Best Weekend Getaways from Melbourne

Are you looking to spend a weekend away in Victoria? Try our list for top weekend getaways from Melbourne.

Melbourne is one of the best places in the world to live and visit. With a city that provides any sort of activity you could possibly imagine, why would anyone want to leave? The answer lies in the many great escapes that are within easy reach of the ‘big smoke.’

Whether you want to immerse yourself in nature and find a great outdoor adventure, or kick back and relax in a coastal town with beaches, hot springs, golf courses and parks. Our list of the 5 best weekend getaways have you covered. Planning your next weekend away from Melbourne starts here.

• Best Exploring & Sightseeing Getaway – Great Ocean Road Trip

  What is it: One of the most popular and scenic drives in Australia.

  Why go: This drive is a must do for anyone visiting or living here. And if you’ve seen it once, you’ll want to go again. Cruise along the rugged coastline, walk through lush rain forests, spot native animals and visit quaint coastal towns. But some of the best places to visit along the Great Ocean Road are off the beaten track. There are many awesome places to go hiking, mountain biking, searching for a waterfall or just finding a place to chill out and enjoy nature. There’s plenty of variety too, as you can make the trip be focused on sightseeing, getting outdoors for exercise, wine and dining, exploring nature or a mix of these things.

  Tip: This getaway can be quite tiring to do in a day, as the drive from Melbourne and back takes at least 10 hours. To make the most of your time away we highly recommend you stay overnight after a day spent exploring and sightseeing. Our 2 day trip along the Great Ocean Road is one of our most popular getaways where we take you to the main attractions as well as the best spots that most people won’t see. It’s an awesome way to spend a weekend away with a group of friends or even solo travelers.

• Best Romantic Getaway: Hot Spring & Salt Spa

  

  What is it: Warrnambool’s recently completed Hot Springs Sanctuary and Salt Room.

  Why go: Relax in thermal waters and let your mind and body let go of any stress. Located just near the main beach, these Hot Spring baths are the perfect setting for a romantic couples’ weekend away. With it being so close to the beach and the promenade, you can finish the day by walking along the foreshore, enjoying a drink and watching the sun go down.

  Tip: Stay the night in Warrnambool after you’ve finished unwinding at the Hot Springs. Dine out at a range of bars and restaurants in town or have a romantic night in.

• Best Nature & Wildlife Getaway: Great Ocean Road, The Otways and Tower Hill

  What is it: Trip along the Great Ocean Road, through the Otways and to a dormant volcano, Tower Hill.

  Why go: Rather than doing all the typical stops and only seeing the main attractions along the Great Ocean Road, go a bit more off the beaten path in search of pristine nature and wildlife. There are a lot of great walking tracks in the Otways which lead to waterfalls and rainforests. There’s also plenty of wildlife to see such as Kangaroos, Koalas, Emus, bird life, and if you’re lucky you might just see a Platypus. At the end of the Great Ocean Road, just past Warrnambool, lies Tower Hill wildlife reserve. It’s home to many native animals so you are sure to see plenty all year round. If travel at the right time in winter, you can even spot whales from Warrnambool’s whale viewing platform at Logan’s beach. Definitely worth the stop but it’s best to call the local tourist information centre beforehand to see if they’re the whales are in the bay.

  Tip: Book a guided tour at Tower Hill where you can learn more about indigenous culture, the history of the area, and you can even learn to throw a Boomerang and spear!

• Best Beach Getaway: Surf Coast and Beyond

  What is it: Getaway by the coast where you can surf, swim, stand-up paddle board, fish and more.

  Why go: Grab a group of mates or pack up the family and head down the coast for your next weekend away. From the Surf Coast to the end of the Great Ocean Road, you are spoilt for choice of coastal stays. Barwon Heads, Torquay, Ocean Grove, Warrnambool and Port Fairy are some of the most popular coastal towns to stay at and visit. You can mix up the beach with a round of golf at some of the best courses in the state, have a hit of tennis, try out lawn bowls or even wine & cheese tasting. It’s the perfect way to escape the busyness of the city.

• Best Family Getaway: Warrnambool

  What is it: Ranked number 1 as Australia’s most liveable city is the coastal town of Warrnambool.

  Why go: Warrnambool offers a lot for families with kids of all ages. It has great parks, beaches, bike tracks, walking paths, restaurants, bars and cafes just for starters. There’s a Maritime Museum that has a sound and light show, an arts centre, cinema for entertainment and more. A family getaway in the ‘bool is best spent in the summer when the weather is warmer, the beach temperature isn’t freezing and there are more activities on such as the summer beach markets, carnival and other holiday events. Otherwise you can head down in the cooler months to avoid the crowds and even go whale spotting between May and October.

  Tip: Caravan parks should be booked well ahead during peak seasons from December – February. If you have a big group, we offer getaway packages and accommodation which includes group accommodation for up to 19 people, so you won’t need to fight for a caravan spot.

Related article: Ultimate Itinerary for One Week in Melbourne?

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