Melbournians. There are so many inches of beach you can scale in one day, though. Hence why it’s also one of the best weekend getaways not far from Melbourne.
You will see so many of these guys. They’re like the pigeons of Phillip Island.
If you’re holidaying in Phillip Island, the Penguin Parade is a must. Phillip Island Nature Parks must make a small fortune from the neverending ticket sales of this major tourist attraction. The parade starts at dusk and follows a trail of little penguins as they return from the ocean and waddle home to their sandy burrows. Walk along the boardwalks and platforms and watch this feathery display unfold! If you’re visiting the parade during the cooler months, ensure to rug up. Remember you’re sitting beachside of an evening—beware of the bitter windchill.
Phillip Island hosts many wildlife watching opportunities. Phillip Island Wildlife Park is a great place to get up close and personal kangaroos and wallabies, whilst the Koala Conservation Centre features two boardwalks (gumtree height, of course) so you can see these furry fellas in their natural habitat. Want to see some sea life? Try a wildlife cruise to Seal Rocks and witness thousands of fur seals from mere metres away. Bring binoculars to zoom in on these cuties!
Phillip Island is home to many different beaches. Among the highlights is the Nobbies, which boasts panoramic clifftop views of the beach. Follow the boardwalk and see the pristine blue waters and crisp, white waves from varying perspectives. Notable sights include the Blow Hole, Seal Rocks (viewable from here), and—of course—the Nobbies rock formation itself. At Phillip Island, there is also a wealth of accessible beaches ideal for swimming and surfing. The great thing about this location is it’s ideal for beach lovers, but there’s also plenty to do that doesn’t directly involve swimming or sandcastles.
The boardwalk by the Nobbies.
When it comes to accommodation, there are as many options as there are beaches. If you’re wanting to set up camp, there are caravan parks throughout Cowes (powered and unpowered), such as Seaview Caravan Park, Beach Park Tourist Caravan Park, and Bushy Park Caravan Park, to name a few. Amaroo Park is also a popular option for its variety of powered sites, as well as its villas, studios, and rooms available for rent.
So: snow, beach, or (mineral) springs?
We may have only covered three weekend getaways not far from Melbourne, but each one is iconic in its own right. There’s something for snow bunnies, beach babes, bushwalkers, and those in need of a relaxing holiday. We hope we have inspired you to check out some of the most popular tourist destinations around Melbourne—or whetted your appetite for similar weekend getaways not far from Melbourne. Pack up the Weekender and get travelling!
