The foodie, cultural and sports-loving capital city of Melbourne has enough to keep visitors entertained for days. But better yet, Victoria’s most enticing experiences are all within a short drive from the city. From mountain vistas to cool-climate wines and little penguins, whichever direction you turn, Victoria will serve up something unforgettable.
Top things to do
Melbourne is a blend of bustling laneways, world-class restaurants and captivating museums. The locals love their coffee, and serve it up in abundance at cosy cafes. There's always a sense of excitement here – whether its in the city's fascinating flavours or fierce sporting rivalries. Attend a sports event, drink a cocktail on a rooftop and uncover the stories hidden within Melbourne's art-filled alleyways.
Wander through Melbourne’s laneways
Lose yourself in a wonderland of colourful street art, al fresco cafes, intimate wine bars, and quirky boutiques – you never know what you’ll find just around the corner. Discover all the hidden secrets of Melbourne’s laneways.
Explore a vibrant arts and culture scene
Melbourne’s arts and culture scene is jam-packed with international and local exhibitions and shows. Visit Australia’s oldest gallery and catch a musical at one of the many theatres. Find out why Melbourne is the culture capital of Australia.
Seek out Melbourne’s secret spots
There’s always something new to discover in Melbourne. Laneway haunts, bustling markets and Aboriginal art installations all contribute to Melbourne’s dynamic vibe. These hidden gems will show you a different side of Melbourne.
Shop the markets
From emerging local designers and international brands to boutique-lined shopping strips and vintage markets, Melbourne is a shopper’s mecca. Find out where to shop for eclectic Melbourne style, one-of-a-kind creations and bargain finds.
Seek out the sand
Dotted around Port Philip Bay, Melbourne’s beaches are calm and sheltered, making them ideal for swimming. Each bay and beach has its own unique quirk – from colourful bathing boxes to resident penguins. It's the perfect way to escape the city.
The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. The striking vistas along the iconic road evoke awe with craggy cliffs, empty beaches and soaring bluffs flanked by brilliant green countryside. Add epic surf, native wildlife, unforgettable hiking and biking trails and you will find plenty of things to see and do around every corner.
Experience the 12 Apostles
These soaring pillars, which have been chiselled out of limestone over 10 to 20 million years, are the highlight of the Great Ocean Road. Stop at Teddy’s Lookout along the craggy cliffs to admire the famed sea stacks, which tower above the ocean.
Visit a hot spring sanctuary
Experience wellness on another level at Victoria’s first hot springs hotel where you’ll bask in an open-air sanctuary that taps into the region’s natural geothermal waters. The Warrnambool sanctuary features 15 carefully curated bathing pools.
Connect with nature and culture
Learn about the significance of Tower Hill, Victoria’s largest dormant volcano, to local Indigenous people on a guided bush and nature tour. While exploring this rare geological site, you’ll also get close to some of Australia’s most iconic animals.
Discover Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier is defined by the incredible geological formations of the region. For starters, explore the sapphire waters of Blue Lake, wander the gardens of Umpherston Sinkhole, snorkel in Piccaninnie Ponds and dive deep into Kilsby Sinkhole.
Try your hand as a chocolatier
Enjoy a decadent one-hour Chocolate Discovery class, or a Taste & Create Rocky Road Workshop where you can indulge in tastings and craft your own chocolate bars at the family-friendly Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.
Sit back at a brewery
You may know the Great Ocean Road for its regional restaurants and local produce, but it’s time to add craft beer to the list. Passionate locals who love good beer have set up breweries all along this iconic route. Here’s a selection of the best.
Swim with seals and dolphins
Swimming with dolphins and seals is made even more special in the blue-green waters of Port Phillip Bay. Those on a wildlife sightseeing tour will also enjoy sightings of the Australasian gannet, Australia’s largest diving seabird.
The Mornington Peninsula, located just one hour south of Melbourne, is the ultimate blend of luxury and the great outdoors. Step into its dramatic wilderness – home to an endless array of activities from natural thermal pools to dolphin encounters – to reconnect with the earth (and yourself). When it’s time to rest, the region’s renowned restaurants and world-class wineries will serve the comforts, while opulent hotels, including the arty Jackalope, provide the perfect oasis to switch off from the world around you.
Sample Australia's finest pinot noir
The Mornington Peninsula’s love affair with wines has produced some of the country’s finest cool-climate representations of pinot noir and chardonnay – not to mention the exquisite vineyards with dazzling views. Check out the region’s best drops.
Treat yourself to a spa day
Everyone needs a little pampering, and the peninsula is just the place for it. Feel restored and revitalised at the tranquil Peninsula Hot Springs with natural thermal mineral baths, blissful spa treatments and rejuvenating wellness experiences.
Discover the underwater world
The Mornington Peninsula is home to two of the best diving sites in the country. Head to the waters of Portsea Pier and Port Phillip Bay to encounter fascinating shipwrecks and marvellous marine life from weedy seadragons to octopus and goblin fish.
Visit Jackalope
Perched upon a scenic vineyard, the opulent Jackalope Hotel blends countryside chic with contemporary flair. Expect sleek rooms equipped with an oasis-like deep-soak Japanese bath and acclaimed dining rooms serving delicious, playful dishes.
Lace up your hiking shoes
Known for its dramatic cliffs, azure ocean and lush woodland, the Morning Peninsula National Park makes for a walker’s paradise. From easy-going strolls to energetic full-day hikes, there is a walk for everyone on the picturesque peninsula.
Swim with dolphins and seals
What’s a trip to the peninsula without meeting the local residents? The region’s coastline boasts large pods of dolphins and colonies of sea lions. Swimming with these vivacious creatures in the wild is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Meet cute marsupials at Moonlit
Koala encounters, hand-feeding kangaroos and dingo dates; Moonlit Sanctuary really is a wildlife wonderland. With conservation at the heart of the sanctuary, you can visit knowing you’re supporting these adorable (and awesome) animals.
Rising from the pastoral land of Victoria's west are the Grampians – a playground for adventurers and haven for food and wine lovers, with a fascinating Aboriginal story to tell. The Grampians National Park is home to an incredible mountain landscape dotted with small towns such as Dunkeld, Stawell, Halls Gap, Wartook Valley and Beaufort. With so much to do, it's no wonder this nature lover's paradise is a popular escape among Melburnians.
Hike to a panoramic lookout
One of the most scenic spots from which to get your bearings is the stunning Boroka Lookout. You can hike or drive here to take in the scenery of Halls Gap and the valley below, making it a great choice for less mobile visitors.
Gaze up at massive murals
Head out along the 200-kilometre (124-mile) Silo Art Trail to see towering works created by internationally recognised street artists. The trail starts in the Grampians and takes you through six quaint towns with much to explore.
Taste the region’s wine legacy
The Grampians is home to some of Australia’s oldest vines, with over 150 years of winemaking history. Explore the region and its iconic sub-regions to taste peppery shiraz and sparkling varietals. Discover some of the area’s best wine experiences.
Climb to the Pinnacle
The Grampians is renowned for its hiking, with trails for every experience level. Whether you have an appetite for a few hours - or a few days - you can find a track that suits. Start at the iconic Pinnacle walk and see where your adventures lead.
Explore Aboriginal rock art sites
Known as Gariwerd to the Aboriginal people, the Grampians has more than 60 rock art sites, five of which are open to the public. Visit the sites to see paintings and handprints that were used to tell stories and pass on the local law of the people.
Spot wildflowers
Every year during the season of ‘petyan’ (between late August and mid-November), the Grampians turns into a wildflower garden. Seek out the bursts of yellow, purple, white and pink hidden within the otherwise rugged landscape.
Stretching 542 kilometres (337 miles) from Melbourne to the New South Wales border, Gippsland covers the entire south-east corner of the continent. If you’re seeking unforgettable wilderness adventures and wildlife encounters, Wilson’s Promontory and Tarra Bulga National Parks deliver in spades. Cruise along the glistening blue waterways of Gippsland Lakes, bike ride through quaint towns, explore ancient caves and take a scenic drive through picturesque landscapes spanning country to coast, indulging in gourmet treats and beautiful wine along the way.
Take a hike
Connect with nature on one of Tarra-Bulga National Park’s walking trails. Take in the sights and sounds of this remarkable rainforest as you walk through lush fern gullies and above the forest canopy upon crossing Corrigan’s Suspension Bridge.
Cruise through ‘The Prom’
Explore the unique seascape of Wilsons Promontory on an eco-cruise adventure. Encounter an abundance of marine life, granite boulders and unspoiled white sand beaches as you traverse the rugged coastline aboard an amphibious boat.
Explore ancient limestone caves
Step inside a magical subterranean world of sparkling limestone formations and calcite-rimmed pools that have been millions of years in the making. The ancient Buchan Caves are a natural wonder that must be seen to be believed.
Spot whales and marine life
Time your visit to coincide with migrating whales (May to November). Gippsland’s coastline provides plenty of prime vantage points for spotting these majestic creatures as they frolic and breach from the water, so have your camera ready.
Meet the Raymond Island koalas
For some of the best koala-spotting in the country, head to Raymond Island and take a stroll among the gumtrees on the island’s famous Koala Trail. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, echidnas and plenty of native birds along the way too.
Experience the lakes and waterways
Hop aboard a historic vessel and explore Australia’s largest network of inland waterways. Soak up the views and spot all manner of marine life as you sail through inlets and estuaries, past islands and townships.
Phillip Island offers visitors the chance to see incredible Australian wildlife amongst spectacular landscapes. The Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and Nobbies Centre are just a few of the island's unique attractions. Follow the Southern Gippsland Wine Trail and experience Phillip Island’s excellent cool-climate wines and fresh organic produce.
Meet the friendly locals
One of the area's most popular events, the Penguin Parade allows visitors to catch a glimpse of the island's native little penguins as they come back ashore after a day of fishing. Head to Summerland Beach for a 180-degree viewing of the parade on their tiered seating. There are also several VIP and guided tours on offer for up-close viewing and ranger commentary. Alternatively, try to catch a glimpse of them in their burrows from the elevated timber boardwalks around the island. With over 32,000 little penguins living on the island, you've gt a good chance of spotting a few.
Discover the island's other inhabitants
Head up into the treetops and come face-to-face with koalas in their natural habitat. The Koala Conservation Centre has raised boardwalks for excellent viewing and photo opportunities. Alternatively, jump on board with Wildlife Coast Cruises for a trip around the island to see seals, dolphins, whales and a range of birdlife.
The Dandenong Ranges are the cool, green lungs of Melbourne. Explore the fern glades and soaring forests of mountain ash (the world's tallest flowering trees) by car, on foot or in a historic steam train. Wander through some of Australia's finest mature gardens and enjoy great country fare in pretty villages and rustic farm cafes.
Eat at a top Melbourne chef's country café and bakery
Enjoy a hearty country breakfast or long lunch at the rustic-chic Piggery Café and Burnham Bakery, located in the restored stables and piggery of the historic Burnham Beeches estate in Sherbrooke. Outside tables overlook lawn bowls, croquet and bocce pitches popular with guests. Further afield are extensive vegetable gardens, a 500-tree trufferie and an enclosure for emus that supply eggs for the café. This is stage one of an ambitious project by Melbourne star chef Shannon Bennett, who plans to add Australia's longest chicken run, a 16-cow automated dairy plus a steakhouse, microbrewery and luxury retreat all designed according to sustainable principles.
Discover the Dandenong Ranges' colourful cool climate gardens
The Dandenong Ranges are home to many established cool climate gardens that are particularly spectacular in spring and autumn. Wander amid huge rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and daffodils in the National Rhododendron Gardens and enjoy an ornamental lake surrounded by mountain ash, gingko, maple and liquid amber trees at the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens. Ponder Aboriginal spirituality as you discover the sculptures of Aboriginal people tucked among the ferns of the tranquil William Ricketts Sanctuary. Admire the kaleidoscope of colour at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival (early September to early October) and check out the 20 English “garden rooms” of Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens. You'll find a patchwork of 150 species of native and exotic trees at the RJ Hamer Arboretum, and kids will love the hedge maze at Sky High Mount Dandenong, which also has fabulous views over Melbourne.
Go for a ride on the Puffing Billy steam train
Breathe in the cool mountain air through the open-sided carriages of one of the world's finest preserved steam railways as it wends its way for 24 kilometres (15 miles) through the tall mountain ash forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges. Puffing Billy trundles along timber bridges, stops at historic, small-town railway stations and offers views of farmland all the way to Port Phillip Bay. You can even dangle your legs over the side of the open carriages (kids love it). There are also special train journeys including lunch and dinner in fully enclosed, first-class dining carriages.
Invigorate body and mind in the natural mineral springs and historic villages of Daylesford and surrounding region. It's just an 80-minute drive north-west of Melbourne through rolling eucalyptus-dotted hills and sheep and cattle paddocks. Indulge in spas and wellness retreats, enjoy great food and wine in country pubs and gourmet restaurants, explore heritage gardens, buy produce from farm gates and browse boutiques and arts galleries in quaint country towns.
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Soak in a mineral water bath
Start your day at the beautifully restored historic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, where you can recline on underwater couches, swim in a salt therapy pool and be pampered with all manner of facials, scrubs and massages. Savour the private mineral bath (100 per cent mineral water) and soak up a sublime view of the Australian bush through the large glass windows of the relaxation pool.
Stay in luxury resorts
Dine, spa and stay at The Lake House, one of the Luxury Lodges of Australia. Savour inspired preparations of seasonal food matched with an internationally acclaimed wine list. Chef and owner Alla Wolf-Tasker is an Australian culinary trailblazer and her restaurant has won every award in the book over its 30-year history. Enjoy a soak in a circular wooden tub perched in a stilt house high in the branches of the willow trees overlooking Lake Daylesford. Alternatively, stay at the Art Deco-style Peppers Springs Mineral Retreat, which offers water baths overlooking tranquil gardens. The soft-pack flotation beds are the only ones of their kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Pack a picnic and visit mysterious Hanging Rock
Climb Hanging Rock, a 105-metre (344-foot) tall, steep-sided ancient volcano, which has eroded to create bizarre rock formations. The 1975 Australian movie classic, Picnic at Hanging Rock, was filmed here. See lots of Australian birds and maybe an echidna or wallaby as well as spectacular views of the surrounding farmland from the top. Country races take place on the horse track at the base of Hanging Rock.
Less than a one-hour drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is home to vineyards, fine dining and quaint accommodation, making it one of Melbourne's favourite weekend breaks.
Visit the vineyards
The Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest wine region, dating back to 1838, and has garnered a global reputation for its chardonnay and pinot noir. Visit the French-style cellar door at Dominique Portet Winery, which specialises in sparkling wine and has received rave reviews for its Fontaine Rosé. Experience a behind-the-scenes vineyard and winery tour at De Bortoli or enjoy a private wine tasting with cheese plates at Yering Station. The Yarra Valley is also known for its local breweries and artisan cider producers. Drop into Innocent Bystander, located in the former White Rabbit Brewery site in Healesville, or try a range of standard and special brews at Watts River Brewing, also in Healesville.
Sample local flavours
The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its fresh produce, including freshwater salmon, trout and caviar, as well as handmade cheeses and preserves. Start the day with freshly baked muffins and coffee at Healesville Harvest. Head to Yarra Valley Dairy for a wide selection of artisan cheeses, and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, where you can choose from more than 250 chocolate products. Drop into Yarra Farm Fresh to sample the best locally grown Yarra Valley produce, such as cheeses, biscuits, cakes and chutneys, all under the one roof. Gourmands should make reservations for the five or eight-course degustation at Ezard at Levantine Hill.
Unwind in a day spa
After a day of wine tasting, treat yourself to a luxurious pampering session at Piaf Day Spa. Set on a four-hectare (10-acre) rainforest sanctuary, it has treatment rooms framed by spectacular views. Pick one of the many packages that include treatments like body exfoliation, heated stone massages and customised facials. There are also couples packages and treatments that can be tailored to your needs.
With white sandy beaches, thriving rainforests and towering eucalypts, Croajingolong National Park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike around rocky headlands, mountain bike across rambling heathland and fish from secluded beaches in this World Biosphere Reserve in south-east Victoria, near the border with New South Wales. Stretching along the coastline for 100 kilometres (60 miles), Croajingolong is one of Victoria's largest parks and home to more than 300 bird species.
Lace up your hiking boots
If you love hiking, you won't want to miss the seven-day Croajingolong National Park Tour with Gippsland High Country Tours. Alternatively, go bird watching and learn about wildflowers on a gentle eco tour, or sign up for a tour with moderate grade walks. You can also tackle a section (or more) of the epic 100-kilometre (60-mile) Wilderness Coast Walk, which goes from Sydenham Inlet to Wonboyn, in New South Wales. The Thurra River to Shipwreck Creek section takes between three and four days and features rocky headlands, open beaches and small coves.
Go whale watching
There is no place like a ruggedly remote lighthouse post from which to spot passing whales, and visitors to Croajingolong have two prime locations. Point Hicks Lighthouse is an hour drive along a mostly unsealed road from the Princes Highway. Gabo Island Lighthouse can be accessed by boat via Mallacoota, or by air transfer with Merimbula Air Services. You can also sign up for tours of both lighthouses and stay overnight in the keepers' cottages.
Unwind in Mallacoota
Relax in the pretty coastal town of Mallacoota, set on Mallacoota Inlet and surrounded by Croajingolong National Park. Get up close to a mob of kangaroos at Gipsy Point and go for a swim at popular Betka Beach. Hire a boat, canoe or kayak from Gipsy Point Lodge, where you can spend the night in a room overlooking the Genoa River.
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