Winter getaways in Victoria for cosy weekends away

Wind your way through the wilderness for a five-star retreat at RACV Cape Schanck Resort. Circled by the Mornington Peninsula’s rugged landscape, this behemoth hotel lets you make the most of its surroundings – think glittering coastal vistas and wildlife-rich trails leading out from the doorstep.

In your room, gaze out of the floor-to-ceiling windows at panoramic views over the Bass Strait. Snag yourself a Spa Suite for decadent extras like a wraparound balcony and deep soaking spa bath. The gourmet mini bar will keep you in good spirits – literally – while an in-room Nespresso machine is on hand to counter any over-indulgences.

Your days can be as busy as you like here. Swim a few laps of the heated indoor pool, or kickstart your day on the tennis courts before hitting the hotel’s 18-hole golf course to practise your swing. If you prefer to take things a little easier, simply seek out the spa for a soothing Aromasoul Body Scrub and unwind in the Thermal Stone Steam Room.

Those with a penchant for lip-smacking tipples should stay at the Yarra Valley Lodge. Nestled in the heart of Victoria’s iconic wine region, this four-star hotel is perfectly placed for exploring renowned food and drink hotspots. A one-bedroom suite provides a plush base – you’ll stir with the rising sun in your roomy bed, drifting out to a private terrace with a freshly brewed coffee while looking out over the hotel’s two impressive golf courses.

Perhaps you’ll set out for a morning meander along one of the hotel’s walking trails, glimpsing trundling wombats and bouncing kangaroos as you trace the Yarra River around the property. You can grab a casual lunch in The Lodge Bar & Cafe – like lemon chilli squid or a three-cheese toastie – before an afternoon touring the local wineries. Take your pick of cellar doors before rounding off the indulgence with a stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.

At the Pan Pacific Melbourne, life’s all about a five-star city break. You’ll discover that comfort and style go hand in hand at this glitzy waterfront hotel. Rooms are swathed in neutral tones and flooded with natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows – get ready for bed with high-end bathroom amenities, then sleep soundly on an Australian-made foam mattress.

From the front door, you can walk 15 minutes to South Melbourne Market and browse kaleidoscopic stalls, or venture a little farther to the Royal Botanic Gardens and be immersed in a floral wonderland. To see the city from a different perspective, hop on a boat for a cruise along the Yarra River.

Foodies will be in their element here, with award-winning onsite dining options. You can kickstart the day in Cafe Orr with brunch dishes like a green breakfast bowl, then refuel later on at Dock 37 Bar & Kitchen with the likes of three-grain crab risotto. Be sure to check out the range of signature cocktails too – there’s everything from a classic Cosmopolitan to a Midori-laced Japanese Slipper. Alternatively, unwind in the privacy of your room with treats from the fully stocked minibar.

Fine wine, sumptuous cuisine and soul-stirring views are all on your doorstep at Chateau Yering Hotel. Vintage chic to the max, this five-star property is filled with four-poster beds, antique furniture and elegant open fireplaces. Treat yourself to a stay in the Yarra Suite and you’ll get an over-sized spa bath in a white marble bathroom – ideal for soaking after a long day of vineyard-hopping.

There are more than 90 wineries within a few minutes of the hotel, so you’ll want to venture out and sample some of the local wares. The outdoor pool will be waiting on your return – you can refresh with a dip or simply stretch out on a sun lounger for a siesta. If you’re an active type, get your pulse racing with time on the tennis courts or a lively game of petanque. Alternatively, take things slower by settling down in the library with books and board games, or retreat to your suite for a pre-arranged massage and facial.

The tranquil Lake House hugs glittering Lake Daylesford and is surrounded by six acres of nature-rich grounds – so you can while the day away among dreamy fern gullies and fragrant lilac trees. Wake to the sound of cackling kookaburras from the comfort of your navy-swathed Waterfront Suite. You can enjoy a morning of bird-watching from your perfectly private balcony, or soak away your stresses in your ensuite’s decadent spa bath.

For activities, you can walk the tracks that criss-cross the property, or take a tour of the onsite art studio. You can even sign up for a masterclass at the hotel’s innovative Cookery School, where you’ll produce mouthwatering treats to savour with fellow foodies.

Prefer to be waited on for your meals? Hit the Lake House restaurant for delightful creations like chestnut gnocchi with truffled pecorino or kimchi-cured kingfish. Wander down to the Argyle Library Bar – a prime post-dinner spot – and sink into a velvet armchair by a roaring fire to welcome the evening with a classic martini.

If you’re eager for a winter wellness escape, Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel has got you covered. Set in an idyllic village in fairytale Hepburn Springs, this 4-star resort makes for an effortless winter getaway from Melbourne (it’s just over an hour from the city). You can select your ideal space from 40 plush rooms, including the self-contained Villa Parma which dates back to 1864. You’ll bed down among Italian fittings after destressing in your private sauna in a secluded garden.

At the hotel’s spa, find your zen with restorative treatments like the Mineral Purifying Ritual. Take time in the steam room, or challenge yourself to a brisk dip in the ice-cold plunge pool – best rewarded with a soothing herbal tea afterwards. You can continue the indulgence with meals in the Argus Dining Room, nourishing your body with innovative dishes like octopus with grapefruit aioli. Treat your sweet tooth to devilishly decadent dark chocolate cremeux, and toast your good health with a glass of something special from the extensive wine list.

While not technically in Victoria, the snow-swathed Hotel Rydges Thredbo Alpine is just a hop over the border in New South Wales. Located just metres from the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift, this hotel’s a ski-lovers dream. You can spend your days speeding down the snowy slopes, or strap on a pair of snowshoes to hike through the frost-fringed landscape.

Après-ski is an art in Thredbo Village, and it starts right in the hotel. Devour delicacies like Junee grilled lamb tomahawks in the elegant Cascades Restaurant, or keep things casual in The Local Pub with chilli cheese fries and warm apple pie. After hours, head to Keller Bar for dancing and cocktails or catch some live acts at Schuss Bar, the too-cool onsite music venue.

For quieter evenings, The Lounge Bar’s got a chilled vibe and an eye-popping selection of handcrafted cocktails. Cosy wood-panelled bedrooms will welcome you in when you’re ready to crash. You can use complimentary toiletries for a quick soak in your generous tub, then snuggle down in soft sheets for some well-earned shut-eye.