9 country towns in Victoria you need to visit

Sometimes you just need to escape the hustle and bustle of city life – the noise, the pollution, and the ever-present obsession with “brunch.” So, why not take a weekend away and explore some of Victoria’s charming country towns and suburbs?

Mildura, Murray River

Mildura makes planning a trip to three states – NSW, Victoria, and South Australia – a breeze. Nestled close to all state lines, Mildura is a regional city and popular tourist destination.

Why you should visit:

Nature. While Mildura has shops, pubs, and wineries aplenty, it’s what’s around it that makes it interesting. Just 50km from the rural city is the Murray-Sunset National Park, dotted with bubble-gum pink salt lakes. Close by are the Perry Sandhills, bright desert dunes that will make you feel like you’re wandering on Mars.

Hepburn Springs, Macedon Ranges

Why pay $1.99 for a bottle of mountain-sourced, natural mineral water when you can pump it out of the ground for free?
Hepburn Springs is just an hour and a half from Melbourne and in the middle of the largest concentration of mineral springs in Australia.

Why you should visit:

Take a dip ponds laden with health-given minerals, free of charge at the Hepburn Springs campsite and picnic area. There’s also plenty of spas and retreats to indulge in some pampering, as well as a historic, volunteer-operated country railway to take in the views with ease.

Yarra Valley,  Coldstream

Known for crisp ciders, bold beers, and palatable wines, Coldstream offers the best of the Yarra Valley with a flavourful twist.

Why you should visit:

Coldstream houses renowned micro breweries, wineries, and cider houses – but in the town, you can also pick your own strawberries; see Victoria’s oldest swimming pool in some fabulous historic estates; and dine on farmhouse cheese (and wine!) in a refurbished, 100 year old milking shed.

Sandy Point, Gippsland

You don’t need to travel to the Whitsundays for serene, sparkling shorelines – Sandy Point has got your back. The tiny coastal town has a population of 225 people to share its pristine beaches, meaning there’s heaps of space to spread out.

Why you should visit:

Sandy Point is the place to go for some true R&R. There’s not a lot on, but there is plenty to see. Wander along Waratah Beach or dive in for a surf; take in the stretches of soft sand and views to Wilson Prom at Ned Neale’s Lookout; or drive over to neighbouring town Yanakie for a breathtaking heli tour over the promontory.

Belgrave, Yarra Ranges

Furrowing ferns, lush leaves and and puffs of steam rising through the treetops from a chugging historical train – The beauty of Belgrave can’t be overstated, and it sits just 40 km from Melbourne.

Why you should visit:

Belgrave and the surrounding Yarra Ranges have plenty of exquisite trails to hike, for every fitness level. But you don’t even need to get out of your car to enjoy the beauty – driving around the winding roads of the Yarra Ranges will provide plenty of scenery to take in. Climb above the trees on a treetop adventure, or break the rules and stick your feet out on the historic Puffing Billy railway train.

Castlemaine, central Victoria

Melbourne millennials fleeing the city in search of affordable rent have flocked here, to Castlemaine. This historic town has a rich gold rush history, and is known for its growing arts culture.

Why you should visit:

Vintage-lovers delight, as this town has a heap of op shops, antique stores, and rare retro finds, along with plenty of craft stores and hipster pubs.

Swan Hill, Murray River

Take a step back in time with a trip to Swan Hill, located on the south of the Murray River. This flourishing township has been around since the mid 1800’s, and was a rest stop for Burke and Wills on their pioneering expedition to cross the continent.

Why you should visit:

History. Swan Hill is a great place to take the kids, with the Pioneer Settlement museum to learn about Australia’s history; the Heartbeat of the Murray laser light show, which tells the story of the river from the Dreamtime onward through lights, pictures and sound; as well as horse drawn carriages, traditional lolly shops, and period photo parlours.

Cape Otway, The Otways

Under a dense canopy of verdant ferns, flanked by the beach and surrounded by the sounds of nature – what could be better? Cape Otway sits along the great ocean road, and is a haven ripe for exploration.

Why you should visit:

Face forward and be rewarded with spectacular coastline views as far as the eye can see; spin 180 degrees, and sight spectacular forests, cascading waterfalls and even a Californian redwood forest. The Otways National Park also boasts a canopy walk, letting you get up close and personal with the birds.

Port Fairy, Moyne

Not only does Port Fairy have an adorable, slightly mystical name, but plenty on offer too. The coastal town is three and a half hours from Melbourne, making it the perfect weekend getaway.

Why you should visit:

The charming fishing village features quaint 19th century cottages overlooking boats bobbing in the bay. It’s the perfect, lazy little town to lie back with a good book, keep an eye out for same whales waving from the sea, and check out some local art. Just to add to its adorableness, the town even hosts a yearly Port Fairy Folk Festival.

Mount Buller, Alpine National Park

Mount Buller is known for its epic ski slopes and rejuvenating resorts, but few know about the treasures offered all-year round.

Why you should visit:

Take in dramatic, jaw-dropping views along the Mount Buller to Mt Stirling trail on foot, bike, or even helicopter during the warmer months; in winter, strap on a pair of skis or enjoy a ride in an Australian dog-sled.