This sleepy surf town was a local secret until Sea Change showcased its laid-back charms to the world. But Barwon Heads hasn’t let fame go to its head; it’s still the place for a laidback break with plenty of river and surf options for every kind of swimmer. You won’t go hungry in town – think providores featuring local food and wine, a gelateria, a bakery, and a range of cafes.

Sometimes a beach town is so good that you hesitate to tell others about it. Mallacoota is one such place. Nestled in Croajingolong National Park, this gorgeous spot is renowned for its pristine lakes and beaches. And even better for those hot summer days, Mallacoota is known for its cooling ocean breezes. Your next great escape awaits.

Tourists flock to Great Ocean Road icon Lorne all year through, eager to enjoy its sheltered beach out front. Post-swim (or surf), the town’s neighbouring main strip is awash with celebrated bars, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques to explore.

Its sweeping bay brings families to Apollo Bay year-round for swimming, walks and sand play, but it’s also a brilliant base for exploring Cape Otway and the hinterland forests. Eating seafood is a must. Watch the day’s crayfish haul arrive at the harbour, then visit a local restaurant to enjoy the catch.

The so-called favourite holiday spot for Melbourne’s rich and famous, you don’t need to be wealthy to enjoy Portsea. An easy day trip from Melbourne, its position at the pointy end of the Mornington Peninsula delivers calm bay swimming, a rugged surf beach, and hiking and nature options. For post-swim relaxing, the beer garden of the pretty Portsea Hotel has a millionaire’s view of the Bay.

Enjoy a gentle trot around Port Fairy Golf Links so you can regale your moments of glory at The Stump, the oldest continuously licensed pub in Victoria. Established in 1844, the pub is a top spot to eat, play and stay in Port Fairy. As well as golfers, you will find societies of amateur botanists and birders banging on about the natural world and what drew them to Port Fairy. It matters not that your cause is the classic chicken parma; you just have to spin it into an entertaining story. Merrijig Kitchen also has a storied history as Victoria’s oldest inn.

Queenscliff’s grand Victorian buildings invite promenading. Perhaps a walk along the pier to watch ships enter Port Philip Bay or an afternoon exploring its heritage walk. Venture into its many museums or admire the lighthouse, then retire to your elegant accommodation for a classic afternoon tea.

It might be a stretch to call tiny Wye River a fully-fledged town, but what it does offer, it does brilliantly: A welcoming, dog-friendly pub with unpretentious food and a Great Ocean Road view to die for, a general store providing an excellent range of essentials including breads and pastries, and a cafe that’s the hotspot for post-surf coffee and brunch. When you’re not at the beach, spot cockatoos, koalas and wallabies on local rainforest and river walks.

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.

The Merricks General Store is the hub of this pretty seaside village, offering more than just provisions: It’s a destination for local food, wine, art and produce. This tiny town punches well above its weight with a beautiful beach, rail trail, and easy access to nearby wineries and five-star accommodation.

Another destination that officially falls into the camp of city, but makes this list regardless is Bendigo, a place famed for its collection of museums and historic landmarks. But there’s plenty of eating and drinking to be done here too. Good coffee isn’t hard to find; try Percy and Percy, or Out of Order. There are specialty cocktails galore at speakeasy Ms Batterhams. Carnivores will be delighted by the steak-focused Woodhouse, and then there’s the sophisticated Terrae, housed in the 12-suite strong Hotel Ernest Bendigo.

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.

Arguably the most recognised of the regional towns for eating and drinking in Victoria is Daylesford. Alla Wolf-Tasker has led the charge here with her farm-to-table eatery Lake House, with its adjoining accommodation option Dairy Flat Farm. There’s more to explore around here of course; the iconic Daylesford Hotel does a mean pub lunch, Cliffy’s Emporium is best enjoyed for coffee and brunch, and there’s the casual (and seriously quaint) Wombat Hill House in the midst of the Botanic Gardens.