The Solo Traveller's Guide to a Weekend Near Melbourne
There's a particular kind of relief that comes from a weekend with no one to talk to, nowhere to be, and nothing to negotiate. No group chat deciding where to eat, no compromise on what time to wake up. Just you, the bush, and as much or as little as you want to do with the time.
If that sounds appealing, Moss & Wheels, a converted bus tucked into the Victorian bush at Cottles Bridge, just one hour from Melbourne, might be exactly the kind of solo getaway near Melbourne you've been looking for.
Why Solo Travellers Choose Moss & Wheels
Solo travel doesn't always mean backpacking or big adventures. Sometimes it's simply about space - physical and mental. Moss & Wheels was designed with this kind of traveller in mind. The space describes itself as ideal for solo travellers and creatives seeking a refreshing change of pace, and the reviews back this up. One guest said the trip was the perfect getaway they needed, simply to take a break and relax. Another described it as the best Airbnb they'd stayed in, with everything needed to make a simple meal and settle in for a few days alone.
There's also something to be said for feeling safe and looked after while travelling solo. Host Lucinda is consistently described in reviews as responsive, attentive and full of local recommendations. Guests repeatedly mention feeling well looked after without ever feeling intruded upon.
What a Solo Weekend Looks Like
Arrive on a Friday afternoon and give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing for the first few hours. Make a coffee, sit on the deck, and let the bush noise replace whatever's been running through your head all week. The property has Starlink wifi if you want to stay loosely connected, but most solo guests find they barely think about their phone after the first evening.
The hammock is one of the most mentioned features in guest reviews for good reason, it's the kind of spot where an afternoon can disappear without you noticing. As the sun goes down, the firepit becomes the obvious place to be. Solo travellers in particular seem to love this part of the stay, there's something about sitting by a fire alone, with a book or just your thoughts, that feels genuinely restorative.
Inside, the bus is set up for exactly this kind of stay. A well-equipped kitchen makes it easy to cook simple meals, a curated collection of books means you're never short of something to read, and the elevated queen bed in its cosy nook makes the whole space feel like a proper retreat rather than just somewhere to sleep.
If You Want to Get Out
Solo travel doesn't mean isolation, and the surrounding area offers plenty if you feel like venturing out. St Andrews Market runs every Saturday and is an easy, low-pressure way to spend a morning, wander at your own pace, grab a coffee, browse handmade goods. The Hurstbridge to Diamond Creek Trail is ideal for a solo walk or cycle, with the flexibility to hop off and catch a train back whenever you've had enough.
For something a little more indulgent, the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie or a quiet afternoon at one of the lesser-known wineries like Panton Hill Winery can make for a lovely solo outing, no need to coordinate with anyone else's schedule or preferences.
For a full breakdown of the area, our Cottles Bridge & Yarra Valley itinerary covers everything within a short drive.
A Note on Privacy
One thing solo travellers often ask about is privacy, especially when staying on someone else's property. At Moss & Wheels, the bus is thoughtfully screened from the owner's home and guests have their own private entrance, parking and outdoor space. Reviews consistently describe the stay as private and secluded. Several guests have noted it felt more private than expected given the proximity to the main house.
How to Book
Moss & Wheels is available via Airbnb or directly by emailing mossandwheels@gmail.com - direct bookings are warmly welcomed.
Images by Marcus Glenister @bymarcusg
