9 Best Towns In Victoria For A Two-Day Recharge
Victoria might be Australia’s smallest mainland state, but it is also the country’s most urbanised state. When life starts to feel a little crowded, a Victoria getaway is just the thing you need to chase away the stress. Whether it is time to reconnect with nature, spoil yourself with indulgent spa treatments, or discover the joys of food and wine, you can find solace in Victoria’s quiet coastal towns, pastoral valleys, and inviting wine country. Head to these nine best towns in Victoria for a two-day recharge.
Sorrento
Sorrento is on the lovely Mornington Peninsula, approximately 100 km south of Melbourne. The manageable drive means you can arrive in town in under two hours to kick off two days of coastal relaxation.
Settle in at the Continental Sorrento, where sumptuous rooms afford views of the foreshore. The hotel is coastal-glamour central, where timeless elegance meets contemporary comfort. Give in to the able hands of a masseur and feel your worries melt away. Slip on a casual-chic outfit and take a short walk to Curate Art & Design to browse the bougie art gallery. If you fancy a sculpture or glass-studio vase, take one home as an indulgent souvenir.
Wander about town and then head back to the hotel’s vintage-style Pool Deck for a refreshing dip and poolside drinks. Have dinner at the hotel, where acclaimed chef Scott Pickett’s menu offers reimagined classic pub fare with an elevated fine dining flair. Retrace your steps to the Pool Deck for après-dinner drinks to watch the sunset before retiring for the night.
Start day two with a leisurely à la carte breakfast in the sun-filled atrium at the hotel’s European-style café. Take the Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail along the southernmost tip of the Peninsula, where reproductions mark the scenery that inspired the work of renowned local artists. Lunch at Waves at the Beach, where the expansive shoreline views and locally inspired menu will tempt you to stay just one more day.
Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is on the Barham River on the eastern side of Cape Otway, about 2.5 hours from Melbourne, and a popular Great Ocean Road stop-off. Just before you reach Apollo Bay, veer off the road to find your exclusive accommodation at the Seahorse Retreat. The boutique-style private apartment is close enough to the ocean to hear the waves from your sheltered deck. The luxurious bed, luxe toiletries, and comfy robe complement the pampering treatments at the retreat’s onsite wellness studio.
After a soothing massage, wander down to the beach for a shoreline stroll or make the short drive to Apollo Bay Arts Gallery. The browsable gallery introduces visitors to undiscovered local talent. Just a few minutes away, Wildlife Wonders is ideal for lunch and a nature tour. Emu Café is known for its local, seasonal ingredients and views of the sanctuary. After lunch, take the guided tour through the Otway bushland, where you will enjoy spectacular ocean vistas and encounter koalas, kangaroos, and emus.
For dinner, find Graze hidden in the back streets of town to enjoy the laid-back ambience and elevated modern Australian menu paired with regional wines. In the morning, enjoy coffee on your private deck listening to the sounds of the ocean. Before heading home, hike the 2km Shelly Beach Circuit at low tide. Marvel at the diverse landscapes from fern gullies to coastal scrub and from the shoreline to Elliot River. The return through blue gums is an enchanting end to your recharge.
Bright
Bright is nestled in the Ovens Valley at the foothills of the Australian Alps. Although the slightly longer drive means an early start, you can be settling into your hotel in about 3.5 hours.
Check in at the retro-chic Hara House, where luxury motel-style accommodations, a spa, and fine dining offer next-level comfort. Retro-inspired details pamper you, from the sophisticated spa treatments to the 70’s-style teak sauna and Dead Sea mineral plunges to the kitschy-luxe 50’s tiki bar.
If you can pull yourself away from the motel, the beauty of the High Country demands your attention. Huggins Lookout affords staggering views of the splendid hills and lush valley on a short 1.6km return trail.
Don your swimmers and refresh yourself at the pool, sipping Hollywood-inspired cocktails, looking fabulous. Slip on your tennis whites and head to the exclusive courts. Treat your palate to a unique culinary adventure at the motel’s restaurant for reinvented retro dishes paired with the region’s finest wines. Partake in lawn games at sunset or end your day in the sanctuary of the sauna. Fall into a restful sleep in lavish surroundings.
After breakfast at the motel, luxuriate at the spa, where artful hands massage away the tension. Shop the morning away in town. Spoil yourself on bougie, splurgy indulgences at Rich Glen with luxe beauty products made to iron out the kinks, wrinkles, and stress. Discover innovative fashion essentials from The Tartan Fox to refresh your tired wardrobe.
Daylesford
Daylesford’s idyllic location in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range is just 90 minutes from Melbourne. The area’s natural mineral springs make it a wellness destination in the heart of Victoria’s spa country. The Lake House Hotel offers everything you need for a two-day recharge with plush accommodation, a restaurant boasting two Chef Hats, and opulent spa treatments. Each Lodge Suite features original artwork, large airy bathrooms, luxurious king-size beds, and private courtyards. Have your lunch at nearby Passing Clouds Winery surrounded by vineyards in the pastoral landscape of the foothills. Experience wine-led dining with intentional pairings that balance the flavours of the wine and food.
After lunch, stroll around the lake at the hotel, admiring the tranquil views, and then soak in warm mineral waters in a private tub atop the trees. Fully refreshed, enjoy an aperitif on the deck at dusk, anticipating the culinary delights that await in the renowned Lake House Restaurant. Have Signature Champagne & Caviar sent to your room and nibble the hotel’s trademark caviar doughnuts served with perfectly chilled bubbly in your private courtyard.
After a leisurely hotel breakfast, take the scenic drive to Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Explore the gardens and climb to the top of Pioneer Memorial Tower for spectacular views of the town. Browse over 100 stalls at the Daylesford Sunday Market to stock up on artisanal foods and tempting baked goods for the road.
Echuca
You can be settling into your room at the CocknBull Boutique Hotel on the banks of the Campaspe River in under three hours. The luxurious rooms in Echuca balance statement period pieces with plush modern touches for a distinct sense of comfort. The solar-heated pool, charming red-brick courtyard, and riverside wine bar complete the indulgent feel of your two-day stay.
Take advantage of the relaxing riverside location at the hotel’s wine bar for drinks and grazable snacks to soak up the town vibe. After your lazy light lunch, visit the wonderfully quirky Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum, where crazy collections ranging from beer cans to historic carriages and vintage cars are enjoyed with beer in hand. Port to Plate cruises combine nature, spirits, and food aboard an iconic paddlesteamer. The one-hour tour includes a crafted cocktail made with award-winning spirits and a mouthwatering two-course dinner from Bar Lee.
Retire to your hotel room for a good night’s sleep. Have breakfast at The Wren Courtyard for scrumptious pancakes, eggs Benedict, or eggs with sides and meat. Cape Horn Vineyard is set against the scenic bush, where you can discover local varietals overlooking the river. Top-selling Sparkling Durif/Shiraz sipped on the riverbank will tempt you to spend the entire afternoon by the lazy river. Pair your selections with their Wood Fired Pizza so the wine does not get the better of you.
Castlemaine
Castlemaine is roughly 90 minutes north-west of Melbourne in Victoria’s Goldfields region. It is an edgy kind of destination known for its arts and cultural heritage and an emerging food scene. Check in at the Midland Hotel for a one-of-a-kind experience. Every detail at this historic hotel is vintage perfection. It is also home to the iconic Maurocco Bar, where you can enjoy the retro vibe in the Cocktail Lounge and Garden before (or after) exploring the town.
Lose yourself in the visual arts at Castlemaine Art Museum, where you can walk through galleries of major works spanning from the late 1800s to contemporary collections. Have dinner back at the hotel’s Bar Midland for a carefully curated dining experience. Their distinct service offers guests a choice of a 4- or 7-Course menu as an exceptional way to sample the Chef's genius. Check out who is playing at The Bridge Hotel to immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife with drinks in the beer garden or over a game of pool.
Spend your final day at The Mill. The unique venue exposes you to the spirit of Castlemaine’s creative and foodie community. Enjoy a breakfast sampling local culinary delights at the restored wool mill. Browse the wonderful vintage stalls where creatives rub elbows with upcycled goods mongers for hours of shopping. Step up to the window for a sweet sensation from Ice Cream Republic and try to choose between their decadent ice cream and fresh-baked pies.
Port Fairy
Admittedly, Port Fairy is a bit of a hike from Melbourne at almost 3.5 hours. However, once you arrive at your sheltered hotel overlooking the Moyne River, you will agree it is worth it. Oscars Port Fairy is an exceptional Bed & Breakfast with a boutique hotel vibe. The transformed historic home boasts impeccable original features, from the rich wood panelling to the cosy fireplaces. The rooms are simple luxury with generous windows, comfortable beds, and light-filled spaces made for relaxation.
The seaside village invites long strolls along streets that wind along the seashore dotted with whitewashed whalers’ cottages and heritage bluestone buildings. Watch local fishermen come in with their catch and take the causeway to Griffith Island to visit the historic lighthouse. Have dinner at Sidro Bar at the historic Oak and Anchor Hotel to sample the seasonal menu and classic slow-cooked delicacies. Enjoy drinks and live music at their Lawn Bar before heading back to your quiet accommodation on the river.
Awake to enjoy breakfast in the lovely dining room with a selection of chef-prepared fresh and cooked menu options. Visit Glyph Gallery & Creative Space to discover the talent of South West artists while browsing beautiful galleries streaming with natural light. High tea at Tide & Tea is an elegant end to your visit. Scones topped with house-made jam and double cream steal the show.
Halls Gap
Halls Gap is tucked away at the foot of the Wonderland and Mount William ranges in Grampians National Park. It is also the Silver Title Holder for the 2025 Top Tourism Tiny Towns award. Check into the Halls Gap Motel set against the splendid majesty of the Grampians. With such tranquil surroundings, you will be perfectly satisfied with the humble yet clean, cosy rooms. The motel’s spacious grounds offer outdoor lounging areas surrounded by peaceful scenery.
Pick from several trails and lookouts in the park, from 360-degree prospects from Mount Williams to Victoria Valley, Lake Wartook, and the Serra from Reeds Lookout. A challenging hike offers a close-up experience at one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria, Mackenzie Falls. Wonder at the power of the roaring waters cascading over the cliffs. After a day of adventure, relax at the award-winning Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co. for live music, craft-made brews, and awesome eats. Sit around a crackling firepit at the motel sharing stories about your day. Get an early start at Boroka Lookout to watch the sweeping views slowly appear at sunrise. Fill up on breakfast at Livefast Lifestyle Café before the journey home.
Healesville
The Yarra Valley’s Healesville is the picture-perfect base to explore inviting wineries just over an hour from Melbourne. Your first stop is Chandon, a sparkling-wine “Maison” plunked down in the rolling Yarra Ranges. Indulge in a tasty brunch paired with sparkling mimosas and discover the secrets behind world-class sparkling wine.
Check in at Belaradah at Stefani Estate, a family-owned boutique winery with comfy open-plan private cottages complete with fully equipped kitchens and wood fireplaces. Double doors lead out to beautiful views of the surrounding estate grounds, offering an idyllic stay for your two-day recharge. An extra bedroom works well for getaways with friends.
Wander over to their cellar door to sample small-batch wines and nibble on charcuterie while watching the birds and geese on the lake. Dine at No7 Healesville for an exclusive culinary journey of flavourful wine and food pairings. Return to your cottage for a glass of wine, doing absolutely nothing in front of a crackling fire.
In the morning, your private deck is the perfect spot to enjoy your complimentary breakfast. Stop into Kitchen & Butcher to order a hamper packed with local produce, cheeses, and handmade K&B goodies as the ultimate foodie picnic. Find a spot under the old-growth eucalyptus trees in Maroondah Reservoir Park and rest before tucking into your picnic lunch. End your day exploring the gardens and cross the bridge at the top of the mighty dam to watch the picturesque waterfalls.
Just reading about these inviting destinations should have you packing your bags. You are just hours away from discovering intriguing history, sinking into pampering spa treatments, spending hours of tranquility exploring expansive natural sanctuaries, and delighting in the rich and diverse flavours on the emerging foodie scene. Whether you choose one or all nine of the best towns in Victoria, these destinations are heaven-sent for your two-day recharge.
