With arts and culture, fine food, boutique shopping and a pretty lake, historic Daylesford is the perfect place to base yourself for a fun weekend getaway. There’s plenty to do in town, but for complete relaxation, head to the Hepburn Springs Bathhouse and Spa, just a short drive from town.

At the southern end of the Grampians/Gariwerd in Victoria’s west, this tiny town is dominated by the magnificent views of Mt Sturgeon. Spend a weekend exploring the national park by day, then return to indulge in superb cuisine at the Royal Mail Hotel’s acclaimed Wickens restaurant. Local cafes and boutiques make for a lovely morning meander.

With easy access to surf and bay beaches, a pier for fishing and diving, and stunning coastal walks, Flinders has always been one of Melbourne’s beloved beach escapes. Add a charming streetscape, gourmet food and wine, boutique hotels and stays, and you’ve got the perfect short break combination.

Warburton’s forest, river walks, and cool mountain air have attracted holidaymakers to this town for over a century, and it retains its charming historic look and feel. It’s all about relaxation in Warburton – enjoy a spa experience or float down the river on a tyre; either way, you’ll feel totally refreshed.

Perfect for couples and families, Phillip Island has something for everyone. Whether it’s animal and nature experiences at the Penguin Parade, the Koala Conservation Reserve, on a seal cruise, or just a long walk on the beach, the island is an excellent place for a nature-focused mini break.

In the heart of Victoria’s high country, Wandiligong is a beautiful spot for long, leisurely walks in the fresh mountain air, followed by the obligatory dinner in the charming historic pub. A few kilometres from the busier hub of Bright, venture out from your mountain retreat to cellar doors, breweries, river walks and fine dining.

Named by travel app Wotif as the best Australian town in 2024, Bendigo has a rich gold rush history and a thriving contemporary art scene, led by one of Australia’s best contemporary art museums, the Bendigo Art Gallery. It’s also Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, so you won’t be disappointed by its thriving bar and restaurant scene, which makes the most of regional and Victorian produce.

If you love history, Ballarat is the place to go. This bustling regional city has loads to offer, from its imposing gold rush architecture to the elegant pre-war housing and tree-lined streets around Lake Wendouree. Take a self-guided historic walking tour, visit the city’s art gallery, and explore its cafes and fine dining restaurants.

This popular beach town on the Great Ocean Road is not just an excellent place for walking, swimming and surfing; it’s also home to acclaimed contemporary food. Look out for the outpost of Melbourne favourite Movida at the Lorne Hotel, Little Picket at the bowls club, and beloved Greek taverna Ipsos, to name just a few.

The grapevines and orange groves lining the roads hint at Mildura’s climate, history and food culture. Don’t miss a cruise down the river in a paddle steamer or dinner at Stefano’s, where the Italian cuisine highlights the region’s history and agricultural wealth.

This pretty South Gippsland town is an artistic and cultural hub, with a lively annual arts calendar including many international acts performing at the Meeniyan Town Hall, an excellent community-run gallery and an annual garlic festival.

This tiny historic mountain town in the Great Dividing Range was once a bustling gold mining hub but is now home to only 20 permanent residents. The history lives on in the beautifully restored town and goldfields experiences: take a ride on the Goldfields Railway and book in for the spooky cemetery tour. After dinner at the pub, settle in at your BnB in front of a roaring fire.