If you’ve already ticked off Daylesford, Mornington, and the Yarra Valley, you might be craving something a little less overrun. Victoria is dotted with small towns that still feel authentic, offering a mix of nature, food, and arts without the tourist crush. These are places you can wander into a local café and still get a seat, or stroll through the main street without weaving through crowds. Here are some regional gems within easy reach of Melbourne that are perfect for a day trip or a slow weekend away.
Kyneton: Food and Arts Without the Fuss
An hour and a bit from Melbourne, Kyneton has quietly built a reputation for incredible food without turning into a scene. Piper Street is the hub, lined with restaurants, bakeries, and little art galleries that celebrate local talent. While other towns in the Macedon Ranges get busier each year, Kyneton still has that relaxed country-town pace. You’ll find heritage architecture, cosy pubs, and a welcoming community that makes it easy to settle in for a weekend.
Maldon: A Gold Rush Story Froze in Time
Maldon is often overlooked for Bendigo or Ballarat, but this is the gold rush preserved at a smaller, more human scale. The town is recognised by the National Trust as Australia’s first “notable town”, with original shopfronts and historic buildings making it feel like stepping into the 19th century. Unlike bigger gold rush centres, you don’t feel lost in a crowd here. Browse antique stores, ride the heritage steam train, and take in Mount Tarrengower’s views without queuing for a spot.
Clunes: Books, History, and Weekend Wandering
Clunes is a town for readers and history buffs. Best known for its annual Booktown Festival, it also has second-hand bookshops open year-round. The main street is filled with beautiful 19th-century buildings, and you can spend hours drifting between shops and cafés. Because it’s a little further out than Castlemaine, Clunes is rarely packed, which makes it a perfect escape for anyone who enjoys unhurried weekends with a bit of culture.
Yea: Gateway to the Goulburn Valley
Yea doesn’t usually appear on top-ten lists, which is exactly why you should go. About 90 minutes from Melbourne, it’s a small town that gives you a mix of country hospitality and access to the nearby Goulburn River. The Cheviot Tunnel is a local landmark worth a walk, and the Yea Wetlands are a peaceful spot for birdwatching. If you’re into wine, you’re not far from some excellent cool-climate producers that don’t get the same limelight as the Yarra Valley.
Inverleigh: Foodie Heaven in the West
Heading towards Geelong and beyond, Inverleigh has quietly become a destination for serious food lovers. The Inverleigh Hotel has a reputation for turning out some of the best regional dining in Victoria, and the surrounding farmland ensures fresh produce is front and centre. It’s a tiny town, which makes the quality of its food offering even more surprising. Stop in for lunch and a wander, or make it a base to explore the lesser-known parts of the Western District.
Why Choose the Lesser-Known Towns?
Visiting these smaller destinations means you’re not just another tourist in a busy crowd. You’re supporting local businesses that genuinely notice when someone new walks through the door. Whether it’s chatting with the baker in Clunes, tasting wine in Yea, or exploring Kyneton’s creative scene, these towns offer connection as much as they offer scenery.
So if you’re looking for somewhere new to explore this weekend, skip the well-worn tracks. Victoria still has plenty of hidden gems waiting just outside Melbourne, and they’re best enjoyed before everyone else discovers them.
