7 Stress-Free Victoria Towns For A Weekend Retreat

The state of Victoria is situated in southeast Australia, with a southern coastline that faces the Bass Strait and the Tasman Sea. A diverse place, its landscape is characterized by deserts, plateaus, lakes, and its ocean coastline. It also enjoys a unique history as a destination for gold seekers in the 1850s. With its rich history and stunning geography, Victoria is an ideal destination for weekend getaways. If you want to enjoy a stress-free weekend retreat, consider these seven Victoria towns.

Port Fairy

Port Fairy is a lovely destination for those who love relaxing days along the water. Douglas Riverside Accommodation is perfect for enjoying the nearby Moyne River, which empties into Port Fairy Bay. This ideally situated hotel puts you within a short distance of Griffiths Island. On the island, you can enjoy the sights of Port Fairy Lighthouse after a day walking the Reserve Track.

You can also head down the street to Mulloka Cruises, which offers cruises around Port Fairy Bay. These shorter tours can easily fit into the rest of your day if you are going elsewhere, such as a trip to Southcombe Beach. This destination is great for taking a swim or simply taking a walk along the shores, with the chance of spotting local wildlife. And near the Douglas Riverside Accommodation, a walk along Bank Street will take you to local dining options and shops if you are taking gifts home.

Daylesford

Stress-free days can also be found in Daylesford, which surrounds Lake Daylesford. A stay at Balconies Lakeside is perfect for making the most of your carefree days. Views of the water can be enjoyed from the porch, while lake access is available at Lake Daylesford Park. Visitors can enjoy bird spotting or take the Peace Mile Walk around the lake, while barbecue spots are available for cooking up a meal.

Nearby, the Boat House Restaurant is a perfect spot to enjoy a meal overlooking the water, taking in views of Lake Daylesford while savoring perfectly plated food. Not far away, visitors can enjoy the trails of the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. The gardens sit beneath elms and are lined with ferns and bellflowers.

Finally, for anyone who wants to end enjoying peaceful views of art, The Convent Daylesford is described as the most beautiful in Australia. Built in the 1800s, the former convent now features a robust art gallery that includes oil paintings, acrylics, ink portraits, and other incredible displays.

Beechworth

Peaceful days spent outdoors can be had in Beechworth, which surrounds the Lake Sambell Reserve. Just next to the reserve, you will find Lakeside Studio and Chalet, an ideal spot from which to enjoy the waters. From the chalet, you will be within walking distance of the reserve, where walking trails lead around the waters and picnic tables are available for anyone hoping to barbecue their afternoon meal.

A particularly relaxing day can be had at the nearby Beechworth Chinese Gardens, which were designed using Feng Shui principles and include ponds and meditation spots. A more extensive day outdoors can be spent at Beechworth Historic Park, a unique state park that features historic mining sites and attractions. A total of 12 kilometers of trail networks run through the forest, guiding hikers to the remnants of mines first established in the 1850s.

Halls Gap

Another spot that is perfect for those who like time outdoors is Halls Gap, where visitors can enjoy stays at Country Plaza Halls Gap. This spot features comfortable rooms that put visitors just minutes from some of the best Halls Gap has to offer. To the south sits Lake Bellfield, which guests can access through Halls Gap Lakeside Nature Park. Visitors will find plenty of places along the water for a picnic, while anglers can cast a line out onto the water or set out by boat on the lake.

Those seeking an ideal view of the surrounding landscape can head to Grampians National Park for a hike up to Boroka Lookout. Early hikers can enjoy an unparalleled view of the sunrise. For a more structured day, Halls Gap Zoo features more than 160 native species of mammals, reptiles, and birds. The zoo is Victoria’s largest privately owned regional zoo, and guests can expect to find popular animals, including rhinos, cheetahs, and kangaroos.

Sassafras

Sassafras is located in Greater Melbourne, and being so close to the city, you can always head into Melbourne if needed. However, there are plenty of peaceful outdoor destinations to be enjoyed in town. The Blackwood Sassafras is a popular bed and breakfast that is elegantly styled and provides easy access to surrounding destinations. Minutes away, the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden offers guests trails to walk through, featuring wooded gardens, waterfalls, and islands that provide a serene setting.

Not too far away, the RJ Hamer Arboretum is a popular spot that is home to 150 species of both native and exotic trees. Guests can picnic in the area before heading out for a walk on the surrounding tracks, specifically to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding lands. A bit further away, Silvan Reservoir Park is the ideal destination for those who want to relax by the water. Eucalyptus forests stretch out along the shore, and eagle-eyed guests may spot wallabies, wombats, echidnas, and more.

Benalla

Stress-free days are not hard to find in Benalla, which sits along the Broken River. Visitors will enjoy The Royal Hotel, located near the water, which offers a bistro, a sports bar, and a gaming lounge. After enjoying what the hotel has to offer, you can find the Lake Benalla Walk, which leads around Lake Benalla, over Little Casey Island, and then loops back to its start. Along those same waters, you can find the Benalla Art Gallery Pop-Up.

This change of pace from the outdoors includes art exhibits that would normally be featured in the temporarily closed Benalla Art Gallery, featuring art in multiple media, such as sculptures and oil paintings. Another artistic destination is the streets of Benalla themselves, which feature multiple murals. Enjoy the Benalla Street Art Self-Guided Walk and spot vibrant street art and murals. If you are lucky enough to be in town during the Benalla Street Art Festival, you can look forward to new murals being displayed, as well as food tastings to enjoy and buskers entertaining the crowds.

Maldon

Peaceful days can be found in Maldon, which enjoys both cultural destinations and natural wonders. The Maldon Hotel is a good place to stay if you want to be close to Main Street, where you will find cafes, restaurants, and plenty of shops. A solid part of your day can be spent along Main Street. While you are in the area, you can find several art galleries, including the MANet Arts Focus Gallery. The gallery showcases local artists through a rotating selection of exhibitions, changing every six weeks, featuring sculptures, jewelry, and prints.

Outside of town, you can head to Mount Tarrengower for a hike during the daytime and eventually, a climb up Mount Tarrengower Lookout Tower. Constructed in 1923, the tower offers a unique view of the surrounding countryside, and visitors can enjoy a picnic nearby after their visit. History lovers might want to mix in a trip to the North British Mine and Quartz Kilns, which include the mine’s machinery, mine shaft, and kilns. The mines are an excellent destination for enjoying a historic spot while also relaxing outdoors, perfect for hiking and birdwatching.

Stress-Free in Victoria

There is plenty to see and do for anyone visiting Victoria. Outdoor destinations, such as Mount Tarrengower, offer excellent views of the surrounding landscape, while cultural spots like the Benalla Art Gallery showcase local artists and the vibrant culture that characterizes the area. With so many relaxing ways to spend your vacation time, you should make one of these small towns in Victoria your destination if you are getting out for the weekend.