Weekends away for new couples
Key facts
| 2026 snow season | 7 June to 4 October |
|---|---|
| Chains required at all times | Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Mt Stirling |
| Twelve Apostles bookings | Needed for the visitor centre, parking and lookouts |
| Twelve Apostles crowds | Busiest at midday, quieter early morning and late afternoon |
A weekend away is a big step, so pick somewhere you will both enjoy without too much planning stress. Victoria has coast, country and mountains within a few hours' drive. Sort the bookings first and the rest is easy.
Sunset at the Twelve Apostles
The limestone stacks in Port Campbell National Park glow at sunset, and Little Penguins may come ashore on the beach below at dusk. The new Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre is open, and you need to book to use the visitor centre, parking and lookouts. Midday is the busiest time.
Source: Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority: Twelve Apostles, checked 9 November 2026
A snow weekend in the high country
In the 2026 season, from 7 June to 4 October, every vehicle heading to Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Mt Stirling must carry diamond pattern wheel chains, including 4WDs. Hire them before you reach the mountain, because you cannot hire them once you are there.
Source: Alpine Resorts Victoria: Wheel chain requirements, checked 9 November 2026
A summer day on the bay in Geelong
From late December to the end of February, the Eastern Beach sea baths are lifeguarded daily from 10am to 7pm. Bring a picnic, swim off the boardwalk and walk the waterfront in the evening. It works as a day trip or the start of a coast weekend.
Source: City of Greater Geelong: Eastern Beach Reserve, checked 9 November 2026
Questions
Where can couples go for a weekend away in Victoria?
Popular choices include the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles, the alpine resorts in winter, and gold rush cities like Ballarat and Bendigo.
Do we need snow chains for the high country?
Yes, in the declared snow season. In 2026 that runs from 7 June to 4 October, and chains must be carried at all times at Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Mt Stirling.
Do we need to book the Twelve Apostles?
Yes. Booking is needed to use the visitor centre, parking and the Twelve Apostles lookouts.
Read next
Our sister site Smooch has more first date ideas. WhichDating, our sister review site, has a guide to first date tips.