If you are in Australia, and more specifically Melbourne, don’t be stuck up with the congested city life. If you have time on your hand, there is no reason why you cannot enjoy an unforgettable experience in rural Victoria. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a place to spend some alone time with your special one. Whisk them away to a luxurious day spa or spoil them with world-class cuisine and whimsical scenery straight out of a Jane Austen novel.
Hire a car and enjoy our top three romantic weekend destinations — all within a two-hour drive from Melbourne.
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs
You’ll fall in love all over again at Victoria’s premier romantic getaway destination — Daylesford. A pleasant 90-minute drive from Melbourne, the charming town of Daylesford is known as the country’s spa capital.
Indulge in a luxurious massage or wine and dine your sweetheart at one of the regions many fine restaurants.
A short drive north of Daylesford, you will find the natural mineral spa of Hepburn Springs. A favourite with couples, the historic Hepburn Springs Bathhouse and Spa is the ideal place to rejuvenate while enjoying the enriching effects of the mineral-rich waters.
Accommodation varies from cozy bed and breakfasts through to luxurious five-star resorts.
Dandenong Ranges
It’s hard to believe that just a one hour drive out of Melbourne is the idyllic retreat destination of the Dandenong Ranges. Hidden amongst the lush green forests of the rolling ranges are some of the country’s most romantic hideaways.
Breathe in the fresh mountain air from your own private cottage or take in magnificent views from the many scenic lookouts you will find along the way. Take a ride on Australia’s oldest steam railway — the Puffing Billy — then unwind over a cup of famous Dandenong Ranges Devonshire cream tea.
From spa baths, open fires and over 300 km of walking tracks to explore, the Dandenong Ranges are the epitome of romance.
Popular towns to stay in include Gembrook, Belgrave and Emerald.
Yarra Valley
There are few love stories that don’t include a glass of fine wine over a romantic dinner, and no doubt many of those stories began in the spectacular Yarra Valley.
Nestled amongst the picturesque landscape of one of Australia’s leading wine regions are dozens of beautiful vineyards, farmers markets, historical townships and mouth-watering culinary delights.
The cool climate of the Yarra Valley makes it ideal for producing world-class white wines. The region is best known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties; however you’ll be able to sample most varieties while you are there.
Some of the towns you can explore and ones that have good accommodation options include Yarra Glen, Lilydale and Healesville.
All of this is literally at your doorstep — it is less than an hour’s drive east of Melbourne.
Just find a car rental in Melbourne and hit the road.
