Introduction
Want to get away out of the hustle of the city? Is it the perfect beaches, quaint rural villages, or a weekend getaway in the mountains that you are looking for. Victoria has the right thing to offer to every individual. This guide will look at the best weekend getaway destinations outside of Melbourne. These include aspects of nature, leisure, as well as local culture. You can reach in a couple of hours of driving trip time.
Yarra Valley – Wine, Food, and Rolling Hills
Only an hour drive out of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a perfect weekend escape out of Melbourne. It is famous with its wineries of grand excellence, beautiful sceneries and fine food. It is a dream vacation of any couple and family.
Some of the well-known wineries that visitors can visit are Domaine Chandon and De Bortoli and their wine tasting and vineyard tours provide an enjoyable afternoon amidst some spectacular views. To add a magical effect, people opt to travel on the hot air balloon during sunrise and float over the valley. The sunrises stretch to the fields and vineyards below. Animal lovers and families will have a great time visiting Healesville Sanctuary. This harbors the most iconic Australian animals such as kangaroos, koalas, and wombats.
It is not just a place where wine lovers should go in Victoria but also a food and nature refuge. There are various local markets, artisan cheese shops, and walking destinations. The landscapes are picturesque that caters to all kinds of travelers.
Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is a mix of a seaside and country, only slightly more than an hour southeast of Melbourne. It is among the best destinations to go over the weekend when in Melbourne due to its combination of nature, food, and rest.
No journey to the Peninsula can be complete without going in the natural thermal waters of the Peninsula Hot Springs. The tourism visitor can also pursue leisure walks around the small shops along the coastal townships; such as Sorrento to ensure that its historic buildings and coastal ambiance leave an inviting gesture. On the wilder side, hikers can trek miles in Moonah Hihgway promenade, within the Mornington Peninsula national park.
It is a good place to get away and play at the same time. Whatever you are doing: relaxing in thermal pools, or dining on sea soup with ocean vistas, you can make the best of it. The interaction between the beaches, wineries and scenic landscapes makes it a flexible getaway within an hour drive of Melbourne.
Daylesford
Daylesford is known as one of the most relaxing places to spend your weekend getaway in Melbourne, 90 minutes to the north west of the city. It is famous because of its mineral springs and health retreats.
Tourists will also be able to relax in relaxation spa facilities at the famous Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. It has been providing curative mineral bathing since more than 100 years. Foodies will find a choice of award winning restaurants in Daylesford. Those who prefer a fine dining experience an idyllic lakeside location should visit Lake House. Among interested parties to arts and culture, various galleries, antiques stores and neighborhood artisan shops are distributed almost everywhere in the town.
Great Ocean Road
A tad longer still yet completely worth it the Great ocean road is definitely a sight to be seen. Beginning less than an hour outside of Melbourne, the iconic Great Ocean Road is full of scenic and spectacular landscapes and sights that fit the criteria of a must see in Victoria.
One of the most photographed places in Australia, the Twelve Apostles line the rugged wall of the sea. They are the highlight of any drive along the Great Ocean Road. There are also incredible geological wonders such as Loch Ard Gorge or London Arch that have impressive narratives of shipwrecks and natural erosion that can be studied by the travelers. Nature enthusiasts can have a rainforest stroll, take a waterfall hike, and see wild animals living in their own habitat at Great Otway National Park.
A longer weekend trip out of Melbourne can be done by spending the night in lovely places such as Lorne or Apollo Bay. The beautiful landscapes, hilly terrain and tranquility of the ocean make this a very unforgettable trip in Victoria.
Dandenong Ranges
The Dandenong Ranges are a great experience and little over an hour drive away yet it is a world away. The area is a forest cover.
A favourite attraction is the Puffing Billy steam train, a 100 year old railway which travels the mountain ash trees and the fern gullies. Visitors who like gardening will be fascinated by the grounds of Cloudehill and Alfred Nicholas Gardens. They are decorated in a wonderful way especially during autumn and spring. Other delightful places to visit and taste tea in rustic cafes, browse bookstores and buy handcrafted gifts in boutique stores are also often found in the area, including Olinda and Sassafras.
It is the best place in Victoria to get fresh air, spectacular views and cozy cafes which are not far away from the city. It is an excellent choice as a restful weekend away out of Melbourne. Particularly when you need to feel chilly and enjoy the sounds of silence in the forest.
Conclusion
All of these weekend getaway from Melbourne locations offer a unique facet of Victoria. There are far-flung adventures on the horizon as well as ultra-relaxing mountain retreats. You like wine tasting, hiking, lounging on the beach, or a spa? Not to worry. There is a place to do what you like and best of all is that this place is only a short trip away in Melbourne. Therefore, what are you waiting on? Pack your bags and begin to explore the finest that Victoria has to offer.