Victoria getaways by train and bus

The view of the river from the visitors centre

The Vline bus and train network can get you almost anywhere in Victoria. In fact there is over 100 destinations to choose from around the state so there is no excuse not to go on that weekend away you have been desperately wanting!

Here are some ideas to get you started!

Echuca

Why Go?

It’s a beautiful country town perched on the banks of the mighty Murray River. It has a lot to offer for a weekend escape, with a historical port district, a solid ice-cream shop and picturesque paddle steamers from an era gone by as well as good fishing and water skiing. The town is easy to walk around and there are walking paths down by the river. Spend sunset on the river bank, watching twilight slowly arrive and the cockatoos come in for the night to perch in gum trees that are 100’s of years old.

Where to stay

Pick somewhere walking distants to town so you don’t have to worry about how to get around.

How to get there

Vline Bus or trains from Southern Cross Station leaving late Friday afternoon.

Lorne on the Great Ocean Road

Why go?

Smack bang on the beachfront of a beautiful sheltered bay on the Great Ocean Road, Lorne is the best of all worlds. Surrounded by tall forest and beach there are plenty of outdoor activities from hiking and waterfalls to surfing and stand up paddle boarding or just stick around town for a beer with an ocean view and a long lunch at a highly rated restaurant.

Where to stay?

You can find accommodation looking out of the ocean, budget rooms or a riverfront campsite.

Check out the Grand Pacific Hotel (grandpacific.com.au) for reasonably priced rooms and loads of old world charm, but be prepared to walk the 1km to town. For a closer to town option check out the Mantra in town or go budget and camp on the river at the Lorne Caravan Park (lornecaravanpark.com.au).

Eat & Drink

On arrival check out Saporitalia (open late on Friday nights) for quality Italian food in their charming outdoor courtyard down by the river and try the beach pavilion for beers looking out over the beach for happy hour or a Sunday session.

How to get there?

A vline bus from Geelong Station (catch the train from Melbourne to meet your connection).

A few more options for Victorian Train Holidays…….

Geelong by train from Melbourne is an easy hour away. Swim inside the promenade, drink at waterfront bars and spend the evening wandering along the foreshore bars or even ride the Ferris wheel.

Phillip Island by bus from Melbourne. Get around the Island on a local bus to see fairy penguins, chocolate factories, rugged beaches and in town dining.

Daylesford by bus, this lovely town in country Victoria is the perfect break for those who want to escape and do nothing. Book in at a spa or wander the local shops and galleries and after a tough day like that break for a coffee in one of the many cafes.

Torquay, Anglesea & Apollo Bay by bus on the same route as Lorne for more ocean views, surf breaks and waterfront dining options. Or grab the train inland and be-line for Warrnambool.

Melbourne by train from most destinations. If you live in regional Victoria why not take the opportunity to finally do some of the things on your Melbourne bucket list?

Why go by train?

  1. Sunday session? Brewery tour? No need to stress about the drive home! And no-one knows what’s in your drink bottle on the way there…
  2. Skip the stress of screaming out the window when you get stuck behind Caravans and cars with my family stickers on the highway the whole way there Friday night
  3. Enjoy the view
  4. Read one of the books on the 4 shelfs high ‘to read’ list in your bookshelf or buy a magazine and just actually switch off and relax
  5. Make better use of your time and work on your business or blog on the way so you can take the weekend off!

Resources for Vline Train Holidays in Victoria

Check the Vline Timetables at www.vline.com.au/Timetables/Additional-pages/Timetable-list

Or download their Escape App for iphone or android

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