10 Best Victoria Towns For A Weekend Trip
Located on the southeastern corner of the Australian mainland, the state of Victoria has a remarkable variety of vibrant towns and incredible landscapes that make for the perfect trip. From the great mountains of the Great Dividing Range to the sandy beaches on Bass Strait, Victoria has plenty of picture-perfect options to make the most of a long weekend. And for something extra special, it’s even possible to do a wine country getaway. If you can use some ideas and inspiration for your next vacation, take a closer look at these 10 best Victoria towns for a weekend trip.
Mallacoota
Tucked on the eastern corner of the Victoria coast, right by the New South Wales state line, Mallacoota abounds in pristine coastal wilderness and remarkably beautiful beaches. Speaking of beautiful beaches, no trip to Mallacoota feels complete without Croajingolong National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that’s home to the wondrous Wilderness Coast. In addition, this park has the historic Point Hicks Lightstation and the beach where British Royal Navy Officer James Cook first sighted the Australian coast, along with the surreal sands of the Thurra River Dunes and the great granite boulders of Genoa Peak.
Closer to town, stroll the shore, discover the sea cave (that’s only accessible by foot during low tide), explore tide pools at Secret Beach, and take advantage of the area’s best surfing waves at Betka Beach. A little way south of Betka Beach, you can dive into a critical point in Australian history at Mallacoota WWII Bunker Museum, the headquarters of the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II and the central hub for operations to protect the south-eastern Australian coast. Once you’re ready to call it a day, check into The Wave Oasis for a lovely boutique inn in town.
Mount Beauty
Set at the foot of the Australian Alps of north-eastern Victoria, the proudly named Mount Beauty truly does live up to its name. This town sits just to the west of Victoria’s highest peak at Mount Bogong (at 1,986 metres, or 6,516 feet, above sea level). As part of Alpine National Park, this mountain is open for explorers to go hiking and climbing. But even if you prefer an easier bushwalk, it’s still possible to catch views of Mount Bogong and see plenty more natural beauty while doing the Mount Beauty Gorge Walk or the Mount Beauty to Tawonga Trail.
If you’re itching to explore some terrain on two wheels, you’re in luck, as Mount Beauty abounds in exhilarating mountain biking trails suitable for cyclists at all levels, from the family-friendly Mount Beauty Pondage Trail to the championship-grade hand-cut trails at Big Hill MTB Park. When you can finally use some downtime, relax and recover at The Sanctuary sauna and wellness center, or enjoy some local craft beers at Mountain Monk Brewers and Crank Handle Brewery. Then, make your way to Kiewa Country Cottages to unwind at this storybook-like garden oasis by the creek.
Mansfield
Nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, Mansfield is a phenomenal destination for exciting year-round adventures. During the winter season, Mansfield makes a convenient base camp for Mt. Buller, one of Victoria’s top ski resorts with some 80 kilometers of runs suitable for skiers and snowboarders at all levels. For a more rustic winter sports experience, head to Mt. Stirling for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing down pristine powder bowls, easy slides on toboggans, snowshoeing through the forest, and simple snow play on the mountain.
No matter when you’re visiting, Mansfield also offers many enticing options for amazing bushwalks, including a walk back into gold rush history at Howqua Hills and the cool cascades at Bindaree Falls. Or, for a different kind of exploration, taste the bounty of the Upper Goulburn Wine Region with visits to local wineries like Ros Ritchie and Delatite. After a long day trekking the mountains (or a long day tasting some delectable local wines), head over to Alzburg Resort to experience this 19th-century convent that’s been converted into a uniquely hospitable and comfortable mountain lodge.
Yackandandah
Once bustling as a gold rush era mining town, Yackandandah still shines with several fascinating and dazzling treasures. As soon as gold deposits were discovered here in 1852, prospectors rushed in, and you can walk in their footsteps while doing a tour of the historic Karr’s Reef Goldmine. In addition, the Yackandandah Gorge is great for experiencing the land as it was during the 19th century, as well as spotting local wildlife like platypus. For a more laid-back gold rush era landmark, return to town and stop at the Star Hotel that’s been providing refreshments to locals and visitors since 1863.
Though the gold mines got mined out decades ago, it’s still possible to catch another kind of treasure at Allans Flat Reserve, a lovely fishing lake nearby that’s stocked with rainbow trout and golden perch. It’s a cool lake for swimming and paddling during the warmer summer season. Whenever you’re ready to turn in for the evening, Motel Views Yackandandah is the perfect option for incredible mountain scenery, a pleasantly tranquil environment, and a convenient location near town.
Echuca
Perched on the banks of the Murray River, Echuca is a free-flowing village that combines historic nautical heritage and contemporary riverside charm. In the 1870s, Echuca emerged as Australia’s largest inland port thanks to its location as the closest point of the Murray River to Melbourne (about 222 kilometers, or 138 miles, south), and it was soon crowned “Australia's paddle steamer capital.” Though Echuca may no longer serve as a critical transportation hub, it remains a lovely place to sail away, particularly on a historic paddle steamer operated by Echuca Paddlesteamers. (Their fleet even includes the PS Adelaide, the world’s oldest wooden-hulled paddle steamer that’s still in service.)
For a deeper dive into local history, check out the Port of Echuca Museum for a fully immersive view of life along the river in the 19th century. If you’d like to get back on the river, head out with Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle for stand-up paddleboarding excursions, or go with Echuca Boat and Canoe Hire for a serene canoe session on the water. Once it’s time to return to dry land, check into Quest Echuca for spacious and comfortable apartment-style accommodations.
Sandy Point
Nestled on the shores of Waratah Bay, Sandy Point is a quaint coastal village where rolling dunes meet a perfectly pleasant stretch of sea. It also sits near the southernmost point of mainland Australia at Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria’s largest coastal wilderness area where you can climb the heights at Mount Oberon, swim in the sea at Norman Beach, and find some illuminating inspiration at Wilsons Promontory Lightstation and Sealers Cove. For even more quality time at the beach, try the white sand of Squeaky Beach and the wild beauty at Cotters Beach.
Closer to town, hit Shallow Inlet for a very calm tidal waterway that’s ideal for swimming, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and fishing. It’s also worth stopping at Ned Neale’s Lookout to gaze at the sea, witness spectacular sunsets, and possibly even spot some whales during migration (from May to October). Finally, make your way to The Vibe Sandy Point to enjoy a cozy private home that’s just a short stroll from the beach.
Macedon
About 67 kilometers (or 42 miles) north of Melbourne, Macedon is a charming country town perched at the foot of the Macedon Ranges. Just to the north of town is Macedon Regional Park, where you will find the 1,001 meter-tall (or 3,284 foot-tall) Mount Macedon dormant volcano, the iconic summit at Camel’s Hump formed by six million-year-old lava, and several bucolic walking trails to better appreciate the natural beauty of this corner of the Great Dividing Range. For more opportunities to appreciate Macedon’s natural scenery, book a tee time at Mt. Macedon Golf Club, or enjoy an elegant tea time at Top of the Range Tea Rooms.
Thanks to Macedon’s location in the mountains, this is a great place to make wine, and you can taste the difference at local wineries like Mount Macedon Winery and Mount Towrong Vineyard. If you’d like to experience some more local culture, check the schedule and catch a show at The Mount Players Theatre Company. To complete your Macedon weekend, book a stay at the lovely Braeside Mt. Macedon, a gorgeous country-style bed-and-breakfast with all the special luxuries you crave and a welcoming spirit that will make you feel right at home.
Cape Otway
Cape Otway provides a beacon of light on this rugged point of Victoria. Yes, Cape Otway has a lighthouse, and it just so happens to be Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse (since 1848) and a fantastic spot to stop and enjoy the amazing ocean views. But while you’re here, there’s far more to explore at Great Otway National Park, including the lush eucalypt forests along the Forrest Mountain Bike Trails, and stunning waterfalls like Erskine Falls and Hopetoun Falls. For even more opportunities to do pleasant bushwalks in the picture-perfect coastal wilderness, head over to the nearby Barham Paradise Scenic Reserve.
If you can use an easy-breezy beach day, Cape Otway is the way to go, with Blanket Bay on the Bass Strait side of Cape Otway National Park to the east, and Station Beach and Aire River Beach on the Southern Oceanside. Even better, Blanket Bay and Aire River Beach also have campgrounds if you’d like to try a rustic camping weekend at Cape Otway. Or, if you can use some more creature comforts and a special touch of historic charm, book a stay at the Lightkeeper’s Cottage or the Lighthouse Lodge at Cape Otway Lightstation.
Halls Gap
High in the Western Victorian Highlands, Halls Gap is an incredible mountain town that places you at the edge of many exciting possibilities. This is the perfect town to kick off your journey into Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, a world-class park with a multitude of hiking trails for adventurers at all levels to enjoy. For long and challenging excursions into the wilderness, try the Grampians Peaks Trail, the Mount Stapylton Loop Walk, or the Mt. Thackeray Overnight Hike. But if you prefer something easier but just as satisfying, catch the stunning year-round waterfall, MacKenzie Falls, or do the Pinnacle walks for some of the best mountain and valley views in the entire park.
While exploring Halls Gap and the national park, make sure to stop at Brambuk, the National Park and Cultural Centre, to get to know the history and culture of the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung Aboriginal Peoples, find a variety of Indigenous-made goods at the gift shop, and get some expert guidance on hikes and bushwalks in the park. Once you’re ready to call it a day, check-in for the evening at Grampians Chalets, a lovely collection of homestyle chalets sporting outstanding mountain and wilderness views.
Portland
Nestled along Portland Bay, the town of Portland is a coastal town that combines some two centuries of Australian history with timeless natural beauty. Start your journey at the Maritime Discovery Centre, where you can see the Portland Lifeboat that rescued survivors from the 1859 Admella Shipwreck, a 14-metre sperm whale skeleton, and many more artifacts detailing Portland’s nautical heritage. Just beyond the museum, head a little way north to reach the Portland Lighthouse, or go south to Battery Point to explore this 1889 military fort that was built to defend Australia from a potential Russian invasion. Then, catch a ride on the retro-cool Portland Cable Tram and learn more about their history at the depot museum.
To experience the wilder side of Portland, head south to Point Danger to meet mainland Australia’s only gannet colony and spot other native birds like short-tailed shearwaters, hooded plovers, and emu wrens. From there, go west to discover the ruggedly spectacular scenery at Cape Nelson State Park, and continue onto Discovery Bay Coastal Park for pristine white sand beaches and perhaps the region’s best stretch of seawater for snorkeling and diving. Back in town, feel free to settle down at Portland Retro Motel, a fun and funky place near a cable tram stop with its own uniquely vintage vibes.
When you can use a pleasant weekend trip (or a longer vacation), it’s hard to beat the legendary landscapes and cool coastline of Victoria. Ascend to new heights while traversing the great mountain wilderness at Mansfield and Halls Gap, or enjoy some smooth sailing on the Murray River at Echuca. Hit the beach ride some epic waves off the shores of Mallacoota, and discover some incredible, illuminating inspiration along the coast of Cape Otway. However you prefer to unwind for the weekend, these ten Victoria towns look and feel like very inviting options for your next home away from home.
