Victoria Travel Guide

Australia

Victoria
Twelve Apostles featuring rocky coastline, a sunset and a sandy beach
Victoria showing a skyscraper, a bay or harbour and a city
Great Ocean Road featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as an individual child
Victoria

Drive the Great Ocean Road passing the Twelve Apostles, spot koalas and penguins, ski in the highlands and take in the cultural delights of cosmopolitan Melbourne.

Victoria’s rolling farmlands and forested mountains are framed by the mighty Murray River to the north and rugged coastline to the south.

The state’s capital, Melbourne, is Australia's second-largest and most cultural city, a place where old and new, funky and chic, classical and cutting edge blend together effortlessly.

Heritage meets high rise along the city center’s main street, Collins Street. From the jumble of modern architecture and museums of Federation Square, stroll along the Yarra River at Southbank. Browse the stalls of the covered Queen Victoria Market or buy your gourmet treats at the Italian hub of Lygon Street.

Leave Melbourne behind to visit the coastal playground that is the southern Mornington Peninsula, with its colorful shacks perched along golden beaches.

To the west, tour the famous Great Ocean Road and marvel at the soaring limestone stacks known as the Twelve Apostles. Experience the excitement of Victoria’s gold rush in the replica town of Sovereign Hill near Ballarat. Enjoy a walk through the Grampians, a mountain range of craggy granite peaks and abundant wildlife.

In the north, take a step back in time in the quaint pioneer town of Echuca. Drift along the scenic Murray, Australia's longest river, on a historic paddle steamer.

Tour the Yarra Valley vineyards northeast of Melbourne and follow the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail.

The eastern Alpine region turns into a delightful winter wonderland around May. You can base yourself in the resort town of Falls Creek, a fun-packed ski resort. Closer to Melbourne, ski the gentle slopes of Mount Baw Baw or test your skills on Mount Hotham and Mount Buller. Outside the wintersports season, cycle or hike the scenic trails of the Alpine region and enjoy a train ride along the Walhalla Goldfields Railway.

Along the Gippsland coast, cross the bridge to Phillip Island, where special wildlife encounters await at the Koala Conservation Centre and the Penguin Parade.

Popular cities in Victoria

Victoria featuring street scenes, a city and signage
Melbourne
Known for Dining, Shopping and Family-friendly
Experience the architecture, local cuisine and sports in Melbourne!

Reasons to visit

  • Melbourne Central
  • Marvel Stadium
Ballarat showing night scenes and heritage architecture
Ballarat
Known for Historical, Lakes and Gardens
Home to the famous Eureka Stockade, this historic gold rush city has fascinating museums, fresh local produce, wildlife parks and a tribute to Australian democracy.

Reasons to visit

  • Sovereign Hill
  • Lake Wendouree
Bendigo featuring a city
Bendigo
Known for Art, Museums and Historical
Bendigo is a regional city with a twist. Its quaint old buildings aren’t faded icons of gold-rush glory – they’ve been brought careening into the 21st century.

Reasons to visit

  • Bendigo Art Gallery
Bright
Bright
Known for Gardens, Waterfalls and Swimming
Experience this Victorian High Country town with a bike, kayak, hiking boots or skis, or simply take your taste buds on a tour around the gorgeous Ovens Valley.

Reasons to visit

  • Ovens River Rail Trail Bridge
Benwerrin
Benwerrin
Head to sights like Great Otway National Park as you discover the local area in Benwerrin.
Geelong
Geelong
Known for Friendly people, Shopping and Beaches
Spectacular rock forms, scenic drives, attractive beaches and a fascinating cultural heritage await at this port city in Victoria.