The Great Ocean Road
The classic, for good reason: limestone stacks, wide beaches and sunsets that turn the whole coast gold. Most of the best clifftops, the Twelve Apostles included, are cared for by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, so you apply to them for a wedding permit, and I’ll help with the form. Ask early, and leave the confetti at home: it isn’t allowed there. Pick a weekday if you can, and plan for wind: I bring a mic that copes.
The High Country
Snow gums, granite tors and ranges fading blue into the distance. Mount Buffalo is my favourite: drive up in the afternoon, marry at a lookout as the light drops, and stay the night in Bright. It’s a national park, so you apply to Parks Victoria for a permit at least eight weeks ahead, and I quote the travel in writing before you book.
The Macedon Ranges
Old pines, gold grass and cool air, an hour from the city. It suits couples who want somewhere wild without a long drive, and it’s at its best in late summer when the paddocks turn. Plenty of private properties here welcome a small ceremony, and on private land you only need the owner’s yes.
The Yarra Valley
Vines, rolling hills and soft afternoon light, about an hour out. Many estates host ceremonies on their lawns, and some will happily give two people a quiet corner. Book the late afternoon: the light comes in low over the ranges after four.
The Mornington Peninsula
Clifftops, back beaches and the bay, close enough for a weeknight. Cape Schanck at sunset is hard to beat, and it sits in a national park, so the eight week Parks Victoria permit applies. The back beaches get the wind and the waves, and the bay side is calmer if your witnesses aren’t fond of heights.
The Grampians
Sandstone peaks, huge skies and kangaroos on the oval at Halls Gap. Start early, while the lookouts are quiet and the light is soft. It’s a national park, so this one needs the Parks Victoria permit as well.
Daylesford
Springs, gardens, old timber cabins and a warm fire afterwards. Daylesford suits a slow weekend elopement in autumn or winter, when the trees turn and the mornings are misty. The lake at dawn is beautiful and almost always empty. It’s a council reserve, so book it with Hepburn Shire Council first.
The Dandenong Ranges
Tall mountain ash, tree ferns and paths that stay cool even in January, under an hour from the city. It’s perfect for a forest ceremony with a handful of people. Most of the forest is national park, so the Parks Victoria permit applies here too. Bring proper shoes: the paths are often damp.
Can’t choose? Tell me what you love, the sea, the bush or a big view, and I’ll suggest a spot that fits your date, your people and the weather.
