Budget romantic getaways in Victoria for a weekend for two

Situated in sophisticated South Yarra, The Olsen is a part of Melbourne’s Art Series Hotel Group. Named to honour legendary Australian landscape artist John Olsen, the hotel proudly showcases his works in both communal areas and private rooms.

This sense of artistry is echoed in the rooms’ design—bright, inspiring and elegant. The hotel finds itself inspired by its surroundings—South Yarra being one of the city’s most refined and exciting cultural precincts.

Following a day spent shopping down Chapel Street, a romantic meal at one of Toorak Road’s many and varied restaurants—France Soir and Yagiz are great representations of Melbourne’s dining scene—or wisely devote your time to exploring Melbourne’s stunning Royal Botanic Gardens. The hotel’s on-site spa is a smart place to retreat, which also happens to be one of Melbourne’s best spas and offers a memorable couples massage with talented masseuses.

In Olinda lies one of the Dandenongs’ most unique places to stay. Boutique accommodation The Loft in the Mill comprises two main parts—The Mill and The Carriage House, both replicate 19th-century English buildings.

Stone facades conceal charming indoor spaces. The rooms themselves are regal-themed with Victorian furniture, old-school wallpaper and grand four-poster beds and fireplaces in some. Rooms are also given entertainingly individual identities—The Governor’s Retreat, The Duchess’ Quarters, The King Arthur Suite and The Victorian Suite are just a few.

The Loft in the Mill champions its surroundings, having collaborated with local restaurants and eateries to provide guests with a 10 per cent discount on their dining experiences. Selections include the famed Olinda Tea House, which draws tourists from all over the state in the hunt to taste the cafe’s renowned scones. Lunches are best eaten at the Pig and Whistle Tavern, where a mix of European and pub-style food is on offer. Or if it’s a dinner spot you’re looking for, there is Copperfields. Here, modern Australian dishes are the specialty, served in a subtle, yet romantic, environment.

Boutique country house Lindenwarrah at Milawa encapsulates the broader King Valley’s nature of fine taste and living. While sophisticated, the hotel offers a feeling of comfort and proves to be a tranquil spot to slow down when life gets too quick. Spacious rooms look out onto meticulously cared for gardens, as well as surrounding vineyards. Soft furnishings showcase a laid back yet sophisticated energy you’d expect from a country house hotel.

Lindenwarrah is found in Milawa, heralded as one of Victoria’s tastiest culinary towns. Famed for its wineries, quality of fresh produce, and delectable smallgoods created by passionate local producers. It is hard to resist gastronomic indulgence in this part of Victoria. We suggest couples give themselves a little more ammunition and get some extra calories up their sleeve by hiring a bike from the hotel. Cycling is a great way to explore Victoria’s still much undiscovered high country. Make pit stops at the Milawa Cheese Factory for some cheesy goodies, the Brown Brothers for a cheeky bottle of wine, or maybe just head over to Milawa Bakery Cafe for some savoury treats.

On the cusp of Port Phillip Bay is the quaint town of Queenscliff, often overlooked by travellers for the beachside towns adjacent to it. However, Queenscliff proves to be a wise alternative for those who want to stray from the crowds. And why not stay in the town’s most prized possession, The Vue Grand–an iconic hotel built in 1881.

You could choose a traditional room, up the charm with a room with a balcony or better yet, a grand bathtub depending on the level of luxury you are seeking. The verdant outdoor courtyard area is a particularly pleasant spot to unwind.

But it’s the Grand Dining Room that is the showstopper of the hotel—its beating heart if you will. Opulent and gleaming with class, sometimes there is a master twinkling their fingers away on the grand piano. It is the perfect spot for a glass of wine or dinner concluding a day exploring the underrated Bellarine Peninsula.

On the other side of Victoria is charming Apollo Bay, a town perched on the Great Ocean Road. This coastal delight doesn’t attract as many visitors as Lorne and Anglesea, perhaps due to the extra hour’s drive away from Melbourne. We find this an even more reason to go, the added serenity is well worth it for those seeking to really relax with their partner.

The Apollo is situated right on the beachfront, the newest apartments in town. Those who choose to stay on a first-floor apartment will score views of either the mountains or the waves crashing into the shore—if you’re lucky you might end up with a room that has both! All apartments are self-contained, fitted out with full kitchens and host either a balcony or courtyard to encourage more time out in the open.

Apollo Bay and its surroundings are certainly not short on free to-dos, both inland and on the coast. The Great Otway National Park is ideal for explorers—vast forest lands with significant Aboriginal history. Waterfalls are peppered around the area, including Hopetoun and Beauchamp Falls. And not too far away is a drive to one of Australia’s most famous wonders, the Twelve Apostles. What could be more romantic than a drive along the coast, just the two of you? And to top it off, the final destination is pretty spectacular, too!

This one is for outdoor voyagers, who have their wanderlusty eyes set on The Grampians. Surrounded by some of Victoria’s most impressive mountain ranges, The Southern Grampians Cottage is a great spot for couples keen on days of hiking.

The nine cottages are surrounded by landscaped gardens thriving with native Australian flora, while mountain backdrops elevate views. While it will be hard to drag you indoors, once you get in you’ll find comfy sofas, individual verandahs and full kitchens. Selected cottages also house fireplaces and grand bathtubs.

There are endless activities in this part of the state, and we’re not just talking about hiking The Grampians. Lovers can get their competitive side on and hire a set of golf clubs for a round at the Grampians Golf Club. Otherwise, hire a bike from the accommodation to get to know the petite town of Dunkeld. With a population of 678, peacefulness is guaranteed here.

At the tip of the Great Ocean Road is the Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs, found in the regional town of Warrnambool. It’s supremely located, close to the town centre and local landmarks, while advantageously reigning in the benefits of geothermal energy.

Victoria’s first hot springs hotel, visitors can rejuvenate tired muscles during their stay without having to leave their accommodation. The Bath House’s hot springs are a dream to unwind in. Geothermal springs increase blood circulation and cell oxygenation, as such eliminating toxins from the body. There is also an indoor heated pool for those who cannot take the heat—or too much heat, that is.

If your partner isn’t the hot springs type, not to worry! The on-site day spa is sure to get them relaxed. Perhaps a Botanical Rescue treatment—an essential oil massage oils and facial—or a detox sauna and body cocoon package to soothe aches and pains. Consider finishing the day with a dinner at the hotel, where chefs rely on local produce and transform into modern Australian fare. The specialty here? Sumptuous desserts such as a citronese cheesecake and chocolate pudding, both of which are extremely hard to say no to.