Whether you’re looking for a way to spend some quality time with your partner or are in search of a last-minute gift, nothing suggests romance quite like a getaway to some of Victoria’s best spots. No matter the occasion, what better way to spend your time than hurling your lover into the car and setting off on a romantic getaway.
Victoria has a ton of undiscovered spots that you need to take full advantage of, but we've done the hard work for you. Here are some of the most romantic getaways in Victoria for 2023:
The Hideout
DAYLESFORD
Oozing with historical charm. The Hideout in Daylesford is a fully converted 1860s miner cottage that celebrates the old while still tailoring itself to modern-day desires. With a rich soulful interior, this romantic stay is loaded with a large open-plan kitchen and living room, rich blacks contrasted against the re-claimed wooden furnishings with a fireplace and modular couch overlooking the property. The sprawling deck is ideal for a wine and parking up in one of the hanging bamboo chairs suspended from the rooftop, or if the weather doesn't permit you can hop into the big stone bathtub with views of the outdoor garden and barn-style doors leading in and out Book it here.
Under A Peppercorn Tree
CASTLEMAINE
Hillrise Cottage
GRAMPIANS
Set on a hill above the gum trees with breathtaking views of the Grampians, Hillrise Cottage has a sense of tranquillity that you just can’t find at urban hotels. This is one of the best romatnic getaway spots if you’re trying to get back to nature. Here you can fish for yabbies in the dam, collect fallen wood for the fireplace, use the properties telescope to spot constellations and stroll the six-acre property in search of wildlife. Or, you can take advantage of Hillrise Cottage’s prime location and venture out to Ararat and Halls Gap to explore the townships and winery hop.
Otways Loft
FORREST
Otways Loft is more of a romantic hideaway than a romantic getaway. The three-storied hand-built tree house is nestled amongst the treetops of Forrest, pretty much a scene out of a storybook. The craftsman responsible for the 80’s build lived on-site in a tin shed for five years sourcing materials from the region including remnants of an old train carriage and a nearby church. Retreat into the loft and discover the unique nooks of the home or explore the Forrest region’s rainforest and waterfalls. Equipped with both a cosy fireplace and a breezy balcony, there really is no bad season to visit the Otways Loft.
The Cottage At Dunmore Farm
MOLYULLAH
Escape the urban jungle into the countryside at the Cottage at Dunmore Farms. Only a short two and a bit hour road trip out of the city you will find yourselves at a beautifully restored homestead that originates from 1860 sitting pretty on a former 150-acre dairy farm. High ceilings, restored hardwood floors, weatherboard walls and an original fireplace gives this homestead a warm feel despite its cool-toned colour palette. The picturesque valley of Victoria’s High Country will set the scene for your romantic getaway.
Josephine
WYELANGTA
Josephine is the picture-perfect luxury getaway for two with prime positioning on the Otway Ridge. Its interior is sleek and minimal, making the jaw-dropping scenery from the panoramic windows the main attraction. If you’re an outdoorsy couple you can take advantage of the five acres and close proximity to the Great Ocean Road by hiking and biking the serene surroundings. Or, if you’d prefer to retreat into the home you can start up the wood fireplace and sit back with a glass of vino to soak up the sunsets through the wall-sized windows.
Kirkness Sanctuary House
KALORAMA
Bonbeach Bliss
BONBEACH
For an idyllic seaside escape, it's hard to look past Bonbeach Bliss. The sparkling waters of Port Phillip Bay will be the backdrop to your romantic getaway at this contemporary beach pad which has been fitted out with polished hardwood floors, sleek white furniture, as well as indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces. Stay in and utilise the private rooftop deck with a romantic home-cooked meal for two. Retreat to the balcony of an evening to enjoy a nightcap together while ogling the panoramic ocean views.
Milk And Honey
DAYLESFORD
Here's a spot where the accommodation is just as good as the name. The Milk and Honey cottage is located in Daylesford, about a 2-hour drive out of Melbourne. Access the property via a gorgeous winding stairway with epic views over the surrounding countryside. Milk and Honey is only a few minutes walk from the Daylesford shops, and it's perfect if you're after that lazy getaway (with civilisation within arm's reach). Two light-filled bedrooms, an open fireplace, slick bathrooms and a full kitchen complete the picture.
Y Vue Apartment
WYE RIVER
Down on the Great Ocean Road, the Y Vue apartment is nestled on the point of Wye River. This exquisite little spot is snug but has everything you’d want in a romantic getaway, with a cosy apartment that feels more like a wood cabin, tucked right into the hill just metres from the water. With a stunning balcony that looks out onto the entire bay and an incredible spa that is jetting right out; you can soak while endless waves roll into the sleepy little surf town.
Liptrap Loft
WALKERVILLE
Liptrap Loft is one of the best romantic getaway Airbnbs, set amongst the leafy surroundings of South Gippsland just thirty minutes from the stunning Wilsons Promontory, this house has been crafted with recycled tin and timber, and keeps you comfy and cosy against those wintery elements. It has retro features like a 1960’s style oven and stove but its crown jewel is the outdoor Japanese bathhouse with a tiled tub with exposed pipes and views of the surrounding valley.
Tulum
BALNARRING
You’ve surely come across the incredibly aesthetic Tulum in your searches for a getaway. The pristinely curated stay has been architecturally designed and is the very definition of beach-chic. Located in Ballnarring on the Mornington Peninsula, Tulum provides a romantic getaway like few others; nestled conveniently in one of Victoria’s best wine regions you’re only a short drive to award-winning wineries and cellar doors. The black-painted exterior opens up into a light-filled white-washed oasis, where each feature has been cleverly considered; crafting a perfect contrast of balanced shades and colours to keep you at ease.
Callingee II Eco Bush Retreat
GIPPSLAND
Quite literally part of the Grand Designs family, having been one of the first houses of the Australian series, this romantic getaway in Victoria’s Gippsland is just gorgeous. It’s 100% off-the-grid both sustainably, powered with renewable energy and literally as it’s positioned out in the lush bushlands; around 20 minutes from Traralgon. The property is set on 5 acres and is an architectural marvel with exposed rustic beams and weathered wooden decks with an oasis pool surrounded by native plants.
Tea Tree Hill
VENUS BAY
A classic representation of the modern Australian beach shack, the Tea Tree Hill stay is a romantic getaway like none other. Adorned in bespoke furniture both locally sourced and imported vintage European pieces; there’s a serious laid back aesthetic to the entire space. Situated in the idyllic Venus Bay, it has a dreamy seclusion feel to it; whether you’re soaking in the freestanding outdoor tub or taking in the stars from the deck, it's one hell of a romantic getaway.
The Deckhouse
WYE RIVER
What makes The Deckhouse so good? Well for starters it’s positioned up in the hills of Wye River and its wooden deck gives an absolutely spanking view of the coast. The secluded spot on the Great Ocean Road provides the ultimate romantic getaway and is only a short stroll from the water and the quaint gem that is Wye River. The house is an open-plan dream and the floor-to-ceiling windows provide views through every room except the ensuite, is it one of the best romantic getaways Victoria has? We’ll let you decide.
The Wensley
WENSLEYDALE
Wensley’s self-described ‘rustic luxury’ couldn’t be more accurate, the worn wooden farm-style building conceals one of the most carefully curated spaces you’ll find, a big contender for the best romantic getaway in Victoria. Inside you’ll experience a country-style aesthetic with dark stained timber flooring, exposed beams, with leather and cane furniture throughout. The indoor fireplace and surrounding lounge look out onto the fields and a wide dinner table leads into the refined yet state-of-the-art kitchen with thoughtful additions that add to The Wensley’s overall laid-back feel.
Cape Schanck House
CAPE SCHANCK
If you’re a couple all about design then Cape Schanck House is the romantic getaway for you. The award-winning stay took out best house at the Royal Australian Institute of Architects awards. Located in the quiet region of Cape Schanck on the Mornington Peninsula, this stay is only minutes away from date spots like pristine ocean beaches, wineries, and the famed lighthouse walk. Inside the white and black colour scheme let the surrounding tree life shine, the living room is centered around a waterdrop sculpture that extends from the room to the floor, and a curved leather lounge looks onto a wide fireplace. Its minimalist style provides the perfect backdrop for a quiet getaway, time to enjoy the simpler things.
Contemporary Barn
DAYLESFORD
The Contemporary Barn was designed especially with couples in mind to host the perfect romantic getaway. The entire space is reminiscent of a conservatory with its open floor plan and restored schoolhouse windows which bathe the barn in natural light. The only catch is, inside the barn is a shoe-free zone which should be a pro for fellow cleanliness heads. The interior design and curation of the stay is only made better by the barn's central location. You’ll be situated within walking distance from all the cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars you could want.
Killala Retreat
APOLLO BAY
The private sanctuary that is Killala Retreat is located directly across from Otway National Park. It’s very much a country-style home but its eclectic interior design has made the space feel anything but stuffy. With original artworks, a central wood fire heater, country-style kitchen and a vista overlooking the hills above the township, you’re both sure to feel right at home. There is also something to be said about Killala Retreat's prolific garden which makes it the perfect destination for the outdoorsy couple.
Marges Cottage
POOWONG EAST
Marge’s Cottage is part of a family-owned dairy farm and has been carefully restored piece by piece using local craftsmen to its former charm. Nothing says romantic getaway quite like soaking in a rainwater bath, enjoying a glass of red by the fire or watching the sunset from the verandah with your special someone. This rural retreat is maybe one of Victoria’s most beautiful cottages located in South Gippsland. Escape to this private haven for some quality time together where it’s all too easy to unwind, relax and recharge.
A Dam Good View
DIXONS CREEK
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in Victoria that prioritises scenery, A Dam Good View down at Dixon Creek is the getaway for you. The tiny house is humble but has all the essentials you could need to escape the city madness and relax into the easy scenery of the Yarra Valley. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a casual glass or two on the deck overlooking the vineyards and rolling hills. You’ll also be able to walk the surrounding farmlands and visit the animals once you’re acquainted with the property.
Riversdale Retreat
CHEWTON
Why not combine your romantic getaway in Victoria with a country escape and book a stay at Riversdale Retreat. This Chewton spot was designed with the eco-friendly and ultra-modern couple in mind. The home is equipped with solar hot water, a rainwater tank and is super insulated. While the home is environmentally friendly it certainly does not compromise on design with its Tatami lounge area and Japanese-style bathroom. If you're both nature lovers you will be sure to enjoy the privacy of the home being surrounded by bushland on three sides.
Big Hill Studio
YARRA VALLEY
Big Hill Studio takes rustic accommodation to the next level with its old-world feel thanks to the miscellaneous selection of restored woods. Here you can take advantage of the kitchen and cook an intimate dinner for two or unwind together and read by the tranquil pond. This romantic getaway allows you to take advantage of some of Victoria’s best views with picturesque scenes of the Yarra Valley as well as the Dandenong Ranges to the east and the city skyline to the west. If you’re both early birds you might even wake up to the sight of hot air balloons passing by the quant studio.
Restored Miners Cottage
SHEPHERDS HILL
Located in Shepherds Hill right next to a working alpaca farm, the Restored Miners Cottage is the perfect romantic getaway for the couple looking for a country escape in Victoria. The alpaca wool quilts, throws and blankets along with the wood-burning heater will ensure your stay is a cozy one. Your private garden is positioned right next to the alpaca nursery paddock so while your cottage is booked just for two you can expect the additional company of baby alpacas.
Sky Pod
CAPE OTWAY
The Sky Pod is maybe the most picturesque romantic getaway in Victoria. The off-grid pod has floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the queen size bed for you and your significant other to catch the sunset over the ocean and stargaze throughout the night. Here you can take movie night to the next level with the 100-inch projector that you can enjoy from the warmth of your bed. This secluded hideaway means you can appreciate each other's company from the privacy of your pod while being just a stroll away from the Great Ocean Walk, Beach Station and Rainbow Falls.
Vintage House
HEPBURN SPRINGS
The elegant but understated Vintage House sits on almost an acre of land surrounded by fruit trees, creating the perfect setting for a romantic getaway in Victoria. The lounge room invites you in to relax with its chesterfield couches and oversized arched windows surrounding an open wood fireplace. But it's definitely the stark white bedroom with a king-size linen-covered bed and vintage clawfoot tub that says romantic getaway. If you’re savvy in the kitchen you should be sure to take advantage of the property's edible garden by picking fresh herbs and garlic to whip up a romantic dinner for two.
Prefer to sleep out under the stars? Here's our pick of the best free camping in Victoria.
Image credit:
Airbnb (credit to owners)
Marnie Hawson (The Cottage At Dunmore)
Derek Swalwell (Hillplains Cottage)
Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.