Local Escapes Near 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.

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.

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

Ready to plan your next getaway? Discover the top 50 places to stay in Australia for 2025, from secluded forest cabins to luxurious beachside resorts.

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.

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 2025.

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.

We’ve hand-picked some of the best Daylesford accommodation options for 2025, including all the epic Airbnbs.

 With a stacked calendar of festivals and events lighting up regional Victoria this winter, the season’s never looked so good.

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 2025 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.

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

Every route is a scenic route when road tripping through Tasmania, so there’s a lot to get excited about. So pack your bags and embark on the adventure of a lifetime with these 10 stunning road trips to take in Tasmania.

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.

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 your dog.

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. 

Oh how we love Tassie. With its rugged natural beauty, sumptuous food scene and unmatched cultural offering, Australia's wild southern island is a beacon for adventurous, creative souls year round. 

 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.

​Explore our curated selection of Melbourne’s top luxury hotels in the CBD and beyond, each promising an unforgettable stay filled with elegance and indulgence. Pop on the provided gown and slippers, assess the pillow menu in great detail, and get booking at the best luxury hotels Melbourne has to offer in 2025:

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.

Planning the perfect romantic escape can be tough when life is hectic. So Urban List has done the hard work for you, searching high and low to bring you 22 of the best romantic getaways in Victoria. 

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.

Parking up with two-car fulls worth of mates for a holiday is a whole heap of fun, but finding quality lodging for six plus people can be difficult. So to make sure you don’t have to sacrifice on your stay, we’ve found these spots that are perfect for large groups.

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.

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. 

For family holidays, staycations with the gals, romantic weekends and solo travels in 2025, Urban List has rounded up the best Airbnbs with fireplaces in Victoria.

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, to rediscover this city we adore so much. Start packing your overnight bag and take a look at some of the best Airbnbs in Melbourne for 2025.

Nothing beats ditching the big smoke in the summertime for a stint by the sea. Victoria has a rich coastline with some of the most unique beaches and bays in the world. Here are the best beach house stays in Victoria.

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. 

With a massive 5-day birthday sale going on right now at Air New Zealand, there’s no excuse not to get your diaries out and start organising your next unforgettable adventure.  

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.

Winter just got cheesier. From 15 May to 22 June 2025, Fed Square transforms into a snow-dusted French alpine village for Fondue Chalet—the city’s most indulgent winter pop-up from the team behind Melbourne’s cult-favourite Raclette Igloo.

This destination diner in the Southern Grampians is the very essence of local, Victorian dining. And it doesn't hurt that the surrounds are stunning.

Tucked away on Tasmania's picturesque East Coast is Devil's Corner winery. This is the kind of place you drive past wistfully, wondering if you have time to stop in. We're telling you, you need to make the time.

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

A gathering of salty locals, big time heroes and future legends.

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.

Although there are plenty out there, it's no easy task to find the best Victorian, perhaps it's the uniqueness, or possibly the location and the stunning vistas they provide, whatever it may be these are the ones that shine above the rest. For good measure, we've also selected a handful of Guest Favourite properties, a brand new Airbnb filter that lets you search for top-rated stays. 

Now a cornerstone of Australian surf culture, Nev’s story is one of passion, craftsmanship and an unrelenting connection to the waves.  

If you're looking for a Sydney hotel with unique personal touches, a cool bar, and thoughtfully designed interiors—you've come to the right place. 

Ever wanted to live out your very own White Lotus experience but without the murder mystery? Three Hummock Island, a private island off the Tassie coast might be just the spot to do it—best of all you can rent it for pittance. 

We'll show you how to ace the off-court scene by serving up Melbourne's best during the Australian Open

From Fairhaven, Jan Juc, Port Campbell and beyond, the Great Ocean Road is a true destination for Victorians and travellers alike, and along it is dotted with a full gamut of stellar accommodation options. 

There’s nothing quite like parking it up by the pool. To ensure you maximise the sun and the good times this summer get your eyes across these incredible pool stays across Victoria.

Want to know where to pitch your tent? We’ve rounded up the best campsites in Victoria. Most are a pretty easy drive from Melbourne and for the rest... just tell your boss you’ll be coming in sick on Monday.

Let's face it, if you don't like camping, you don't like it, that's why glamping in Victoria has skyrocketed in popularity. Who wants to rough it when you can stay in a beautiful bell tent on a winery? There are a lot of fantastic sites across the state, and most of them aren't too far from the city. Here's Urban List's guide to the best spots for glamping Victoria has on offer for 2025.

Beaches in Victoria are a coveted commodity, often guarded and kept hush-hush. From Hampton Beach and the hidden gems of Melbourne to the stunning coasts of the Mornington Peninsula, the Great Ocean Road, Wilson's Prom, Phillip Island, and more, there are spectacular stretches of sand and ocean waiting to be explored.

From 4WDing amongst exotic animals to tackling river rapids, there’s no shortage of active experiences in Melbourne to fill your calendar with. 

We’ve sussed out everything you need to know to ensure you’re ready to hit the the ground running in 2025.

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

The High Country means something different to every Victorian. Maybe it’s fond memories camping at Sheepyard Flat over Christmas as a kid, or skiing at Hotham when the powder is heaving. Best of all, there's something for everyone so we've put together a solid travel guide and three-day itinerary for your next country escape.

To be honest, we’re always looking for an excuse for a staycay in one of the best hotels in Melbourne. Birthday? Book a suite. Nephew walked for the first time? I’m already calling the Sofitel. Found $10 on the ground? Let’s party. Of course, there are a few ways you can go with Melbourne/Naarm hotels, from the boutique to the bodacious. Get ready to raid the minibar and steal some bathrobes (kidding) at the best hotels in Melbourne for 2024.

Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, immerse yourself in indigenous culture and unwind at one of Crystalbrook Collection's sustainable luxe hotels. Trust us when we say, a trip to Cairns is a truly unforgettable escape. 

Kookaburras cackle as the clouds slowly drift down Mount Buffalo while we sit, swish a local bottle of saperavi and watch dusk fall on an enchanting spring evening in the High Country. We're at The Buckland Studios, a romantic kid-free getaway with stunning views of Mount Buffalo.

Winter’s finally packing up and the lure of an outdoor getaway has never been stronger.

Tucked away in the lush, tranquil Otway Ranges, just a stone’s throw from the legendary Great Ocean Road, there’s a slice of nature that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a fairy tale

Everoyne's favourite train is running a late timetable this spring, with Twilight Trains choo chooing us into the balmy evenings ahead and making room for plenty of Instagrammable moments. 

If you’re up the top end of the Sunshine Coast and looking for things to do in the bustling hub that is Noosa, we’ve got you covered.

This month, more than 250 works from the visionary Czech artist will take over the Art Gallery of New South Wales for Alphonse Mucha: Spirit Of Nouveau, the biggest solo exhibition of the legendary artist's work in the Southern Hemisphere.

To help you make the choice, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best scenic drives in Victoria for 2024. along with some pit stops and sites to see on the way. You bring the aux cable, we’ve got the rest sorted.

Avoid the tourist traps and follow this ultimate itinerary for a day in the Dandenong Ranges.

Beautiful coastlines and beaches, mountain top walks, and relaxing day spas all await you in parts of regional Victoria. Here are some places you should pack the car and head to once this is all over.

Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses, has landed at the Gallery Of Modern Art (GOMA) and it’s jaw-droppingly good, so there’s never been a better time to book a sneaky getaway to our northern neighbour.