Escape the city on a Melbourne weekend getaway

Life in Melbourne is a wonderfully vibrant affair, yet residing in Australia’s second biggest city can make it hard to get the downtime you deserve. Fortunately, there’s a surfeit of places to visit in Victoria, and what better than to discover one on your next weekend getaway!

Whether you like your leisure time to be spent in the great outdoors, or unwinding in a lavish health resort sounds more appealing, we’re certain that you’ll find something to love in our selection of trips for couples.

Romantic retreats: the best Melbourne weekend getaways

Spa partners

Few things parallel the relaxation gleaned from a trip to the spa. Situated 125km north-west of Melbourne, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are the perfect retreat for pairing pampering with romance. Renowned for having the highest concentration of mineral springs in Australia (65 in total), the picturesque area is home to a handful of resorts ranging from quaint hotels to luxury villas. What’s more, Daylesford’s Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens are great for a late afternoon stroll.

READ MORE: Our top 10 romantic restaurants Melbourne has to offer

A sommelier’s solace

If you’re a bit of a bon vivant then take note; King Valley is the place for a lively Melbourne weekend getaway. For those partial to a delicious glass of wine, and the food to match, this scenic corner of Victoria wont fail to mesmerise your palate. Savour artisanal cheese at the Miliwa Cheese Company, share a bottle of the region’s finest vintage at La Cantina, or tuck into some rustic Italian fare at Dal Zotto Winery’s trattoria. Close your eyes and you could almost be in Tuscany!

READ MORE: Too soon for a weekend away? Here are some of our top Melbourne date ideas for getting to know each other!

Coastal cruising

You might think that sitting in your car is the complete antithesis to a romantic Melbourne weekend getaway. Well, we beg to differ. Road trips are all about spontaneity, and breaking monotony is always a plus! Our favourite highway has to be the breathtaking Great Ocean Road. Connecting Torquay with Allansford, the 243km coastal roadway traverses Victoria’s rugged Port Campbell National Parkand, passing a clutch of spectacular rock formations including The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the London Arch. After you’ve taken in the geological sights, head a little further west for a few nights at Port Fairy’s boutique Drift House.

READ MORE: Want to keep it local? Check out our recommendations for romantic dates in Melbourne.

Take to the skies

True love can sometimes make you feel like you’re floating on thin air. Why not replicate that sensation in literal terms and embark on a hot air balloon voyage over the rolling landscape of Yarra Valley. Another region with a fabled pedigree in viticulture, the Yarra Valley is only mere 45 minutes drive from Melbourne CBD. As aviation aficionados will know, balloons can only fly during dawn and dusk, and with most operators running morning flights, this is a tip for early risers. Hunker down at Chateau Yering for an opulent stopover.

Rambler’s rest

Prefer falling asleep under the stars? If so, pack up your tent and venture forth for a weekend of camping in the Alpine National Park. Boasting Victoria’s tallest peak, Mount Bogong, the 646,000-hectare park is replete with opportunities for those who’re fond of outdoor activities. Be it bushwalking, mountain biking or white water rafting down the Mitta Mitta River, the possibilities are truly endless. Definitely a Melbourne weekend getaway for adventurous couples!

READ MORE: Still looking for that special someone? Find out how to find love in Melbourne.

Going offshore

Being on an island is a great way to feel removed from it all, and it’s even better if you don’t have to travel too far to get there. Accessible by car in less than 2 hours from Melbourne, Phillip Island is the go-to destination for those keen on wildlife. If ornithology is your cup of tea, you can watch penguins return from a day of fishing at Summerland Beach or feed pelicans on San Remo’s shores. Not a fan of winged creatures? Don’t fret! Instead, pay a visit to the isle’s Koala Conservation Centre and spot the cuddly marsupial in its natural habitat.

So without further ado, get planning and have a great trip!

Not in Melbourne? Why not check out our tips for a Syndey weekend getaway?