Best weekend trips for couples in Victoria

Victoria is packed with plenty of amazing weekend destinations, with most just a stone’s throw from the city.

If you are looking for a romantic weekend away to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, we’ve got you covered. From quaint villages to seaside towns, here are our favourite couple weekenders in Victoria.

Hepburn Springs

Just an hour and a half from the city down the freeway is the quaint village of Hepburn Springs – right in the heart of the largest mineral spring area in Australia. Known for its Swiss Italian heritage and beautiful natural springs and spas, Hepburn Springs is the ultimate couple’s weekender for anyone wanting some down time.

Where to stay – if you are keen to hit the road in your camper, you can’t go past Mount Franklin Reserve, a stunning free camp spot near Mount Franklin – just outside Hepburn Springs. For something a little more luxurious, Clifftop at Hepburn is a great place to start.

What to do – Given Hepburn Springs is known for its mineral springs and luxurious pampering spots, you can’t go past a visit to one of the many spas in the area. We love Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa for a relaxing treatment. And for mineral springs, we can’t go past the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve where you can fill your bottle with the natural spring water and enjoy a picnic.

Where to eat – As well as spas, the area is known for its amazing food offerings. For something truly special, check out the degustation menu at The Lake House. We also love Sault in Daylesford and The Argus Dining Room in Hepburn Springs. Winery wise, Passing Clouds and Ellender Estate are two of our favourites.

Torquay

Less than two hours from Melbourne is the stunning beachside town of Torquay. Known for its famous surf beaches and chilled our vibe, Torquay is a great destination for a romantic couple’s weekend. Plus, Torquay is a great base to explore some of the other Great Ocean Road towns including Anglesea, Lorne and Ocean Grove.

Where to stay – There are plenty of accommodation options in the Torquay area, including some great AirBnbs and ocean view resorts.  Camping wise, we love the Torquay Foreshore Holiday Park. If you are after something a little special, check out Twilight Glamping.

What to do – As one of the surfing hubs of Australia, no visit to Torquay is complete without a beach visit and a surf. Head to Bells Beach or Jan Juc. If you are an outdoorsy couple, The Surf Coast Walk trail is a 44km track that starts in Torquay that has multiple trails to enjoy from easy strolls to more challenging walks.

Where to eat – The Torquay Esplanade has some incredible food spots, including Bomboras Torquay, Il Matto and Growers. We also love Squires Loft and Bells Beach Brewing. If wine is more your thing, check out Mt Duneed Estate (about 20 minutes from Torquay), Bellbrae Estate and Jack Rabbit Winery are all great options.

Red Hill

Just an hour south of Melbourne is the beautiful Red Hill, a hidden gem you have to consider for your next romantic weekend away. Red Hill is a stepping stone to explore everything the Mornington Peninsula has to offer, including gorgeous wineries and restaurants, sandy bay beaches and plenty of fresh country air.

Where to stay – Just a short drive from the Red Hill township, Point Leo Foreshore Reserve is a great camping option, with over 165 campsites available. There are also plenty of boutique hotel and villa style accommodation options in the area.

What to do – Red Hill is a nature lover’s dream, with plenty of outdoor activities for couples to enjoy including bush walking and horse riding (or a horse back winery tour if that’s more your thing). You can also surf at one of the many beaches in the area or pick a winner at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm. Finally, with wineries and cellar doors a plenty, Red Hill is any wine lover’s dream.

Where to eat – The food options are seemingly endless in Red Hill, with plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy. Red Gum BBQ offers amazing BBQ and rustic inspired meals, while the Epicurean has amazing wood-fired pizza and homemade pasta. For something a little fancier, check out Polperro Winery or Petit Tracteur. Winery wise we love Main Ridge Estate, Montalto, and Red Hill Estate. You also can’t go past Red Hill Brewery.