Here’s a hearty dose of motivation to help you escape the winter blues – our list of the 10 best winter getaways in Victoria.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Winter in Melbourne is hard enough without polar blasts joining in the occasion. If you like the idea of venturing off the couch for some winter adventures, but need some inspiration – we’ve got you covered.

Whether you want outdoor adventure, a romantic sojourn, or some family fun – we’ve chosen the best destinations to help you heat up your weekends. Hit the slopes at Mt Hotham, taste your way around the Yarra Valley’s wineries and restaurants, or pack the bikes for a ride though Bendigo.

We think we may have even discovered Victoria’s ultimate winter destination – with adventure, relaxation and kid-friendly fun to boot!

Best Winter Getaways For Adventurers

1. Mt Hotham

Mt Hotham is the ultimate playground for winter. The ski resort sits atop a spectacular mountain ridge – and brings all the winter fun for adventurers wanting a snow holiday.

With 13 lifts and Victoria’s best advanced runs – it’s a great spot to spend your days skiing or snowboarding. You can even mix it up with some tobogganing or riding a snowmobile around the resort. Follow it all up with some après ski action at Hotham’s on-mountain bars.

Where To Stay

There’s plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation at Victoria’s highest ski resort, most of which comes with epic views of the Alpine National Park. You can also stay at Dinner Plain or Bright – where you’ll be a short drive from the slopes.

2. Falls Creek

Victoria’s largest ski resort is the place for some epic cross country ski action. It boasts 65km of cross-country trails, as well as downhill trails for anyone wanting to ski, snowboard or toboggan. It’s also got some great terrain parks for you to practice your airs and grinds.

Plan a long weekend so you can make the most of the 14 lifts and 90 runs across 450 hectares of terrain. Invite some friends and stay on the mountain to experience the fun of a ski-in/ski-out holiday.

 

 

Where To Stay

Book into the ski-in/ski-out accommodation at the resort, or Mt Beauty is the closest town with plenty of accommodation options.

3. Gariwerd / Grampians National Park

If you like your adventure with a side of frosty mornings, fresh mountain air, and campfires at night – this could be the winter getaway for you. The Grampians are not short on natural attractions or potential for adventure – with rock climbing, abseiling and a multitude of hikes to keep you busy.

While the cold keeps most people away in winter, if you pack the right gear and an adventurous attitude – you’ll be rewarded with uncrowded trails and a peaceful stay in the mountains.

 

Where To Stay

Spend your nights in a wood cabin with an open fireplace in Halls Gap. Or if you’re brave, camp out in the caravan park and toast some marshmallows around a campfire.

Read more: Layering For The Aussie Winter

Best Romantic Getaways Victoria Has To Offer

4. Hepburn Springs

If your idea of romance is good food and wine, plus a long soak in the hot springs with your other half – this weekend getaway is for you. The area has some great wineries, plus plenty of restaurants with tasty, winter-warmer dishes.

But Hepburn Springs is called spa country for a reason. There’s no shortage of wellness retreats where you can choose from mineral spring bathing, massages and hydrotherapy – to relax, rejuvenate and beat away the winter blues.

 

 

Where To Stay

Stay at a cosy country B&B in Hepburn Springs – where you can snuggle up beside the open fire with a glass of local wine.

5. Yarra Valley

For food and wine lovers, there’s no better destination than the Yarra Valley. An easy winter weekend getaway, Victoria’s award-winning wine region has plenty of opportunities to beat the cold. Grab a meal fire-side with vineyard views, or tour the wineries, distilleries and breweries – tasting the region’s best drops.

Country accommodation – with close proximity to some of Victoria’s tastiest food and wonderful wine – makes this an ideal getaway for couples wanting a romantic weekend wining and dining.

Where To Stay

Healesville and Yarra Glen have some great accommodation, or for the ultimate luxury – spend a night at one of the many wineries in the Yarra Valley.

6. Wilsons Promontory

Not all the best romantic getaways involve wine tasting and spa dates. If secluded winter beach walks and exploring nature together is your way to heat up your relationship – then Wilsons Promontory could be your ultimate romantic getaway.

Without the crowds you encounter in the summer months – and with a multitude of trails to access – you can spend some quality time together in nature. An exhilarating summit climb and panoramic views of the coast will definitely get your heart going.

 

 

Where To Stay

Cosy up in an eco cabin at Tidal River, or a country-style cabin or ecolodge in the nearby town of Yanakie.

Read more: Hikes the Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit

Best Winter Getaways For Families

7. Lake Mountain

Lake Mountain is a popular destination for Melbourne families to enjoy the ski season. Stay at nearby Marysville and spend your days tobogganing, building snowmen and having epic snowball fights.

There’s 37km of cross country ski trails for anyone that wants to get out and explore. Or for easy snow action, the resort is small and family friendly, offering toboggan hire, snow-shoeing and a ski school.

Where To Stay

The closest accommodation is at Marysville – a great country town with B&Bs, retreats, and hotels.

Read more: Escape to Lake Mountain

8. Bendigo

Whether you are traversing this regional city on bikes, or exploring the endless parks and playgrounds, Bendigo is one of the best places for family weekend getaways. It’s just a short drive from Melbourne and was the first city to be recognised as a UNICEF and UNESCO Australian Child Friendly City.

Rug up and get the kids outside to discover parks, playground and riding trails. Or climb aboard the vintage trams and visit some of the great kid-friendly attractions in town, like the Botanical Gardens or Central Deborah Gold Mine.

Read more: The 10 Best Winter Getaways in NSW

Where To Stay

Book into a family-friendly hotel or holiday home in central Bendigo to be able to get out and explore the best of the city’s parks and attractions.

9. Phillip Island

Despite being an ultimate summer destination, Phillip Island is great fun in the colder months as well. There’s some great winter walks including Cape Woolamai and The Nobbies – and the nightly Penguin Parade is a favourite for kids.

The main township of Cowes is a great place to warm up with some hot chocolates or locally caught fish and chips. Plus if the weather gets too wild, indoor attractions like the Chocolate Factory will surely be a hit.

 

Where To Stay

Stay on Phillip Island or just across the bridge at San Remo to make the most of your getaway. Both have plenty of family-friendly caravan parks, resorts and Airbnbs.

Read more: The 17 Best Day Hikes Near Melbourne

The Ultimate Winter Getaway in Victoria

10. Mornington Peninsula

We’ve listed the best winter weekend getaways for adventurers, romantics, and families – but is it possible to find a destination that has it all? We think the Mornington Peninsula fits the bill.

Pack your hiking boots, bikes – and surfboards for some epic winter waves. Explore the bay’s beaches, historic towns and colourful bathing boxes for family day out. Or book in a babysitter so you can spend some couple-time relaxing in mineral hot springs, getting a massage, or tasting local beers and wines.

Best of all, it’s just a short drive from Melbourne, so you’ll spend less time on the road and more time making the most of winter.

 

 

Where To Stay

Accommodation options are scattered across the Mornington Peninsula, from bayside holiday homes to country cottages with open fires in the hinterland.

Start Planning Your Winter Escape

So there you have it – there’s no excuse to stay on the couch this weekend! Victoria offers year round fun – and that includes winter – so make a plan to head out and explore. With the right gear, the right attitude and some hearty motivation, you can have an epic winter adventure (or three!)

Don’t forget to share this with your mates / partner / kids to start planning your winter weekends together.

Is your ultimate winter escape on the list? Think we’ve missed somewhere winter-ful? Let us know in the comments!