A rich culture of art galleries, museums and fine dining and a focus on heritage architecture and history set Australia’s southern state apart.
Wander through Melbourne’s cobblestoned lanes and hidden coffee haunts, take the Great Ocean Road, relive gold rush history and immerse yourself in the forests of the Dandenong Ranges. Stylish Victoria is a food lover’s delight and a cyclist’s dream, with gourmet dining and countryside trails.
Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, is a tangled funhouse of heritage arcades, creative street art, galleries and museums. Discover the latest Australian indie bands playing live, catch cutting-edge theater and visit the jail which once held bushranger Ned Kelly.
South of Melbourne is picturesque Mornington Peninsula. Hike coastal trails in national parkland, dive shipwrecks and swim with seals and dolphins. Meet Phillip Island’s penguin population or visit the Koala Conservation Area. The scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road features picturesque coastal towns and limestone sea stacks known as the Twelve Apostles.
Tour the famous Yarra Valley winegrowing region and visit Alowyn Gardens. Fish on the Buxton Trout and Salmon Farm and cycle the Warburton Rail Trail. On the historic steam train ride through the Dandenong Ranges you’ll discover artistic communities and rainforest trails.
Relax in Daylesford with an indulgent massage and mineral spa overlooking Lake Daylesford. Hike the Macedon Ranges before an afternoon of cellar-door wine tastings.
Take a paddle steamer down the Murray River or rent a kayak to visit secluded beaches. Have Devonshire tea in the Pioneer Settlement on the Marraboor River.
Bushwalk or go rock-climbing in the granite-strewn Grampians. The Brambuk Cultural Centre provides information about indigenous history, skills and bush food. Cycle between historic Goldfields towns or get a feel for the 19th-century gold rush at the replica gold-mining town of Sovereign Hill.
During winter, Victoria’s snowfields at Mt. Hotham, Mt. Buller, Falls Creek and surroundings provide snow sports and alpine retreats. Discover myrtle beech and snow gum forests of Gippsland on a 3-day walk from Mt. Baw Baw to Walhalla. Tour the High Country on the Great Alpine Road through the Victorian Alps or cycle the Muscat Trail.