Victoria is a popular state among destination elopements, this may most likely because Melbourne is a very sought after destination. Whilst Melbourne is best known it’s trendy style, excellent cuisine, cultural diversity, and after all, it is the coffee capital of the world!
But if a city elopement isn’t quite your thing, and you’d love to explore more of the great Australian wilderness. Victoria is still a great place to elope! There are so many amazing adventurous locations only a few hours drive from Melbourne. Awaiting you to explore and say your “I do’s”. In this blog post we are going to share with you some of the best outdoor, adventurous elopement locations not too far from the city. To help inspire your destination elopement dreams!
the Grampians
First on our list, is the Grampians National Park. Located approximately 3 hours west of Melbourne. This location has it all. From iconic waterfalls, world-famous hiking trails, spring wildflower displays and scenic panorama mountain views all around. There really is something for everyone. If you are planning a destination elopement from overseas, this is also an amazing location to see some native Australian wildlife. Such as kangaroo’s, wallabies, wombats, and even emu’s! The Grampians is an outdoorsy, adventurous couples dream destination, and may just be the right location for your elopement day.
Wilson’s promontory
Want to feel like you’re on a tropical island getaway only 4 hours from the city? Wilson’s Promontory has some of the most amazing beaches in all of Victoria. With crystal clear turquoise water, and scenic mountain peeks all around. You really can’t go wrong with this as your elopement backdrop. If you are after an adventurous location, with a laid back coastal feel, then Wilson’s Prom is the perfect destination for you.
Mount Hotham
Believe it or not, it actually does snow in Australia! During winter in the Southern states of Australia, alpine regions such as Mount Hotham transform into a ski and snow boarders dream destination. Whilst in the summer, this area becomes a panoramic wildflower mountain scene of your dreams. Regardless of the season you are choosing to elope in, Mount Hotham is a beautiful mountain elopement destination. You could have a misty pink morning sunrise elopement. Or a colourful sunset evening elopement. Or even in the middle of the day. This scene is the most breath taking, beautiful, mountain elopement location.
the Dandenong Ranges
Located less than an hour from Melbourne CBD, there is so much to see and do in the Dandenong Ranges. From panoramic mountain lookouts, amazing bush walking tracks, rainforests to explore, wineries, gardens and even beautiful wedding venues and accommodations nearby! This destination is the perfect little escape from the city, with so much to do and see.
Cactus Country
Imagine yourself eloping in Mexico or Joshua Tree, but you are actually in Victoria, Australia. Welcome to Cactus Country! Located in Strathmerton, just 3 hours from Melbourne is your dream desert elopement location! This 12 acre property, offers cacti are far as the eye can see, being the most picture perfect elopement destination. Not only is there an amazing garden with many walking tracks. But you can also hire the venue for your elopement or intimate wedding. They even have a fun Mexican themed indoor/outdoor court yard, and a multipurpose dining area, if you are bringing guests along too! Such a fun and unique venue to say “I do”.
the Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is located approximately one hour south of Melbourne, and really has as it all. From beautiful forests, cliff top ocean views, black sand beaches, vineyards, the cutest seaside towns, and even the most breath taking ocean beach backdrops. Most of this gorgeous scenery is also very easily accessible and does not require much walking to see. For some location inspiration you can check out my blog post “where to have your engagement photos taken on the Mornington Peninsula”, as these locations would perfectly fit any elopement too. The Peninsula also has so many amazing accommodations and places to eat/grab a drink post elopement. This is the perfect outdoor elopement spot for the nature lover, who is looking for a laid back elopement experience, not too far from the city.
Pink Cliffs Reserve
This unique geographical location, is located in Heathcote, about an hour and a half north of Melbourne. These pink hills, became exposed from mining back in the 19th century, exposing a new layer of the earth which we now see today. This landscape resembles the desert like textures of Arizona or Utah in the USA. Not only are there lots of amazing walking tracks at this location, you can also spot some amazing wildflowers and even wildlife.
The pink clay cliffs will be sure to create an amazing backdrop on your elopement day. Once thing to be sure to take in account when eloping here, is to respect the vegetation. There are signs in specific areas, where you are not allowed to walk. So it is greatly important to protect the area, and respect the surroundings, and keep to designated tracks. There are still so many amazing backdrops you can discover without disrespecting the natural elements.
the Red Wood forest in Warburton
Have you always dreamed of visiting the Red Wood forest in California? Well, dream no longer, because there is one in Victoria too! Located under 2 hours from Melbourne CBD, these amazing Red Wood trees allow for lots of interesting scenery and a beautiful elopement photography backdrop. The sun gleams between the towering trees, creating the most magical feel to the forest. If you are after a natural, moody, fairytale elopement location, this might just be the right place for you!
Phillip Island
Last but certainly not least, is Phillip Island. Located under 2 hours from Melbourne, lies this unique coastal Island escape. Not only does Phillip Island have gorgeous rugged coastlines, unique landscapes that could resemble places like Scotland or Iceland, but they also have Penguins! Yes, you read that right, Penguins. These little blue penguins, are the smallest species of penguins in the world. They can only be found on the southern coasts of Australia and New Zealand. Although you can sometimes spot them in places like St. Kilda closer to the city, Phillip Island can guarantee you will see them on your adventurous elopement getaway. You can watch the Penguin Parade at sunset and see hundreds of these little guys come back from sea to hide away in their little huts for the night.
Phillip Island also has many scenic coastal walks and beautiful ocean beaches. That would make for the perfect adventurous elopement backdrop. Phillip Island is an amazing place to stay a few days, explore around, see native Australian wildlife and have a relaxing trip by the sea.
the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road, is probably the most popular tourist destination in all of Victoria. Known for being one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. And that is for good reason! The Great Ocean Road, winds 664 km, or approximately 9.5 hours of driving along the western coast of Victoria, leading to South Australia. With so many amazing places to stop off on this drive. You’ll be sure to find the perfect place to say your “I do’s”.
From rainforests, the world famous Twelve Apostles, red woods, waterfalls, lakes and waterways, and not to forget the most amazing beaches and coastlines as far as the eye can see! Whether you just want to spend your elopement in just one spot along this road. Or take a honeymoon road trip along the Great Ocean Road. You really can’t go wrong with any location along this world famous destination.
Ww hope you feel a bit more inspired and ready to start planning your dream destination elopement in Victoria.
For assistance with finding your perfect elopement location, acquiring permits, crafting up itineraries, and even your elopement photography! Get in touch! We’d love to help you dream up your elopement day, here in Victoria.
