Weekend Getaways in Victoria: The Definitive Guide
Planning the perfect weekend getaway in Victoria, Australia?
This state is famous for the iconic Great Ocean Road, its internationally acclaimed wineries and beautiful natural sites like the Twelve Apostles.
We’ve put together a guide to three must-visit regions in Victoria to help you plan your next weekend escape.
Weekend Getaways in Victoria: The Definitive Guide
1. Geelong & The Bellarine Peninsula
Top Things To Do
13th Beach at Barwon Heads
Start your weekend away with a quick paddle at 13th Beach just West of Barwon Heads on the Bellarine Peninsula. This 4.5km stretch of pristine coastline is less than ninety-minutes from Melbourne by car. Its fun beach breaks offer waves for surfers of all levels to enjoy.
The Bellarine Rail Trail
Follow the cycling trail along the historic Bellarine Peninsula Railway from South Geelong to Queenscliff. This 32.5 km trail offers a laid-back ride through the wildflowers and beautiful views of the surrounding farmland and coast. It’s the perfect activity for those who want to spend a relaxing day enjoying the outdoors.
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The Boom Gallery
Explore contemporary art and design in a historic wood mill that’s been transformed into an eclectic gallery. The Boom Gallery showcases work by artists from Melbourne and the surrounding area. It’s the ideal place to get inspired and renewed on your weekend away. The gallery also runs a retail space and café with fantastic coffee and food.
Places To Eat
At The Heads
At The Heads is where you want to go for a post-surf lunch after catching a few waves at 13th Beach. The unique restaurant is located on the jetty at Barwon Heads, and their food showcases the best seasonal produce this area has to offer.
Bellarine Taste Trail
Follow the Bellarine Taste Trail to explore 50 unique wineries, restaurants, boutique wine shops and beer breweries in the region. Bellarine is renowned for its cold climate wines like Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay. Be sure to stop at the Jack Rabbit Vineyard for a tasting. Not only will the wines blow you away, but you’ll also be rewarded with breathtaking views across the bay to Melbourne, Geelong and the You Yangs.
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Little Creatures Brewing
Get an inside look at the process of making craft beer by taking a one-hour brewery tour from the self-proclaimed hopheads at Little Creatures Brewery in Geelong. After exploring the facility, you can enjoy your choice of ale, pilsner or cider in their quirky Canteen. Their unique beers are made with whole hops flowers and even more special, the ingredients for their Furphy Refreshing Ale are 100% Victorian.
2. Yarra Valley
Top Things To Do
Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail
Hop on your bike for a relaxed 39 km cycle from Lilydale Railway Station to the township of Warburton. The trail follows a historic railway line and meanders through farmland, forests and idyllic mountain scenes. It’s suitable for all fitness levels and takes around two-and-a-half hours to complete one-way.
Natskin Day Spa Retreat
Take a few hours to recharge at the Natskin Day Spa Retreat at Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort. The spa offers a range of treatments and packages to help you unwind, including the ancient Arabic Rasul treatment which combines steam, exfoliation and clay masks to relax and renew your body from head to toe.
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Hot Air Balloon at Balgownie Estate
Are you celebrating something special on your weekend away? Book a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Yarra Valley for an unforgettable morning. Enjoy spectacular views of the vineyards and rolling hills below and finish your adventure with a champagne breakfast at Balgownie Estate.
Places To Eat
Hutch & Co
You can’t beat the breakfast at Hutch & Co. This modern café in Lilydale is known for its spongy French toast, smashed avocado on sourdough and delicious coffee. Check it out if you want to enjoy fresh food in a spacious and warm restaurant loved by locals.
Innocent Bystander
Head over to Healesville to taste the exceptional Innocent Bystander wines while enjoying a wood-fired pizza fresh from the oven. They even have machines called enomatics that pour wine for you if you prefer a self-guided tasting.
TarraWarra Estate
Why not spend an afternoon enjoying world-class wines on your next weekend away? The historic TarraWarra Estate has been making award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for the past 20 years. Often called one of Australia’s great wine estates, it’s right at the top of the list of things to do in Yarra Valley.
3. Mornington Peninsula
Top Things To Do
Portsea Back Beach
Intermediate and advanced surfers can head out Portsea Back Beach to enjoy the consistent waves at one of Victoria’s most famous beach breaks. If surfing isn’t your thing, lather on some sunscreen, sit back with a good book and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Enchanted Adventure Garden
When it comes to kid-friendly activities, it’s hard to beat the creative mazes, tube slides and treetop canopy walk at the Enchanted Adventure Garden. Find your way through the challenging hedge maizes or solve the giant brain teaser puzzles as a family. Don’t miss out on the epic Tree Surfing they offer. It includes over fifty obstacles, five ziplines and even a giant Tarzan swing.
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Bass and Flinders Distillery
Take a gin making masterclass from the folks at Bass and Flinders Distillery to create your own bespoke bottle of gin. Learn about its history, gain insight into the distilling process and get hands-on experience by creating a blend from a selection of botanicals. As a bonus, Bass & Flinder keep your unique recipe, so you can order more bottles when you inevitably run out.
Places To Eat
Blue Mini
This quirky café is a Rosebud favourite. Blue Mini offers generous servings of delightful brunch options like breakfast churros, eggs benedict and bruschetta with homemade hummus. It’s a lovely place to spend a relaxing Sunday morning.
Petit Tracteur
The Petit Tracteur Bistro pairs French-inspired food with award-winning wines and picturesque views. Chef Charles Yates uses locally-sourced seasonal produce to create a food experience that’s hard to forget.
Mezzy’s Pizza
Sometimes you just want an indulgent pizza or massive burger after a good surf. If that’s you on your Victoria weekend away, Mezzy’s Pizza in Flinders is the place to go. Their reviews on TripAdvisor say it all, “Pizza so good, you’ll want to lick the box.”
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading Weekend Getaways in Victoria: The Definitive Guide! Be sure to tell us your thoughts in the comments!
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