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Written for Auski by Pink Lemonade Social
Whether it’s a change in seasons, a public holiday coming up or you just need a little break, any time is the perfect time to book a last-minute weekend getaway! Whether you're up for a road trip or prefer to book those plane tickets, there is a heap of destinations in Victoria that will help you unwind. Here’s your guide to the best picks for a weekend getaway in Victoria.
Grampians National Park is a heritage listed nature reserve known for its traditional indigenous ownership, abundant wildlife including native animals and flowers and incredible scenery. It has world famous hiking trails with incredible mountain views along with a number of creeks and streams that you can go kayaking in. It’s a little over a 3-hour drive from Melbourne’s centre to the national park so it’s worth booking accommodation for a weekend away.
Go check out MacKenzie Falls (Mikunung wira)which is along a 9.7km trail that takes you through beautiful valleys and gorges where you’ll finally end up at the mouth of the waterfall.
Check out the Adventure Café Bar to grab a bite to eat and a coffee and sit back and enjoy their garden surroundings.
Camp at Smith Mills Campground as it is only a short distance from all the popular sights.
Image: Instagram/jake.bolton.photo
Philip Island is a perfect little day trip or weekend away destination from Melbournian allowing you to enjoy an island oasis. The island has 101km of undisturbed coastline, spectacular sunsets and is home to the famous Little Penguins. The island is filled with family-friendly activities and wild adventures that everyone will enjoy!
Image: Instagram/phillipisland
Grab some tickets to watch the Philip Island Little Penguin Parade as the local colony of penguin’s waddle home for the night.
Grab a pub meal or some tapas at Philip Island Hotel, whilst enjoying ocean views.
NRMA Phillip Island beachfront holiday park is only a short stroll to the white sandy beaches.
The Alpine National Park is about a 4.5-hour drive north of Melbourne and has spectacular mountain ranges and wild rivers. It is the perfect escape for adventure lovers as the national park is filled with hiking paths, 4wd driving tracks and world-famous mountain biking trails. If that wasn’t enough there is white-water rafting and cross-country skiing antics to have fun with.
Experiencing the adrenaline of rafting or kayaking on the Snowy, Murray or Mitta Mitta Rivers. You can book a tour where all equipment is supplied!
Grab some freshly made pizza and some garlic bread to go with it from Alfresco Pizzeria.
Book a room at the Diana Alpine Lodge where you can enjoy amenities such as a sauna and hot tub!
Image: Instagram/minnaleunig
The town of Bendigo is located around 150 kilometres north-west of Melbourne and is known for its rich gold heritage. You can take a walk through the town centre or simply jump on a tram that has audio to explore the city’s gold history. If you’re into art it’s also worth checking out the Bendigo Art Gallery that features art pieces dating as far back as 1850s. In 2019 the Bendigo region was crowned a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, which makes it an ideal spot for foodies! You can also check out our Ultimate Guide to Bendigo & The Top 15 Things to Do.
Image: Instagram/explorebendigo
Visit one of the 20 abandoned mine sites within the Bendigo goldfield, for your chance to see some of the relics of mining that have been left behind. You can also pop into Auski Bendigo and say hi!
Enjoy a cooked to perfection wagyu steak at the Woodhouse Restaurant whilst cosying up next to their fireplace.
Stay at The Hotel Shamrock that has a 19th century feel and enjoy a beer at their sports bar.
Bells Beach is a prominent surf coastline that is located 100km south-west of Melbourne and runs along the Great Ocean Road. Bells Beach is known for holding famous surf competitions such as the Rip Curl Pro and sees many surfers and spectators flock to the area to get in on the action.
Take a quick surf lesson so you can fit in with the pros.
Grab some takeaway Bell Street Fish and Chips and enjoy them down on the beach.
Wyndham Resort Torquay is only 10km from Bells beach and is a perfect romantic getaway.
Image: Instagram/visitgreatoceanroad
Voted number 1 top tourism town in 2021, this little coastal town is full of art and creativity. Its 290km west of Melbourne and is at the point where the Moyne River enters the Southern Ocean. At Port Fairy you’ll find one of the busiest ports in Victoria, where you can watch the local fishermen unload their catches. But also keep an eye out on the water as during the cooler months southern whales migrate through the area.
Image: Instagram/bwn_shotz
Book a tour of Mount Eccles Volcano in the Budj Bim National Park, which is only a 35-minute drive away.
Ranked 4.8 stars for a reason, Merrijig Kitchen is a must visit restaurant that’s located right on Port Fairy’s wharf.
The Oak & Anchor Hotel is a boutique-styled accommodation that is found in the heart of Port Fairy. It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for somewhere that is walking distance to all cafes, bars and shops!
Lakes Entrance is located in coastal Victoria, on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach, and is known for its vast system of waterways which are known as Gippsland Lakes. It’s a popular holiday spot for young families and couples as it’s a coastal retreat that is well equipped for visitors. It’s the perfect place for those who love to fish and go boating, and the town has been built around a love for seafood. Lakes Entrance and Gippsland Lakes is also a prime area for waterskiing and wakeboarding. Bunga Arm, Newlands Arm, and North Arm are some of the designated spots for skiing, boarding and tubing.
Spend a day doing a Lake Explore Tour and be guided around the lakes on a wildlife safari to see native marine animals.
Book dinner at the Floating Dragon which is a seafood restaurant with an Asian twist!
If glamping is your style, its worth staying at Eight Acres Lakes Entrance who offer a boujee boho-style of accommodation with white tents surrounded by palm trees.
Image: Instagram/backpackergalaxy
This is only a short list of recommendations; there's and endless amount of towns and regions to explore for a weekend getaway. If outdoor activities are more your thing, check out the The 20 Best Day Hikes From Melbourne or if you're into camping with your four-legged pal, The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Campsites / Camping Grounds in Victoria.
If you’re after any local tips for the slopes or surrounding country towns, send us an email or hit us up on Facebook.
See you out on the slopes! ✌🏻
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