8 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Victoria

The southernmost state of Victoria, Australia, is perfect for a quick getaway. Whether you prefer the coast, mountains, or valleys, these destinations are perfect for a quaint and quiet escape. Choose from gazing meditatively at the Bass Strait from the Great Ocean Road, clinking glasses in Yarra Valley vineyards, or riding the iconic Puffing Billy Railway. Either way, you will have a fun and fulfilling time in any one of these ideal destinations to visit for a long weekend in Victoria.

Beechworth

In the Ovens Valley, the small town of Beechworth brims with stories of gold rush prosperity and an atmosphere of curiosity. The Old Beechworth Gaol, now part of the Beechworth Historic Precinct, is open for guided tours through its preserved cell blocks from when Australia was a continental prison of the British Empire. Additionally, Asylum Ghost Tours gives a spine-tingling and immersive experience through the former psychiatric hospital, available in historical and paranormal formats.

Art and culture enthusiasts will delight in the Burke Museum, home to a wide-ranging collection, including taxidermy that showcases native animals from the 19th century, artifacts from the Gold Rush era, and the "Street of Shops", a unique recreation of Gold Era Beechworth. For a taste of local flavours, stop by Billson’s Brewery or the Beechworth Honey Shop for delicious artisanal products to sample and savour. With a mix of haunting history and wholesome hospitality, Beechworth invites visitors to learn all about Victoria’s layered past while also soaking in the delights of the present.

Daylesford

Daylesford, a delight in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, is famous for its mineral-rich waters and rejuvenating spa culture. The beautifully restored Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa invites visitors year-round to soak in signature salt, mineral, and cool-down pools, and the Convent Gallery showcases local and international art in a restored 19th-century convent, complete with a café and spectacular views of the Great Dividing Range.

For outdoor recreation, Hepburn Regional Park boasts walking trails that lead past spring-fed waterfalls and heritage springs such as Argyle and Sailors Falls. Where one can luxuriate in the artistic nuance and natural splendors of Victoria’s hinterlands, Daylesford is a well-rounded destination for a weekend vacation down under.

Maldon

Maldon is celebrated as Australia’s first “Notable Town,” thanks to its remarkably preserved Victorian streetscapes. The Maldon Vintage Machinery & Museum showcases everything from farming equipment to early engines, many of which visitors can still operate. Nearby, the Victorian Goldfields Railway runs rustic steam rides between Maldon and Castlemaine, passing through verdant landscapes of the Victorian countryside. Speaking of the outdoors, one can ascend Mount Tarrengower Lookout for panoramic views over the goldfields and surrounding countryside, a peaceful natural counterpart to the town’s industrial history.

Apollo Bay

Set where the Great Ocean Road meets the wild rainforests of Victoria, the captivating town of Apollo Bay is a coastal wonderland that greets newcomers with sea-salted serenity and forested escapades. The dramatic Great Otway National Park is a dynamic destination for all, where one can walk through fern-lined gullies to hidden waterfalls. For the serious outdoor enthusiast, the Great Ocean Walk is a 104 km trail that leads from Apollo Bay to the world-famous natural landmark known as the Twelve Apostles.

Newcomers should not miss out on the groves of Melba Gully, where a large colony of glow worms dazzles after dark. Elsewhere, Lake Elizabeth is a prime spot for spotting the elusive platypus at dawn or dusk. After your adventures, the vibrant Apollo Bay Farmers’ & Makers’ Market showcases local delicacies and handcrafted treasures. Whether you are savoring seafood by the harbor or wandering through postcard-perfect forests, Apollo Bay is an elegant and lively gateway to the lush rainforests of Victoria.

Lorne

The small town of Lorne, about an hour east of Apollo Bay, is a laidback and lovable coastal haven with an affinity for adventure and local charms. At Live Wire Park, thrill-seekers can launch into Australia’s most extreme zip-line and elevated courses, complete with rope circuits, trampolines, and the famed Shockwave Zip Coaster.

For panoramic views of the Great Ocean Road, the scenic Teddy’s Lookout boasts magnificent coastline vistas and provides one of the best photographic spots in town. Last but not least, Erskine Falls, one of many cascading waterfalls within Great Otway National Park, is a stunning backdrop for picnics or forest walks.

Mallacoota

Out at Victoria’s easternmost tip, Mallacoota is a remote and wild sanctuary defined by coastal wilderness and an eclectic history near the state of New South Wales. The Mallacoota WWII Bunker Museum welcomes visitors to wander through the history of wartime communications that prevailed in Australia’s involvement in World War II.

Beyond the bunker, travelers can explore Croajingolong National Park, a UNESCO wilderness reserve celebrated for its dense forests, untouched beaches, and biodiversity. For alternative wilderness regions to appreciate and admire, the Wilderness Coast Walk offers a spectacular 100-kilometer trek through undisturbed sand dunes, inlets, and coastal rainforest.

Torquay

An hour away from Melbourne, Torquay is a surf culture haven. The Australian National Surfing Museum memorializes Australia’s surfing legacy, with over 150 surfboards, historic exhibits, and iconic trophies on display. At Bells Beach, surfers of all levels catch legendary breaks and ride pristine waves against the backdrop of rugged limestone cliffs.

There are plenty more sights and sensations to enjoy when journeying through the Surf Coast Walk, a 44-kilometer stretch of coastline trail that can take you from Torquay through to Point Addis and beyond. Meanwhile, the limestone reef ecosystems at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary are home to sea slugs, intertidal creatures, and tidal pools that mimic the unmistakable beauty of the distant Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Mount Macedon

Approximately 60 kilometers north of Melbourne, the captivating small town of Mount Macedon provides a tranquil retreat. The enigmatic Hanging Rock mesmerizes visitors with its unique volcanic rock formations and mythic silhouettes. Around the neighbouring gardens that characterize Mount Macedon, the lush Forest Glade Gardens present themed floral displays, some reflecting English and Japanese garden aesthetics, and offer peaceful strolls through blooming greenery.

You will also find more tranquil walking loops around Sanatorium Lake Eco-Trail in Macedon Regional Park, an idyllic region for picnicking or spotting Victorian wildlife. For those craving scenic vistas, the summit of the actual Mount Macedon is accessible via hiking tracks through habitats for a refreshing mountain adventure.

The Perfect Weekend Towns in Victoria

These Australian small towns deliver memories worth a detour, ranging from the lush forests and coastal walks of Apollo Bay and Lorne to the surf-sprung spirit of Torquay and the mountain vistas of Mount Macedon. Whether you choose to explore the hinterlands, the mountains, or the vibrant coastlines of Victoria, you should treat yourself to a long weekend in one of these perfect small towns.