Victoria: Things To Do & Places To See

Victoria plays host to the trendy capital of Melbourne, 5 outstanding wine regions, beautiful natural landscapes, unique wildlife and iconic drives, meaning there is no doubt, something for everyone. Here is an easy guide to the best of Victoria.

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(Photo Credit: Emily Godfrey/Visit Victoria)

 

Australia’s cultural hub, the state’s capital of Melbourne has enough to keep visitors entertained for days. Wander through the city’s laneways filled with colourful street art, hidden boutiques, bars and galleries. Stop into Federation Square, the city's main culture and entertainment hub, pick a team and head to a game of AFL or to the raceways for the Melbourne Cup. Take a stroll by the Yarra River, visit Australia’s oldest gallery or indulge in premium food and wine at one of the many award-winning restaurants.

 

 

 

For those after a little more nature, take a day trip to Phillip Island just 90 minutes drive south of Melbourne. Watch the famous Penguin Parade as the island’s native little penguins come back to shore after a day of fishing or take a cruise to Seal Rocks, the home of Australia’s largest Australian fur seal colony. Hike the coastal wilderness at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia at Wilson Promontory or head to Victoria’s high country amid mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes.

 

 

 

Head up a little higher to Victoria’s High Country and Alps region. Hike the alpine scenery and hut ruins along the Great Dividing Range or adventure to Mount Buller and Mount Sterling keeping an eye out for Craig’s Hut, part of the iconic ‘The Man From Snowy River’ Film set or amid the Great Dividing Ranges. Hit the slopes at Alpine resorts or taste your way through the region with numerous wineries, craft breweries and farm gate provedores.

 

(Photo Credit: Julian Kingma/Visit Victoria)

 

Just a 3 and a half hour’s drive from Melbourne’s city centre north-west, a sanctuary for food and wine lovers and a playground for explorers can be found in the Grampians. Lace up your hiking boots and take to the Grampians National Park. Indulge yourself at the Royal Mail Hotel, one of the consistently voted best dining destinations in Australia or take a winery tour among the region's 23 wineries.

 

(Photo Credit: Robert Blackburn/Visit Victoria)

 

Close to an hour’s drive north-east of Melbourne, tuck into farm-fresh produce, visit the region’s famous cellar doors or be pampered at a luxury day spa in the Yarra Valley, one of Melbourne’s favourite weekend getaways. Take a behind the scenes winery tour at De Bortoli, indulge in a private cheese plate at Yering Station or take to the skies and view the vines from up high on a hot air balloon ride.

 

(Photo Credit: Jackalope Hotel)

 

South of Melbourne, Book a table at award-winning Laura at Pt Leo Estate, and wander its sculpture park or stay at the luxury Jackalope Hotel in the Mornington Peninsula. Head to Port Phillip Bay for a stroll on the beach or get some well-deserved rest and relaxation at the Peninsula Hot Springs. Work off the wine and gourmet food on the Arthurs Seat walk for exceptional views of the bay or challenge yourself to the Mornington Peninsula Walk along the Port Phillip coastline.

 

(Photo Credit: Mark Watson/Visit Victoria)

 

South of Melbourne, Book a table at award-winning Laura at Pt Leo Estate, and wander its sculpture park or stay at the luxury Jackalope Hotel in the Mornington Peninsula. Head to Port Phillip Bay for a stroll on the beach or get some well-deserved rest and relaxation at the Peninsula Hot Springs. Work off the wine and gourmet food on the Arthurs Seat walk for exceptional views of the bay or challenge yourself to the Mornington Peninsula Walk along the Port Phillip coastline.

 

(Photo Credit: Emily Godfrey/Visit Victoria)

 

How To Get To Victoria

The most accessible hub to experience Victoria is it’s capital of Melbourne. Melbourne airport supports flights from many international destinations and Australian capital cities, making it easy and practical. If you are arriving from South Australia, this makes for the perfect opportunity to travel the famed Great Ocean Road on a road trip to remember.

 

Find your Victoria travel inspiration here