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.

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.

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.

The Grande Dame of the Great Ocean Road has attracted holidaymakers for over 100 years. It’s not just because of Lorne’s beautiful beach – host to the annual Pier to Pub ocean swim – it’s also on the doorstep of the magnificent Otway National Park, offering a host of walking and nature experiences. In the holiday seasons, the town bustles with activity – think busy boutiques, beach cafes and restaurants, and a raft of music and arts events.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.