Coast to country: 10 easy day trips in West Vic
From wineries to wellness, here’s where to go and how far you’ll need to drive.
Zara Cuthbertson
April 08, 2026
Looking for an easy escape without an overnight stay? These 10 day trip ideas are all within driving distance of the region’s major towns, with times based from Warrnambool, Portland, Colac and Ballarat so you can take the guesswork out of your next outing.
Image: Alt Road
Alt Road Winery
Ten kilometres from Winchelsea, this family-owned winery opened in 2024. Offering wine tastings, pizza, platters and live music every Saturday.
Where: 880 Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Road, Winchelsea South
Drive time: 35 minutes from Colac, 1 hour, 20 minutes from Ballarat
Opening hours: 4-8pm Friday, 12-9pm Saturday, 12-5pm Sunday
Image: Timboon Fine Ice Cream
12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail
Spend the day eating and drinking, guided by a map of local producers in the Timboon and Port Campbell area, including cheese, wine, chocolate, spirits, fudge and ice cream.
Where: Various locations starting from Timboon
Drive time: The route is 88km and takes about five hours to complete. Timboon is 55 minutes from Colac and 44 minutes from Warrnambool.
Opening hours: Various, check map ahead of time.
Image: Cobden Miniature Railway Park
Cobden Miniature Railway Park
This volunteer-run attraction has been chugging since 1994. The railway opens every second weekend and has a playground to keep the kids entertained.
Where: 48 Grayland Street, Cobden
Drive time: 40 minutes from Colac, 45 minutes from Warrnambool
Opening hours: On open days (check link below for dates) the railway operates from 11am-4pm.
Image: Great Ocean Road Australia
Cape Bridgewater
Cape Bridgewater is a secluded coastal destination known for its wide beach and rugged cliffs, and volcanic geological features formed over millions of years, including blowholes and the petrified forest. Seal tours by boat are available.
Where: Cape Bridgewater
Drive time: 20 minutes from Portland, 1 hour, 30 minutes from Warrnambool
Image: Visit Victoria
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site featuring one of the world’s most ancient and expansive aquaculture systems. Take a tour with a local Indigenous guide and finish at the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre’s cafe.
Where: Vaughans Road, Breakaway Creek
Drive time: 1 hour, 20 minutes from Warrnambool, 45 minutes from Portland
Opening hours: 9am-4pm Wednesday to Sunday
Image: Visit Melbourne
Shedshaker Brewing Company
This independent brewery and taproom in Castlemaine’s historic mill precinct offers live music, Italian-inspired meals and plenty of beer options.
Where: 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine
Drive time: 1 hour, 10 minutes from Ballarat, 30 minutes from Daylesford
Opening hours: 12-9pm Tues-Wed, 12-10pm Thurs, 12-11pm Fri-Sat, 12-8pm Sun
Image: Village Dreaming
Village Dreaming
Village Dreaming is a 15-acre regenerative permaculture farm and cooking school in Victoria’s central highlands. Whether you’re interested in a workshop, a private cooking class, a course on permaculture or a tour of the farm, a day trip will be quickly filled with activity.
Where: 100 Allisons Road, Blampied
Drive time: 35 minutes from Ballarat, 1 hour, 50 minutes from Colac
Opening hours: 9am-8pm
Image: Visit Victoria
Blue Pyrenees Estate
Blue Pyrenees Estate is a cool-climate winery established in 1963, known for producing estate-grown wines from its own vineyards. It offers a broad range of reds, whites and traditional sparkling wines.
Where: 656 Vinoca Road, Avoca
Drive time: 1 hour from Ballarat, 50 minutes from Ararat
Opening hours: 11am-5pm
Captains Creek Organic Wines
Captains Creek Organic Wines is a family-run, certified organic winery set on a historic farm at Blampied near Daylesford, producing wines and ciders grown without synthetic chemicals. Its cellar door offers tastings alongside platters made from local produce.
Where: 120 Kangaroo Hills Road, Blampied
Drive time: 15 minutes from Daylesford, 35 minutes from Ballarat
Opening hours: 11am-5pm Saturday and Sunday
Image: Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
Hepburn Bathhouse
Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa is a Heritage-listed wellness retreat in Victoria’s spa country, offering mineral bathing experiences fed directly from natural underground springs. Established in 1895, it’s one of Australia’s oldest bathhouses.
Where: Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs
Drive time: 45 minutes from Ballarat, 1 hour, 35 minutes from Ararat
Opening hours: 9am-7pm Mon-Thurs and Sun, 9am-9pm Fri-Sat
Header image: Captains Creek Organic Wines