Is it time to escape the big smoke for a weekend? Luckily, when you’re in Melbourne, there’s a bunch of lovely country towns that are ideal for day trips.
Here’s where to go – from Daylesford, where you can melt your cares away in hot springs, to Healesville, where you can feast on incredible dishes and taste irresistible wines.
FOR HOT SPRINGS AND RELAXATION: DAYLESFORD
If relaxation is a priority, then head for Daylesford. Located 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne, it’s home to Australia’s biggest concentration of mineral springs.
To drink them, stroll around Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserve, where the waters have been channelled into various pipes, fountains and taps, letting you sip directly from the source.
To swim in them, visit a local bathhouse. The classic is Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, which has been welcoming visitors since 1895. Others include The Mineral Spa, Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa and The Spa at Lakehouse. For extra indulgence, pair your dip with a massage or spa treatment.
FOR ART AND LIVE MUSIC: CASTLEMAINE
For decades, Castlemaine has been attracting artists from Melbourne keen to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s 90 minutes’ drive northwest of the city.
The best place to start exploring is The Mill, a hub for all things locally-made – from artwork, furniture and clothing to wine, beer and cheese. There are plenty of private studios around town, too.
If you’re looking for exhibitions by big name Australian and international artists, make tracks to Castlemaine Art Gallery and Museum.
Come evening, catch a live music session at the Bridge Hotel, the Taproom or Theatre Royal.
FOR GOING BACK IN TIME: MALDON
With its charming 19th century buildings, Maldon transports you back 150 years.
Start your time travel on the Victorian Goldfields Railway, a steam train that travels between Maldon and Castlemaine. Make your ride even more special by riding in the engine cab with the driver, trying “Ales on Rails” (which adds craft beer and bites) or travelling at night while Murder on the Orient Express screens.
For more historical experiences, visit the Union Hill Gold Mine, Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum, and ANZAC Hill.
FOR GOOD FOOD AND WINE: HEALESVILLE
For a weekender that involves feasting on local produce and sampling local wines, make tracks to Healsville, 70 minutes’ drive northeast of Melbourne.
It’s in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Victoria’s first wine-making region, established in 1838. It’s best known for cool climate varietals, especially Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and there are more than 70 wineries.
Classics include De Bortoli, Chandon and Yering Station. But loads of newer names are around, too, such as Giant Steps, Punt Road and Hubert Estate.
The best eats in town are at the Healesville Hotel Dining Room, which does excellent versions of staples, like scotch fillet and steaks, as well as Middle Eastern-influenced creations, like harissa-roasted cauliflower and Lebanese eggplant.
FOR GETTING BACK TO NATURE: MACEDON
If fresh air, greenery and beautiful views are on the agenda, then take a spin to Macedon. It’s just 50 minutes’ drive northwest of the city.
Kick off with a good coffee (and maybe brunch) at Mr Macedon, before driving to a nearby reserve for a stroll. Highlights include the trail to the summit of Hanging Rock, Sanatorium Lake Walking Trail and the variety of walks in Macedon Regional Park.
Before heading back to Melbourne, be sure to swing by some of the area’s wineries, including Mount Macedon, Mount Towrong Vineyard and Domaine Epis.
DAY TRIPPING FROM MELBOURNE
To explore Victoria’s lovely country towns thoroughly, you need a car. Don’t have one? You can easily hire one with SIXT.
We have a wide variety of vehicles – from SUVs with loads of space, to 4WDs that let you go off-road, to electric vehicles (EVs) that help keep our environment free of carbon emissions.
Plus, our branches are scattered across Victoria, so there’s always one nearby.
