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12 Of The Best Long Weekend Getaways Victoria Has To Offer

12 Of The Best Long Weekend Getaways Victoria Has To Offer

I think it’s safe we to say we all deserve a long weekend. Luckily it’s the one thing 2020 has decided to grant us, with most States and Territories now allowing regional travel, and the upcoming Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend.

This is *obviously* the most important long weekend you’ll ever take, so we’re here to help you get it right. You’re welcome.

Even though travel is back on the cards, you obviously still need to abide by relevant social distancing measures, and not everywhere is open yet (but when they do, holy crap you’d better believe I’ll be back in a flash).

So we’ve rounded up 12 of the coolest experiences you can have right now.

#1 Stay in a tiny house

 

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Am I the only one obsessed with tiny houses? I mean that as a general statement, but also in regards to the recent trend of tiny houses for hire in beautiful surroundings, way off the grid.

You can rent them from places like In2thewild and Unyoked. Honestly it doesn’t matter which one you pick, they’re all stunning.

If this idea is floating your boat as much as it is mine, here’s a guide to help you prepare for your stay.

#2 Escape the city at Mornington Peninsula

 

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An easy hour-ish drive from Melbourne brings you out to the Mornington Peninsula.

While the very popular (and honestly, blissful) Peninsula Hot Springs aren’t yet back open for business, there is still plenty of beauty to hike through, seals and dolphins to try and spot, and wineries to try out.

#3 Have a tipple in the wine regions

 

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Speaking of wineries, it’s actually not fair how many GOOD wine regions Victoria gets.

There’s Yarra Valley, of course. However if you’re looking for somewhere less obvious but just as delectable, try the small-town charm of Rutherglen, the historic gold rush town of Ballarat or the untouched seaside town of Metung. Honestly. I haven’t even scratched the vino surface.

Every one of them provides a completely different, equally picturesque setting and more tasty wine than you could possible get to in a long weekend.

#4 Trip the Great Ocean Road

 

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I’m just going to say it, the Great Ocean Road is the best road trip in Australia. I know, there are plenty of contenders, but I’m sorry this one wins.

A long weekend is the perfect amount of time to not get sick of any road-trip buddies you might bring along, and to reinvigorate your Instagram after months of baking posts.

There are plenty of stops to make along the way, like the Twelve Apostles to the lighthouse from Round The Twist, but these are some of our favourites.

#5 Travel back in time to Queenscliff

 

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Get amongst the historical, Victorian-era shop fronts and other buildings that make up this 1850s town.

Back in the day it was used as a strategic defence post, but these days it’s just dang cute. It’s surrounded by water on three sides, which means you can get to this snapshot of the past by either road or ferry.

#6 Make a snow angel

 

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The official start of the Victorian snow season has been pushed back to June 22, which means that the skis are off for the June long weekend.

However, ski resorts are currently open as destinations and there is SO much more to a weekend in the snow than skiing and snowboarding. In fact, I would argue, they are better things. Here’s my indisputable proof.

Victorian ski resorts include Falls Creek, Mount Buller, Mt Hotham, Mount Bawbaw, Mt Stirling and Lake Mountain Resort.

#7 Glam up your camping

 

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Camping is great and all, but I prefer mine with a little glam. Go ahead and call me a city girl (you’d be half right), but you can’t convince me you wouldn’t also fall for the undeniable charm of glamp sites around Victoria.

Whether it’s the 15 luxe bell tents at Balgownie Estate, the hotel luxuries of Cosy Tents, or mixing your beach-side glamping trip with fairy penguin sightings on Phillip Island.

Frankly, there are so many epic glamping options all over Victoria that you can probably expect another article just on that soon.

#8 Make it a spa trip

 

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Now that most spas have re-opened following easing of lockdown regulations, it’s time to get pampered.

You could do this anywhere, but Daylesford is generally considered to be THE spa site of Victoria. Be sure to check their websites, as some of the packages and treatments have changed, but the luxury still remains.

The Lake House, Soma Massages and Daylesford Massage Spa are all very good places to start.

See Also

#9 Cycle the Bellarine Peninsula ‘Rail Trail’

 

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Not surprisingly, the Rail Trail is a 35-kilometre trail following the historical Geelong to Queenscliff Railway Line.

This ridiculously scenic trail is mostly flat and either made of asphalt or compacted, crushed rock so you’re free to enjoy the sights and not worry so much about the exercise.

#10 Experience the outback in Mildura

 

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It might very much be in the outback, but this town — nestled on the banks for the Murray River — has all your big city delights.

Did I already mention how many wine regions VIC has? Because here’s another. In fact, Mildura is a pretty big favourite amongst all foodies, with it’s hatted restaurant and world cuisine.

There’s also art galleries and a million ways to get out into nature, so you can’t really go wrong.

#11 Wander the gardens at Dandenong Ranges

 

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This set of low mountain ranges offers just about everything you could possibly want from a long weekend trip: nature and hiking trails, food and drinks, arts and crafts.

They are so in love with their cool-climate gardens here, and they should be, they’re pretty darn beautiful. Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is the best place to start.

Their famous Puffing Billy Railway is not yet re-opened, but you can get out into nature on foot instead.

#12 Find your peak at the Grampians

 

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The dramatic peaks and valleys of the Grampians is a landscape you won’t soon forget. There are plenty of hikes around the park that include high up 180 degree look-outs like Boroka Lookout, and flowing waterfalls — like Mackenzie Falls, Victoria’s largest waterfall.

There are also plenty of self-drive itineraries suggested by the park if you’d rather not get out of the car.

There are heaps of options to stay the night (or more), from BYO caravan, to clamping and regular camping, to sustained huts.

(Lead Image: Visit Victoria / Ain Raadik Photography)

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