Melbourne is a compelling city, filled with nooks and crannies that many locals don’t even know about. If you want to get below the surface of the city on your next weekend away, book a tour that suits your interests and curiosities and hit the streets.

A rich history has bequeathed Bendigo a legacy of grand buildings, historic gardens, avenues and charming homes – making it a delight to explore – but it’s also a goldmine in terms of exceptional local produce. Wineries, craft brewers and boutique food producers abound, and there’s a gin dispensary, too.

Hitch a ride from Melbourne to Geelong on a boat with barista-made coffee, no less: this new 1.5-hour journey across Port Phillip Bay and skirting the Bellarine Peninsula will deliver you straight to the heart of Geelong’s dynamic wining and dining scene.

Victoria’s Grampians National Park (also known by its Indigenous name of Gariwerd), is 10,000 hectares of stunning sandstone mountains, bushwalks, magnificent lookouts, gushing waterfalls and wildlife. And, an easy three-hour car trip drive from Melbourne, it makes for a wholesome family adventure in the mountains.

The food and wine spoils of Victoria’s geographically blessed Mornington Peninsula are well known. Not sure where to start? Pocket-sized wine region Red Hill, whose microclimate creates optimum conditions for cold-climate wines, might just be the ticket.

Since 1970, Sovereign Hill has been telling the tale of life as it was in 1850s Ballarat, during the greatest shallow alluvial gold rush the world has ever seen: this icon of Aussie tourism and venerable living museum turns 50 in November.

Designer Lynda Gardener is a passionate advocate for the allures of the Victorian town of Daylesford and its surrounds. Her three stylish holidays escapes in the area – The White House,The Estate Trenthamand Room + Board – serve as delightful bases for exploring the sights of the region.

The Great Alpine Road winds its way through 339 kilometres of Victoria’s High Country, passing through some of the most picturesque villages the state has to offer, and some of its foodie hotspots. So hit the road with an empty Esky and an appetite and see where you end up.

The eastern end of the Great Alpine Road marks a good spot to start a leisurely meander through the towns and villages of Victoria’s East Gippsland, strung like pearls along the Sydney–Melbourne coastal drive.