Weekend Getaways in Victoria: 9 Places to Escape to for a Quick Break (2026 Edition)

A good weekend away doesn’t need long hours spent on the road or in the airport catching a flight. Some of the best weekend getaways in Victoria are close enough to Melbourne to reach in a few hours, so you can leave after work on Friday, spend two days visiting somewhere new, and be home in time to reset before Monday.

Victoria has a lot of places that make a great short break. You might spend your weekend strolling along the waterfront, savouring a long lunch, browsing local shops and galleries, or finding a quiet spot in the town. We’ve brought together nine places that deserve a spot on your weekend list.

Best For: Couples, history buffs, families, foodies, and anyone drawn to heritage towns with a seaside setting.

How Far Is It From Melbourne? Approximately 1.5 hours of travel by car and 40 minutes from Sorrento via Searoad Ferries

What a Weekend Here Looks Like:

It’s easy to see why Queenscliff belongs on a list of weekend getaways in Victoria, with plenty to fill a couple of relaxed days. Start the morning with a walk through Queenscliff’s Victorian-era heritage streets, stopping for coffee and a look through the town’s boutiques and galleries. Then, spend the afternoon walking through the town’s early military history at Fort Queenscliff Museum before heading to Queenscliff Harbour to watch boats come and go from the waterfront. For something different, climb aboard the Bellarine Railway for a scenic heritage train ride through Swan Bay's wetlands and countryside, or book The Blues Train for an evening of live music on the rails.

How Long to Make the Most of It? Two nights are ideal for experiencing Queenscliff without rushing. That gives you enough time to walk around the heritage precinct and waterfront.

Where to Stay:

The Royal Queenscliff
Its rooms and suites feature luxurious furnishings and details reflecting the building’s Victorian past, with some offering views over The Rip. There’s also an intimate cocktail lounge and an in-house gallery.

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
A flexible option for families and groups, with everything from luxury villas and modern apartments to self-contained cabins and powered camping sites. Kids can enjoy free activities, an indoor adventure playground, and a giant jumping pad, while the park also has an indoor heated pool and fitness centre.

Benambra Boutique Accommodation
A boutique stay in the heart of historic Queenscliff, offering a more intimate base for exploring the town. Its heritage setting and boutique accommodation make it a natural fit for travellers looking for a quieter place to stay.

Best For: Couples, families, foodies, culture lovers, and travellers looking for Victoria weekend getaways that give you a taste of city life without the busier pace of Melbourne.

How Far Is It From Melbourne? Approximately an hour via car and V/line train.

What a Weekend Here Looks Like:

Geelong Waterfront is a good place to settle into the city, with palm-lined promenades, bay views, heritage attractions, and waterfront dining venues. Take a stroll along the waterfront, follow the Geelong Bollard Trail past its colourful wooden characters, or make your way to the Carousel for a ride on one of Geelong’s much-loved waterfront attractions.

Then head into the city and spend some time around Little Malop Street, where Geelong’s food and cultural scene really comes alive. Here, you can hop between cafés, restaurants, bars, and laneways. Keep an eye out for Geelong Street Art along the way, with murals and artworks tucked into the streets. It’s the kind of precinct where you can arrive with no real plan and still find many things to do.

For a dose of art and history, set aside a few hours for Geelong’s museums and galleries. Geelong Gallery is one of Australia’s oldest art galleries, with a significant collection spanning Australian and European art, while the National Wool Museum brings together Geelong’s wool heritage with exhibitions covering art, textiles, science, and design. You can also catch a show at the Geelong Arts Centre or visit more of the city’s creative spaces if you have extra time.

How Long to Make the Most of It? Two nights work well for a first visit in Geelong. It gives you a full day to see the waterfront, city centre, museums, and dining precincts without having to pack too much into one day.

Where to Stay:

Oaks R Suites Geelong
Just a five-minute walk from Eastern Beach, Oaks R Suites Geelong occupies a heritage-listed building overlooking Austin Park. It offers self-contained hotel rooms and one- and two-bedroom apartments, including options with park or ocean views.

Bayside Geelong Hotel and Apartments
Right on the Geelong Esplanade, Bayside Geelong Hotel and Apartments puts families within minutes of Eastern Beach, the Geelong Arts Centre, and Westfield Shopping Centre. The property has 79 rooms and apartments, plus an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness facilities.

Admiralty Inn
Located on McKillop Street, Admiralty Inn is a convenient base for exploring Geelong and surrounds, with the city's beaches, walking tracks, cafés, and shopping all within reach. The property is family-friendly and suited to travellers looking to explore the wider region.

Crowne Plaza
Located on Geelong's waterfront, Crowne Plaza offers expansive bay views across its 200 rooms and suites. Guests can also enjoy Skyline Bar, Sociali Trattoria and Bar, an indoor heated pool and a fully equipped fitness centre.

Best For: Couples, beach lovers, spa seekers, golfers, and anyone who likes a quiet coastal weekend.

How Far Is It From Melbourne? About 1.5 hours by car and 2 hours via public transport

What a Weekend Here Looks Like:

Point Lonsdale is an idyllic coastal getaway where much of the town is easy to get around on foot. Start the morning with coffee at Early Nancy, then wander the 2.3-kilometre promenade for views across the bay. The main street sits opposite the beach, with cafés, shops, and boutiques inviting you to stay a little bit longer over lunch or browse for a while.

When it’s time to hit the beach, you have two options depending on your kind of coastal day. Front Beach is sheltered and close to town, making it a good spot for swimming, relaxing on the sand, or trying your hand at surfing. Back Beach, on the other hand, is more rugged, with waves that attract experienced surfers and rockpools to explore at low tide.

Then make time for Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Tours for a closer look at one of the town’s best-known landmarks. The tour takes you into the lighthouse lantern and covers the history of the area’s lighthouses, sea pilots, shipwrecks, and the notorious Rip at the entrance to Port Phillip Heads. You’ll also get spectacular views along the coast towards Ocean Grove and Cape Schanck.

How Long to Make the Most of It? Two nights are enough for a relaxed Point Lonsdale escape. Add a third night if you want more time for the beach, a spa stay at Lon Retreat & Spa, golf at Lonsdale Links or a longer Bellarine food and wine day.

Where to Stay:

The Lonsdale Palms
For luxury weekend getaways in Victoria, the restored heritage house and purpose-built cottages of The Lonsdale Palms provide a spacious coastal stay, including accessible accommodation and options for couples, families and groups.

Point Lonsdale Guest House
Dating back to 1884, this historic guest house sits close to the lighthouse and offers a choice of guest house and motel accommodation, with a pool, tennis court, and a communal lounge.

Best For: Couples, wine lovers, foodies, and nature lovers.

How Far Is It From Melbourne? About an hour's drive by car

What a Weekend Here Looks Like:

The Moorabool Valley is the kind of place that makes weekend getaways in regional Victoria feel wonderfully unhurried. Less than half an hour from Geelong, you can spend the morning wandering through vineyards, settle in for lunch, and still have time for a countryside stroll. The region is dotted with boutique vineyards, rolling green hills, and cellar doors where cool-climate wines come with views across the surrounding countryside.

Make time for Austin’s Wines, where the cellar door sits inside a renovated shearing shed on the vineyard, or head to Clyde Park Vineyard and Bistro for wine, wood-fired pizza, and views across the green valleys around Bannockburn.

But for the wine-averse, don’t fret. Moorabool Valley is not all about wine. Pick up something delicious at the Golden Plains Farmers’ Market in Bannockburn, held on the first Saturday of each month from February through November, or make a stop at Moorabool Valley Chocolate for hand-painted chocolate novelties and traditional confectionery.

How Long to Make the Most of It? Two nights give you enough time to spend time at a few cellar doors, indulge in a leisurely meal, and fit in some time outdoors. If you want to visit several wineries or spend more time hiking in the nearby Brisbane Ranges National Park, add a third night.

Where to Stay:

Barbie May’s
Set in Inverleigh, Barbie May’s is a spacious luxury country home for up to eight guests, with a large kitchen, inviting living spaces, outdoor deck, and wood heater that make settling in for a country weekend effortless.

Vintners Lodge
Wake up among the vines at Clyde Park Winery, where Vintners Lodge offers three bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge area, as well as an outdoor bath for a relaxing stay.

Best For: Hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, wildlife lovers, families, and anyone looking for thrill-seeking weekend getaways in Victoria.

How Far Is It From Melbourne? About an hour’s drive by car

What a Weekend Here Looks Like:

If your ideal weekend involves getting outdoors and coming home with a few stories to tell, the You Yangs are an excellent destination. Its distinctive granite peaks rise from the surrounding volcanic plains, with walking trails, mountain bike tracks, horse-riding trails, rock climbing, and orienteering all on offer.

Start with a hike through You Yangs Regional Park and climb 450 steps to reach Flinders Peak, the highest point in the park. There are more than 50 kilometres of dedicated mountain bike tracks for riders, while thrill-seekers can take things up another notch with activities such as abseiling and guided outdoor experiences.

There’s a lot to do here for a lazy day, too. Keep an eye out for koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, possums, echidnas, and lizards as you walk through the park, then find a picnic or barbecue spot for lunch. For a change of pace, drive to Serendip Sanctuary. Its grassy woodlands and wetlands provide habitat for free-roaming kangaroos, wallabies and emus, along with up to 150 bird species. At the Sensory Garden, you can follow the 300-metre loop through five sensory spaces, with rest stops along the way and a pathway suitable for wheelchairs, prams, and walking aids. It’s an accessible way to spend some time outdoors and connect with nature at a slower pace.

How Long to Make the Most of It? Allow two nights if you want to combine an active day in the You Yangs with a slower wildlife and nature experience at Serendip Sanctuary. Add another night if you want time for mountain biking, rock climbing, or longer walks.

Where to Stay:

Blame Mabel
Set on 30 acres in the heart of the Moorabool Valley, Blame Mabel has three cosy adults-only cabins and a farmhouse surrounded by nature. There’s also a cellar door and farm shop on the vineyard, where you can taste local wines and browse a small selection of local and artisan-made products.

Best For: Families, couples, beach lovers, surfers, and foodies.

How Far Is It From Melbourne? Roughly 1.25 hours by car or almost 2 hours via public transport

What a Weekend Here Looks Like:

If beach time is high on your list, Ocean Grove makes a great choice for weekend getaways in Victoria. For a family that can’t get enough sunshine and golden sands, spend the morning swimming or walking along Ocean Grove Main Beach. Its two-kilometre stretch of sand gives you plenty of room for a swim, a beach walk, or a morning of building sandcastles with the kids.

When you’re ready for lunch, head up to The Dunes restaurant and café, with sweeping views of the coast. Then spend the afternoon exploring the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve, or bring your bikes and follow the three-kilometre coastal loop through the area.

How Long to Make the Most of It? Two nights are ideal for an Ocean Grove weekend. You’ll have enough time for a proper beach day, a walk or bike ride, good food and one of the nearby activities.

Where to Stay:

Riverside Ocean Grove Motel
Set close to both the beach and Ocean Grove’s town centre, Riverside Ocean Grove Motel makes a convenient base for exploring the area. Accommodation ranges from motel rooms to self-contained options, while the solar-heated swimming pool gives you somewhere to unwind after a day out.

Ocean Grove Holiday Park
Ocean Grove Holiday Park is close to the beach, Barwon River, and local attractions, with self-contained cabins and powered camping sites to choose from. Kids can make a beeline for the solar-heated pool, adventure playground, and games room, while there’s also tennis and beach volleyball for the whole family.

Ocean Breeze Family Getaway
This holiday home is a short drive from Ocean Grove Beach and Adventure Park, with wineries, Flying Brick Cider House and Ocean Grove Marketplace also nearby. Inside, there are four bedrooms and two bathrooms that give families plenty of space for a comfortable stay.

Best For: Couples, families, beach lovers, foodies, surfers, and golfers.

How Far Is It From Melbourne? Roughly 1.5 hours by car or 2 hours via public transport, depending on the transit route

What a Weekend Here Looks Like:

Barwon Heads has that easygoing coastal feel that makes it tempting to put your feet up as soon as you arrive. Spend the morning exploring the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary, where 17 hectares of reef and marine life are protected around the mouth of the Barwon River. At low tide, the rockpools around the Bluff reveal themselves to curious explorers, while the cliff walk gives you views across Thirteenth Beach, Bass Strait, the river, and the township.

For more experienced surfers, Thirteenth Beach is the place to go, with its rugged coastline and consistent, varied surf breaks. Then make your way to the heart of Barwon Heads’ shopping and dining scene: Hitchcock Avenue. Here, you can browse boutiques and local produce stores before pausing for a meal. If golf is more your speed, 13th Beach Golf Links has two nationally ranked championship courses and has hosted the Vic Open since 2013.

How Long to Make the Most of It? Two nights give you a lot of time to enjoy one of the easy weekend getaways in Victoria. You’ll have time for the beach, a Bluff walk, a leisurely meal along Hitchcock Avenue, and an activity such as surfing or golf without trying to squeeze everything into one day.

Where to Stay:

Barwon Heads Caravan Park
For a classic beach holiday, this waterfront caravan park has a choice of powered and unpowered campsites, cabins, and beach houses. It’s also only a short stroll from the village, so you can leave the car behind and wander into town.

Barwon Heads Resort at 13th Beach
Set within the 13th Beach Golf Links Estate, this resort offers self-contained one- and two-bedroom apartments. There’s also a pool, tennis court, gym, day spa, and a walking track through the golf course to 13th Beach, making it a good fit for families, couples, and groups.

Best For: Couples, beach lovers, fishing enthusiasts, and swimmers.

How Far Is It From Melbourne? Roughly 1.5 hours by car and 2.5 hours via public transport, depending on the transit route

What a Weekend Here Looks Like:

Indented Head doesn’t call for long itineraries. Instead, it invites you to make the most of its peaceful coastal setting, with beaches and panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay towards Melbourne and the You Yangs. Spend the morning by the bay, then head into the water to snorkel around the Ozone Shipwreck, a former passenger ship that now offers a glimpse into the area’s maritime past.

After a day in the sun, you can make your way to St Leonards for coffee or a quick bite at Sirens - Miss Buzz Kiosk Cafe. Then stop by Wildings Pantry Essentials to pick up local food, pantry supplies, and treats to take home before spending an afternoon around the St Leonards Foreshore.

How Long to Make the Most of It? Two nights in Indented Head are enough for relaxing weekend getaways in Victoria. This is a destination where you can keep the itinerary deliberately light, giving yourself time for the beach, a swim, snorkelling, or fishing before settling into a long afternoon by the bay.

Where to Stay:

Starhaven Retreat
This award-winning four-star luxury bed and breakfast sits directly on Indented Head Beach, offering stunning views across Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne.

Best For: Foodies, wine lovers, couples, families, and ferry travellers.

How Far Is It From Melbourne? 1.5 hours by car or approximately 2 hours via public transport, depending on the transit route

What a Weekend Here Looks Like:

Portarlington sits at the northern tip of The Bellarine, with its north-facing foreshore looking across Port Phillip Bay towards Melbourne and the You Yangs. You can drive from Melbourne or make the journey part of the experience with a 70-minute ferry ride from Docklands via Port Phillip Ferries.

If food is high on your weekend agenda, start with the town’s famous blue mussels. Portarlington Mussel Tours takes you out onto the bay to see local mussel farming firsthand. But if you’d rather go straight into a meal, you can try fresh seafood and seasonal local produce at local venues including Pier Street and the Portarlington Grand Hotel.

Wine deserves a proper spot on the itinerary, too. Portarlington’s volcanic soils and maritime location create conditions well suited to cool-climate varieties, with pinot noir, shiraz, and chardonnay among the standouts. Spend an afternoon visiting cellar doors such as Terindah Estate or Jack Rabbit Vineyard, known for their panoramic bay views.

How Long to Make the Most of It? Two nights let you experience Portarlington’s food and wine scene and take in the foreshore. If wine is a big part of your holiday, three nights give you more time to check out more local cellar doors without rushing between them.

Where to Stay:

Portarlington Grand Hotel
Built in 1888, this historic hotel overlooks Portarlington’s main street and has 18 boutique rooms, along with four dining spaces including the Bistro, Front Bar, The Atrium, and Lawn.

Bellarine Bayside Holiday Parks
For a stay close to the water, choose from self-contained cabins, beach pods, and powered camping sites. With the beach right outside, you can spend your time swimming, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding or heading out on the water by boat.

The Oxley Estate
Set on 10 acres opposite Portarlington Golf Club and just 500 metres from the beach, The Oxley Estate offers a more spacious country-style stay. The property includes rose gardens, an olive grove, orchards, and a collection of friendly farm animals.

The best weekend getaways in Victoria don’t need to be far from home or packed with plans. Sometimes, all you need is somewhere new to explore, a good meal on the itinerary, and a few days to enjoy the places that make each region different.

Geelong and The Bellarine bring together many of the things that make a weekend away worthwhile. Couples can settle into a romantic retreat, families can fill their days with beaches and outdoor adventures, friends can plan a weekend around good food and wine, and solo travellers can let the day unfold and explore at their own pace.

Choose the destination that suits your plans, book somewhere to stay, and leave a little room in the itinerary. A memorable weekend in Victoria can be closer to Melbourne than you might expect.

Looking for a Romantic Getaway on The Bellarine?

The Bellarine has spa stays, vineyard accommodation, heritage hotels, and smaller coastal retreats perfect for two. Read our full list of romantic getaways in Geelong and The Bellarine and find the perfect place to enjoy a weekend away together.

FIND OUT MORE

1. What is the prettiest town in Victoria to visit?

If you’re looking for a pretty town with a variety to see and do, Queenscliff is a great place to start. Its heritage streets, Victorian-era buildings, waterfront setting and maritime character give it a distinct charm, while cafés, galleries, boutiques, and attractions make it easy to fill a weekend.

2. What are some popular tourist towns in Victoria?

The Bellarine Peninsula has several towns that are popular with weekend travellers, each with its own character. Point Lonsdale is known for its beaches, lighthouse and coastal walks, while Portarlington draws visitors with its wineries, bay views, and famous mussels.

3. What are the best seaside towns in Victoria?

For a seaside weekend, The Bellarine has several towns with distinctly different coastal atmospheres. Queenscliff brings together a historic waterfront and heritage streets. Here, you can spend the day walking past grand Victorian buildings, exploring the harbour and enjoying the town’s cafés, galleries, and waterfront views. Barwon Heads offers a more relaxed coastal experience, with the Barwon River meeting the open coast, sandy beaches, scenic walks and a village centre lined with shops and places to eat. Together, they showcase two very different sides of a Victorian seaside town, one rich in heritage and maritime character, the other centred around the river, beach, and coastal lifestyle.

4. How many days do you need for a Victoria weekend getaway?

For most weekend getaways in Victoria, two nights and three days is a comfortable amount of time. That gives you enough time to settle in, explore a town or two, enjoy a long lunch or winery visit, and fit in some time by the coast without packing every hour with activities.

5. What should I pack for a coastal weekend getaway?

Pack comfortable walking shoes, lightweight layers, a warm jacket, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Coastal weather can change throughout the day, so having an extra layer is useful even when the forecast looks warm. If you're planning to see beaches and coastal trails, bring a reusable water bottle and a day bag.