Victoria is a state full of places to visit and things to do. Whatever you like to do, trek mountains, drive down coastal roads or go for a spa retreat, Victoria has something for you. So if you are in the Victoria area and looking for some weekend getaways or you are a Melbourne resident who is looking to head out after the lockdown, this post has got you covered. Let’s get started.

Victoria: Best Weekend Getaways for You To Enjoy

Port Fairy

This place is fantastic if you want a coastal getaway. It has a lot of historic churches and the streets are lined with Norfolk pines. Port Fairy also has a fantastic Chinese restaurant with an old school vibe. Port Fairy has a dreamy nostalgia about it and the coastal town has some great views across the Great Ocean Road. You can choose to stay at the Drift House which is just five minutes away from the wharf. You can also take a bike ride to the beach and spend some time in the bobbing boats. There are six suites which have modern amenities with a classic touch.

All Saints Estate

If you like wine, this is the place near Victoria for a weekend getaway. You can enjoy some delicious wines at the All Saints Winery. It’s located in the Australian wine region of Rutherglen near the New South Wales border. The winery is led by Nick Brown, chief winemaker. The Winemaker for a Day experience takes you deep into the viniculture process. You can taste test different wines and experience the alchemy of a barrel room. You can also enjoy a personalised tasting and multi-course lunch in the acclaimed Terrace restaurant. You can also stay over with your partner at the winery’s cosy Winemakers Cottage.

Geelong

If you are looking for a weekend getaway which is a bit hip, Geelong is the place for you. A lot of Victorians initially ignored this place. They preferred to go to the Great Ocean Road instead. However, the second largest city of the state has developed from its heavily industrial past. The heritage houses are refurbished hipster joints these days. You can enjoy a hearty lunch at The Arborist and appreciate the fabulous interiors constructed around a Fraxinus Excelsior ash tree. The menu features Modern Australian cuisine with a Middle-eastern twist.

Lovers of fine dining can enjoy their time at the Bistrot Plume, which specialises in classic French dishes, such as cheese soufflés, steak tartare and chateaubriand. Accommodation in Geelong is quite affordable with a lot of airbnbs all over the city. If you are looking for exquisite luxury, you need to head over to Leopold and stay at the Campbell Point House. The stunning waterfront mansion comes with eight exquisitely furnished suites and an infinity-edge pool. The place also has a spa which offers things like hydrating facials and Turkish Rose Massage.

Mansfield

This weekend getaway destination in Victoria is perfect for people looking to enjoy some high country bliss. The historic town is only 15 minutes from the town and is a stunning hamlet situated in the foothills of the Victorian Alps. The famous BullerRoo combines two sometimes incongruous concepts: luxury and farmstay. You can look at the Barwite Valley down to the Broken River from the terrace. The chalet’s rooftop also has a barbeque and a free flowing bar. For colder nights, there is also a fireplace where you can stay warm and enjoy the rural setting from the vast glass walls of the property.

On your way to Mansfield, you should also spend some time at The Fields. This cheerful bar and eatery features some great Asian items such as dumplings, katsu sandos and Japanese loaded fries. At the Astroturfed outdoor “village green” of Luna Bar at the Mansfield Armchair Cinema join locals for a craft beer or Espresso Martini (don’t worry, the bar’s heated in winter). Mansfield Bush Walks will also allow you the chance to explore the fantastic outdoors. It features guided, pack-free walks to secluded waterfalls and mountain lookouts with indulgent add-ons such as beautiful brunch and a fantastic picnic pack.

Boatel, Mildura

As the name suggests, this is the best weekend getaway if you want a houseboat stay. And it isn’t just a thatched roof over a boat. The Boatel over the Murray River is like a luxury hotel made of glass and steel. The Boatel has five staterooms which are fantastic for large groups. All the staterooms have an ensuite, walk- in robes, automatic blinds and large picture windows. You can also cook some delicious dishes in the fully equipped kitchen. You can take provisions to cook things for yourself or ask local Mildura chef Yigal Benchmo to cook up a feast for you.

Mount Ophir Estate, Rutherglen

This is the perfect weekend getaway for those people who are looking for a historical retreat near Victoria. If you only have a weekend to enjoy, flying from Australia to Europe isn’t really a practical option. You can enjoy some European style historic guilt at a castle with a French Provincial tower. The Rutherglen wine region has the Mount Ophir Estate where you can enjoy that experience. You can stay in the tower with a spiral staircase and top-floor marble ensuite. You can also stay at The Gatehouse or The Residence. These are quite big and can accommodate almost 10 people. The estate doesn’t have its own bar and restaurant but it has some of the best dining spots of the entire area. One of the best places to eat, drink and be merry is the Terrace Restaurant.

So these were the best weekend getaways in Victoria for you. So next time you are thinking about having a lot of fun over the weekend in Victoria, you know which places to go. Pack up and get going.