Hudson Brown

If the frenzy of city life has left you a bit frazzled, perhaps it’s time to reconnect with a simpler way of living. For many, that means heading to the hills (or coast) to partake in camping solitude. Fortunately, Melburnians don’t need to travel far to find a stellar spot, with dozens of tranquil locations within an hour or two’s drive from the CBD. Whether you’re keen on a scenic riverside, a prime beachfront location or an alpine hideaway, you might be surprised to discover you won’t have to spend long in the car. Then, it’s just a matter of letting the fresh air cleanse your mind of daily routines and in-your-face technology.  Maybe easier said than done, but the peaceful landscapes surrounding these campsites are sure to help. If you're new to life in the great outdoors, make sure you've got the camping gear to ensure your adventure is a safe and relatively comfortable one. Also, remember that campgrounds are a shared experience, not your own backyard. Be respectful, clean up after yourself and take heed of travel advice from Parks Victoria before hitting 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.