Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are considered Victoria’s prime spa country. With over 140 natural mineral springs found in these twin towns, it is easy to see why. The entire region lives and breathes “la dolce vita” or the good life. The natural spring waters are said to be rich in health-giving minerals, and believed to cure all sorts of skin ailments, from acne to arthritis.

You can soak up local history – literally – with a massage and spa therapy at various award-winning spas in the area. They include the Prani Glow Day Spa, which boasts signature massages “inspired by the finest Thai traditions – ranging from gentle and relaxing to therapeutic, invigorating and revitalising.”

Rated as one of the top things to do in Hepburn Springs by TripAdvisor, the spa prides itself on offering natural, ethically sourced products without harsh chemicals and no animal testing. Grab a girlfriend along and enjoy a pampering girls’ day out here.

Once you’re all rejuvenated, you can explore the other sights and sounds of Daylesford and its surrounding villages. Don’t miss out on picking up one-of-a-kind antiques and curios at The Mill Market Daylesford, ranked as one of the top things to do in Daylesford.

You can also enjoy a scenic walk and taste the different mineral springs at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, or indulge in some retail therapy at Portal 108, a gift and specialty shop known for their sterling customer service.

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Known for its expansive forests and artisan food and wines, the Macedon Ranges is one of Melbourne’s most acclaimed wine regions. The region produces some of the best cool-climate wines to be found in Australia.

Vignerons (winemakers who make wine from their own grapes) to take note of include Botanica Estate, Gisborne Peak Winery, and Cope Williams Vinery. For a boutique winery experience, make a beeline for Paramoor Winery. The Paramoor tasting room is set in a remarkably rustic former stable used to house Clydesdale working horses. The experience is as informative and personalised as it is historic.

If you’re visiting Melbourne in November, be sure to keep an eye out on the annual Macedon Ranges Wine and Food Festival. This event offers a wine-tasting experience like no other. You will be able to taste new and exclusive wines and hear the stories first-hand from each winemaker.

An hour’s drive away (mostly scenic) from the heart of Melbourne, Yarra Valley is where Victoria’s wine industry all started in 1938. With over 50 wineries and 100 vineyards producing some of the state’s finest wines, it’s not difficult to see why Yarra Valley is one of the most popular Melbourne day trips.

For some of Australia’s finest terroir (natural environment where wine is produced), check out De Bortoli, Fergusson and Yering Station. A visit to Domaine Chandon to sample their famous sparkling wines and walk their luscious grounds is also a must.

Another must-do in Yarra Valley is to go on a hot air balloon. Floating hundreds of metres above rolling hills and lush green vineyards, almost in sync with the sunrise, is the perfect way to fire up an appetite in this gourmet paradise.

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Get directions to Yarra Valley and surrounding attractions

Bells Beach (Torquay) isn’t just an acclaimed surfer’s paradise; it’s also home to the longest-running surf competition. The Rip Curl Pro is a World Surf League World Tour surfing competition held in Torquay, and will take place from 28 March to 9 April this year.

Surfing not your thing? Simply chill out on the pristine beaches or explore the lookout points near the carpark offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. After watching the surfers in wave-catching action, you can go get your catch of the day at Fisho’s Torquay or The Pond Cafe.

Located just 20 minutes away from the CBD, Brighton Beach is an easy day trip from Melbourne. Known for its brightly coloured bathing boxes lining its shores, it is one of Melbourne’s most popular tourist attractions, particularly suited for selfie aficionados.

Dating back to the early 1900s, the beach boxes were originally built for modesty reasons: sunbathers and surfers could change into their bathing suits protected from prying eyes. Today, they are used by residents to store their beach equipment.

If you’ve had enough of the sand and the sea, venture to Brighton’s main shopping precinct on Church Street. There, you can get a caffeine fix or indulge in some retail therapy after your beach outing.

After all that day-tripping, check into PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport if you have time to spare before your flight home, and make full use of our short stay hourly accommodation offer.

Get directions to Bells Beach

Get directions to Brighton Beach