Discover 10 quirky attractions in Victoria, from the Pink Lakes and Cactus Country to Fairy Park and the Big Rolling Pin, ordered by distance from Melbourne.
Victoria
Victoria's best small towns for a weekend getaway
Discover Victoria's best small towns for a weekend away, with charming accommodation, great food and two-day itineraries for your next getaway.
Victoria is filled with charming small towns that deserve more than a quick visit. While some make excellent day trips from Melbourne, staying overnight gives you time to explore local attractions, enjoy a leisurely dinner and discover the quieter side of regional Victoria.
Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a foodie weekend or a relaxing country retreat, these Victorian towns offer plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.
Before you embark on your adventure, pack your emergency roadside kit and update your emergency roadside assistance plan. EV owners should also check EV charging availability along the route prior to leaving.
Best small towns in Victoria for a weekend getaway
Trentham: for a cosy country escape
- Drive from Melbourne: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Best for: food lovers, couples and relaxing country escapes
Nestled between Daylesford and Woodend, Trentham is one of Victoria's most charming small towns. Known for its historic streetscape, excellent bakeries and cosy country pubs, it's an ideal destination for a relaxing weekend away.
Spend Saturday exploring the town's independent shops and cafes on High Street and Market Street before visiting Trentham Falls: one of Victoria's longest single-drop waterfalls. Enjoy dinner at a country pub like The Cosmopolitan Hotel, then retreat to a cosy cottage with a fireplace.
On Sunday, walk or cycle part of the Domino Rail Trail before stopping for brunch and exploring the surrounding Wombat State Forest.
Trentham's appeal lies in slowing down. An overnight stay allows time for a long dinner, peaceful forest walks and a lazy Sunday morning without watching the clock. Choose a boutique guesthouse, country cottage or secluded forest retreat to unwind in peace.
Trentham Falls are a beautiful sight. Image: Visit Victoria
Maldon: for a historic gold rush getaway
- Drive from Melbourne: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Best for: history enthusiasts, antique shopping and heritage experiences
Step back in time in Maldon, a beautifully preserved gold rush town in Victoria's Goldfields region. With its beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, antique stores and historic pubs, Maldon offers a weekend steeped in history.
Spend Saturday browsing the heritage streetscape, visiting local galleries and exploring historic mining sites like Mount Tarrengower Lookout Tower. Enjoy dinner at the Maldon Hotel on Main Street before settling into your accommodation.
On Sunday, brunch at Maldon Rose and then ride the Victorian Goldfields Railway to nearby Castlemaine for more galleries, restaurants and heritage attractions. Enjoy a late lunch at Panacea Estate winery before heading home.
A day trip leaves little time to explore both Maldon's historic attractions and the surrounding Goldfields region. Staying overnight lets you experience the town's quieter evening atmosphere. Heritage miners' cottages, boutique bed and breakfasts and self-contained holiday homes are all available in or near town.
More: The ultimate travel guide to Victoria's Goldfields region
Maldon's historic streetscape takes visitors back in time. Image: Visit Victoria
Walhalla: for a secluded mountain retreat
- Drive from Melbourne: 2 hour 30 minutes
- Best for: history, nature and off-the-beaten-track adventures
Tucked into a narrow mountain valley in Gippsland, Walhalla is one of Victoria's most fascinating historic villages. Once a thriving gold mining settlement, the tiny town is now known for its restored heritage buildings, forest scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Start Saturday with a tour of the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine, followed by a ride on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway through Stringers Creek Gorge. After dinner at the Walhalla Lodge Hotel (known as The Wally), enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings far removed from city life.
On Sunday, explore the town's heritage walking trails, venture into nearby Baw Baw National Park, or go kayaking on Thomson River. Walhalla is particularly beautiful in autumn, when colourful autumn foliage transforms the surrounding valley.
Walhalla's winding mountain roads and numerous attractions can make a day trip feel rushed. Staying overnight at the pretty Star Hotel or a heritage cottage like Spetts Cottage offers the chance to experience the valley's remarkable tranquillity after day visitors leave.
Walhalla offers exciting mine tours. Image: Visit Victoria
Loch: for food, wine and village charm
- Drive from Melbourne: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Best for: foodies, boutique shopping and romantic weekends
Surrounded by rolling green hills of the Strzelecki Ranges, Loch is a charming South Gippsland village with a thriving food and arts scene.
Spend Saturday exploring antique stores, galleries and cafes before sampling locally produced beer, wine, cheese and produce at The Winey Bear. In the afternoon, visit the Loch Suspension Bridge across Allsop Creek. Enjoy dinner by fireplace at Loch & Key, then return to your accommodation for a quiet country evening.
On Sunday, enjoy breakfast at Just a Teaspoon, Olive at Loch or Loch Village Foodstore before exploring nearby Korumburra or the surrounding countryside. Stock up on local goodies at The Loch Grocer, The Burra Pantry and Larder, and Loch Cheese Merchant before you head home. If it's the second Sunday of the month, the Loch Village Lions Market will have over 70 stalls full of local crafts, produce and bric-a-brac to browse.
Loch is easy to visit in a day, but staying overnight transforms a shopping stop into a relaxing food and wine getaway, with time to explore neighbouring villages. Choose from several boutique guesthouses depending on your group size.
RACV Inverloch Resort is a 40-minute drive away if you want to explore Inverloch.
Loch is a pretty town in South Gippsland. Image: Visit Victoria
Timboon: for whisky, gourmet food and coastal adventures
- Drive from Melbourne: 3 hours
- Best for: serene forests, artisan produce and access to the Great Ocean Road
Located inland from the Great Ocean Road in the stunning Otways hinterland, Timboon is a hidden gem for food lovers and weekend explorers.
Spend Saturday discovering the region's artisan producers, including Timboon Railway Shed Distillery, which produces small-batch whisky and other spirits. Sample locally made ice cream at The Timboon Ice Creamery before enjoying a relaxed evening at your accommodation.
On Sunday, explore the Camperdown–Timboon Rail Trail or drive to the nearby Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell.
With a three-hour drive from Melbourne, combining Timboon's gourmet attractions with the Great Ocean Road in one day would feel rushed. An overnight stay also means you can enjoy a distillery tasting without driving afterwards. There are several beautiful boutique cottages, farm stays or self-contained accommodation to choose from - the Railway View Hotel is a classic for a reason.
More: Melbourne to Otways road trip with amazing things to do
Timboon offers artisan producers in gorgeous woody surrounds. Image: Visit Victoria
Beechworth: for a High Country food and wine weekend
- Drive from Melbourne: 3 hours
- Best for: food and wine, history and outdoor adventures
Located in Victoria's High Country, Beechworth is renowned for its beautifully preserved gold rush architecture, fascinating history and excellent regional produce.
Spend Saturday exploring the historic town centre, discovering stories of Ned Kelly and the gold rush and sampling local produce like jams, berries, honey and sweets. Book dinner at a local restaurant like The Ox and Hound Bistro, Tanswell's Hotel or Hiberian Hotel.
On Sunday, enjoy breakfast at the local Beechworth Bakery before exploring Beechworth Gorge or visiting Last St Brewery, Bridge Road Brewers or Barking Owl Distilling Co. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby walking and cycling trails; the surrounding countryside is particularly spectacular during autumn.
Beechworth's distance from Melbourne makes it better suited to a weekend escape. Staying overnight provides time for a memorable dinner and a relaxed morning exploring the surrounding High Country. There are plenty of stunning restored or rustic cottages in the area, such as Pickett's Perch, Atelier's Den or Ned Kelly's Marlo Cottage.
More: Best towns to visit on a trip to Victoria's High Country
Beechworth is worth the drive up into Victoria's High Country. Image: Visit Victoria
How to choose the best Victorian town for your weekend away
For a relaxing two-day escape, choose one town as your base rather than trying to visit several destinations.
The best small town for your getaway depends on how far you want to travel and what you'd like to experience. Decide how far you want to drive, what sort of scenery you prefer, and what types of activities are your favourite.
Before setting off, check road conditions, book accommodation ahead during popular weekends and make sure your car is ready for the journey.
With so many beautiful country towns to discover, a memorable Victorian weekend getaway could be just a short road trip away.
More: Road trip checklist - car safety checks for a long drive
