Looking for a Long Weekend Getaway Near Melbourne on a Budget? We❜ve Got Just the Thing

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By: Stacey Roberts, 17 May 2019

They say a change is as good as a holiday, but sometimes a holiday paid for with change is even better!

The good thing is a long weekend doesn't have to cost a fortune - there's something in this fabulous state for everyone's price point.

Whether you favour a completely free, BYO campsite or a couple of bucks to spare, we've got something in this list that should suit. Get booking!

1. BIG4 Bellarine Holiday Park

BIG4 Bellarine is a big hit with families whether they have tight purse strings or not. It is consistently one of the top spots families go to for laid-back vacations with just about everything you could want in one place.

As you've come to expect at Big4s across the country, the accommodation is spacious and clean, powered and unpowered sites a good size, there are sandpits and pools to hang out in, playgrounds for expending all that energy (and for making new friends!), BBQs, and there's also a Kids club, gym, basketball court, movies, toy room, tennis court, water playground, and more board games than you will know what to do with.

Find it: 1801 Bellarine Highway Marcus Hill Victoria

To book: 1800 455 591

Website: h ere.

2. Firth Park, Wombat State Forest

For a fantastic free campsite not that far from Melbourne, Firth Park in the Wombat State Forest is one of our top picks. Just this side of Woodend, in the Great Dividing Range, you'll spend less time getting there and more time having fun.

Surrounded by shady heritage trees in a beautiful green campground, set up your home away from home and settle in for the duration. A couple of longdrop toilets are yours, and non-potable water is sometimes available, but it’s better to bring your own. Bring firewood too for the six barbecues available on site, or check the local fire restrictions and build your own if it’s safe.

Cool stuff to do nearby is to explore the ultra-cute country town of Trentham, peek at the Lyonville Mineral Spring or the Trentham Falls, hike the Lederderg River Heritage Walk, fish in the lake on-site or explore the old horse-drawn timber tram on its banks.

It will probably be cold this time of year, so do rug up, and make sure you've got plenty of firewood, lights, and ensure your pets are well supervised.

Find it: Firth Rd, Trentham East, off the Bacchus Marsh-Gisborne Rd

To book: Bookings are not necessary.

More info: visitmacedonranges.com

3. RACV Torquay

Situated right near family-friendly Torquay and Jan Juc beaches, RACV Torquay Resort offers a range of facilities including a family friendly Restaurant and bar, Day Spa, Indoor pool, children's playground, and plenty of fun and active activities to do in the area with the kids.

Kids are especially welcome in the resort, and you'll find that Gaia organic baby wash packs, baby baths, cots and microwaves are all available complimentary on request when staying.

Families are well-catered for with facilities too, thanks to a six-metre high spider net for climbing, rockers, a slide and a giant jumping pillow along with separate play equipment for younger and older children, a games room with a variety of table and interactive arcade games, an indoor 25-metre pool, recreation area, and children's wading pool.

In the area, you'll find scenic walks through the town foreshore through thick forests filled with native animals, shops and colourful cafes, galleries, fishing and scenic tours along the coast.

Find it: 1 Great Ocean Rd, Torquay

To book: Call (03) 5261 1600

Website: h ere .

4. Sanctuary House Resort Motel

Among a serene 10 acres in Healseville sits Sanctuary House Resort Motel, only minutes from the world renowned Healesville Sanctuary and a short drive to the Yarra Valley wineries.

Choose from a standard or deluxe room, that include ensuites, free Foxtel, free guest Wi-Fi and phone and split system heating/cooling.

Fun things to keep everyone entertained include an outdoor solar heated swimming pool, indoor games room with table tennis, outdoor gazebo barbecue area, children's adventure playground, spa rooms, fully licenced restaurant, and tranquil bush walk on site.

Nearby you will find Healesville Sanctuary, the Tarrawarra Art Museum featuring local artists and handicrafts, Puffing Billy, Hedgend Maze, eco tours and adventures, hot air ballooning, and the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort for you to keep in mind when it's snow time!

Find it: 326 Badger Creek Rd, Healesville

To book: Call (03) 5962 5148

Website: h ere.

Image Credit: Best Western Olde Maritime Facebook

5. Best Western Olde Maritime

If you're headed out Warrnambool way, the Best Western Old Maritime is a great kid-friendly spot for a long weekend. Right near the beach, super facilities, and great service earned it a place on our list today!

All rooms are equipped with premium quality beds, free WiFi, LCD TV, air-conditioning and mini bar, the Clovelly Bar and Restaurant are relaxed, and family-friendly (love that Chesterfield/cosy fire combo), and the location is pretty top notch. You'll love Flagstaff Hill if you haven't been before (or even if you have!) and it is right next door.

Warrnambool city centre is a short stroll away, where you will find shops, cafes, restaurants, and playgrounds galore. But if you've come for the natural wonders, you're spoiled for choice: the area offers a range of activities and great scenery such as Logan’s Beach Whale Nursery, Maritime Adventure & Boardwalk and the scenic Breakwater, Lake Pertobe, swimming beaches, breathtaking boardwalks, the Twelve Apostles, and all the best things to see along the Great Ocean Road only minutes away.

Find it: 108-116 Merri St, Warrnambool

To book: Call (03) 5561 1415

Website: h ere.

Main image credit: BIG4 Bellarine Holiday Park Facebook

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