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Victoria
The best short breaks and getaways from Melbourne in Victoria
RACV
January 15, 2026
Escape Melbourne and discover Victoria’s best midweek holiday destinations, from the surf beaches of Torquay and the tranquil shores of Inverloch to the wineries of Healesville and the scenic Mornington Peninsula.
There are lots of benefits to skipping town when most people are at work and booking a midweek trip from Melbourne. Weekday accommodation and attraction rates may be cheaper, there are less crowds, and you can take your time on the leisurely drive. You can also enjoy some of the best holiday destinations in Victoria, from quirky regional towns, to culinary hotspots and coastal road trips.
If you have the time for something more than a day trip, consider a stay at one of these destinations less than two hours' drive from Melbourne. Electric car owners can access information about EV charging stations via the RACV App.
The best short breaks and midweek getaways from Melbourne
Inverloch
Distance from Melbourne: About 140km (1.5 to 2 hours' drive).
Why it's a great midweek break: Inverloch, in the state’s Gippsland region, provides a coastal escape with stunning natural landscapes, cliff-top walks, nearby attractions and luxury resort accommodation at RACV Inverloch Resort. It's the epitome of seaside tranquillity, and a cheaper midweek escape ensures a more serene experience, avoiding weekend crowds.
Best time to visit: Visit in early autumn to take advantage of the still-warm summer weather with reduced crowds
Things to see and do: Enjoy the pristine beaches, explore the Bunurong Coastal Drive, or even head on a dinosaur fossil tour. The region is home to the South Gippsland Garlic Festival (held at Korumburra Showgrounds on February 28 for 2026) as well as the quaint Tea Cosy Festival at Fish Creek (May 16, 2026).
Distance from Melbourne: Around 65km (1 hour drive).
Why it's a great midweek break: Healesville, in the middle of the picturesque Yarra Valley, is an area full of activities for families, couples, friends and individuals. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the wider winery region, take your pick of activities, from a relaxing round of golf or reinvigorating spa treatment, to a full day winery tour or browse of the local boutiques.
A midweek visit to the Yarra Valley region allows for a more intimate experience with the renowned wineries, attractions, and wildlife sanctuaries that Healesville has to offer, usually at cheaper rates.
Best time to visit: There's something for everyone year-round in Healesville, but for something different, try visiting in winter when the crowds are at their lowest and you can snuggle up in front of a fire with a glass of wine. Snow is even possible nearby at Mount Donna Buang.
Things to see and do: Tour around some of the region's best wineries, including those in the Healesville township itself. A visit to Healesville Sanctuary is a must (weekdays outside of school holidays are often the quietest time to go) or browse through the region's ecclectic collection of antique stores and boutiques. Hot air balloon rides are also popular - visit our guides on the best things to do in Healesville and in the surrounding Yarra Valley for more ideas.
It's well worth visiting the famous Bells Beach in Torquay, even if you're not a surfer.
Inverloch is the perfect family holiday destination with wide open spaces and lots of nearby attractions.
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Mornington Peninsula
Distance from Melbourne: Around 100km (1.5 to 2 hours' drive).
Why it's a great midweek break: A trip down the coast to the Mornington Peninsula can include a lot or a little depending on your getaway style. Teeming with coastal elegance, a midweek escape down the Mornington Peninsula provides a quieter break without the school holiday crowds, allowing you to fully appreciate its rugged coastal beauty.
Best time to visit: Early autumn or late spring are great times to visit if you want sunny, warm days by the beach without the peak season crowds of mid summer.
Things to see and do: Wander along the Cape Schanck Boardwalk, experience the food and wine of the Peninsula, and rejuvenate at the RACV Cape Schanck Resort (including a spot of hammam bathing at One Spa).
From a dip in the hot springs and cuddling a koala at the Moonlit Sanctuary to soaring across the skies on the famed Arthur’s Seat Eagle gondola, there's so much to do at this seaside spot.
Distance from Melbourne: Approximately 100km (1.5 hours' drive).
Why it's a great midweek break:It’s easy to see why this beachside region is a favourite stop on the Great Ocean Road. A hotspot for surfers and day trippers, Torquay is the perfect place to stop for sun, surf, shops and seaside cuisine for a short stay. Beat the weekend rush and have Torquay's famous beaches and surf spots to yourself during your Victorian midweek escape at RACV Torquay Resort.
Best time to visit: Cold winds can blow through Torquay year-round, so back a jumper even if visiting during the summer peak. Winter is the quietest month to travel to Torquay (and a great time to explore the local Bellarine Peninsula wineries), while autumn is one of the best times to visit for surfers - it's also when the famous Rip Curl Pro surf comp is held.
Things to see and do: From the famous swell of the iconic Bells Beach to the surf shops, cafes, and coastal walks, there are plenty of attractions in Torquay and its surrounds. Drop in on the Australian National Surf Museum, ride a Tiger Moth plane or just relax by the beach (or at one of the many cafes, such as the Salty Dog).
Get back to nature by exploring the many walking trails in the Goldfields.
The Goldfields region is perfect for adding a little adventure to your holiday.
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Goldfields
Distance from Melbourne: Approximately 125km (1.5 hours' drive).
Why it’s a great midweek break: Central Victoria is full of towns that thrived during the gold rush. Towns like Creswick, Clunes, and Castlemaine are on the scenic route between Bendigo and Ballarat, showcasing gold history through superb museums, galleries and attractions, as well as a variety of free things to see and do (such as the historical 19th century conservatory in Rosalind Park, Bendigo).
Best time to visit: Although cold, visiting the goldfields towns in winter has a certain charm, not to mention fewer guests and (often) winter festivals and pop-ups, such as Ballarat's hot chocolate festival and Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill. Or visit in spring to enjoy the the biennial Ballarat International Foto Biennale (the next is in 2027).
Things to see and do: From historical tours, monuments, museums and experiences to gourmet tastings, wildlife parks, spectacular bike trails and fun family activities, there’s something for everyone in Victoria’s Goldfields region.
Pan for real gold or make your own candle at Sovereign Hill, live out your medieval fantasies at Kryal Castle or get back to nature at Ballarat Wildlife Park. Anyone interested in books and literature should also make a pitstop in Clunes, a tiny town known for its large ratio of bookstores to residents as well as its annual Booktown Festival (21-22 March, 2026).
Melbourne CBD
Why it's a great midweek break: You don't have to escape the city to have a holiday. A Melbourne CBD staycation might just be the ultra convenient midweek break you need.
A city famed for its food and coffee, culture, and cosmopolitan nature, a short middle of the week break in Melbourne lets you live like a tourist and check out all the cool cafes, exhibitions, bars and restaurants that you've been eternally postponing. Whether you come in the spring to hit up the range of markets and outdoor festivals and to try the variety of rooftop bars in the CBD, explore the capital with a cheaper midweek short stay.
Best time to visit: Timing can be everything when booking accommodation in Melbourne, with rates often fluctuating depending on whether there is a major event, festival or concert in town. Luckily, midweek rates are often still more forgiving even during busy periods.
Melbourne's iconic dining destinations include Sojourn and Pellegrini's.
Melbourne has plenty of laneways to explore, with something to do day and night. Image: Visit Victoria.
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How to plan the perfect short break near Melbourne
When it comes to planning your short break, there are a few key factors to consider:
Plan ahead for midweek discounts
To truly maximise your short getaway, consider planning your itinerary in advance. Take advantage of any discounts or special offers available for midweek travellers, such as discounted accommodation rates and attractions and tickets.
Not all venues are open every day of the week. When travelling midweek it is always prudent to ensure the gallery, cafe, restaurant or other venue you're hoping to visit is in fact open at the time and day you plan to attend.
Car safety
Avoid car maintenance issues that can slow you down on a short stay. Before setting off on your midweek getaway, pack an emergency car safety kit, and check that your emergency roadside assistance coverage is up to date.
Consider transport timings
Whiel you might be on a midweek holiday, many others won't be. Try to plan car travel outside of peak hour traffic if possible, or take an alternative route. If using public transport, be mindful that they can experience high demand in the morning and afternoon rush hours and be less convenient for anyone carrying a lot of luggage around.
