Weekend Breaks in Melbourne
The region of Victoria is roughly the size of the British Isles and provides plenty of opportunities for expats to escape from the grind of Melbourne city life.
For weekend breaks close to home, it’s a choice between coast or countryside: less than an hour away are the wineries of the Yarra Valley, or the beaches and wineries on the Mornington Peninsula. A two hour drive to the north-west is Daylesford and Spa Country. Head west for three hours and you reach the Great Ocean Road, or go north the same distance and take the lesser-known Great Alpine Road. For winter sports enthusiasts, the closest ski fields are at Mount Buller and Mount Baw Baw. Lake Mountain is the place for cross-country skiing.
Expats will also find that in a continent the size of Australia, locals think nothing of flying or driving long distances. Residents are known to devote their weekend breaks to visiting Australia’s biggest metropolis, Sydney. Many diehard Melbournites will only admit this with the most begrudging of tones, but in reality the Sydney-Melbourne flight path is one of the busiest.
Yarra Valley
This lush, fertile valley set amongst the gum trees of the Yarra Ranges is the perfect spot for a quick getaway. Attractions include wine tasting and fine dining, hot air ballooning, the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary or a visit to TarraWarra Museum of Art.
Mornington Peninsula
A weekend away is a great introduction to a Mornington Peninsula adventure. South of Melbourne, the Peninsula, as it is known, is one of Melbourne residents’ favourite summer getaway destinations. Divers and surfers will love the roaring surf and secluded beaches. Wildlife lovers can swim with dolphins or catch the ferry to French Island – Australia’s largest koala sanctuary. At Red Hill, try award-winning wines and dine outdoors, under a grape-covered pergola.
The Great Ocean Road
Many international tourists visit this stunning but treacherous stretch of coastline, south-west of Melbourne, on a day trip. Expats that can devote a bit more time will find that Australia’s best-known road trip has much more to offer than the rock-formation, the 12 Apostles. Along the Shipwreck Coast, relics of seafaring tragedies of the past are still visible. Most of the ships that foundered here date back to the Gold Rush era, the 1800s.
For a more varied Ocean Road tour experience, drive in a circle, taking the inland route west via Colac and returning along the Great Ocean Road towards Melbourne. Be sure to take a detour to the Otway Fly, a boardwalk set high amongst the soaring treetops. At Cape Otway, the route along to the Otway lighthouse is home to a small koala colony.
The Great Alpine Road
Take the road less-travelled and drive through the stunning mountainous scenery up in Victoria’s high-country. Though, Australia’s beautiful but remote great outdoors is not without its risks. During peak fire season (December-March), tourists on the Great Alpine Road or in any country area must heed bushfire warnings. On code red days, where there is an extreme risk of bushfire, expats are advised to change their plans and opt not to travel to these remote forested areas.
Daylesford & Spa Country
The Lake House at Daylesford is one of country Victoria’s premier fine-dining destinations with a menu featuring locally sourced, organic produce. For the ultimate step in self-indulgence, soothe away the stresses at a local spa, one of which includes an authentic Japanese bath house, a perfect way for long-haul travellers to get over their jet-lag.
For weekend breaks close to home, it’s a choice between coast or countryside: less than an hour away are the wineries of the Yarra Valley, or the beaches and wineries on the Mornington Peninsula. A two hour drive to the north-west is Daylesford and Spa Country. Head west for three hours and you reach the Great Ocean Road, or go north the same distance and take the lesser-known Great Alpine Road. For winter sports enthusiasts, the closest ski fields are at Mount Buller and Mount Baw Baw. Lake Mountain is the place for cross-country skiing.Expats will also find that in a continent the size of Australia, locals think nothing of flying or driving long distances. Residents are known to devote their weekend breaks to visiting Australia’s biggest metropolis, Sydney. Many diehard Melbournites will only admit this with the most begrudging of tones, but in reality the Sydney-Melbourne flight path is one of the busiest.
Recommended weekend breaks in Melbourne
Yarra Valley
This lush, fertile valley set amongst the gum trees of the Yarra Ranges is the perfect spot for a quick getaway. Attractions include wine tasting and fine dining, hot air ballooning, the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary or a visit to TarraWarra Museum of Art.
Mornington Peninsula
A weekend away is a great introduction to a Mornington Peninsula adventure. South of Melbourne, the Peninsula, as it is known, is one of Melbourne residents’ favourite summer getaway destinations. Divers and surfers will love the roaring surf and secluded beaches. Wildlife lovers can swim with dolphins or catch the ferry to French Island – Australia’s largest koala sanctuary. At Red Hill, try award-winning wines and dine outdoors, under a grape-covered pergola.
The Great Ocean Road
Many international tourists visit this stunning but treacherous stretch of coastline, south-west of Melbourne, on a day trip. Expats that can devote a bit more time will find that Australia’s best-known road trip has much more to offer than the rock-formation, the 12 Apostles. Along the Shipwreck Coast, relics of seafaring tragedies of the past are still visible. Most of the ships that foundered here date back to the Gold Rush era, the 1800s.
For a more varied Ocean Road tour experience, drive in a circle, taking the inland route west via Colac and returning along the Great Ocean Road towards Melbourne. Be sure to take a detour to the Otway Fly, a boardwalk set high amongst the soaring treetops. At Cape Otway, the route along to the Otway lighthouse is home to a small koala colony.
The Great Alpine Road
Take the road less-travelled and drive through the stunning mountainous scenery up in Victoria’s high-country. Though, Australia’s beautiful but remote great outdoors is not without its risks. During peak fire season (December-March), tourists on the Great Alpine Road or in any country area must heed bushfire warnings. On code red days, where there is an extreme risk of bushfire, expats are advised to change their plans and opt not to travel to these remote forested areas.
Daylesford & Spa Country
The Lake House at Daylesford is one of country Victoria’s premier fine-dining destinations with a menu featuring locally sourced, organic produce. For the ultimate step in self-indulgence, soothe away the stresses at a local spa, one of which includes an authentic Japanese bath house, a perfect way for long-haul travellers to get over their jet-lag.
