Overview
Victoria is an exceptional destination, not only for travel but also for residency. Its capital, Melbourne, has consistently been recognized as the most liveable city for six consecutive years by the Economist, and it has been acknowledged as the world city with the finest coffee, surpassing renowned coffee capitals such as Rome and Vienna.
In 2016 alone, Victoria welcomed 2.6 million international visitors, underscoring the diverse attractions beyond the urban excitement of Melbourne: embark on a journey along the historic Great Ocean Road, relax on the beaches of picturesque coastal towns, marvel at the natural beauty within national parks, or visit the charming fairy penguin colony at Phillip Island.
With an abundance of activities available in Victoria, it is advisable to allocate several weeks for exploration. Visitors can gain profound insights into the cultural tapestry of Australia, interact with amiable locals, and create unforgettable memories.
Let us examine the most remarkable destinations in Victoria:
1. Grampians National Park
This breathtaking national park features remarkable scenic diversity, from rugged sandstone ridges to cascading waterfalls and vibrant spring wildflowers. Many stunning photographic opportunities await, with the sunset vistas being particularly noteworthy.
The Grampians serve as a sanctuary for numerous Australian marsupials and native birds, offering excellent wildlife observation opportunities while you traverse the various walking trails. Additionally, the park displays fascinating examples of ancient Indigenous artwork.
A visit to nearby towns such as Ararat or Halls Gap opens up avenues to appreciate fine contemporary art from local studios, and Ararat is well-regarded for its intriguing ghost tours.
From Melbourne: Grampians National Park Great Escape Tour
2. Torquay and the Great Ocean Road
Torquay is a charming seaside resort town renowned as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, meriting a visit in its own right. It is famous for its surfing beaches, including the world-renowned Bells Beach, and during Easter, visitors may witness extraordinary surfing talent at the Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro.
The Surf Coast Walk offers a serene experience, or one may prefer to relax and soak up the sun. If you are seeking a romantic getaway, Torquay is ideal, featuring delightful accommodations such as Surfcoast Cottages and Bells Estate Cottages, alongside an array of exquisite dining options.
From Torquay, many travelers will venture along the Australian Heritage-listed 243 km Great Ocean Road, a scenic route frequently featured in international car advertisements, showcasing stunning coastal and mountain views, quaint towns like Apollo Bay, and further pristine beaches for which Australia is globally celebrated.
Available tour: Reverse Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip
3. Great Otway National Park
The Otways are a favored diversion for those traveling along the Great Ocean Road and are considered an iconic Victorian experience, attracting locals as well as interstate and international travelers.
Make occasional stops in the towns en route and be sure to explore the Great Otway National Park. Adventurous visitors may consider trying the zipline!
4. Phillip Island
Located just under two hours from Melbourne and connected to the mainland via a bridge, Phillip Island is a favored destination for day-trippers from Melbourne and other visitors.
The island is renowned for its adorable colony of Little Penguins, which is among Australia’s most popular tourist attractions.
Every sunset, the penguins return to shore in large groups, and visitors can observe them from various vantage points, including the Penguin Parade viewing platform or the underground facility. Additionally, the Ultimate Penguin Tour offers a more personalized experience.
The visitor center provides informative insights into the region.
While witnessing the penguin colony is essential, Phillip Island also offers numerous other attractions: a koala conservation center, an animal park, and Warook Farm, which is an operational farm over a century old.
This destination is also famous for its excellent beaches, attracting swimmers and surfers, as well as family-friendly activities such as the Islantis Surf Experience, A Maze’ n Things, a chocolate factory, and a summer carnival that has celebrated over 50 years of tradition.
Furthermore, the island is home to several wineries and exceptional dining establishments.
Complete day trip: Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour
5. Alpine National Park
Alpine National Park houses two of Victoria’s most renowned mountains, Mt. Buller and Mt. Hotham, both of which host prestigious alpine resorts celebrated across Australia for winter sports.
Visiting during spring and summer affords a completely different experience, making it worthwhile to explore the park at various times of the year when opportunities for stunning scenery abound, especially during wildflower season.
The walking and biking trails present excellent options for an outdoor holiday.
Both Mt. Hotham and Mt. Buller provide a range of summer activities and events, from abseiling to fireworks displays and film festivals, so it is advisable to check their respective websites for current offerings.
6. Bendigo
Bendigo provides an intriguing perspective on Victoria’s history.
Located less than two hours from Melbourne and easily accessible by train, Bendigo emerged as a gold rush boomtown during the Victorian era.
The town is characterized by well-preserved examples of Victorian architecture, making it famous for its heritage buildings and rich gold rush history. At one point, Victoria’s gold mines produced more gold than any other location worldwide, except California, with nearly one million kilograms extracted in Bendigo since mining commenced in the 1850s.
Similar to the gold rushes in the United States, the Victorian gold rush attracted a wave of migrants from around Australia and overseas, transforming Bendigo from a quiet sheep station into a bustling settlement.
Noteworthy sites for cultural and heritage tourists include the Discovery of Gold Monument, the Bendigo Tramways Museum, the Golden Dragon Museum (which honors the Chinese population that grew during the gold rush, peaking at 20% of the town’s residents in the 1860s), and the Joss House Temple, as well as several structures listed on the Victorian Heritage Register: the Bendigo Town Hall (established in 1859), the Old Post Office, the Law Courts (1892), the Sacred Heart Cathedral (1896), Shamrock Hotel (1897), and the Memorial Military Museum (1921).
This evolving city offers much more than just heritage and cultural tourism: beautiful national parks, a science museum, the renowned Bendigo Art Gallery, and the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, which offer scenic views of Lake Weeroona.
A highly informative experience of gold rush history can be found at the Central Deborah Gold Mine, where a subterranean tour of an authentic mine shaft provides a memorable experience (though potentially not suited for those with claustrophobia). Guests can even try their hand at panning for gold at the end of their visit!
7. Wilsons Promontory National Park
Victoria’s largest coastal wilderness area is cherished by locals and travelers, providing opportunities to engage closely with diverse native flora and fauna. Referred to as “the Prom,” it is home to an abundance of kangaroos, emus, wombats, echidnas, and vibrant birdlife.
Due to its popularity, the wildlife is quite accustomed to human interaction and is typically friendly, especially if you have food to offer! The hiking trails within the Prom are delightful, and it is also an excellent spot for leisurely beach activities.
This location is favored for camping and romantic retreats, ensuring various accommodation options are available to meet diverse preferences.
Available tour: Wilsons Promontory: 2.5-Hour Wilderness Cruise
8. Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula presents a delightful escape from Melbourne’s busy environment; situated a little over an hour away, visitors will discover a distinctly different atmosphere.
This region is renowned for its wineries, cherries, and berries, in addition to fresh farm produce contributing to delectable culinary experiences. It is also a favored site for foraging, particularly for sea spray herbs, seaweed, and mushrooms (Mushroom Tours offers guidance on discerning edible varieties from poisonous ones!).
As with many regional attractions, the picturesque walking trails across the peninsula should not be missed. However, vibrant local towns also offer a plethora of activities.
The Peninsula Hot Springs in Sorrento are particularly enjoyable; natural hot springs are rare in Australia.
Rosebud and Rye provide various family-friendly attractions, and Portsea is the place to go for a lovely beachside pub experience.
The colorful beach shacks lining Mount Martha make it a worthwhile visit as well.
The peninsula encompasses multiple national parks, spanning over 25,000 hectares collectively.
Admire charming sites such as Cape Schanck, which features a lighthouse built in 1859 that remains operational today and is an ideal spot for sunset viewing.
Available tour: Mornington Peninsula & Hot Springs Tour
9. Healesville Sanctuary
Situated in the picturesque Yarra Valley, Healesville Sanctuary is frequently regarded as the prime location in Australia for witnessing and interacting with Australian wildlife in their natural habitats.
Visitors can encounter a variety of iconic Australian animals, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, wombats, and even platypuses (the sanctuary’s signature species). Engaging experiences such as “wombat pat & play,” “wade with the platypus,” and a dingo encounter (which occasionally involves a kiss on the cheek from the dingo!) create unforgettable memories.
Available tour: Healesville Sanctuary General Admission Ticket
10. St Kilda
Melbourne offers an abundance of attractions, but St Kilda stands out as a must-visit location.
This vibrant suburb presents a multitude of possibilities, from beachside relaxation to a flourishing nightlife scene, the renowned Esplanade Markets, and some of the finest cuisine in the city (if not the entire state). Due to its ethnic diversity, Acland Street is particularly famous for its Greek and Jewish bakeries and confectionery shops, making it an ideal destination for those with a penchant for sweets.
Additionally, numerous vegetarian dining options are available, with the pay-as-you-feel establishment “Lentil as Anything” being particularly noteworthy.
St Kilda is celebrated for boutique shopping, vintage finds, and its iconic colorful beach shacks.
The picturesque pier is especially captivating when illuminated at night, offering opportunities for penguin spotting.
The botanic gardens provide a lovely setting for those wishing to enjoy the local delicacies or burn off their sweet indulgences!
Visitors will also find Luna Park here, an iconic amusement park that opened in 1912. The Scenic Railway, launched in the same year, features as the world’s oldest continuously operating rollercoaster, offering delightful views of Port Phillip Bay. Entrance is free, with payment required only for rides, making it enjoyable even for a leisurely stroll.
11. Fitzroy
Fitzroy is characterized by its vibrant and eclectic atmosphere, attracting those seeking unique experiences. It features vintage shopping, a lively bar and pub scene, a thriving alternative culture, and diverse restaurants offering a wide range of Australian and international cuisine, often at reasonable prices.
The ambiance of Fitzroy is inviting, making it an enjoyable area to explore on foot. Moreover, the area regularly hosts live music events, markets, and art functions, adding to its charm.
A visit to the in.cube8r Fitzroy Emporium and Gallery is highly encouraged.
12. Carlton Gardens
The Carlton Gardens are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located a brief walk from the heart of Melbourne.
The locale encompasses the Royal Exhibition Building, IMAX Cinema, and Melbourne Museum, all deserving of a visit.
The gardens epitomize exceptional Victorian landscaping and are also noted for their biodiversity.
The Royal Exhibition Building is a beautiful representation of heritage architecture.
Guests can observe a variety of wildlife here, including possums, kookaburras, and tawny frogmouths; there are even bats at night! Three notable fountains can be found as well: the Exhibition, French, and Westgarth Drinking fountains.
This area provides a pleasant and easily accessible outing for both Melburnians and visitors to the city.
13. Daylesford
Daylesford is a beautiful spa town located approximately an hour and a half from Melbourne, making it a popular getaway for locals and travelers.
Originally established as a gold-mining community, Daylesford has enjoyed a century-long reputation as a spa destination.
Renowned for its natural spring mineral spas, the vicinity houses over 80% of Australia’s effervescent mineral water.
Daylesford is also acclaimed for its wineries, galleries, restaurants, and stunning lake vistas.
The Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens are another lovely addition, and the breathtaking Hepburn Regional Park is conveniently nearby.
14. Dandenong Ranges
The Dandenong Ranges constitute a low mountain range situated on the outskirts of Melbourne, approximately 35 km from the city center.
This vibrant region is characterized by lush greenery and serves as a popular nature-filled day trip for locals and tourists alike.
The renowned Puffing Billy scenic railroad operates here, providing a fantastic way to appreciate the majestic landscape of the Ranges.
The highest elevation is Mount Dandenong, reaching 633 meters.
Visitors will find excellent farm-gate produce, breathtaking bushwalking paths, charming bed-and-breakfast accommodations, quaint towns, meticulously maintained gardens, and well-preserved examples of Australian architecture.
The Ranges also host a plethora of wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and more!
15. Ballarat
Ballarat is another celebrated gold-rush boomtown, now a dynamic city featuring excellent cafes and restaurants, with numerous events appealing to contemporary travelers, such as the Ballarat Beer Festival and the Summer of Sound.
The Ballarat Art Gallery is a must-visit, while a leisurely stroll around the lake is a delightful way to spend time. The Ballarat Wildlife Park provides an excellent setting for encounters with koalas!
Like Bendigo, Ballarat has successfully preserved its historical heritage, showcasing numerous examples of Victorian architectural design. The fascinating Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka is notably located on the historic site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade, the focal point of a significant rebellion against British colonial authority, marking a pivotal moment in Australia’s journey towards becoming a democratic nation.
Sovereign Hill is a particularly enjoyable attraction in Ballarat; this open-air museum and historical park is touted as Australia’s premier outdoor museum and immerses visitors in the experience of life during the height of the gold rush over 150 years ago. The authenticity and richness of information provided are extraordinary—you can delve underground for a guided tour of a genuine gold mine, explore shops from the 1850s, observe steam-driven machinery in action, and converse with costumed staff members representing various trades such as candle making, wheelwrighting, and confectionery.
This location also offers fantastic opportunities for memorable photographs!
Located 8 km from Ballarat is Kryal Castle, touted as “Australia’s only medieval adventure park and resort.” While the juxtaposition of jousting knights and dragons amidst Australia’s summer may seem out of place, it remains highly entertaining, providing a wonderful diversion for younger travelers in your group.
