Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Overnight road trip ex MEL

I'm after some advice for potential destinations for an overnight ex MEL.

The long story is this:

We will be arriving into MEL at around 11am on a Friday (29/8) and would like to pick up a car and go somewhere for that evening with a view to driving back into Melbourne city and dropping the car off around 3pm on Saturday (with dinner and a show that evening).

Any suggestion as to where to go (and/or specific lodging tips)?

The considerations: I don't drive very fast, so the closer to Melbourne the better. We have been down the Great Ocean Road (well as far as Warnambool then up to Lake Bolac and back to Melbourne via Ballarat). Absolutely loved Lorne but it is probably a bit too far. I have been to Phillip Island for the fairy penguins (although my partner hasn't).

All suggestions would be most welcome.

Cheers,
Luftaom

How about Victoria gold country, or Yarra if you like pinot noirs?

Up to the Dandenongs (http://www.bluedandenongs.com.au/homepage.html). Not too far from Melbourne with a reasonable choice of accommodation & restaurants.

I'd suggest the Dalesford region, nice, easy drive with plenty of accomodation.

http://www.daylesfordvictoria.com/

Daylesford is in the heart of Victoria's spa country. It is located atop rock strata and volcanic basins which supplies the area with the mineral springs for which it is famous for. The area has the highest concentration of mineral springs in Australia. ...

... Daylesford's popularity began to grow again in the 1980's and has now grown to become a premier spa and resort destination for Victorians.

While many visitors come to Daylesford to relax, rejuvenate, wine, dine and enjoy luxury Daylesford accommodation, other attractions include the botanic gardens, the Convent Gallery, markets, galleries and shopping.

Daylesford still maintains the character of early swiss-italian miners and with it’s high rainfall, has a constant lush green look. All of which lends itself to a relaxing or romantic getaway.

Daylesford is located 108kms north-west of Melbourne (about 1.5hrs drive) and about 45kms north-east of Ballarat. There are regular v/line services from Melbourne to Daylesford. If coming by car, travelers are greeted by winding roads lined with eucalyptus trees.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylesford,_Victoria

I second the Daylesford suggestion. It's about 90 minutes from Melbourne and popular in winter with lots of B&Bs, open fires, good cafes, and so on.

If you like wine, perhaps head to the Yarra Valley instead. Also about 90 minutes from Melbourne and with many wineries to choose from. Base yourself in Healesville for good food and more accommodation options. Or Yarra Glen if you can't find anything there.

Enjoy!

The Daylesford suggestion sounds good, you could also consider Bendigo (~90 mins from airport). Wineries and a bunch of other things to do. If considering the Yarra Valley, consider going a mite further to Marysville...the drive over the Black Spur is very scenic, you can visit somewhere nearby like Lake Mountain (x-country ski area, but good just for the views). Marylands Country House is an old building in large grounds with comfortable rooms and a restaurant that was very good when I was there a few years ago. There is one other significant place in town to stay and I can't recall the name (and haven't stayed there anyway).

Whatever you end up doing, enjoy your trip!

My suggestions would be Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and Daylesford.
The first two are particularly good if you like wine.

Accomodation at Balgownie Vineyard in Yarra Valley looked nice when I visited, and RACV Resort at Cape Schanck is also good.
However there are lots of other options in each region.

I think you will enjoy.

Thanks for all the replies - much appreciated.

Daylesford is looking like it is a goer. Potter up there on Friday afternoon, overnight in a B&B, Miss Luftaom can have a day spa treatment while I find myself a nice coffeeshop and make a dent in the Saturday Age. Then potter back to Melbourne in the early afternoon.

Sounds perfect! The cafe on the corner next to the roundabout (top of the hill) in Daylesford is the perfect spot for the breakfast/coffee/newspaper. Gets busy though!

Be sure to pre-book the day treatment - gets very busy up there on weekends with all us Melbournites coming up!