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Rugged landscapes, steamy onsen baths, scenic trails, and charming stays make the Victoria High Country a popular destination for romantic getaways. This rugged and beautiful region is located about a three hour drive from Melbourne; far enough removed from the hustle and bustle without requiring a Herculean effort to get there.
But beyond The Man From Snowy River clichés, High Country Victoria boasts excellent produce, quaint restaurants, historic towns, local galleries, well-established vineyards, and outdoor activities galore: hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, romantic hot air balloon adventures and even sky-high picnics on cliffs. There are also plenty of opportunities to relax, from winery tours and tastings to soaking up the natural beauty from your room.
In fact, this region has beautifully appointed accommodation options in spades. Think chic cabins with cosy fireplaces, remote tiny houses with impressive outlooks and hotels dripping in five-star luxury. So, here is our edit of the best romantic getaways in the Victoria High Country based on features including the location, on-site luxuries and parking or transport options.
01
Cortes Kiln, Gapsted
Best for… minimalist aesthetic with impact
Sleeps: Two guests
Cortes Kiln is an architecturally restored, 100-year-old tobacco kiln; a romantic couples’ retreat set on a picturesque walnut farm in the High Country area of Gapsted. The lush internal courtyard brightens up the old brick building, emphasised by the minimalist interiors of white walls, polished concrete floors and light timber detailing. Sip wine by the roaring indoor fire, explore the 175-acre orchard, or amble down to the lake on the property. Cue bucolic views and quality time with your partner in crime.
Reasons to stay:
- Internal courtyard
- Two-car garage
- 175-acre orchard
- Indoor fireplace
- Lake access
02
Lancemore Milawa, Milawa
Best for… five-star treatment
Sleeps: Two guests per room
One of the few five-star hotels in the Victoria High Country region, Lancemore Milawa is primed for the couple who loves to be pampered. Located on the Brown Brothers winery, this 40-room hotel exudes country elegance with its two tasteful communal lounge rooms; farm-to-plate restaurant; manicured gardens; and outdoor pool area with luxe daybeds for sunny days. Pair all this with uninterrupted views of the working vineyard and mountainous backdrop and this romantic getaway is hard to beat.
Reasons to stay:
- Outdoor swimming pool
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Airport shuttle
- Room service
03
Unyoked cabin Boaz, Kergunyah
Best for… rest, rejuvenation and a romantic reboot
Sleeps: Two guests
Unyoked‘s popularity has increased rapidly in recent years — and it’s easy to see why. Each Unyoked cabin is on private land, purposefully positioned away from the sights and sounds of civilisation. Solar-powered, self-sufficient and a salve for our busy, tech-fuelled lives, this Unyoked cabin allows for you to reconnect with yourself, your partner and nature.
Inside, it’s compact but has everything you could need; the kitchen stops at the foot of the bed, and the bed substitutes for a lounge room, framed by two large windows; an invisible wall so clear you feel you could reach out and touch the surrounding tall gums, mountainous hills and winding river beds.
Reasons to stay:
- Outdoor fire pit
- Large picture windows with views
- Fire cooking equipment
- Heater
- Pet friendly
04
The Lodge at Mount Ophir Estate, Rutherglen
Best for… country charm with modern comfort
Sleeps: Four guests
Rutherglen’s Mount Ophir Estate combines luxury accommodation and private events — think weddings and corporate getaways — with such grace that it’s become one of the most popular accommodation options in the High Country region. The Lodge at Mount Ophir Estate offers an elegant country crashpad for those looking for a relaxing couple’s retreat (or a trip with friends or family thanks to the second bedroom).
Boasting an open fireplace and beautiful deck area, there is little reason to leave The Lodge. But for those wanting to explore the working farm, a stay here provides access to the entire property for walks, bike rides and even fishing.
Reasons to stay:
- Indoor fireplace (firewood and kindling provided)
- Large outdoor deck area with seating
- Views across the farm to the Mount Ophir tower
- Modern amenities, including own laundry
05
Vineyard Cottage at Glenbosch, Beechworth
Best for… soaking under the stars
Sleeps: Two guests
Glenbosch Wine Estate has three self-contained, off-grid cottages among its vines — complete with their own private wood-fired hot tubs, no less. Each open-plan studio boasts a fully equipped kitchen, plush bed and large glass windows with views for days. The cottages are also conveniently located close to the historic town of Beechworth for those wishing to explore the spoils of the region.
Reasons to stay:
- On-site cellar door open seven days a week
- Wood-fired hot tub
- Indoor fireplace
- EV charger
- Outdoor dining area
06
Coombs Hill Barn, Merrijig
Best for… sophisticated group getaways
Sleeps: 10 guests
Located between Mansfield and Mount Buller, Coombs Hill Barn is a converted 160-year-old barn that was brought over from Indiana, USA. It’s been lovingly restored to become a charming getaway primed for groups — we’re talking five bedrooms, four bathrooms and dreamy open-plan living spaces with tall ceilings and rustic wooden beam structures. Designed with no expense spared, this High Country getaway is the epitome of refined country living.
Reasons to stay:
- Indoor fireplace
- Outdoor fire pit
- Light-filled interiors
- Air-conditioning
When to visit Victoria’s High Country
The Victoria High Country is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, with renowned ski slopes in winter, beautiful bush walks, bike rides and outdoor adventures in spring and summer, as well as stunning autumnal landscapes around March to May. So the best time to visit Victoria’s High Country region really depends on what type of romantic vibe you want, whether it’s cuddling up by a blazing fireplace in winter, sipping wine and picnicking in the warmer months or strengthening your bond with outdoor adventures.
Where to stay in the Victorian High Country
The High Country in Victoria includes popular towns and villages like Lake Mountain Alpine Village, Mount Buller, Mansfield and Benalla closer to Melbourne, Wangaratta, Bright and Beechworth further north, all the way to the NSW border town of Wodonga and Corryong – the historic home of stockman Jack Riley, who is thought to be the inspiration for Banjo Patterson’s poem, The Man from Snowy River.
Each township and destination has its own charm, from literally snowy mountains for skiing in winter to lush valleys and rivers with natural swimming holes. If you only have a few days for your getaway, you may want to choose somewhere closer to Melbourne (or your way home). Or, if you want to explore as much of the region as possible, somewhere near a major town like Wangaratta, Mansfield or Beechworth offers amenities and roads that can take you all over this gorgeous region.
Related articles:
- 7 luxe stays in Victoria for your next weekend getaway
- Beyond laneways: A peek into some of Melbourne’s most luxe Airbnb stays
- 5 luxe Airbnbs on the Mornington Peninsula offering coastal bliss
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