The Macedon Ranges area of Victoria has all the ingredients for the perfect weekend away. The area around Mount Macedon is renowned for its gardens, many of which are open at various times through the year. Visit Hanging Rock, the setting for "Picnic at Hanging Rock", Joan Lindsay's spooky novel and the subsequent movie. There are several wineries in the area, as well as antiques and craft shops. For those in need of a little R&R, go to the nearby spa town of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. The Hepburn Springs Spa Complex has public and private baths, flotation tanks, massage and a sauna. Smart accommodation deals from Need It Now.

For a relaxing weekend away from the city, go to the beautiful Yarra Valley. It has that "get away from it all" feeling that makes it a great spot to spend some time. Take the magnificent Black Spur forest drive to view the mountain ash stands and fern gullies. There are many wineries in the area which open for cellar-door sales and tastings. Visit world-renowned Healesville Sanctuary or historic Gulf Station, one of Victoria's oldest pastoral properties. On Sundays, you can take the historic trolley ride from Healesville station to Yarra Glen. Get a taste for the high life with bargain accommodation from needitnow.com.au.

Have a great weekend exploring the delights of Port Phillip Bay. To the south east of the city lies the Mornington Peninsula, with its wineries, pick-your-own farms and pretty seaside villages. Coolart Homestead near Balnarring has a lagoon with an amazing variety of waterbirds. Visit Cape Schanck and Point Nepean, both part of Mornington Peninsula National Park. South west of the city lies Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. In Geelong, visit the National Wool Museum, walk along the promenade and swim in the restored sea baths. The Bellarine Peninsula Railway runs between Drysdale and Queenscliff, where you should see historic Fort Queenscliff with its Black Lighthouse and White Lighthouse. The ferry connection between Queenscliff and Portsea on the Mornington Peninsula means that you can explore both these areas in one weekend. Find reduced price accommodation in the area.

Leave the car at home and treat yourself to a great weekend away right in the heart of the city. All the delights of Melbourne will be within walking distance, or you can take the free City Circle tram. Visit the magnificently restored Customs House, now the home of the Immigration Museum and Hellenic Antiquities Museum, or the nearby Melbourne Aquarium. Old Melbourne Gaol and Penal Museum is a grim reminder of the brutality of the past. The after-dark tour is particularly atmospheric. Visit Southgate, where you can relax with a coffee and watch the world go by. Don't miss the chance to shop in Collins Street, still one of the city's most elegant streets. Fitzroy Gardens and its neighbour, Treasury Gardens, are a quiet green oasis away from the city's bustle. Check out city bargains from needitnow.com