8 Memorable Long Weekend Getaways Outside Melbourne

Looking for the perfect getaway to spend that long weekend in Victoria? With many public holidays in Melbourne just right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plot those three-day trips outside the city. If you live in Melbourne, well, you’re in luck because everything you need for a much-needed break from city life is within reach. Just a couple of hours away is a plethora of thrilling adventures, laid-backwine sessions, and incredible wildlife encounters!

Wondering where to spend your long weekend in Victoria? Load up your road trip playlist to blast your favourite tunes on the road because here are eight memorable long weekend getaways near Melbourne:

If you’re a budding wine enthusiast, your day trip from Melbourne will take you to the spectacular rolling hills of Yarra Valley, where rows of vineyards and bottles of the finest wine await you! Thanks to its cool climate, the Valley is a perfect region to produce well-loved wine variants such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 

Of course, a Yarra Valley wine tour is a must during your long weekend in this Victorian wine hotspot. Together with your local skipper, you’ll visit excellent and hand-picked wineries in the area and get exclusive privileges, such as smelling and tasting their fantastic estate wines. As you sip on booze, a seasonal main course lunch will be served. Save room for dessert because the tour ends on a sweet note with a visit to the famous Chocolate Factory.

Level up your wine tasting experience with a horseback riding tour that takes you through breathtaking views of the Valley and Aussie’s Great Dividing Range. On this scenic horse trail ride, discover what Yarra Valley has to offer aside from its well-loved wines as you ride through the bush and mountains. By the end of the day, you’ll be rewarded with an indulgent wine tasting of Tokar Estate wines!

Travelling with your special someone during your long weekend in Victoria? Go for a unforgettably romantic hot air balloon ride in Yarra Valley, and be mesmerised by its wonderful sunrise views and lovely landscape sights. Make memories of a lifetime as you drift through the blue skies of Victoria’s beloved wine valley, then enjoy a delectable champagne breakfast as soon as you land.

If you’re seeking great ocean views and a fantastic beach experience, The Great Ocean Road is your guy! The coastal route may already be a familiar Victorian long weekend getaway for Melburnians, but there’s so much to do in this region that a day trip is a must!

Take things up a notch and enjoy a new perspective on The Great Ocean Road’s expansive views by seeing it from above! On this tandem skydive experience, you’ll be soaring from 15,000 feet up in the air while the picturesque sights of Torquay, Surf Coast and Bells Beach wait for you below.

Explore more of The Great Ocean Road during your public holiday in Melbourne on this day tour that leads you to some of the area’s key highlights. Skip the self-drive and head over to majestic natural wonders such as the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell, and Victoria’s majestic coastline. You’ll also visit the Great Otway National Park where you can bask in towering eucalyptus trees. To keep your sweet tooth satisfied throughout the trip, samples of fine chocolates are available when you stop at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.

Phillip Island may be tiny, but it definitely packs heaps of wonders, such as spectacular coastal views, fantastic animal encounters, and a bunch of thrilling activities within its vicinity. Of course, the island is also synonymous with the famed Penguin Parade, which happens at sunset. 

To keep you entertained during the rest of your long weekend in Victoria’s Phillip Island, go island hopping from French Island to Phillip Island! Swap the cityscape for stunning natural landscapes for a day on this day tour from Melbourne. The first stop is to the marvellous French Island, where you can gaze at blue gum forests, mangroves, and swamps before heading to Phillip Island by sunset to watch the adorable penguins on their way home.

Another Phillip Island experience offers a different angle to the splendid island views. Hop on a scenic helicopter ride and choose your own route: Cape Woolamai, Grand Prix Circuit, or Rhyll and Cowes. You may also opt for the 25-minute full island flight that takes you over Australia’s southern coast. 

Keen for a long weekend in Victoria where you can just kick back and relax? Less than two hours away from the city lies Mornington Peninsula, where its idyllic beaches and relaxing spas will give you the zen you need! 

Apart from its rejuvenating spa experiences, Mornington Peninsula is also home to a budding wine region. New and seasoned wine aficionados will adore this winery tour around Mornington’s Montalto Winery. Receive in-depth insights on the delicate art of winemaking and discover how the estate turns their grapes into world-class wines known all over the region. You may also indulge in Montalto’s Estate to Plate philosophy when you join the Discovery Tasting experience that comes with a five-course meal.

Mornington Peninsula also comes with its fair share of scenic views, and what better way to witness them than on horseback? Ride through the coastal bushland on the scenic Gunnamatta trail aboard well-groomed Mornington Peninsula horses. No need to fret if you have zero horseback riding experience—the track is perfect for beginners, and a professional guide will be with you along the way.

After a day of touring around, soak the stress away with the region’s natural thermal springs at Peninsula Hot Springs! Rejuvenate your body in one of its bathing experiences, such as the cave pool, Turkish steam bath, sauna, or their signature hilltop pool, or freshen up with food and beverages in one of its on-site artisan cafes.

Dreaming of visiting Italy anytime soon? On your next long weekend in Victoria, trade the long flight to Europe for a quick drive to King Valley, Victoria’s Little Italy in the north! King Valley is home to a bustling wine scene, thanks to its continental climate that’s perfect for producing the beloved Italian wine varietals.

See and taste for yourself why King Valley’s dubbed as Little Italy with a tour to Pizzini Wine Cellar Door, a pioneer in producing northern Italian wine varieties. Sip on a glass of your favourite vintage wine as you explore the cellar and indulge in an Italian-style grazing platter.

On the hunt for something different? Pizzini Wines also offers a unique experience: barrel tasting! On this tour, you’ll head over to Pizzini’s beautiful kiln room, where you can sample wine straight from its barrel, as well as savour a plate of freshly sliced prosciutto. Yum!

Ballarat is a history buff’s dream come true. Best known for its Gold Rush and Wild West history, Ballarat offers an immersive experience of this time period at Sovereign Hill. If you’re more interested in travelling back to medieval times, the nearby Kryal Castle has jousting shows and more! 

Watch the past come to life during the next public holiday in Melbourne at Sovereign Hill, a one-of-a-kind open-air museum at Ballarat. Immerse yourself in typical Gold Rush activities, such as gold panning on the Ballarat goldfields, and rope-making and candle-dipping at Main Street, where people are dressed in 19th-century costumes.

Enter a world of knights and princesses at the medieval village inside Kryal Castle. Travel back to 1,000 years of medieval history inside the castle, and enjoy daily programs of jousting, potion-making, theatre shows, and more. If you want to see what it takes to become a Knight, try your hand at archery or axe-throwing!

Want both stunning beach and mountain views for your next long weekend getaway in Victoria? Wilsons Prom offers bushland trails, pristine beaches, and more escapades for those looking for a nature fix. Be prepared to befriend its resident furry friends such as kangaroos, emus, wombats, and more!

Join this hiking day tour if you’re game to explore Wilsons Prom on foot, and go on a 10-kilometre guided walk along the gorgeous terrain of the national park. After lunch, you’ll head over to the famous Mt Oberon, where awe-inspiring ocean views await from its summit. To cap off your tour, enjoy a refreshing ice cream cone at Tidal River and swim at Squeaky Beach.

Surround yourself with lush natural landscapes on your next public holiday trip from Melbourne! At Dandenong Ranges, you’ll be surprised by the amount of native flora and fauna within the marvellous mountain range. 

Spice up your Dandenong exploration by opting for a mystery picnic! Mix fun and food as you wake up your inner sleuth and go around quaint hilltop towns solving clues for your gourmet picnic basket and location. This unforgettable picnic experience takes you to local food vendors and lets you have a taste of a variety of artisan cheeses, meats, fruits and crackers amidst the wonderful setting of Dandenong Ranges.

No need to spend hours searching for the perfect getaway outside Melbourne. Spend your three-day long weekend in Victoria in these fantastic regions near the city!