Overview
When summer comes, it's important to get away. At least for a few days. Sometime between December and March there inevitably comes a time when your house is insufferably hot, your office is way too air conditioned or you just need a break from the sweaty tram commute. And because sometimes the Fitzroy Pool just doesn't cut it, here's our pick for the best summer getaways — from the Peninsula to the Twelve Apostles to inland waterfalls — all comfortably driveable from your pocket of the city.
RYE
See: At Rye, it's all about the beach. And being located in a central position on the Morning Peninsula, Rye is a sweet spot from which to explore all the best bits. Jump off the pillars into clear blue water at Mount Martha, indulge in lunch by the bay down at Portsea or head to the back beaches for a look at the surf. (Our pick is Bridgewater Bay.) Plus, this summer Uber are down the Peninsula too, so you can get around even without a set of wheels.
Stay: They say once you go glamping, you never go back. It's easy to see how that would be true. Organise a week or a weekend with Happy Glamper, and all you have to do is book your camping site at the Tyrone Foreshore — they'll set up your luxe bell tent, complete with a real bed, chairs and bunting before you arrive.
Drink: The one thing you do have to remember, however, is the alcohol. Especially if you want to be sipping on a Mary Pickford outside your tent when the sun goes down. This Havana-inspired cocktail blends pineapple, rum and sweetness into the perfect peninsula drink. Combine 60ml Appleton V/X, 45ml un-sweetened pineapple juice, 5ml Maraschino liqueur and 5ml grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice, then shake and strain into an ice-filled glass and top with a Maraschino cherry.
GIPPSLAND LAKES
See: If you don't associate Gippsland with soft sand and crashing waves, that's okay, neither did we. But then we found that Gippsland's beautiful lake district is about so much more than green and marshy land — in fact, the three lakes are separated from the ocean by only a thin arm of coastal park. Sail along the calm waters of Lake Victoria, head to Ninety Mile Beach for some beach action, and be sure to stop at Paynesville for a coffee and some lunch on the water.
Stay: Rent a boat and sail the days away like you're on the Whitsundays — and chances are, you'll be so relaxed you won't even notice the difference. None of your mates have a boat licence? Not even a problem. Because the lakes are free from tides, rocks and nasty ocean weather, anyone can hire a boat from Riviera Nautic. They'll teach you how to handle the boat, and will be on-call 24 hours a day in case you need any assistance when traversing the waters of Gippsland's calm lakes, rivers and waterways.
Drink: Off land it seems only fitting to be swilling rum. After you've moored your vessel, it's time to break out the brown liquor and put together a traditional rum punch. Just as the British sailors did while travelling back through East India on their way home, you too can enjoy the Planters' Punch on the high sea. Combine 15ml of fresh lime juice, 30ml of sugar syrup (or 15ml of grenadine and 15ml of sugar syrup), 45ml of Appleton V/X, 60ml of water and a dash of Angostura bitters into a punch bowl, add your ice and garnish with slices of lime.
BENDIGO
See: Sometimes you need a beach holiday, and sometimes you just need to get out of Melbourne and your old terrace house that's holding the heat of four 35 degree days. For these times, Bendigo, less than two hours from the city, is a prime destination. You can get on the Calder for an easy drive, or take the air-conditioned V/Line. A weekend is the perfect amount of time to visit the Bendigo Art Gallery, brunch at Percy and Percy or go for dinner and a drink down View Street.
Stay: You're coming to Bendigo for city comfort in a country setting, so there's really no better place to stay than the Schaller Studio: the Art Series Hotel that opened just last year. The rooms are called 'workspaces', the linen features positive affirmations and everything feels just right.
Drink: You're in a hotel, you're feeling the high thread count sheets, and you're feeling a little fancy. All you need is a fancy cocktail. Try a Treacle. As a take on a traditional Old Fashioned, this drink is smooth, a little sweet and full-bodied. Add 60ml Appleton 8yr old, 10ml sugar syrup, two dashes of Angostura bitters and ice slowly to the serving glass a little at a time, constantly stirring. Float 15ml freshly pressed apple juice over the drink and add orange zest for garnish. Perfect for sipping while in-robe.
JOHANNA
See: Camping at Johanna — one of the lesser known beaches between Lorne and Warrnambool — allows you to wake up with the sound of waves crashing into shore and go to sleep with the smell of salt on your skin. If you're a surfer, this is the place for you. If not, take in your surroundings and walk to neighbouring beaches or explore the Great Otway National Park.
Stay: The Johanna campsite sits up on the cliffs looking out over the beach. If you get in early, you might even be able to nab a spot with an ocean view. Even so, the beach is only a quick walk away — perfect for sunrise and sunset swims alike. You can book here.
Drink: Camping at Johanna is simplicity at its best, and all drinks should be the same: easy to mix and smooth to drink. A Dark & Stormy will do the trick — with only three ingredients, you'll only need a glass and something to stir it with (note: can be your finger). Combine 60ml Appleton 8yr Old, 90ml ginger beer and 15ml lime juice into the glass with ice, stir and serve.
Image credit: Rob Young via Flickr
DAYLESFORD
See: Summer isn't all about salty water and sandy skin — it's just as much about golden country landscapes, shady gum trees and cool earth. In Daylesford, there's a lot of this. You can find solitude in the hills, walk around the lake, read a book in Wombat Hill Gardens or grab a coffee at Larder. If you're looking for a body of water though, you don't have to go searching very hard — head to Hepburn Springs, Trentham Falls or even Turpins Falls just outside of Kyneton.
Stay: For optimum solitude, rent a luxury tent in the Hepburn Hills. More like a B&B than a campsite, Cosy Tents supplies the tents, beds, 1200 thread count linen, lighting and outdoor seating. There's even hot water to shower and somewhere to charge your phone — although, we recommend skipping that last luxury.
Drink: Feel like you're living in a novel? Sink even deeper into the fantasy with a literary classic, the Hemingway Daiquiri. Initially made for Hemingway while he was living in Havana during the early 1920s, this daiquiri was made sans-sugar at his request. It's full of citrus, and perfect as a pre-dinner cocktail at camp. Combine and shake 60ml Appleton V/X, 15ml maraschino liqueur, 20ml lime juice and 15ml grapefruit juice in a cocktail shaker with ice, strain into a cocktail glass and top with a Maraschino cherry.
WILSONS PROMONTORY
See: There's so much to see at the Promontory that you're going to have to accept that you won't see it all in a weekend. But if you only have a few days? Squeak on down to the stunning Squeaky Beach (pictured above) for a surf or swim, hike up Mount Oberon for some amazing views, get amongst some rainforest on the Lilly Pilly Gully walk, hope to see a wombat.
Stay: The Prom's all about camping. Most people camp at the Tidal River campsite, and if you're looking for an easy spot to access the National Park, you'd be best to as well. They even offer cabins for up to six people if you're looking for a step up from slumming it. Grab a group of mates, take supplies for a cook up, and you've got a perfect weekend on the Prom.
Drink: Warm nights sitting around a campsite call for one thing: rum. Or rum punch, more specifically. Fish House Punch was first created in 1732 in a Philadelphia fishing club, and for summer, this fruity punch is spot on for any time of the day. Mix up a batch for the team and settle in for the night. Shake 45ml Appleton 8yr, 15ml cognac, 5ml peach brandy, 20ml lemon juice, 45ml water and 10ml sugar syrup and strain over ice in a short glass. If you would like to make a punch bowl to share, simply multiply everything by 10, and adjust the lemon, water and sugar syrup to taste.
Image credit: Colin J via Flickr.
DUNKELD
See: Without venturing in to camp in the Grampians National Park, Dunkeld is pretty much as close as you can get to this beauty of an area. If walking's your go, take the Picaninny trail up to the summit and look back over the town, or drive further north and trek to Mackenzie Falls or climb The Pinnacle. Don't feel like exerting yourself? The charming town has an art gallery, a cute bakery and views wherever you stand.
Stay: Got some extra cash in your piggy bank from an over-generous relative at Christmas? Need some serious time out before you go back to work for a whole other year? If you want your piece of rural paradise this summer, stay in one of the Mt Sturgeon Cottages. Situated at the bottom of the mountain, you'll feel secluded as part of the landscape. Oh yeah, and the cottages are part of The Royal Mail Hotel, so save some of the dosh for a fancy meal while you're at it.
Drink: When staying in a 19th-century cottage, you've got to drink the classics. The Hurricane was first concocted when New Orleans locals would take shelter from the impending hurricane in a bar, and while you probably (hopefully) aren't sheltering from any major weather threats, the Hurricane seems perfect for the setting. Combine 60ml Appleton V/X, 20ml passionfruit puree, 30ml orange juice, 15ml lime juice, 5ml grenadine and 5ml sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice, then shake and strain straight into an ice-filled glass.
TORQUAY
See: The first stop along the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is one of those amazing spots that you don't even have to go searching for. Sure, it gets busy over summer, but there's plenty of good stuff to go round. The surf, for example — there's more of it than you know what to do with. Find a decent cup of coffee and brunch at Pond just on the Esplanade and fill up on supplies at Torquay Larder. They even have a mini Wholefoods.
Stay: Getting a house with some friends should be no problem if you organise in advance, but if you're looking for something a little bit spesh, spend a few nights at The Woolshed. An old converted woolshed, this provincial place sleeps up to six — and there are hens outside who might just lay your eggs for breakfast.
Drink: Nothing is quite as satisfying as a big ladle of punch after a day in the sea — particularly if someone else is mixing it up for you. So bring a blender and get a mate to whip this one up. There's a lot of components, but the end result is worth it. It'll keep you going all weekend. Put 30ml Appleton V/X, 30ml Appleton 8yr old, 25ml lime juice, 15ml grapefruit juice, 45ml unsweetened pineapple juice, 7.5ml Falernum, 10ml Maraschino, 5ml grenadine, 2 dashes Angostura bitters and 2.5ml Pernod into a blender with a cup of ice and blend at high speed until the ice is crushed. Pour into glasses, add extra ice cubes, and garnish with pineapple, orange, cherries and mint.
Image credit: Michael Coghlan via Flickr
PHILLIP ISLAND
See: The penguins, duh. But when you're done with that take a walk along the magnificent boardwalks at The Nobbies and take a head down to Cape Woolamai for a swim in Phillip Island's loveliest beach. The island has so many nooks and crannies to explore, and the best part is, you can easily travel from corner to corner by car.
Stay: Cape Paterson Caravan Park's Beach View Villas would probably have to be one of the best value ocean views in the state. Not only do you get a great view of the waves crashing below, there's a covered outdoor deck and a barbecue. Prawns at sunset? Yep.
Drink: As it was born on the sands of Tahiti, this short and sharp rum sour is best digested with a killer ocean view. Hence, the Mai Tai is just the poison for picture perfect Phillip Island. Mix 30ml lime juice, 15ml orange Curacao, 7.5ml sugar syrup, 7.5ml orgeat, 30ml Appleton V/X and 30ml Coruba dark together, shake and strain into a short glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime and a sprig of mint.
Image credit: Abir Anwar via Flickr
ST ANDREWS
See: St Andrews beach — across the other side of the Mornington Peninsula from Rye — is one of the less-frequented beaches of the area, affording a bit of seclusion and quiet. Similarly, neighbouring Gunnamatta Beach is much the same. Take the opportunity to go horse riding along the beach, while away the afternoon at lunch in Flinders or soak at the Peninsula Hot Springs.
Stay: Find yourself at Big Blue Backyard and things have — unsurprisingly from the list of activities above — turned a little romantic. It's your own private cabin (seemingly) in the middle of nowhere, with an adorable courtyard and prime posi right next to the beach.
Drink: The sun's going down, you're sitting in your romantic little yard — you need a drink that's easy to throw together but still completely classy at the same time. That's pretty much how the Daiquiri came to be, so enjoy this three-ingredient cocktail for its simplicity and sweetness. Add 60ml Appleton V/X, 40ml fresh lime juice and 20ml Sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker full of ice. Shake very hard and strain. Drink up.