Fresh Air, Peaceful Land, and Riverside Nights: a Countryside Retreat to Reset Your Love
Last month, my partner and I had an enchanting weekend getaway in Maffra, Gippsland and it was truly a relaxing retreat that is much-needed. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne, yet it felt like we had escaped into a completely different world. Just fresh air, wide open land, beautiful oak trees, with peaceful rivers and animals surrounding us. For a moment, life slowed down. It was just the two of us, disconnected from meetings, deadlines, and constant buzzes of city life.
Source: Cherry Vuong
The Healing Power of Nature for Well-being
Being surrounded by nature has been proven by scientists to reduce stress, ease emotional tension and support both mental and physical wellbeing. Simply stepping away from the city and into a peaceful countryside can slow your heart rate, calm your nervous system and clear the constant mental noise that so many of us carry. Inspired by Japan’s practice of forest bathing, Shinrin-yoku, spending time among trees, rivers and open land has also been linked to improved sleep, focus and mood.
If you’re a stressed 9–5 corporate worker, or working in retail or hospitality and feeling burnt out after this busy holiday season, a nature escape in Maffra, Victoria might be the best Christmas gift you can give yourself and your partner.
Ultimate Guide to a Romantic Retreat from Melbourne
How to get to Maffra from Melbourne
The drive from Melbourne CBD took us around 2.5 hours, with a few interactive stops along the way.
We first headed to Traralgon, where we enjoyed brunch at the local favourite café, MOMO. It was packed with local families and groups of elderly friends, and we loved watching people greet familiar faces as they walked in. It really felt like everyone knew each other in this town. The neighborhood has a warm, small-village feel, perfect for a short pause before continuing your journey. I’d highly recommend adding Traralgon or Moe to your route, both have plenty of fast food chains, large supermarkets and chemist warehouses, super helpful in case you forget groceries, personal essentials or get hungry while travelling.
After that, we continued on to Blue Pool, a peaceful natural swimming spot surrounded by thousands of rocks. It’s perfect for a dip in summer or simply soaking in the scenery. We spent some time taking photos and exploring the trekking tracks around the area before heading back on the road to Maffra.
Spoiler alert: expect to be surrounded by endless green fields and roaming herds of cows along the drive. You may also have to stop your car to let a cow casually cross the road!
Source: Cherry Vuong
Where to Stay for a Romantic Maffra Retreat
We honestly didn’t expect much, but our countryside accommodation completely surprised us.
The tiny river house had everything you could possibly need: fully equipped cooking utensils, bathroom essentials, campfire equipment, a beautifully designed modern interior and thoughtful architecture that blended perfectly into the natural surroundings. Of course, we cannot forget to mention the gorgeous river view.
The outdoor bath was our favourite feature. Sitting in warm water under the open sky and listening to the river nearby was such a unique and immersive experience. And did I mention we were the only house on that entire piece of land? For a few quiet moments, it truly felt like we had our own private slice of nature, just for us.
To make it even more special, the host welcomed us with a bottle of sparkling wine and some chocolates when we arrived. Simple gestures, but they made the space instantly feel invited and incredibly thoughtful.
Overall, the house is very clean, aesthetically designed and convenient with all the amenities you need for an effortless stay.
Source: Cherry Vuong
Best Things to do on a Couple Retreat in Maffra
We spent our 2 days and 1 night trip simply being present.
We explored the farmhouse, rode the bikes (make sure to contact them in advance if you want bike access) and watched cows grazing just meters away, honestly it was the closest distance I have ever been to those enormous farm animals.
Setting up the campfire ourselves was a highlight. It’s not something you get in luxury resorts or city stays, which gave us that feeling of living in the caveman period. A bit challenging but definitely gained a survival skill.
Source: Cherry Vuong
The next morning, we woke up to birdsong and a soft river sunrise. With tea and coffee in hand, watching flocks of birds move across the sky felt like the perfect, quiet reset. If you’re an early riser, you can also visit Lake Wellington to catch the sunrise or warm yourself up with a yoga and meditation session.
Source: Cherry Vuong
Tips for Planning Your Romantic Countryside Trip to Maffra, Gippsland
For drivers, download your maps in advance. Signals can be limited in regional Victoria, so having offline maps will make your drive much easier.
Confirm entry and parking instructions with your host before arrival, especially for rural properties. Also confirm the check in time so that you can plan your drive perfectly, typically around 3pm.
Don’t overpack food. If you’re going for one night like us and plan to cook dinner, just bring enough for that evening and a few snacks for the next morning. No one wants to carry leftovers all the way home. If you’re staying a second night, that’s the perfect excuse to explore local pubs and eateries around Maffra for a more interesting and authentic dining experience.
If you have extra time, explore the beautiful Lake Entrance, nearby walking trails, local wineries, breweries and artisan markets.
Book your stay at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially if you’re planning a weekend getaway, as many properties tend to book out quickly.
Where to book for Your Retreat House in Regional Victoria
Source: Ripearide
We booked our stay through Riparide, a platform known for unique nature getaways around Australia.
What we loved most about Riparide:
- A wide range of beautifully curated accommodation options
- Responsive and helpful hosts
- Genuine reviews and travel insights from real guests
- Helpful location suggestions and nearby attraction guides
It made choosing the right place simple and stress-free, especially if you’re unfamiliar with regional Victoria.
However, do keep in mind that some properties require a minimum two-night stay over weekends, so make sure to check the booking details carefully before confirming your dates.
