Jack Hart

Jack Hart

Marketing Executive

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Victoria should be a must on any trip to the Land Down Under. Its compact diversity and accessibility to the must-see attractions from the state capital Melbourne, are just some of the numerous reasons to tour this spectacular region.

Nicknamed the ‘Garden State’ for good reason, varied landscapes, incredible nature and wildlife, topped off with phenomenal food and wine, make any trip to Australia complete with a visit to this verdant wonder.

Best of all, the majority of these can be reached within a two hour drive from the exciting and cultural city of Melbourne. Here we take a look at Victoria’s most unmissable experiences…

1. Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges – 1 hour drive from Melbourne

• This beautiful, cool climate destination is renowned for being one of Victoria’s oldest and best known wine regions. Sip at the cellar doors of some of the world’s most loved wines and distilleries including Chandon, Four Pillars, De Bortolli Estate, Rochford and more. 

• Jump on board Puffing Billy, Australia’s historic steam train for an unforgettable journey through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges.

• Arise early and experience a sunrise to remember in a hot air balloon. Marvel as you float peacefully over the Yarra Valley.

 

Websters Estate - Bethanga, Victoria, Australia

2. Phillip Island – 90 minute drive from Melbourne

• Home to a plethora of observable wildlife, Phillip Island’s most famous resident is the little penguin. Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade as the little penguins march up the beach to their nesting places after a day of fishing.

 

Penguins at Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia

3. Mornington Peninsula – 1 hour drive from Melbourne

• Relax in natural geothermal waters at Peninsula Hot Springs with more than 70 bathing experiences, or at super luxe Alba thermal springs, where you can dine at the onsite restaurant Thyme.

• Indulge in an extraordinary fine dining and cultural experience at Pt. Leo Estate (don’t miss the sculpture park) and explore one of Australia’s ultimate wineries at Montalto.

 

Peninsula Hot Springs, Victoria, Australia

4. Geelong & The Bellarine – 1 hour drive from Melbourne

• Victoria's second largest city, Geelong has a vibrant creative scene. Wander through the picturesque and famous Baywalk Bollards Trail stretching along the Geelong foreshore.

• Breathe in the sea air and listen to the waves at Point Lonsdale, on the tip of the Bellarine Peninsula in Wadawurrung country. Discover its beautiful beaches, award-winning wineries, fascinating heritage and an enormous range of recreational opportunities from fishing and golfing to diving and surfing.


5. Great Ocean Road – 90 minute drive from Melbourne to the start

• Australia’s greatest coastal drive and also considered one of the world’s most epic drives. Famous for its dramatic coastline, the Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometres from Torquay to Allansford. 

• Along the way, travellers can witness the stunning Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks rising majestically from the ocean.

 

Couple hiking on the Great Ocean Walk, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

6. Daylesford – 90 minute drive from Melbourne

• Head to the heart of Victoria’s spa country, Daylesford, a village dedicated to wellbeing and complete relaxation. Find balance and invigorate your body and mind in Daylesford's famous mineral waters.

• Wine and dine at Daylesford's fabulously acclaimed Lake House Restaurant.


7. Walhalla – 2 and a half hours from Melbourne

• Discover Walhalla, a sleepy mountainside town frozen in time. Steeped in the history of a once busy gold mining industry and formerly one of Australia’s richest towns, today it is home to only 20 residents.


8. Wilson’s Promontory National Park – 3 hours from Melbourne

• Go slow and spend some quality time unwinding in the stunning natural surrounds of Wilsons Promontory, Victoria’s largest coastal wilderness.

• Discover Australia’s best beach for 2024 – Squeaky beach. Famous for its unique white quartz sand that emits a distinctive “squeak” underfoot. Surrounded by stunning granite boulders and clear turquoise waters, it’s ideal for beach lovers and hikers alike, offering scenic views and a peaceful escape into nature.

 

Squeaky Beach - Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria, Australia

9. Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park – 3 hours from Melbourne

• Witness ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings throughout the park, evidence of Aboriginal people's long association with the Grampians. 

• Marvel at the immensely striking scenery from lookouts with stunning panoramic views and the impressive MacKenzie Falls, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in Victoria.

 

Grampians Peaks Trail, Victoria, Australia

10. Lakes Entrance – 4 hours from Melbourne

• Soak up the coastal vibe, enjoy a variety of water sports and dine on ocean-fresh seafood at resort towns including Lakes Entrance, Merimbula and Batemans Bay as well as smaller villages in Metung, Paynesville and Mallacoota.

 

Aerials of Lakes Entrance, East Gippsland, Victoria

Every Bit Different

With major airlines flying into Melbourne, manageable drive times and fantastic, varied experiences close by, make your next Australian adventure truly memorable with a visit to Victoria.

For more inspiration, take a look at our Victoria Holidays pages.