Mid Year Getaways in Victoria: Top spots for a change of scenery
- michaeljayreardon
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
Feeling the Winter blues? You’re not alone! We’ve just passed the shortest day of the year and the mercury lately has been firmly locked to “cold”. We’re not even halfway through the season, yet we’ve already woken up to a fair few frosty mornings here at Elcho Park.
After an extended Summer that crept well into Autumn, we’ve had the fireplace roaring every evening since late May. Whilst our furry friends have been keeping us extra cosy on the couch, like many of you, our thoughts turn to taking a short break this time of year to shake off that Winter slumber. That’s why we’re sharing a few of our favourite spots for weekend getaways in Victoria. So rug up, pour yourself a cuppa and enjoy our suggestions! 😊
COLD
Daylesford
Distance from Elcho Park: 90km (1 hr, 7 mins drive)
Average July temperature: 2°-10°C
Info: daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au
Why we recommend it: Yes, we know it’s not the warmest place this time of year. But the charming town of Daylesford represents many of the things we love about Winter in Victoria. Less than 90 minutes’ drive from both Melbourne and Lara, Daylesford combines historic streetscapes, a buzzing dining scene, boutique stores galore and the delights of nearby Hepburn Springs in the heart of the state’s spa country. If you don’t mind the cold, you’ll love this bucolic slice of VIC! 🍂
Top things to see & do nearby:
o Hanging Rock
o Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
o Lake Daylesford
o Trentham Falls
o Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
Lorne
Distance from Elcho Park: 80km (1 hr, 12 mins drive)
Average July temperature: 7°-14°C
Info: visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/iamlorne
Why we recommend it: We couldn’t compile this list without including a local favourite that’s in our own region. Lorne is a great spot for a lazy Winter weekend by the coast. Whilst it’s certainly not warm, being beside the ocean means the temperatures stay more mild than inland destinations. It’s also an ideal base for exploring the many wonders of the Great Ocean Road! 🌊
Top things to see & do nearby:
o Aireys Inlet
o Erskine Falls
o Lorne Pier
o Sheoak Falls
o Teddy’s Lookout
Mount Baw Baw
Distance from Elcho Park: 240km (3 hr, 21 mins drive)
Average July temperature: -1°-3°C
Info: www.mountbawbaw.com.au
Why we recommend it: For those who want to fully embrace the cold and are delighted by the sight of snow, Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort is one of our favourite spots. Easier to reach than the more popular (and expensive) resorts of Mt Buller, Hotham and Falls Creek, Baw Baw is a very family friendly destination. Spend a night in a cosy cabin and have fun with one of many activities during the day! ❄️
Top things to see & do nearby:
o Cross Country Skiing
o Hope Cascade Waterfall
o Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours
o Thomson Dam
o Tobogganing
WARM
Mallacoota
Distance from Elcho Park: 579km (6 hr, 47 mins drive)
Average July temperature: 7°-15°C
Info: visitmallacoota.com.au
Why we recommend it: Typically the warmest place in the state during Winter, Mallacoota is a cosy coastal town nestled between the ocean and majestic Croajingolong National Park. With elaxed charm and stunning nature on its doorstep, it’s an ideal spot for a weekend getaway in Victoria for those who don’t mind a longer drive. 🌊
Top things to see & do nearby:
o Croajingolong National Park
o Gabo Island
o Genoa Peak
o Mallacoota Cruises
o WWII Bunker Museum
Mildura
Distance from Elcho Park: 537km (5 hr, 51 mins drive)
Average July temperature: 4°-16°C
Info: www.visitmildura.com.au
Why we recommend it: Cheekily billing itself as “Tropical North Victoria”, Mildura actually enjoys a beautiful Mediterranean climate and is one of the sunniest spots in the entire state. This makes it a perfect weekend getaway destination for those chasing warmer (daytime) temperatures. With its location on the grand Murray River, there’s plenty of outdoor spots to soak up that precious Winter sunshine! ☀️
Top things to see & do nearby:
o Australian Inland Botanic Gardens
o Mildura Arts Centre
o Mildura Paddle Steamers
o Murray Sunset National Park
o Red Cliffs
Feel like a relaxing day (or two) away from town? Contact our friendly team at Pets Country Club Lara on (03) 5282 1286 to book your VIP into our super comfy Pet Suites.
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