8 Victorian Getaways That Make For The Perfect Easter Long Weekend
Sonia is a travel, lifestyle, and design writer and editor…
Somehow, April is around the corner and that means it’s time to plan a ripper Easter long weekend getaway in Victoria.
From historic towns to pretty spots by the water, these 10 regions have something for everyone. Our advice? Use this annual leave hack to maximise your time off to explore one (or more) of these local gems.
#1 Macedon Ranges
Breathe fresh country air right on Melbourne’s doorstep in this magical pocket of country Victoria. Being an hour north of the CBD, the Macedon Ranges is one of the easiest places to head for an Easter long weekend getaway.
Nestled against Daylesford and bordering on Lerderderg National Park, it offers up charming historic villages, quaint little pastoral hamlets, beautiful vineyards (thanks to its cool climate) and lots of bushwalking trails, including the infamous Hanging Rock Reserve.
Check out our six reasons why this area is totally underrated as a long weekend destination.
#2 Daylesford
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention nearby Daylesford, roughly 30 minutes from the Macedon and considered the same region. This is another ridiculously picturesque area of country Victoria in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, jam packed with things to see, do and eat.
The most renowned activity is thanks to the natural mineral springs in the area, so definitely hit up a spa, like nearby Hepburn Mineral Springs.
#3 The Surf Coast
The stretch of coastline one and a half hours from Melbourne known as Victoria’s ‘Surf Coast’ is brimming with brilliant surf towns from Torquay and Jan Juc to Lorne, all running along the Great Ocean Road. There’s lots to love about this slice of Victoria, with good waves and a creative community spirit.
#4 Mornington Peninsula
You can take your pick on the Mornington Peninsula. Only one hour’s drive from Melbourne, you’ll find yourself betwixt rolling green hills and a lovely coastline, spoilt for choice with everything from vineyards, cute farm stands, yummy cafes, amazing restaurants, art galleries, antique stores, craft markets, walking trails, day spas, the Peninsula Hot Springs, golf courses, and charming towns like Red Hill and Flinders.
#5 Bellarine Peninsula
Another easy trip from Melbourne at 90 minutes, the Bellarine Peninsula is home to more than just some chilled out beach towns. You’ll get the same calibre of eats, stays and dos as the Mornington, but with less pretense and hullaballoo. Bustling Geelong is also very close and has lots to offer visitors, so it’s two trips for the price of one with this getaway.
#6 Bendigo
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Historic town? Check. Burgeoning food and arts scene? Check. Oodles of country charm? Check and check. This big country town two hours north of Melbourne is a must visit, not just for its gold rush heritage and renowned Bendigo Art Gallery, but because it’s Australia’s first and only UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
#7 Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
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You can divide this region to Melbourne’s east into two separate areas – “the Dandenong Ranges, where Melbourne’s leafy eastern suburbs meet the mountains and forests, and the Yarra Valley, Victoria’s oldest wine region,” says Travel Victoria.
Take a hot-air balloon flight, gorge on the incredible food and wine, hit up the plentiful walking trails, jump on the Puffing Billy Railway and stroll through the villages.
#8 South Gippsland
Gippsland is huge, stretching from Melbourne’s eastern outskirts all the way to the state border with New South Wales. It boasts the largest lake system and one of the longest beaches in the Southern Hemisphere, so if you can squeeze more out of your Easter long weekend we definitely recommend exploring further afield.
South Gippsland, however, is just over two hours from Melbourne and is teeming with adorable towns and farms, chock full of beautiful produce. Check out the Gippsland Food and Wine Trail here.
It’s also near Wilsons Promontory with its striking granite peaks and rugged wilderness; an amazing experience for those keen to go camping. Phillip Island is another absolute corker in this region, so if you’re a nature lover, definitely add it to your Easter long weekend list – catch penguins and whales, and visit the Koala Conservation Centre.
(Lead image: Sault Restaurant Daylesford) This post was originally published on March 12th 2021 and has since been updated.
Sonia is a travel, lifestyle, and design writer and editor who lives for sharing a personal rec. See what she's up to @literallysonia.