The Best Winter Getaways in Victoria: Cosy Escapes, Hot Springs, and Wine-Soaked Weekends

As winter slowly settles over Victoria, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of mist-veiled forests, seaside towns with dense marine fog, and farmland hills sparkling from frost-kissed grass. Mountain peaks wear fresh coats of snow, while vineyards in the Yarra Valley glow amber with the final remains of autumn hanging on. This is the season when Victoria reveals its quieter splendour to those who stay past the summer escapades — from ancient stone outcrops in the Grampians to steam rising in coils above the Peninsula Hot Springs.

With GoGet, the journey into this winter wonderland begins the moment you turn the key, so pack your chunky knit sweater and waterproof shoes into the boot as we guide you to the best winter getaways from Melbourne.

Victoria’s High Country turns postcard-perfect in winter — think snow-dusted gums, crisp air and slow travel magic

Snowbound Serenity: Victoria's High Country

Journeying into Victoria's High Country, you'll feel the country grant a sense of permission to slow down. At Mount Buller, Mount Hotham, and Falls Creek, the mountains emerge like silent guardians, dusted in white. Snowflakes gather on alpine gums, and frozen air sharpens the senses. The crunch of boots, the laughter from a toboggan run, the glide of snowboards on powder—it all becomes a kind of winter music.

Here, the après-ski is just as vital as the slopes. Mountain lodges offer the joy and comfort of hot drinks, and warming up by a fireplace becomes the day's reward. Victoria's snowfields may be fleeting each year, but they are a destination well worth the excursion out of Melbourne's city hustle.

💡 Pro tip: Hitting the slopes? Book a GoGet with roof racks or a GoGet van to carry your skis or snowboard—no Tetris skills required.

Golden hour in the Yarra Valley — a top spot for winter wine and cosy escapes from Melbourne

The Yarra Valley: Rich Reds and Rolling Hills

If snow isn't your scene, the Yarra Valley offers a different kind of seasonal poetry. This iconic wine region is one of the best winter getaways from Melbourne. With plenty of wineries, gourmet food, and deciduous, lush green bushland, it's easy to see why it's considered one of Victoria’s top winter destinations.

Founded in 1838 as Victoria's first vineyard, Yering Station beckons visitors with a crackling fireplace in the tasting room, rich red wine varietals, and surrounding landscapes worthy of an Instagram shot. This is winter's cosy, slow-burn side: cheese platters, warm hospitality, and that unmistakable scent of rain on earth.

Just 10 minutes up the road, TarraWarra Museum of Art takes the stage as the region's most prominent gallery, home to rotating contemporary Australian art exhibitions framed by architecture that rises from the hills like a monolith amongst sweeping valley views. Spend the day taking one of the many tours on offer to embrace the culture of this region.

💡 Pro tip: Planning a wine-filled weekend? Add an extra driver to your GoGet account so someone else can take the wheel post-cellar door.

Soak away the chill — the Peninsula Hot Springs offers the ultimate winter recharge on the Mornington Peninsula

Waters That Heal: The Peninsula Hot Springs

Heading down south for a coastal scene change, the Mornington Peninsula invites travellers to a geothermal oasis at the Peninsula Hot Springs, allowing them to slide into warm mineral-rich pools and melt away the winter blues. From hilltop baths with ocean views to cave-like grottos and private spas, it's a winter getaway designed for comfort and renewal.

💡 Pro tip: Packing towels for the hot springs? Throw in a picnic too - or better still, make a weekend of it. With GoGet, the Mornington Peninsula is yours to explore at your own pace.

But the Mornington Peninsula isn't just about hot springs—it's layered with discovery. Step inside the warm glow of Gordon Studio Glassblowers, where molten art dances in the furnace and three generations of master glassmakers shape beauty with breath and flame. It's a toasty, captivating contrast to the chill outside—and an excellent way to see Australian craft in action.

Head inland to Red Hill at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park for something wilder. In winter, the animals are more active, and the air is crisp—perfect for wandering the bush tracks and spotting penguins, kangaroos, and rare nocturnal species in the golden light of dusk. This activity is one of the best things to do for families, couples, or anyone looking to blend nature, conservation, and connection.

💡 Pro tip: Why not try our new Spicy Rolla from just $79/day with 100km included—perfect for cosy road trips and scenic detours.

Spa Country's Soul: Daylesford and Hepburn Springs

Perched in the folds of northern Victoria's spa country, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs offer one of the state's most soulful and cosy winter getaways. Unwind at the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, a landmark since 1895 and still the go-to for soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters beneath elegant skylights.

Once you're blissed out, it's time to dine, and the region serves winter on a plate. At Lake House, Daylesford's most iconic culinary destination, you'll find crackling fireplaces, white linen, and dishes celebrating seasonal local produce with fine-dining finesse. For something equally warming but more relaxed, The Farmers Arms Hotel delivers pub classics with refined comfort, paired perfectly with a local pinot by the fire. Both venues are institutions, anchoring the best winter getaways from Melbourne with soul-satisfying meals and memorable ambience.

Sunrise in the Grampians — Halls Gap wakes slowly below Boroka Lookout, where winter hikes start with a view

The Grampians: Stone, Water, and Time

Heading out towards the western wilds of Victoria, the Grampians National Park rises like a fortress from the plains. After summertime crowds disperse, it offers a completely different vibe that encourages reflection.

For the adventurous and active spirits, begin your journey at Mackenzie Falls, where winter rains give the cascade its full voice. Water plunges into the gorge below, sending mist skyward and leaving moss slick on the rocks. The descent is steep, but every step is worth it. Not far off, climb to Boroka Lookout at sunrise. From the platform, you'll see all of Halls Gap below.

Afterwards, stop into the Halls Gap Hotel for a well-deserved meal, with its four open fireplaces and hearty seasonal menu. For culture seekers, MOCO Gallery, just outside town, showcases local and Australian art, offering a warm reprieve filled with colour, creativity, and storytelling.

💡 Pro tip: Bushwalks, waterfalls, cellar doors and galleries? GoGet SUVs have the boot space for hiking boots as well as a few bottles of wine or art finds for the trip home.

Winter in Victoria doesn’t shout — it whispers. Slow mornings, quiet forests, and getaways that leave space to breathe

A Season Worth the Chill

Winter in Victoria is not about braving the cold. It's about embracing it. When the mercury drops and the pace of life quiets, Victoria's best experiences begin to stir. Whether you're craving a snow-filled thrill, a cosy winter escape to hot springs, or a mountain forest adventure, the state offers an unmatched variety of winter weekend getaways.

And with GoGet, the journey into these thriving communities is simple. Just hop in, turn up the heat, and take the road less travelled. The best winter getaways from Melbourne are waiting just beyond the city limits.

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Chase Cosy, Not Commitments with GoGet

Craving a winter escape? GoGet carshare lets you explore Victoria’s snowfields, hot springs and hilltop hideaways—without the hassle of car ownership. Book by the hour or day and only pay for what you need. Your next getaway is waiting.