A Long Weekend Near Melbourne: Your Cottles Bridge & Yarra Valley Itinerary
Your Private Retreat in the Victorian Bush
Tucked among the eucalypts of Cottles Bridge, Moss & Wheels is a beautifully converted bus offering a truly unique stay just an hour from Melbourne. Pull up a chair on the deck, light the fire pit and let the pace of the bush take over.
Photo: @bymarcusg
If you're searching for a long weekend escape from Melbourne that doesn't require a flight or a five-hour drive, the Cottles Bridge and Hurstbridge area might be exactly what you're looking for. Just one hour north of the city, this quiet pocket of Victoria sits on the edge of the Yarra Valley and offers a genuinely unhurried pace — rolling hills, native bushland, excellent coffee, world-class wineries and some of the most charming local businesses you'll find anywhere near Melbourne.
Here's how to spend a long weekend here properly.
World-Class Wine Country, Right on Your Doorstep
Friday — Arrive & Settle In
The best thing you can do on Friday is arrive before dark. The drive in through the hills is beautiful in the late afternoon light, and you'll want time to settle in before the evening. If you're self-catering, Nature's Harvest or Hurstbridge Deli & Larder in Hurstbridge are lovely first stops for quality local produce and pantry goods — just note they're closed Sundays. There’s a local supermarket close by if you need a bigger range or are arriving later in the evening.
Friday evening is for slowing down. Cook something simple, open something delicious, and spend the night outside if the weather allows. This part of Victoria has remarkably clear skies, and the stars on a clear autumn or winter night are genuinely worth staying up for.
Bushland Walks and Creek Crossings at Cottles Bridge
Saturday — Markets, Walks & Dinner
Start with a slow breakfast, then head to Kindred Hearth Bakehouse in St Andrews for coffee and something fresh from the oven, before heading to St Andrews Market — one of Melbourne's most beloved and longest-running community markets, held every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. It's described accurately as having hippie vibes — organic produce, handmade crafts, chai tents, massage, buskers and an atmosphere that feels completely removed from city life. Arrive early for parking. If you're coming by public transport, a free community bus runs from Hurstbridge Station to the market on Saturdays.
Other markets nearby: Warrandyte Riverside Market (1st Saturday of the month) and King Lake Market (4th Sunday of the month).
Explore the Local Markets on Your Doorstep
After the market, take a stroll along the Hurstbridge to Diamond Creek Trail — park at Hurstbridge Station and walk or cycle amongst giant gums, spotting cows and goats along the way. You can catch the train back from wherever your legs give up — Wattle Glen, Diamond Creek or Eltham — or hop off at Golden Hills Brewery for lunch. While you're in Hurstbridge, pop into Evie's Evergreen — owned by a lovely mother-daughter duo and stocking unique handmade homewares. You'll go in with zero intention to buy and will definitely come out with something.
For dinner, A Boy Named Sue in St Andrews is a strong choice — beautiful outdoor setting, wood-fired pizzas, and it does takeaway if you'd rather eat back at your accommodation with a fire going. If you're after something more special, Greasy Zoe's is an award-winning two-hat restaurant that's well worth the booking — just make sure you plan ahead as it fills up fast.
Alowyn Gardens
Sunday — Chocolate, Wineries & a Proper Pub
Start with breakfast then head out on the Goldman's Road walk — directly across from Moss & Wheels with gentle hills, idyllic valley views especially at sunset and kangaroos often spotted along the way.
In the afternoon, make the short drive to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. It sounds touristy but it's genuinely worth it — the range is extraordinary and the melting pot hot chocolate is one of those things you'll be talking about on the drive home. From there, continue into the Yarra Valley for a winery visit. The valley is home to dozens of wineries within a 15–20 minute drive of Cottles Bridge. Well-known names include Yering Station — one of Victoria's oldest wineries and set on stunning grounds — and Zonzo Estate, which combines excellent wine with wood-fired food and a beautiful setting. For something quieter and off the beaten track, lesser-known gems include Fondata, Five Vineyard, Greenstone Vineyards and Panton Hill Winery. While you're in the area, Alowyn Gardens is well worth a visit — a stunning formal garden that makes for a beautiful afternoon detour.
End the weekend with Sunday dinner at Panton Hill Hotel — a classic country pub with a spectacular outdoor area that's especially beautiful on a clear evening.
Inside the Bus: Our Cosy Converted Home Away From Home
Step inside Moss & Wheels and discover a thoughtfully designed space where warm timber, soft linen and plenty of natural light make you feel instantly at home. Every detail has been considered so you can switch off, slow down and settle in.
Photo: @bymarcusg
Monday — A Slow Exit
Don't rush Monday morning. Make coffee, sit outside, and notice how different everything feels after a few days away from the city. Check out by 10am and take the scenic route home through Hurstbridge — worth a stop at Langan's for breakfast or a coffee before you hit the road.
Where to Stay
If you're looking for somewhere to base yourself for the weekend, Moss & Wheels is a beautifully converted bus tucked into a private corner of the bush in Cottles Bridge — one hour from Melbourne and rated in the top 10% of Airbnb listings in Australia. Read more about the stay here or book directly at mossandwheels@gmail.com.
