From wine tasting to world class shopping, wildlife encounters to iconic coastal drives. Victoria has it all. Discover Melbourne's historic laneways and arcades, lined with trendy cafes and restaurants, secluded bars and fashion boutiques. Head out of the city to encounter the natural beauty of the Great Ocean Road and as the sun sets, marvel at the world renowned Penguin Parade at Philip Island.
Melbourne’s calendar is bursting at the seams with major cultural and art events and festivals. Dress to impress for the Spring Racing Carnival, take your seat at centre court to watch all the grand slam action of the Australian Open or experience a performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre. With a plethora of art galleries and museums to explore and major festivals occurring every month, Melbourne offers something for everyone.
From rainforests and rivers to old volcanoes and rugged coastline, the Great Ocean Road showcases nature at its most diverse. Marvel at the limestone stack formations of the Twelve Apostles, see the world famous waves at Bells Beach or laze on the golden sands at Anglesea. Tempt your tastebuds during your journey with fresh produce and excellent wineries, including Bellbrae Estate, surrounding Lorne and Bells Beach. It’s certainly not hard to see why this is one of Australia’s most iconic drives.
The café scene in Melbourne is world class. Whether it be during the week or a weekend get together, nothing says relaxation more than a barista prepared coffee and a sweet treat to accompany it. In the CBD, the cobblestone laneways are filled with the aroma of fresh espresso. Further afield, Richmond, Fitzroy and St Kilda also offer great café strips with a distinct neighbourhood feel. There’s always something new to discover in Melbourne’s hive of bustling, creative laneways, with their covert boutiques, famed restaurants and hole-in-the-wall cafes and bars.
Visit Melbourne’s Zoo to see over 320 species of animals from Australia and around the world. For the more adventurous, head out on safari at the Werribee Open Range Zoo to see zebras, giraffes, hippos and lion prides. If you are looking for native wildlife, make your way to Healesville Sanctuary for a unique Australian close-up encounter. Migrating Whales can be spotted from May until October making their annual pilgrimage at a number of purpose built vantage points along the southern coastline.
Breathe in the fresh sea air, sample local cuisine and immerse yourself in the relaxed alfresco lifestyle of the Mornington Peninsula, just one hour from Melbourne. Explore the galleries, spas and cafes in seaside villages, cool off with a day on the beach, or escape to the hinterland for gourmet delights at boutique wineries. Indulge in a relaxing thermal spa in the naturally heated and healing mineral waters at Peninsula Hot Springs. Then play a round on a striking cliff top golf course. The region’s diverse array of activities means there is plenty to fill up your days.
Just over 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, you’ll find Phillip Island, famous for its white sandy beaches and high-octane motorsports. Here you will find never ending family fun and an abundance of wildlife. Visit the Nobbies and observe Australia’s largest Fur seal colonies or take your place on the raised observation boardwalks and see nature at its finest as the Little penguins make their way from the beach to their burrows. Satisfy your need for speed and get swept and get swept up in the excitement that is the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, the home of international motorcycle and racing car championships.
Melbourne is undeniably the nation’s fashion and style mecca. From the high end fashions of Chapel Street and Emporium Melbourne in the CBD to the stalls of the Queen Victoria Markets, there is something to satisfy all tastes. Visit the largest shopping destination in Australia at Chadstone. Wander through historic, old world laneways and arcades for those one-off vintage pieces. The city’s passion for fashion is a serious matter, a fact not overlooked by international retail giants looking to establish an Australian outpost, and local designers keen on getting a strong start.
One of Victoria’s most popular holiday destinations, the Grampians is a series of rugged sandstone mountain ranges and forest. Rich in native wildlife, the national park is a great place for camping, climbing, scenic drives and bushwalking. A network of trails and tracks allows you to explore sparkling waterfalls, spectacular wildflowers and scenic lookouts. Hike to Boroka and be rewarded with a bird’s eye view across the park. Visit Brambuk Culture Centre to experience Australia’s native flora and fauna and discover the culture of the local Aboriginal people.
Spend a fun day out and go back to the bygone era of Ballarat’s gold mining days at Sovereign Hill. Experience the area’s unique gold mining history and try your hand at panning for real gold at the Red Hill Gully Diggings. Visit the 1850s style shops, schools and hotels, see a gold ‘pour and drop’ into the famous gold mining exhibits. The incredible sound and light show ‘AURA’ runs nightly and is a must see for every visitor. The Eureka Centre is situated close to the site of the 1854 infamous Eureka Stockage Rebellion.
