Local Escapes

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. 

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.

There are a range of different ways to escape the city and into Victoria's amazing regional areas. You can hit up some cottages and cabins to get away from it all, you can go camping, you can find an Airbnb that's up your alley—but out of all the quirky getaway options out there, we think tiny homes in Victoria top the charts.

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?

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 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. 

There’s nothing quite like taking a soak to ease all the tensions right away. Victoria’s out-of-summer months lend themselves quite well to escaping the city for an outside spa (or bathtub) and a crackling fireplace.

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

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.

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.  

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. 

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.

Between some seriously breathtaking natural gems, uber-exciting eats, and a range of stays to satisfy all kinds, Townsville has quickly become one of the country's best places to explore this year. 

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.

From luxury hotels to pocket-friendly prices, Urban List has rounded up the best hotels in Singapore in 2025.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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. 

When the New York Times names a city in their 2024 places to go, you pay attention—there’s something bold going down.

Heading to the coast is a tried and tested Victorian ritual. The stunning Mornington Peninsula (Boon Wurrung) which rests just over an hour from Melbourne is a popular option as it features some of the most stunning coastline, restaurants, wineries and native bushland in the state. 

Whether you’re looking to escape the big smoke for a weekend, booking a romantic getaway, or have rounded up the crew for a vacay, at Urban List, we’ve hand-picked some of the best Daylesford accommodation options for 2024, including all the perfect Airbnb Daylesford spots.

Daylesford, its popularity just seems to compound year on year. The regional hub just over an hour and a half's drive from Melbourne has long stood as a rejuvenating escape for burnout city-dwellers and romantics looking to revel in the plethora of cultural, culinary and natural treasures the region is famous for. 

We've all experienced the inundation of Instagram content from Melburnians at Totti's when visiting Sydney, the table filled with plates of antipasti with negronis and spritz scattered throughout and of course, that show-stopping wood-fired flatbread front and center. 

To help you get out there in the colder months, we teamed up with Kathmandu to uncover a fresh slew of outdoor activities that'll fend off the frost. 

You know what's better than a pool or spa? Your own billabong and waterfall that's just a few feet away from your bedroom. Now, this might sound a little lofty but hang tight, just under an hour out of town in the lush bush surroundings of Olinda you'll find Billabong Falls, quite possibly the most unique Airbnbs in Victoria. 

​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 2024:

Van, trailer and bus conversions might be among the more peculiar tiny home stays, but the Yarra Valley Tram Stay may just claim the title of the most unique stay in Victoria. Situated within the scenic surroundings of the two-acre historic property, the 1935 W-Class Old Melbourne Tram, named Doris, finds its home in the idyllic Yarra Valley. 

See Sydney in a brand new light this year with our guide to the best spots to eat, stay, and play on your Vivid adventure.

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.

From summers filled with cold rainy days to bars made entirely out of ice, the chill runs through Melbourne’s veins. Little did we know there was a unique Airbnb hidden in plain sight that's everything your Frozen dreams could imagine, and more. Enter: Winter Wonderland.

In the small town of Moama just on the outside of the Victorian border sits a stretch of the Murray river that holds a long and special history. 

Whether you’re looking for an eventful vacation or a leisurely cruise along the shore, there’s a road trip across this spectacular country to suit your style.

We all deserve to soar into the sunset as often as our jobs and lives allow, so this year, there’s a new plan of attack: staggered spending. 

Dare we say, winter trumps summer. It’s the season you can dig up the puffer jacket and throw on a beanie, and local watering holes whip out the mulled wine. And when it comes to booking a weekender away, the Airbnb becomes a sanctuary for relaxing—on the caveat it has a fireplace.  For family holidays, staycations with the gals, romantic weekends and solo travels in 2024, Urban List have rounded up the best Airbnbs with fireplaces in Victoria.

Escape to the Sunshine State this autumn and nab a Village Roadshow Escape Pass for three days of unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild.

Prime wheel estate.

Situated past the windy bends of the Great Ocean Road is Lorne, a tree-clad enclave and coastal town characterised by its thriving surf culture, shopping prospects, multicultural culinary scene and parks that edge onto the white-sand beach. With its easy access to the Otways and close proximity to the adored Erskine Falls, Lorne attracts a throng of Great Ocean Road locals as well as Melbourne city dwellers.

We’ve done the digging and found a bunch of truly epic travel packages from the legends at Webjet for $1000*—flights included!

Lorne, situated beyond the winding bends of the Great Ocean Road, is a coastal haven enveloped with the dense bush of the Otways and skirted by the pristine ocean. It's celebrated for its vibrant surf culture, diverse dining options, and idyllic natural landscapes that seamlessly blend with the pristine white-sand beach.

Ardo is Townsville’s first luxury hotel and since opening in December 2023, has garnered national attention as it redefines North Queensland’s tourism landscape.

What makes the perfect road trip? While a cracking playlist, premium snacks, excellent company and comfy pants are essential, the most important element of your roadie is not the destination, but the adventure that happens along the way. Most importantly—the places and faces you encounter on your journey. And while it’s easy to map out the k’s you’re going to cover, those special ‘pinch me’ moments that happen at each of your pitstops can be a little harder to plan—unless you’re reading this guide, then don’t worry because we’ve got you covered.

This year treat yourself to more Monday-to-Friday fun, and cash in some of that annual leave for a cheeky mid-weeky up the Gold Coast.

As the stage lights up for Coldplay's electrifying 2024 tour, we're here to orchestrate your offstage adventures with all the best spots to eat, stay and Coldplay.

Australia’s longest-running arts festival returns with a jam-packed program spanning music, theatre, dance and film.

If you’re after for a stay that’s as eclectic and exciting as the city you’re in, Hotel Indigo’s latest instalment in Brisbane’s North Quay is the perfect basecamp for exploring the best of the city. 

Pristine immaculate coastline, endless lingering sunshine and bountiful local produce—Townsville has become a marvel of North Queensland for good reason, with a string of decadent new openings around the charming town awaiting exploration.

Whatever your dream vacay looks like, Village Roadshow Theme Parks has over 120 world-class rides, slides, shows, characters and attractions to choose from.

We’ve teamed up with Wintjiri Wiru to guide you through the Uluru adventure from sunset to dusk—including the latest addition of a thought-provoking light show

Adelaide is a bustling melting pot of eclectic wine bars, Nonna-approved pasta joints, vibrant markets and an inspiring arts scene that has so much for visitors to uncover.

If you’re craving la dolce vita but couldn’t afford Euro summer this year, we’re bringing the sunshine your way instead. We’ve teamed up with Peroni to bring you a slice of the good life from the best Amalfi-inspired spots all over the Mornington Peninsula.

To help you dodge the crowds this summer, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best hidden swimming spots to flock to when the thermostat peaks.

As the weather warms up across the country, even us extreme homebodies are itching for adventure. We want sun, fresh air, and breathtaking natural beauty that makes us forget our worries. Ready to hit the trails and become reacquainted with mother nature? 

Situated in the southwestern region of Victoria, along the idyllic shores of Corio Bay and the beach-front communities of the Bellarine Peninsula lies the charming city of Geelong. 

The Mornington Peninsula’s over 150-year-old institution, Hotel Sorrento, is welcoming in summer with a new era of luxury. Emerging out of its biggest transformation to date, the establishment exhibits a 30-metre pool, day spa and wellness facilities, and 13 new accommodation suites—from the minds of Six Degrees Architecture and Jack Merlo landscape architects. 

Whether you’re in search of kid-friendly accommodation for a weekend-long city staycation or a week-long inaugural family holiday, we’ve got you and the little ones sorted. There are a few more things to consider when selecting a family-sized hotel room, mainly space.

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.

In the latest chapter of its ongoing transformation in the former Pentridge prison from Olivine and North & Common is The Interlude, a new experiential retreat that’s ushering in a new age of accommodation on the storied grounds. 

From tranquil natural spas to the best farmers markets, distilleries and unique stays, here are 7 lush Gold Coast experiences you won’t find in your guidebook. 

Experience three major events to celebrate and explore during Kambarang

Dig into delicious dishes all over the state to find your perfect plate in regional Victoria.

Dust off your passport—Urban List Vacays has arrived. 

Situated in the southwestern region of Victoria, along the idyllic shores of Corio Bay and the beach-front communities of the Bellarine Peninsula lies the charming city of Geelong. Renowned for its rich maritime history, serene waterfront and its very own footy team, Geelong has become a hidden gem for people seeking a cosmopolitan experience without the urban congestion.

We know, it feels like everyone is enjoying their Euro Summer adventures right now and the itch for a holiday is stronger than ever. If you're thinking of planning a getaway, we've teamed up with AGL Energy to compile a savvy list of tips and tricks to help you optimise your out-of-office hours while minimising your eco-footprint. 

The cure for your mid-year monotony is here, Crystalbrook Collection is providing up to 40% off stays around their luxurious resorts around Brisbane, Cairns, Byron Bay, Newcastle and Sydney. 

We want to help you live the dream in WA, so we asked the passionate locals who call it home to share all their must-visit experiences across this stunning state. Dive into our guides to the best places to play, eat and stay, steeped with local knowledge and all the tools you need to plan the trip of a lifetime.

Your weekend—sorted.

We’re well into ski season, and one of the best winter pastimes has to be getting your gear together for a good ol’ fashion snow trip. Rugging up, pilling into your cars, and making that glorious trek through Victorian High Country into the mountains is a rite of passage, and what makes that trek worth it is having a cosy abode to call your own once you arrive.

Building a house, let alone one with only a 24 square meter footprint, may not be on everybody’s lifelong bucket list. But for Victoria-based Benjamin Bailey-Webb, this was something he knew he had to do. 

You really only do live once.

​Wine tours are fun, but they’re less fun for the DD. Someone’s gotta be the responsible one, right? Well not at these places. These are wineries that double as hotels. 

With help from BCF curate the perfect campsite this festival season.

If there's something Victoria has in abundance it's cosy and quaint winter getaways. Considering we're one of the frostiest states in the country we relish in the creature comforts—converted cottages, roaring fireplaces, bathtubs you can really sink into and wide vistas of rolling hills and lush bushland. 

When it comes to relaxation, few things compare to a rejuvenating soak. Victoria's off-peak seasons provide the perfect opportunity to escape the city and indulge in a spa accompanied by the warmth of a crackling fireplace.

Whale watching season down here runs from May to October. Which means you need to get in and spot these beauties fast before they swim off for another year.

There’s off-grid, and then there are cabins surrounded by nothing but nature, no connection to the outside world, and no reception, off-grid—without forgetting all the necessary creature comforts of course. And if that’s your jam, then you’re in luck because there are a handful of must-stays across Victoria.

Thanks to the rise in popularity of natural bathing, Victoria is well and truly leaning into its unofficial title, spa country. And soon, the great southern state will be home to Australia’s largest hot springs experience, The 12 Apostles Hot Springs & Resort. 

Getting stuck in the city weekend after weekend is bound to get a little claustrophobic after a while, and sometimes, all you really want is to get out into nature. Luckily for us in Victoria, we’re only ever a few hours away from one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, if we may be so bold to say. The Grampians are home to some of the most scenic panoramic views, trails, waterfalls, and wildlife, so there’s no better place to spend your upcoming getaway. However, if camping out in the bush isn’t your thing, don’t stress because we’ve got you covered with some absolutely stellar Airbnbs right near the town of Halls Gap, aka the perfect base to do all your exploring from. 

It's not far from the city but the magic of the Dandenong Ranges is something that every Melburnian should experience. Whether you're headed up there to experience the cool temperature rain forests, puff your way up the 1000 steps walk, or just clocking a bit of downtime and relaxation the region is brimming with culture and natural wonder. 

Ditch the big smoke and opt for wide-open vistas of rolling hills, lush native bushlands and stunning sunsets. Escaping to a farm stay in Victoria should be mandatory, it's a reprieve from the grind and you're supplemented with fresh air, great produce, and zero distractions allowing you to fully switch off. 

If you’re thinking of packing up the car to drive down to Phillip Island to see the beloved penguins or escape to Cape Woolamai, you’re going to want to have a decent place to stay. Don’t get us wrong, Phillip Island is gorgeous, but you want to be comfy and cosy after a long day of sightseeing and surfing, so we’ve found some choice picks for you.