The 16 Best Weekend Getaways from Melbourne Under 3 Hours Drive

What makes Melbourne so great is that everything is within reach! Keen for a delicious brunch spread? Just turn the corner! In the mood to watch world-class athletes compete? The city hosts several renowned sporting events throughout the year. Keen for a break from city life? There are plenty of fantastic options for a weekend getaway from Melbourne, all just a couple of hours' away. Whether you want something that will get your heart pumping or you just want to unwind and be pampered, there's always something for you to do.

Read on for our pick of the best weekend trips around Melbourne:

Just a 20-minute drive from Melbourne, Yarra Valley boasts not just fantastic food and wine, but also incredible scenery. Combine views and booze on a wine tour for the ultimate experience. As you sip on a glass of pinot noir alongside your lunch, you'll get to take in the lush, rolling hills of the winery. End your trip on a sweet note with a visit to a chocolate factory.

Phillip Island boasts diverse wildlife and scenery that makes it hard to fit in two days. To make the most out of your stay, get the 4 Parks Pass to save money and visit four parks with just a single ticket. You'll watch penguins march, see koalas in their natural habitat, get a glimpse of Antarctica, and more! A sure-fire way to have a memorable weekend getaway from Melbourne.

Did you know that Lake Mountain is the world's third most visited cross-country alpine resort? Find out what the hype is all about with a jam-packed day full of exciting activities. Travel an hour and a half away from Melbourne and explore the resort. Then, go on a trek to see the Steavenson Falls. Before you head back to the city, you'll see how chocolates are made (and even get to try some) at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Perfect for families!

Keen to just kick back and relax this weekend? Then a trip to Mornington is precisely what you need. Just a little over an hour away from Melbourne, you'll feel your stress melt away as you soak in the mineral rich water of the natural thermal springs and enjoy uninterrupted views of the peninsula's coastline. Plus, you’ll have time to take photos of the iconic bathing boxes and get a bird’s eye view of Mornington Peninsula while riding Arthurs Seat Eagle!

Not a beach person? No problem. Around a 3-hour drive away from Melbourne, Mount Buller boasts plenty of fun activities in the snow. You have plenty of options: ski down the slopes, go tobogganing with friends or family, or ride the Northside Express for unbeatable views of the snow-capped mountains. Make sure to take a stroll through the Village Circuit Track to get a good look at the alpine scenery.

As a Melburninan, you've probably done the Great Ocean Road several times. The views of the coastline and the beaches never disappoint, of course, but it might be time for a change. Why not take things up a notch? Make the most out of your weekend getaway from Melbourne by going on an unforgettable skydive where you'll see the Surf Coast, Bells Beach, and more from 15,000 feet up in the air!

Ballarat has plenty of things to offer, but it's best known for its Gold Rush history. For the ultimate immersive experience, tour Sovereign Hill, which was voted as Australia's best major attraction for four years. Just a little over an hour away from Melbourne, you'll feel like you're back in the old days as you look for gold, walk alongside people in 19th-century costumes, and see how hand-dipped candles are made. One of the most unique weekend getaways from Melbourne!

Belgrave's strategic location means it's not just a quick drive from Melbourne at just 43km away. It's also home to two of Victoria's best-preserved gems, Dandenong Ranges and Puffing Billy. The best way to experience both is to ride the train through the lush Dandenong Ranges and see massive trees along the way. The oldest steam railway train is a trip that's fun for all ages. Don't forget to bring your cameras for perfect, Instagram-worthy pics!

The Grampians has it all: excellent food, stunning sceneries, and colourful history. No visit to the region is complete without a stop to Grampians National Park. One of the best things about the almost 170,000-hectare park is that there are loads of hiking options for everyone. The Balconies trail is perfect for families with small kids because it's only 2km long and gives you a fantastic view of The Victoria Valley. For something more challenging, try the Boronia Peak path, which involves a bit of climbing before you get a view of Lake Fyans.

An hour and a half away, Bellarine Peninsula is the ideal weekend getaway destination from Melbourne. You can go golfing, visit galleries, and sample local wines. For a relaxing time, head to Point Lonsdale, perfect for people who want to exchange the chaos and noise of the city for some peace and quiet. Sightsee with a side of history with a stroll along the coastline and gaze at the century-old lighthouse. Make sure to pay a visit to the Wild White Man's cave.

Nothing says vacation better than a day (or two) at the spa. Located over an hour and 20 minutes from the state's capital, Daylesford is Victoria's undisputed spa centre. Experience its famed mineral springs first-hand with a relaxing stay at Lake House. You'll forget all about your stress as expert masseuses work on your tense muscles. It's a weekend getaway from Melbourne you won't forget.

Leave Melbourne and travel six hours east for a weekend at Mallacoota. The town's laid-back charm and well-preserved surroundings are best experienced at the sprawling Croajingolong National Park. Friends and families can pick from its seven campgrounds, such as Shipwreck Creek, Point Hicks, and Thurra River. Groups who want to stay by the water can head to Peachtree Creek, while those looking to stargaze can set up camp at Mueller Inlet Camp.

Yackandandah and gold are practically intertwined—thanks to the town's role during the Gold Rush times. Retrace history with a walk through its National Trust-classified centre and explore its galleries. For an educational trip, tour Karr’s Reef Gold Mine to get a first-hand look at how miners searched for treasure. Perfect for families!

Thanks to its strategic location, Central Gippsland gets the best of both worlds: golden sand beaches and lush rainforests. Visitors can experience the best views the region has to offer with a hike through Tarra-Bulga National Park. Connect with nature as you cross the 1.2km long Corrigan Suspension Bridge. To up the ante, try the Grand Strzelecki Track and get rewarded with views of the Strzelecki Ranges.

Bendigo is home to impressive buildings and a rich history that dates back centuries. But its charm lies in its vibrant food scene, which has been rightfully declared a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy. To experience the region's best, go on a food and wine tour where you'll see how their iconic treats are made and sample them afterwards.

Dandenong Ranges is packed with many lush natural wonders that it might be tricky to fit everything in a weekend. But one thing's for sure: Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is an absolute must-visit. No matter what season you visit, you'll be surrounded by native and exotic plants such as Mountain Ash, the tallest flowering plant in the world, and thousands of rhododendrons blooming in colours. Pack a picnic and enjoy paradise.