Six romantic getaways in the Victoria High Country for Valentine's Day

Rugged landscapes, steamy onsen baths, scenic trails, and charming stays make the Victoria High Country a popular destination for romantic out-of-town escapes. This rugged stretch of backcountry is located a three hours' drive from Melbourne; far enough removed from the hustle and bustle without requiring a Herculean effort to get there.

But beyond The Man From Snowy River clichés, High Country Victoria boasts excellent produce, quaint restaurants, historic towns, local galleries, well-established vineyards, and outdoor activities galore: hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, romantic hot air balloon adventures, and even sky-high picnics on cliffs.

Whether you're an outdoorsy couple seeking to reconnect with nature (and each other, of course) or a pair that would rather hop between cellar doors, High Country Victoria offers romantic getaway bliss — thankfully with beautifully appointed accommodation options in spades, too. Think chic cabins with cosy fireplaces, remote tiny houses with impressive outlooks and hotels dripping in five-star luxury.

Here are the best romantic getaways in the Victoria High Country.

from $360 per night at Airbnb

Cortes Kiln is an architectural restoration of a 100-year-old tobacco kiln; a romantic couples' retreat set on a picturesque walnut farm in the High Country area of Gapsted. The lush internal courtyard brightens up the old brick building, emphasised by the minimalist interiors of white walls, polished concrete floors and light timber detailing. Sip wine by the roaring indoor fire, explore the farm's 175-acre orchard, or amble down to the lake on the property. Cue bucolic views and quality time with your partner in crime.

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from $346 per night at Booking.com

One of the few five-star hotels in the Victoria High Country region, Lancemore Milawa is primed for the couple who loves to be pampered. Located on the Brown Brothers winery, this 40-room hotel exudes country elegance with its two tasteful communal lounge rooms; farm-to-plate restaurant; manicured gardens; and outdoor pool area with luxe daybeds for sunny days. Pair all this with uninterrupted views of the working vineyard and mountainous backdrop and this romantic getaway is hard to beat.

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from $466 for two nights at Red Balloon

Unyoked's popularity has increased tenfold in recent years — and it's easy to see why. Each Unyoked cabin is on private land, purposefully positioned away from the sights and sounds of civilisation. Solar-powered, self-sufficient and a salve for our busy, tech-fuelled lives, this Unyoked cabin allows for you to reconnect with yourself, your partner and nature. Inside, it's compact but has everything you could need; the kitchen stops at the foot of the bed, and the bed substitutes for a lounge room, framed by two large windows; an invisible wall so clear you feel you could reach out and touch the surrounding tall gums, mountainous hills and winding river beds.

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from $316 per night at Airbnb

Rutherglen's Mount Ophir Estate combines luxury accommodation and private events — think weddings and corporate getaways — with such grace that it's become one of the most popular accommodation options in the High Country region. The Lodge at Mount Ophir Estate offers an elegant country crashpad for those looking for a relaxing couple's retreat (or a trip with friends or family thanks to the second bedroom). Boasting an open fireplace and beautiful deck area, there is little reason to leave The Lodge. But for those wanting to explore the working farm, a stay here provides access to the entire property for walks, bike rides and even fishing.

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from $358 at Airbnb

Glenbosch Wine Estate has three self-contained, off-grid cottages among its vines — complete with their own private wood-fired hot tubs, no less. Each open-plan studio boasts a fully equipped kitchen, plush bed and large glass windows with views for days. The cottages are also conveniently located close to the historic town of Beechworth for those wishing to explore the spoils of the region.

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from $1530 per night at Airbnb

Best for: sophisticated group getaways

Located between Mansfield and Mount Buller, Coombs Hill Barn is a converted 160-year-old barn that was brought over from Indiana, USA. It's been lovingly restored to become a charming getaway primed for groups — we're talking five bedrooms, four bathrooms and dreamy open-plan living spaces with tall ceilings and rustic wooden beam structures. Designed with no expense spared, this High Country getaway is the epitome of refined country living.

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