Hudson Brown

Sometimes, the best way to deal with city life is to get away from it. Luckily for us Melburnians, we don’t have to venture too far to swap jam-packed calendars for crackling campfires or traffic snarls for a sky full of stars. There are heaps of beautiful camping spots within an hour or two of the CBD, making it super easy to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re after a peaceful riverside camp, a sandy spot by the sea or a forest hideaway, Victoria has got you covered. Once you’ve managed to pitch your tent – it helps to have the  right camping gear – the only sounds you’ll hear are songs around a campfire at night and the wake up call of a very persistent kookaburra at daybreak. Remember, campgrounds are a shared experience, so be respectful, leave no trace and check the latest travel and park advice from Parks Victoria before you hit the road. Not too sure if camping is for you? Here’s where you can go glamping in Victoria.

Learning to surf is measured in years more than days, but everyone’s got to start somewhere. In Victoria, that somewhere is a collection of sandy shores stretching from the Mornington Peninsula in the east to the aptly named Surf Coast in the west.  Though the state might not have the abundantly sunny reputation of those further north, don’t be fooled into thinking Victoria lacks top-notch surf. In fact, Lonely Planet recently crowned Bells Beach as Australia’s best spot to get amongst the waves.  While the barrels at Bells might be a little too powerful for beginners, there’s no shortage of calmer nearby destinations perfect for getting familiar with your board. Here, we’ve picked out eight of the best beginner-friendly beaches where you can learn to shred. PSA: the open ocean is dangerous and conditions can change unpredictably. Always check the surf forecast before you go and stay within your comfort zone. Feel like a swim instead? These are the best spots for a dip in Melbourne.