Local Escapes Near Melbourne

Tasmania's incredible landscape is a treasure map for the thoughtful adventurer. These are the best eco-friendly experiences, hyper-local dining options, off-grid adventures and community-building experiences in Tassie. 

Planning a budget-friendly holiday? These affordable Northern Territory experiences deliver maximum bang for your buck.

As the weather cools, heat up with these fire-fuelled stays, smoky feasts and flame-led experiences designed to spark connection and ignite good times aplenty. 

Fancy a kid-friendly weekend at a waterfront beach house with a gated pool? Or sneaking away to the hinterlands for a farmstay filled with horses and cows? You decide.

We’ve hand-picked some of the best Daylesford accommodation options for 2026, including all the epic Airbnbs.

Finding quality lodging for six plus people can be difficult. But we’ve found these Victorian spots that are perfect for large groups.

Our guide to the best hotels in Melbourne for 2026, from boutique to bodacious.

Looking for a spot to stay in Victoria and spend time in the tub? Check out Urban List's pick of the best Airbnbs with outdoor spas and baths for 2026.

Although there are plenty out there, it's no easy task to find the best Airbnb in Victoria for your needs. Sometimes you're after something unique, other times only a pad with a hot tub will do... (what about one with a pool?)

Planning the perfect romantic escape for your plus one can be tough when life is hectic. So Urban List has done the hard work for you, searching high and low to bring you the best romantic getaways in Victoria. 

If you’re craving a nature escape with a side of serious relaxation, Victoria’s hot springs are just what you need. These natural oases are designed for you to unplug, unwind, and soak away your worries in mineral-rich waters. From stunning coastal retreats to hidden mountain gems, we’ve rounded up the best hot springs in Melbourne and Victoria that are perfect for a rejuvenating day trip or a luxurious weekend getaway.

From water views to luxe city centre stays, Urban List has picked out the best pet-friendly hotels in Sydney and the packages on offer for you and your dog.

For family holidays, staycations with the gals, romantic weekends and solo travels in 2026, Urban List has rounded up the best Airbnbs with fireplaces in Victoria.

If you’ve been looking for a unique stay in Victoria, we think we’ve found the one—or two, to be exact. They’re called Bubble Retreats, hidden in the rolling hills of Wilson’s Prom in Gippsland.

There are a range of different ways to escape the city and into Victoria's amazing regional areas—but out of all the quirky getaway options out there, we think tiny homes top the charts.

Love the thought of a weekend getaway in Victoria but worried about leaving the dog behind? You don’t have to, as Urban List has been hard at work digging out the best pet-friendly accommodation for you and your furry family member.

Winter is no time to stay indoors. In the darker months, rural Victoria comes alive with festivals and events across the state.

Ah, Melbourne. The city of a million suburbs, each with its own distinctive personality. Everyone should treat themselves to a little staycation once in a while, so start packing your overnight bag and take a look at the best Airbnbs in Melbourne for 2026.

Here are the best bush walks on the Gold Coast, from a quick stroll to a full day in the wilderness.

Ready to plan your next getaway? Discover the top 59 places to stay in Australia for 2026, from secluded forest cabins to luxurious beachside resorts.

We’re rounding up where to play, stay, and most importantly, eat when you’re in town for Melbourne’s RISING 2026.

The temps might be dropping around the country, but on the Gold Coast, winter means crisp sunny days and cosy nights—prime conditions for a cheeky wellness break.

For the first time in over a decade, global hotel group Mercure has opened a new-build in the city centre. 

While the new year has tested Victoria's resilience with both fires and floods, local operators are already on the road to recovery. Now, thanks to a whole lot of grit and community spirit, they’re keen for visitors to head their way. 

As the action revs up on the track, we'll show you how to ace the off-track scene

There’s a reason Jackalope on the Mornington Peninsula is on everyone’s bucket list: from its stunning grounds to unique architectural design, moody black colour palette or funky bar and restaurant, the hotel is the very definition of a luxury stay.

Autumn’s no time to fall into a funk—so we’re getting you out of the house and into the country.

Strap on some comfy shoes and grab the trail mix. These are the best walks near Melbourne.

​Sometimes you just want to splash out on something spesh, and Melbourne's the place to go if you want to pair your luxury stay with world class food and epic views.

Townsville is your launchpad for every kind of thrill, from reef and rainforest day trips to red dirt adventures. 

Picture the scene. You’re sitting around the firepit at your own private vineyard, sipping on the good stuff. Sound appealing? With this luxury cabin in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, you needn’t dream.

Turns out you don’t need a plane ticket to feel worlds away from Melbourne—a short drive to the Yarra Valley will do it.

Craving a slice of country hospitality this summer? Us too. 

When TV personality, podcast presenter and dad of two Matty Fahd locked in his family’s first trip together, it turned out to be one for the books.

When the saying “once bitten, twice shy” was coined—the creators didn’t take Louis Hanson into account. 

With Air New Zealand’s Cyber Week Sale officially underway from 27 November to 2 December, there’s no time like the present to lock in flights and head across the ditch.

​Wine tours in Victoria are fun, but they’re less fun for the designated driver, right? Which is why booking the best winery stay is a win.

Lorne is celebrated for its vibrant surf culture, diverse dining options and lush natural landscape. Top it off with the best accommodation in which to lay your head.

Home to towering Mountain Ash trees, the iconic Puffing Billy steam train and some seriously lush Airbnbs—the Dandenong Ranges cast a spell.

Penguins, pink grantite cliffs and a whole heap of peace and quiet. Phillip Island is the 2026 getaway we all need.

From hotel slumber parties to sprawling private estates, these are the best group stays for max relaxing.

This is our locals, and not-locals guide to everything to eat, drink, see, do and stay on the Mornington Peninsula.

Where heart-thumping adventure meets slow, sun-drenched relaxation, Lake Macquarie is the under-the-radar coastal destination that strikes the perfect balance. 

We’ve uncovered a luxurious lineup of local road trips that feel like a slice of Italy, the Alps and beyond.

Looking for something a little bit fancy on the Mornington Peninsula to treat your family, friends or other half? Take some inspo from Urban List's round-up of the best luxury accommodation.

Say hello to your own family-proof pad within driving distance of Melbourne.

Victoria is jam-packed with beautiful places (all driving distance from Melbourne) where it's easy to forget where in the world you are.

Nothing beats ditching the big smoke for a stint by the sea, and Victoria has some of the most unique beaches in the world. Here are the best beach house stays to book.

Their newest itineraries are all about meaningful, experience-led travel. And they’re on sale.

Summer is just around the corner and we are eyeing off these dreamy Aussie escapes.

Spring is here, and it has us itching for a sneaky getaway before peak season.

With spring in the air, there’s no better time to rediscover the beauty of our own backyard.

As a little reminder to all Melburnians, Victoria’s High Country is (back) open for business, and to let everyone know Tourism North-East, alongside a slew of local businesses are offering up a Bougie High Country Getaway for four lucky people.

No, it's not just you—eBikes are everywhere right now.

Melbourne is getting a little taste of Tasmania, with the city’s very-own Sauna Boat set to open this weekend.

We’re pretty lucky in Victoria, we definitely have some of Australia’s best country pubs. Big, grand old dames, or ramshackle, quirky little numbers with plenty of nooks and crannies. Victoria’s Best Country pubs are tough to nail down. Is it the vibe, is it solid gigs, where does food fit into the equation? What about a bangin’ wine list, because that certainly exists too.

Whether you’re chasing a city staycay, a beachside break, or a nature retreat together, these dog-friendly stays are fit for two and four-legged luxury.

CMC Rocks QLD’s back for 2026, and boy, are we geared up for this one.

Dogs love water just as much as we do, from chasing garden hose streams to splashing in shallow pools. Watching your pup frolic in the waves at Melbourne’s best dog-friendly beaches is pure joy. However, not all beaches welcome furry friends. We've curated the top dog beaches in Victoria for 2026 so you and your best mate can enjoy the coast together. Here are Urban List's picks for the best dog-friendly beaches in Victoria.

Feel good knowing your meal didn't come at a cost to the planet.

If you’re chasing the van life but want to skip the epic endurance test, the half lap might be your new ultimate travel hack.

Discover your dog's travel style, plus a few travel tips and score $2K towards your next vacay together.

With a forecast of crisp sunny days and good times on the agenda, there’s endless places to play and stay in this literal slice of paradise.

Astro-tourism is the latest travel craze. From dark-sky parks to luxury bubble retreats, explore family-friendly stargazing spots across Australia. 

 Next-gen artists lighting up the city, tropical islands, ancient rainforests and sun-soaked afternoons await.

Hamilton Island—the holiday place of the nation’s rich and famous and if you're lucky, you and yours. we’ve done the legwork and scoped out the best restaurants Hamilton Island has to offer, so get that online booking forefinger ready.

Spring is in the air which means picnics are back in fashion, and we couldn't be more excited to throw down a rug and pull out our finest picnicware for a 'lax in the sunshine.

When he's off the field, Darcy Moore's finding his next favourite plate, place and pour across Australia. 

After quietly closing at the end of 2024, the Yackandandah Hotel—affectionately known as ‘The Bottom Pub’—has reopened, helmed by a top-tier Melbourne chef.

If you like your weekend getaways served up with a long lunch and a sip of three of wine you'll want to lock in this Kangaroo Valley event. 

Grab your sunnies (and perhaps a seasickness pill) ‘cause whale watching season is upon us. 

With warm weathered days increasing in frequency and summer just around the corner we are looking for places to escape the urban concrete jungle and explore Victoria’s scenic outdoors. But the guilt of leaving behind our dogs when planning our getaways is all too real. Regional Victoria has no shortage of stunning campsites to feel grounded in nature and the best part, for a lot of them you can bring along your furry friends.

Discover how a $500 junk sale purchase became a seriously unique South Australian tiny house stay.

Bendigo has seriously diversified its portfolio since its opulent gold rush era. Now with an impressive food scene, buzzing creative community and regional charm aplenty, it's the weekend getwaway from the city you need to take. 

Geelong, it's only an hour away from Melbourne but it's a whole new world and there's plenty of things to get around. Here's the local inside scoop on where to eat, drink, play and stay when you're in The Pivot.

Peninsula fave Alba Thermal Springs and Spa has just launched a brand-new on-site accommodation offering: The Sanctuary—a collection of hilltop villas overlooking the lush surrounds of Fingal.

Arguably Melbourne’s most picturesque regional city, Ballarat was founded in 1838 and was the centre of the gold rush in Victoria—and very briefly one of the wealthiest cities in the world. It’s come a long way since then and it’s not just about gold rush history anymore—there’s more things to eat, drink, do and see than ever before.

This experience-led social living hotel offers oh-so-much more than a place to lay your travel-weary head.

After a few hours scoping out the facilities, you’ll discover there’s no real reason to leave The Westin Brisbane—everything you need for a good time is at your fingertips.

Flights from $49 one way sound tempting? Here’s all the intel you need about the Virgin Australia sale.

Forget what you thought you knew about a regional escape, Daylesford has everything you could want in a getaway and then some. From next-level foodie experiences to wine bars slinging seriously good sips, you'll be planning your relocation before the sun has set on day one of your trip. 

Sandy McIntyre is the actor, writer, producer and model making waves across Australia’s creative scene. We picked their brains on the best of what to do in Sydney this winter season. 

We all love a holiday, but so do our pets. So next time you book a Victorian getaway, why not save yourself the hassle of a sitter and find somewhere that’ll welcome the two of you at a pet-friendly accommodation, say a dog-friendly hotel?

From a worker’s cottage with floor to ceiling windows to a mega manor with a huge, private pool, check out these luxury Airbnbs in Victoria.

From rainforests to art deco terrace homes, treat yourself to a retreat among picturesque surroundings this Easter. 

Want an unfettered farmstay experience? Bluestone Ridge is the real deal, this 800 acre cattle farm is tucked away in Victoria's High Country and is the serene escape you're after.

Here's your ultimate Eat, Play, Stay guide to the Barossa Valley with Andy Allen.

No matter the season, it’s always prime time to pack the car and escape into Victoria’s wild backyard. From lush riverfront bushland to windswept coastal dunes (yes, you might spot a whale), the state is dotted with incredible free camping spots - some within just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne.

How far would you drive for some Sizzler-style cheese toast? 'Cos we're happy to spend an hour heading up to the Blackwood Hotel for a little slice of nostalgia and a frosty pint to match.

Keen for a luxe vacay that feels a million miles away from the mainland? Visit this remote Tasmanian lodge.