escapeThese days a journey out of Melbourne can include anything from getting back to nature to cultural and gourmet experiences. It’s easy to fill a weekend in regional centres browsing art galleries, sampling wine and indulging at internationally renowned day spas.

Art Gallery of Ballarat

40 Lydiard St North, Ballarat
03 5320 5858

One of Victoria’s premier art centres, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, founded in 1884, is also the oldest regional art gallery in Australia. Over 6000 works, ranging from contemporary works to an impressive collection …

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Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens

15 Shoreham Rd, Shoreham
03 5989 8387

Get lost in the largest hedge maze in the southern hemisphere at Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens on the Mornington Peninsula (just one hour from Melbourne). The three-metre high Cypress hedges have been carefully sculpted …

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Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa

Cnr Melba Highway & Gulf Rd, Yarra Glen
03 9730 0700

A one-stop shop to enjoy the best the Yarra Valley has to offer – wine, cuisine and pampering. This picturesque property features 65 rooms as well as a blissful Natskin Spa …

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De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate

Pinnacle Lane, Dixons Creek
03 5965 2271

The award-winning De Bortoli winemaking family has received accolades as a tourist operator for its sprawling Yarra Valley estate, which offers a complete gourmet experience. Arrive in time for lunch where you can dine on …

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Ford Discovery Centre

Cnr Gheringhap & Brougham St, Geelong
03 5227 8700

More than a car display, the centre pays homage to past and present automotive technology as well as the cultural impact of Ford’s 85-year community involvement in Geelong. Yes, there are plenty of …

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Hanging Rock Recreation Reserve

South Rock Rd, Woodend
1800 244 711

As well as exploring the many walking paths and trails, a picnic at Hanging Rock can involve indulging at the Hanging Rock Picnic Café where award-winning fare and sweets can be enjoyed in front of …

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Haymarket Boutique Hotel

244 Moorabool St, Geelong
03 5221 1174

This award-winning hotel in the heart of Geelong’s CBD is the result of an extensive renovation to the original Haymarket Hotel, built in 1855. It has six individually designed guest suites along with a private …

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Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa

Mineral Springs Reserve Rd, Hepburn Springs | 03 5321 6000

The Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa (just 110km from Melbourne) has been soothing aching bodies in the region’s famous mineral waters since 1895. In 2008 it was transformed into an indulgent destination …

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