PLAN YOUR adventure
Combine city and beach, road trips and incredible wildlife all on one holiday
FROM Indigenous rock paintings in The Grampians to the sweeping sands of Ninety Mile Beach, spotting wallabies and kangaroos to bush hikes, vineyard visits and lost-in-time gold-rush towns, there is so much to explore in Victoria.
Touch down in magnificent Melbourne for impeccable cuisine and a thriving arts scene, and from there it couldn’t be easier to experience the state’s incredible diversity.
CITY SIGHTS
A coastal city embraced by sweeping beaches and emerald vineyards, Melbourne wraps up the best of Australia and presents it in one easy-to-explore package.
Sip drinks at floating bars on the Yarra River, soak up the beachfront beauty of the popular St Kilda neighbourhood, and explore galleries and exhibitions at Federation Square.
Foodies will fall in love with the enchanting cuisine of the city’s most-loved restaurants, tucked away in tiny laneways. Meanwhile, sports fans will live every moment of the excitement, whether that’s a game of touch rugby on the beach, front-row seats for the Australian Open or the glamour of the Melbourne Cup horse racing.
Weave together upscale boutiques and quirky fashion stores with world-class art galleries and charming coffee shops, then dive into the living legacy of Australia’s First Peoples at the Melbourne Museum. Fuel up with the Indigenous ingredients at Mabu Mabu’s Big Esso bar and kitchen, and admire the riches of the incredible Royal Botanical Gardens with an Indigenous guide.
TOURING ROUTES
With so much to see within a one- to two-hour drive of the city, Melbourne is the perfect starting point for your touring adventure.
Just a stone’s throw from the city, four beautiful and diverse regions – the Yarra Valley, the Mornington Peninsula, the Bellarine Peninsula and Phillip Island – can be combined into a short touring loop taking around three days. With winetasting, fresh seafood, chic coastal towns and the penguin parade on Phillip Island, there are amazing experiences around every corner.
Venture further afield to explore south-west Victoria on the Great Southern Touring Route, combining spa country, gold-rush history and the rocky heights of The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park with the dramatic 12 Apostles and the Great Ocean Road.
And those who head east of Melbourne into Gippsland won’t be disappointed. The natural wilderness area of Wilsons Promontory National Park is waiting to be explored alongside Australia’s largest inland network of waterways at Lakes Entrance.
EPICUREAN TREATS
A haven for food lovers, Victoria is heaven for those who appreciate the good things in life. In Melbourne, hit up the laneways to discover the city’s secret treasures, savour hand-crafted cocktails at rooftop bars and elegant à la carte cuisine as you float down the Yarra River. Wherever you go, dishes and drinks will celebrate fresh and flavourful local produce.
For the wine critic within us all, the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley wineries just beyond the city boundaries are calling.
Within 90 minutes’ drive of the centre of Melbourne, these two wine regions combine breathtaking landscapes with cool-climate labels of international renown.
The origin of all Victorian wine, Yarra Valley is a hub of constant innovation, where thriving wine cellars operate beside glamorous bars and al fresco restaurants. Or, on the sun-soaked Mornington Peninsula, you’ll dive into a world of award-winning chardonnays and perfect pinot noirs.
BACK TO NATURE
Ready to come face to face with a platypus? Looking to spot the world’s smallest penguin? With its natural habitats and thriving ecosystems, Victoria offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature.
Deep in the Otways, a two-hour drive from Melbourne, Lake Elizabeth is a drowned forest that is now home to the elusive platypus. Whether strolling through the fragrant eucalyptus forest or kayaking over the serene
THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Whether you’re hoping to indulge in a little beachfront bliss, relax in hot springs or dive into Indigenous culture, driving the Great Ocean Road is a fantastic way to make the most of your days in Victoria.
This spectacular route stretches 151 miles along the shoreline. It threads together lush rainforest with historic fishing villages and mesmerising clifftop views as it unwinds from surfing central Torquay to picturesque Port Fairy.
One of the highlights of the show are the awe-inspiring
12 Apostles – soaring limestone pillars that rise out of the sea to meet you on the approach to Port Campbell. Guarding the Southern Ocean like sentinels, these 150-foot tall stacks are believed to be between 10 and 20 million years old, the ancient intrigue only adding to their beguiling charm.
And don’t miss out on the fascinating Indigenous cultures and history of the region, with guided tours available at Tower Hill near Warrnambool, Lake Condah near Portland, and at Narana Creations near Geelong.