The string of public holidays in the first quarter of the year is a blessing: there’s the long weekend over January 26, then Labour Day on March 10 and Easter a month later. Each is a chance to take a long weekend, to switch off from the grind and to road trip to the coast or country. Need inspiration? These three Victorian minibreaks offer stunning scenery, fine food and a refreshing change of pace.

The wine weekend
Located just an hour out of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a world-class, cool-climate wine region defined by rolling hills and lush green vineyards. Visit Yering Station, Oakridge Wines and Innocent Bystander for a tasting or two, and stay at The Farmhouse at Meletos, a charming boutique hotel set on an apple orchard. The region also offers gourmet experiences – Levantine Hill winery serves spectacular food, and Yarra Valley Dairy is a must for cheese-lovers – plus scenic hikes and hot air balloon rides for a long weekend to remember forever.

What to pack: A compact but roomy suitcase for all the wine you’ll want to bring home, plus some sneakers for trawling the vineyards.

Carry On Essential, $275 from July, Level 1

Adidas Originals Gazelle, $199.99 from Hype D.C, Lower Ground

The wellness weekend
The Mornington Peninsula has become something of a mecca for spa-seekers. There’s Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, the Peninsula Hot Springs and the Aurora Spa & Bathhouse, all offering a haven for city-slickers in need of some R&R (think natural geothermal pools, hammams, cold plunges, facials and massages in serene settings). Stay on site at Aurora at the Intercontinental Sorrento hotel, or gather a group and book a luxury private home like Camillo House or Martha Beach House.

What to pack: A chic but practical swimsuit and a hat for long days in the sun.

Separates Scoop Swimsuit, $295 from Zimmermann, Level Two

Corto Hat, $595 from Helen Kaminski

 The wilderness weekend

Head to the Grampians for a long weekend spent soaking up the great outdoors; the region boasts more than 100 hiking trails where you’ll traverse bushland and rugged mountain ranges, and stumble upon awe-inspiring waterfalls. Go off-grid and stay in a tiny house or cabin by Into The Wild Escapes, where you’ll be treated to wine and cheese at sunset and then play board games and stargaze by an open fire. Foodies should make a booking at Wickens, the fine-dining restaurant at the Royal Mail Hotel famed for its five-course degustation.

What to pack: A good-quality hiking shoe, and cute pyjamas for cosy nights in.

Women’s On Running Cloudhorizon Waterproof Hiking Shoe, $289.99 from Kathmandu, Lower Ground

Long Pink Stripe PJ Set, $139 from Peter Alexander, Ground Level