Big towns are great, until they’re not. When the noise, traffic, or same-old routines start to wear thin, it might be time to hit the road. The good news? In Victoria, you don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve gone somewhere completely different.
Whether you’re chasing rolling vineyards, fresh mountain air, quiet beaches or a forest full of ferns, there’s something close enough for a weekend but far enough to help you switch off. We’ve pulled together a list of easy getaways that make the most of the state’s scenery – perfect if you’re itching for a break that doesn’t take all your annual leave.
Here are some of our favourite spots when it’s time to get out of town.
Kosciuszko National Park
For an unforgettable alpine escape, head north and explore the Great River Road. Just a few hours from Melbourne, Geelong, or Ballarat, this scenic route hugs the upper Murray River, winding past rolling farmland, historic townships, and panoramic river bends. Start your journey in Wodonga and follow the road through charming spots like Bellbridge, Walwa, and Corryong, where you can stop for a hearty country pub meal or explore local heritage sites like the Man from Snowy River Museum.
As you cross into New South Wales, the road leads you straight into the southern tip of Kosciuszko National Park, where a weekend of crisp mountain air and outdoor adventure awaits. Base yourself in the alpine village of Khancoban, a cute gateway town surrounded by snow gums and rugged peaks. From there, spend your Saturday hiking the Waterfall Walk or taking in sweeping views from Scammells Lookout. If you’re up for a bit more adventure, bring your mountain bike for a ride along the Geehi Flats trails or pack your fishing rod to cast into the rivers brimming with trout.
Don’t miss a visit to Keeble’s Hut – a beautifully preserved 1940s stockman’s hut nestled among snow gums, offering a window into the region’s high country history. In the evening, the real show begins overhead: with little light pollution and clear mountain air, Kosciuszko is one of the best places in the state for stargazing. Roll out a blanket and watch the Milky Way stretch across the night sky, undisturbed by city lights.
On Sunday, enjoy a picnic by the crystal-clear waters of Tom Groggin or take a detour to the historic huts scattered throughout the high country. Wildlife lovers might even catch a glimpse of kangaroos, wombats, and wild brumbies. On the drive back, take your time with optional detours for winery tastings or a riverside coffee at Jingellic or Tintaldra.
Great Otway National Park
If you’re looking for a weekend that feels like a complete reset, Great Otway National Park delivers, especially if you’re coming from Melbourne, Geelong, or even Colac. You can start your trip from Forrest or Lorne, depending on whether you’re approaching inland or via the coast, and you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by dense rainforest. These parts of the Otways are known for their cool climate and towering trees – mountain ash, myrtle beech, and thick fern undergrowth that feels a world away from the city.
One of the best ways to get up close to this ancient forest is at Otway Fly, just outside Beech Forest. The elevated treetop walk gives you a bird’s-eye view of the canopy, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the zip-line tour lets you fly between platforms strung high in the trees. It’s a great way to get a sense of how tall and old these forests really are.
From there, head south toward the coast to Cape Otway Lightstation. The drive down is slow and winding, and chances are you’ll spot koalas in the trees before you even reach the lighthouse. Locals will often tell you to keep an eye out near the Bimbi Park entrance, where they tend to hang around. The lighthouse itself is perched on cliffs above the ocean, with panoramic views, but it’s also an important cultural site. The land here is Gadubanud Country, and the native title rights of the Traditional Owners have been recognised – something that’s reflected in the interpretive displays and the opportunity to learn more about First Nations perspectives and history on the site.
For a place to stay, Bimbi Park offers simple but peaceful accommodation right in the bush – cabins, powered sites, and even safari tents if you want something a bit different. Or, for something more tucked into the forest, Forrest Guesthouse makes a great base to explore the inland sections of the park, especially if you’re interested in walks around Lake Elizabeth or hiring a canoe for a shot at spotting a platypus at dawn.
There’s plenty more to see if you’ve got time: glow worms after dark at Melba Gully, rainforest boardwalks at Maits Rest, and waterfalls like Hopetoun and Triplet Falls, all easily accessible with short walks. The Otways are big (they stretch from inland peaks right down to wild, windy beaches) so pick a pocket, take it slow, and give yourself time to actually absorb what’s around you.
Wilsons Promontory
If you’re craving coastal wilderness, wildlife, and one of the most photogenic sunsets in Victoria, Wilsons Promontory should be high on your list. Around three hours from Melbourne (and a bit more from inland towns like Ballarat or Colac), the Prom is one of those places that makes the drive well worth it, especially for a full weekend escape.
Start your trip early and aim to arrive by midday. The park is full of well-maintained walking tracks ranging from gentle boardwalks to more challenging hikes. If it’s your first time, head straight for the Mount Oberon summit walk. It’s a steady incline up a sealed road, but the payoff is a panoramic view over Tidal River, the coast, and the islands scattered offshore. Sunset here is next-level, but bring a torch for the walk down. Keep your food secure if you’re camping – the wombats have been known to open zippers. And if you’re visiting in the warmer months, Norman Beach and Squeaky Beach are perfect for a late-afternoon swim or even just a stroll with shoes off (the quartz sand here literally squeaks underfoot).
If you’re into something more immersive, try the Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk, which takes you through eucalypt forest and rainforest pockets, with plenty of birdlife to spot along the way. For the more adventurous, book in for the overnight hike to Sealers Cove (permits required), a 10km walk one way that takes you through fern gullies, over mountain ridges, and down to a sheltered beach you’ll likely have mostly to yourself.
Accommodation-wise, if you can snag a booking at Tidal River, it’s hard to beat; they’ve got everything from cabins and glamping tents to powered and unpowered campsites right near the river and beach. For something a little more luxe or last-minute, stay just outside the park in Yanakie or Fish Creek – places like Just Inside The Gate or Driftwood Villas offer quiet, self-contained stays with views across the Prom’s rolling hills.
French Island National Park
If your idea of a weekend away involves fewer crowds, more wildlife, and zero signal bars, French Island might be your perfect off-grid escape. Just a short ferry ride from the Mornington Peninsula or Phillip Island, this untamed island feels worlds away, and it’s one of Victoria’s best-kept secrets for sustainable, low-impact travel.
There’s no mains electricity here, no shops, and no touristy gloss. It’s just you, your backpack (ideally a reusable one), and 230 square kilometres of coastal wetlands, eucalypt forests, and salt marsh – much of it protected as a national park. Hire a bike or bring your own to explore the network of sandy trails, where you’re more likely to see koalas and wallabies than other people. The island’s thriving koala population is one of the healthiest in the country, thanks to the absence of predators and a focus on habitat preservation. You’ll also encounter historic sites like the old McLeod Homestead and former prison farm.
For a peaceful day out, head to Fairhaven Beach, a windswept stretch where the only sounds are seabirds and the waves. If you’re lucky, you might spot Australian fur seals hauled out on the rocks nearby, but remember, leave seals alone. These animals are protected, and keeping your distance helps them stay wild and healthy. Respecting wildlife boundaries is a small but powerful act of conservation.
Camping at Fairhaven is a simple, pack-in-pack-out affair (no power, no waste bins, no frills) but it offers a rare kind of stillness. French Island Eco Inn provides a more comfortable stay for those who want solar-powered warmth and a hot shower after a day of adventuring. Locally grown produce, thoughtful hospitality, and guided nature walks all support the island’s delicate ecosystem and sustainable tourism ethos.
Dandenong Ranges
If you’re craving a weekend that’s low-stress and high-reward, the Dandenong Ranges deliver in spades, especially for families. Less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this lush pocket of rainforest and rolling hills feels worlds away from city life, offering a gentle escape where kids can explore freely and adults can finally exhale.
Start your visit in Belgrave, where the iconic Puffing Billy Railway still runs on steam and charm. Kids can dangle their legs out the carriage windows as the train weaves its way through towering gums and over historic trestle bridges. Pack a picnic for Emerald Lake Park, a family-friendly spot to hop off, stretch your legs, and hire a paddleboat or just wander the lake’s edge in search of ducks and dragonflies. Back in the heart of Sherbrooke Forest, take a short, pram-friendly stroll to Sherbrooke Falls, or let little ones play explorer among the tree ferns. If you’re lucky, you might spot a lyrebird foraging in the undergrowth, one of many native species that thrive in this cool-climate rainforest.
For something more hands-off, the Ranges are home to several tranquil gardens perfect for slow wandering. The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden in Olinda is ideal for families, especially during the spring rhododendron bloom or autumn leaf fall. You’ll find gentle paths, shady spots for snacks, and plenty of space to run (or nap under a tree).
Need to recharge? Settle in at one of the region’s garden stays – many have family suites, wood fires, and thoughtful touches like board games, books, and breakfast hampers. For an added treat, book a high tea at Miss Marple’s Tearoom in Sassafras or Fortnums in Olinda. Kids love the novelty, and you’ll appreciate the Devonshire scones.
Grampians National Park
If your ideal weekend away involves lacing up your boots and hitting the trails, Grampians National Park is calling. Kick things off with an easy warm-up: the Venus Baths loop is a family-friendly circuit from the centre of Halls Gap, winding along a creek to a series of smooth rock pools perfect for a dip in warmer months. From there, you can scale up depending on how much time (and leg power) you’ve got.
Personally, I’d start with the Venus Baths loop before working up to the Grand Canyon route – it’s a great way to test your legs. For a serious wow factor without committing to an all-day hike, head to The Pinnacle, one of the park’s best-loved lookouts. There are multiple routes up depending on your fitness level. The walk from Sundial Carpark is the most moderate, while the climb from Halls Gap via the Grand Canyon offers steeper, rockier rewards. Either way, the views across the Grampians and out over the plains are unforgettable.
Prefer waterfalls to views? Make time for MacKenzie Falls, where a short but steep path leads you down to the base of a thundering cascade – one of the few in Victoria that flows year-round. Nearby, the Balconies Lookout (aka “Jaws of Death”) is an easier walk that still delivers panoramic photo ops.
For those who want to stay active walking all weekend long, the Grampians has plenty more to offer. Try the Mount Rosea Trail for a longer and less-travelled trek with fewer crowds, or the Mt William summit for the highest point in the park. Keen hikers might even sample sections of the epic Grampians Peaks Trail, which spans 160+ kilometres and is gradually being expanded into one of Australia’s premier multi-day hiking experiences. Back in Halls Gap, refuel with a hearty pub meal or a visit to a local winery or brewery. Accommodation ranges from glamping tents to spacious family lodges – all surrounded by native bush and, if you’re lucky, a few grazing kangaroos at dusk.
Escape to Nature in Victoria’s State Parks
Whether you’re after misty mountain hikes, quiet coastal walks, or just a weekend with no email notifications, Victoria’s state parks have you covered. These trips don’t need months of planning or time off work – just a full tank and a bit of curiosity. So pick a direction, leave the city behind, and rediscover how good a couple of days in nature can feel.
Your next favourite escape might be closer than you think.