Victoria is a beautiful place for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re traveling from interstate in Australia, or planning a break from the hustle and bustle city life of Melbourne, there are plenty of options. Coastal towns, iconic surf destinations, food and wine regions and wellness locations are all possible to visit in Victoria.
Why travel in Victoria? You may be trying to keep costs down or have limited free time for a getaway. For someone living in Melbourne, I know that a short car ride can seem a lot more manageable and cost effective than traveling interstate. Sometimes what you’re looking for can be on your doorstep- almost- or a simple car ride away.
Victoria usually has dry, hot weather over summer which is perfect for visiting one of the the many coastal towns for a weekend or longer. In the cooler weather there are countless wineries, breweries, restaurants, hiking options, spa retreats and more, all a short car trip out of the city.
If you’re deciding where to spend your weekend in Victoria, here are my top getaways to consider. From beach hot spots to sweet country towns, hopefully this list will inspire travelers to venture away from the over crowded towns, to discover some truly memorable holiday towns.
Walkerville
Walkerville is a tiny beach town in South Gippsland on Warratah Bay. This small, coastal area is lovely and quiet, with enough visitors at peak times to add a summer holiday atmosphere. There are many houses for rent, or you can camp at the Walkerville Caravan Park, located right on the water.
Walkerville is that bit further out from Melbourne than other beach getaways, but still accessible at 190 kms south east of Melbourne and well worth the visit.
The beaches are clean and secluded, with stunning views from North Walkerville. Walking along the mostly empty beach is highly recommended for the fresh sea air to clear the mind.
Sandy Point
Sandy Point is a great little beach town, and has one of the most stunning, long beaches in Victoria. As part of ‘Prom Country’, the extended stretch of beach is as beautiful as Wilsons Promontory (which is half an hour further south) but a lot less crowded.
The small caravan park and shops at Sandy Point provide everything needed for a perfect beach weekend getaway, without the busyness of other more popular beach towns. Coffee, take away food and a selection of grocery items are all available at the Sandy Point store.
Sandy Point is not far from the slightly bigger towns of Fish Creek and Foster (both approximately half an hour). Both these towns have cafes, restaurants and grocery stores available for extra food and camping supplies.
Heading south, in the opposite direction is of course, Wilsons Promontory National Park. The Tidal River campground at The Prom can get very busy in peak seasons, making Sandy Point a peaceful alternative, and equally as pretty.
Sandy Point, Victoria
Peterborough
One of the most popular weekend getaways in Australia is the Great Ocean Road. The beach towns which are closer to Melbourne, are usually the most popular holiday destinations in Victoria, such as Aireys Inlet, Lorne and Apollo Bay.
Peterborough is 3 hours from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. A quiet, summertime town, with a caravan park, pub, a scattering of local shops, this town is accessible to some of the most incredible parts of Coastal Victoria.
Peterborough is only a short drive from Port Campbell and the 12 Apostles, and is a quieter, and easier option when other nearby areas are booked for the summer.
Venus Bay
Venus Bay is also a coastal town with a surf beach on one side and bay on the other. The caravan park is one of the best I have stayed in. With fire pits, cabins and powered or non powered camp sites, with a short walk to the main surf beach.
Venus Bay has a relaxed atmosphere and the small selection of shops nearby include everything from pizza, ice cream, beach items and chemist supplies, making this beach getaway an easy option for families or couples.
Venus Bay, Victoria
Bright
Bright is a 4 hour drive North East from Melbourne. This area near Falls Creek is known for its prettiness and country style, especially in Autumn. The rivers, waterfalls, markets, golf, arts and culture make Bright the perfect inland weekend getaway destination.
Bright is the prettiest in Autumn (Mar-Apr). A drive through town is a memorable experience, with the jaw dropping colour of the trees on show. There are also top quality wineries in and surrounding Bright, with Cellar Doors and bars showcasing cool climate wines.
Local produce is used in many of the cafes and restaurants in Bright, making this area a foodie heaven. Bright is also a great town to stay if you are heading to the nearby snowfields for day trips.
Bright, Victoria
Somers
Somers is situated on Western Port Bay, on the South Eastern corner of the Mornington Peninsula. The Mornington Peninsula is one of the most popular weekend trips from Melbourne. Somehow Somers stays tucked away and secluded, providing a relaxed atmosphere throughout the year.
When you stare out to sea, you feel far away from the usual summer busyness. Even though the small town of Somers has a general store which has been revamped to provide coffee and meals, and has become popular with locals and visitors.
Somers also has a caravan park and Airbnb options for weekend getaways.
Somers, Mornington Peninsula
Conclusion
There are hundreds of top weekend getaways in Victoria, and wider Australia, and the purpose of this list is to showcase some of the quieter, secluded and less crowded places when leaving the city for a couple of days.
A weekend away is good for the soul. especially during a busy year. Hopefully these weekend holiday destinations will encourage families and groups to think outside the usual hot spots and enjoy all that regional Victoria has to offer.
