In only an hour’s drive out of Melbourne, you can find yourself entirely removed from city life and in the bush, beach, rainforest or farming heartland of Victoria. On either the Bellarine or Mornington Peninsula you can take in spectacular coastal drives (winter’s the perfect time for moody beach view vibes), meet koalas, echidnas or wombats, and taste vino from internationally recognised wineries.

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Mornington Peninsula

Golden beaches, art galleries, hedge mazes, geothermal springs, wellness sanctuaries, and boutique wineries, breweries and distilleries nested alongside innovative restaurants and local produce stores. Sounds like a good way to wind down after festival fun to us.  

Dining

• Audrey's, 1 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento
• Ten Minutes by Tractor, 1333 Mornington-Flinders Road, Main Ridge
• Montalto, 33 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South
• Doot Doot Doot, Jackalope and Rare Hare, 166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North
• St Andrews Beach Brewery, 160 Sandy Road, Fingal

Experiences

• Peninsula Hot Springs, 140 Springs Lane, Fingal
• Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, 282 Browns Road, Fingal
• Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park, 3649 Frankston-Flinders Road, Merricks
• Arthurs Seat, Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula

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Geelong and the Bellarine

For coastal vibes with still a touch of city, Geelong and the Bellarine are home to coastal villages and the lively waterfront city, Geelong. Industrial spaces are transformed breweries, museums, Mill Markets and eateries. The Bellarine is home to some of the world’s most famous surf beaches, like Bells Beach, al fresco dining, just-caught seafood, boutique wineries and wildlife experiences on Port Phillip Bay.

Dining

• Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Bellarine
• Portarlington Grand Hotel, Portarlington.
• Austin’s Wines, Sutherlands Creek - SUMI, Geelong
• La Cachette Bistrot, Geelong

Experiences

• Geelong Gallery, Geelong
• Boom Gallery, Newtown
• Bollard Trail, Geelong

Geelong and the Bellarine

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Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges

Prefer rolling hills and expansive plains to the ocean? This idyllic region is home to Australia’s largest concentration of natural mineral springs. With day spas and well-being centres, award-winning restaurants serving local food and wine, and sleepy villages to explore, it’s a good spot for indulgence, relaxation and rejuvenation.

Dining

• Bar Merenda, Howe Street, Daylesford
• Holgate Brewhouse, Woodend
• Sault Restaurant, Sailors Falls
• Surly Goat, Hepburn Springs
• Mount Monument Cellar Door & Sculptures, Romsey

Experiences

• Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, Daylesford
• Hanging Rock, Newham
• Hepburn Mineral Springs Bathhouse & Spa, Hepburn

Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges

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Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

Take an early morning balloon flight, meet passionate food and wine producers, and encounter a platypus at Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley. Wander the walking trails, meander the villages and discover the hidden delights of the Dandenong Ranges among its scenic winding roads, abundant artist studios, craft stores and renowned gardens.

Dining

• Medhurst Wines, Gruyere
• Coombe Yarra Valley, Coldstream
• No 7. Healesville, Healesville
• Oakridge Wines, Coldstream
• Mary Eats Cake, Montrose

Experiences

• Healesville Sanctuary, Healesville
• TarraWarra Museum of Art, Healesville
• Global Ballooning Australia

Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

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