Victoria

VICTORIA – WHY GO?

Buzzy cities, winter sports, wine and rugged scenery – varied Victoria has something for every visitor and every season. Check out the cosmopolitan cities and then head out to the countryside to climb mountains or take the less strenuous option of a vineyard tour.

MUST SEE, MUST DO

Melbourne
As the gateway to Victoria, Melbourne is as cosmopolitan as it comes. It’s all here, from the chic bars and fashion stores of South Yarra to trendy cafés, ritzy restaurants, elegant Victorian facades and glassy skyscrapers. Hop aboard a tram into town for a taste of Melbourne's galleries, museums and shops. Hit the Yarra River pathway with a picnic or wander into the Botanical Gardens to see nature in full bloom.

Ski fields
Victoria’s regions are hugely varied – you’ll find gold fields at Ballarat where you can still pan for your fortune, and ski fields like Falls Creek and Mount Beauty in the High Country where bushrangers like Ned Kelly have staked their claim in the history books. Come here for winter sports in the snow season or simply indulge in a starlit soak in the rock spa at Dreamers, in the foothills of Mount Bogong.

Wineries
East of Melbourne, there are rolling hills of olive groves and vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula. You’ll find over 15 wineries within a 15-minute drive of Rye, as well as wide-open sandy beaches and golf courses. And you won’t want to miss seeing the colonies of fairy penguins at nearby Philip Island. 

Great Ocean Road
The unmissable Great Ocean Road stretching along Victoria’s western coast is one of the world’s most scenic drives. You’ll see the rugged splendour of the Twelve Apostles – giant rock stacks rising from the Southern Ocean – some brilliant surfing beaches and charm-packed old fishing towns like Port Fairy – a great base for exploring the region.   

MAKE A DATE 

January
Head off to the Australian Open Tennis. Will it be love all?

March
Get foot tapping at the renowned Port Fairy Folk Festival.

June
Join in some of the music workshops at Port Fairy's Rhapsody in June.

End of August
Come and watch the Kangaroo Hoppet cross country ski races at Falls Creek – the Southern Hemisphere’s largest snow sports event.

October-November
Get your gladrags out for the world famous Melbourne Cup – highlight of the Spring Racing Festival.

October
Eat to the beat at the Main Street Mornington festival: live jazz and blues, performing arts and over 90 food and wine stalls. 

Culture vultures will jump at the Spring into Art festival, held at locations throughout the Peninsula. Drama, food markets, flower shows and more.

VICTORIA ROMANCE
Sup on a cocktail together at the Rialto in Melbourne for great nighttime views of the city lights.