Drives and road trips

6 great places to visit in Victoria this winter

Hi, I'm Anna, from Roady, Australasia's favourite travel-planning app. I recently had the privilege of spending some time exploring Victoria's High Country with my colleague.

From cosy wine regions and charming country towns to scenic hikes and alpine landscapes, Victoria is packed with destinations that are perfect for a weekend away or a few days of exploring during the cooler months. With fewer crowds, beautiful seasonal colours and plenty of great food and wine to enjoy, winter might just be one the best times to enjoy a sneaky getaway in Victoria.

We started our journey in the big smoke, staying at the wonderful BIG4 Mebourne Holiday Park before checking out a few of the best options to visit this winter. Whether you're looking for a relaxing escape or an outdoor adventure, here are six Victorian destinations I'd recommend choosing from this winter.

Winter colours in full flight at BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park

Yarra Valley: food, wine and countryside views

No matter the season, the Yarra Valley is one of those destinations that always delivers. Rolling hills, renowned wineries and incredible local produce make it an easy choice for a winter getaway.

There's something particularly special about visiting in winter. Vineyards take on beautiful seasonal colours, cellar doors feel even cosier, and long lunches seem perfectly acceptable no matter what time of day you arrive.

BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park

Chandon, Yarra Valley

If you're visiting for a weekend, make time for Chandon, one of the region's most iconic wineries. I'd also recommend stopping at Yarra Valley Dairy. Just be sure to arrive hungry because the cheese tasting is worth every bite.

We based ourselves at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park, which was a fantastic place to stay while exploring the region. Nestled beside the river and surrounded by greenery, it's close to many of the Yarra Valley's best attractions and wineries, while offering some truly unique accommodation options including geodomes and restored trams.

The scenic driving in Victoria's Yarra Valley is super picturesque

Cathedral Range State Park: a winter hiking favourite

For travellers who enjoy getting outdoors, Cathedral Range State Park is hard to beat. The dramatic mountain scenery is spectacular year-round, but winter offers ideal conditions for tackling the park's famous trails.

Cooler temperatures make longer hikes much more enjoyable, and the crisp air often comes with clear skies and far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside.

The must-do experience here is the Canyon Track to Sugarloaf Peak. It's a challenging hike, but the panoramic views from the top are some of the most rewarding you'll find in Victoria.

One of the best things about exploring places like Cathedral Range in winter is the slower pace. Without the peak-season crowds, it's easier to take your time and truly appreciate the landscape around you.

Cathedral Ranges is a hike worth the effort

Taggerty: Victoria's underrated winter gem

If there was one destination that genuinely surprised me, it was Taggerty. While many travellers head straight for Victoria's more well-known alpine towns, this peaceful pocket of the High Country deserves a spot on any winter itinerary.

Located near Lake Eildon and Cathedral Range State Park, Taggerty offers a great mix of outdoor adventure and laid-back country charm.

My top recommendation is heading to Mount Pinninger Lookout before sunrise. Watching the first light spread across Lake Eildon while enjoying a hot coffee is one of those simple travel experiences that sticks with you long afterwards.

BIG4 Taggerty Holiday Park became one of our favourite places to stay. Its peaceful riverside setting made it the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring, while the surrounding autumn colours transitioning into winter created an unforgettable backdrop.

BIG4 Taggerty Holiday Park

BIG4 Taggerty Holiday Park

Refreshments at local venues is a must

Bright: an alpine town worth visiting year-round

Bright is one of Victoria's most beloved regional towns, and after spending time there, it's easy to see why. Surrounded by mountains and packed with great cafés, breweries and walking trails, it's the perfect destination for a few days away.

The beautiful autumn colours may attract plenty of attention, but Bright remains just as appealing as winter settles in. The cooler weather provides ideal conditions for outdoor adventures while the town itself offers plenty of cosy spots to relax afterwards.

One experience I wouldn't miss is Bogong Horseback Adventures at Spring Spur. Exploring the High Country on horseback gives you a completely different perspective on the landscape and showcases some incredible scenery.

We stayed at BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks - Bright, which is within easy walking distance of town. The games room sparked some fiercely competitive ping pong matches, while the on-site coffee cart quickly became our favourite morning stop.

Bogong Horseback Adventures at Spring Spur, Bright

Beechworth: where history meets relaxation

Beechworth offers the perfect balance of history, nature and excellent food. Whether you're interested in heritage buildings, scenic walks or simply finding a great place for lunch, this town has plenty to offer.

The Beechworth Gorge Walk is a fantastic way to experience the area's natural beauty, while a visit to the historic Beechworth Gaol provides fascinating insight into the region's past.

One of my favourite winter experiences, however, was Stillwater Saunas. There's something incredibly relaxing about warming up in a sauna while watching the sunset over the lake. For the brave, there's even the option of a cold plunge afterwards.

Combined with its collection of excellent cafés, bakeries and restaurants, Beechworth is the kind of place that makes you want to extend your stay by another day or two.

Old Beechworth Gaol

Rutherglen: made for winter weekends

Of all the destinations we visited, Rutherglen felt perfectly suited to winter. Known for its wine, food and relaxed country atmosphere, it's the sort of place that encourages you to slow down and savour the season.

Cool afternoons spent visiting cellar doors followed by hearty meals and local wines beside a fire make for a pretty ideal winter escape.

One of the best ways to explore the region is by hiring an e-bike and tackling the Rutherglen Loops, which connect many of the area's wineries and attractions. It's a fun and active way to experience everything the region has to offer.

BIG4 Rutherglen Holiday Park was the perfect base for a relaxing winter getaway. Located close to the region's cellar doors and cycling trails, it offered easy access to local experiences, while the communal fire pit became our favourite spot to gather each evening.

Exploring Rutherglen on our hired e-bikes

Exploring Victoria in the Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid

Getting around Victoria's regional towns and scenic backroads was made even easier thanks to the Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid. Whether we were navigating winding mountain roads or travelling between destinations, it handled everything comfortably.

One feature we quickly came to appreciate was the generous storage space in the covered tray. With camera gear, luggage and everything else needed for a few days away, it made packing and unpacking simple. The 4WD capability was also handy when exploring some of the region's less-travelled roads, while the heated seats were a welcome luxury on chilly winter mornings.

The plug-in hybrid technology offered the best of both worlds. We could take advantage of electric driving around towns while still having the flexibility to cover longer regional distances without changing our plans. Charging overnight at BIG4 parks was easy and helped reduce fuel use throughout the trip.

The Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid

Our Dometic gear helped us out on our travels around Victoria

Why winter is a great time to explore Victoria

If you've ever thought about waiting until spring or summer to take a break, I'd encourage you to reconsider. Winter offers a completely different side of Victoria, with smaller crowds, crisp blue-sky days and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the season.

Whether you're escaping for a weekend in wine country, exploring a charming alpine town, discovering a hidden gem like Taggerty or tackling a scenic hike before warming up beside a fire, there's no shortage of memorable winter experiences to be found.

For me, this trip was a reminder that some of Victoria's best destinations shine brightest during the cooler months. So pack a few warm layers, embrace the season and choose a corner of the state you've never explored before. You might just discover your new favourite winter escape.