Take a trip to Metung this summer and you’ll find yourself in a picture-book village. Stretching along a narrow sandy peninsula on the shores of the Gippsland Lakes, Metung provides a gateway to explore the expansive beaches and tiny islands by yacht, cruiser or kayak. If you’re more of a land lover, the village itself makes for a beautifully scenic stroll, with farm studios, gardens and galleries beckoning you to come and peruse. Finish the day at a waterfront restaurant watching the sailboats glide by, before falling asleep in your peaceful studio to the sound of the lapping lake.

Exploring the Great Ocean Road this summer? Factor in a stay in Port Fairy. A charming fishing village at the end of Victoria’s famous Shipwreck Coast, your final destination will be just as good as the journey. Uncover history in the local streets, lined with nineteenth century cottages and great Norfolk pines. Join in the fun of the Port Fairy Folk Festival and buzzing local art scene. See native animals in the wild, from southern right whales to emus. Or just relax and enjoy the fine food on offer and the stunning sunsets from your waterfront cabin.

Load up the car and hit the road for a holiday in historic Bright, a picturesque village on the banks of the Ovens River in Victoria’s High Country where you’ll find trails for foodies and adventurers alike. Tackle the alpine peaks on a mountain bike to really get your heart pumping. Or hire an e-bike to explore the gently sloping valleys at a more leisurely pace. Visit boutique wineries and breweries, and taste local ingredients at village cafes, before stocking up on stunning produce to take back to your treetop hideaway.

Phillip Island may only be small in size, but it’s big on summer activities. Catching waves. Catching fish. Catching a glimpse of little penguins and sleepy koalas. And, of course, there’s the famed Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Take three laps with a professional racing driver to really get the adrenalin pumping, or buckle into a tandem go-kart with the kids for a spin around the replica track. For a relaxing end to the day, head back to your farmstead to hand-feed the animals before settling in with a grazing platter of your own.

Soak up the good life this summer with a trip to beautiful Barwon Heads on the Bellarine Peninsula. Explore the burgeoning foodie scene, complete with craft breweries, local wineries, farm gates and provedores. Have a paddle in the estuary of the Barwon River, or head to the Bluff at Thirteenth Beach for some lively surfing action. While you’re there, why not play a round on one of the country’s best golf courses. Wander the historic streetscapes back to your beach shack to finish the day—and finish your book—in the hammock beneath the trees.