At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Home to Melbourne, the vibrant cultural capital, Victoria boasts stunning coastal landscapes, picturesque vineyards, and awe-inspiring national parks. Whether you're a foodie, an adventure seeker, or a culture enthusiast, Victoria offers something for everyone. Dive into the diverse culinary scene, explore the Great Ocean Road, or unwind in the Yarra Valley.
Victoria, the smallest mainland state in Australia, packs a punch with its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Home to the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, Victoria is known for its stylish cafes, world-class restaurants, and an arts scene that rivals any global metropolis.
Beyond the city, you'll find the stunning Great Ocean Road, with its breathtaking coastal views and the iconic Twelve Apostles. The Yarra Valley beckons wine lovers with its rolling vineyards and gourmet produce, while the tranquil Dandenong Ranges offer lush forests and charming villages.
Victoria's gold rush history comes alive in towns like Ballarat and Bendigo, where grand architecture and fascinating museums tell tales of a bygone era. Nature enthusiasts will love exploring the Grampians National Park, with its rugged mountain ranges, scenic hikes, and indigenous rock art.
Cities & towns
Melbourne
Discover one of the greatest cities in the world, Melbourne. The capital city of Victoria is located approximately 713 kilometres from Sydney on the southeastern coast of Australia. This funky and down-to-earth destination is filled with vibrancy, culture, and plenty of things to do. Visit an array of hip bars, quirky cafés, and world-class restaurants. There is also an abundance of art galleries and museums to explore. The famous Queen Victoria Markets and The World Heritage Site-listed, Royal Exhibition Building is well worth a visit.
Mildura
Mildura is situated in Victoria, offering world-class food with small-town hospitality. Savour fresh local produce direct from the farm or visit the award-winning restaurants, a foodies haven! The Murray-Darling region is producing more than 20 per cent of Australia’s wine-grape harvest and is home to some of the best-known wine companies in the country. The Murray River is famous because it is Australia’s longest river.
Explore Victoria's Historic Towns
Victoria is home to charming towns born from the 1850s gold rush. Discover the rich history of the Victorian Goldfields between Ballarat, Wedderburn, and Stawell.
Uncover the Goldfields
Visit Bendigo, Maryborough, Castlemaine, Daylesford, Avoca, Blackwood, and more. Each town offers unique gold rush-era charm.
Ballarat: Gold Rush Heartland
In Ballarat, explore Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum where you can pan for gold and learn about the 1851 gold rush.
More to See in Ballarat
Enjoy Ballarat’s vibrant food scene with restaurants, breweries, and cafés. Visit local wineries for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and explore the Art Gallery of Ballarat for cultural delights.
Plan your visit to Victoria’s historic towns and experience a blend of history and modern attractions.
Region highlights
Go on a day trip and coastal drive of a lifetime, The Great Ocean Road, and admire the iconic Twelve Apostles. Uncover natural wilderness and Indigenous culture in the Grampians or visit Wilsons Promontory, a bush walker’s paradise! Marvel at the Victorian Mountains, a hidden gem offering year-round seclusion. Say G’day to penguins on Phillip Island or get lost in the vineyards at Yarra Valley, the options are endless!
Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula, just an hour from Melbourne, offers charming coastal living and Australian hospitality. Escape the city and enter this Mediterranean-style oasis.
Renowned for its food and wine, the region boasts over 50 wine cellars, famous for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Visit Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm to pick fresh strawberries or enjoy a wood-fired pizza and Pinot Gris at T’Gallant Winery.
Gippsland
Getaway to Gippsland - a real Australian gem! Stretching from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to the New South Wales border. Featuring wild ocean beaches, a collection of bushland, quirky country towns, lakes, and an abundance of native flora. This charming place is oozing with Aussie friendliness and is a foodie haven.
National parks in Victoria
With 45 national parks to explore, Victoria is truly a natural wonderland. Home to 4300 native plants and 950 native animals, there are plenty of opportunities to have close encounters with unique Australian wildlife. Here, you can find 201 reptile species, over 450 different species of birds, and 139 mammal species. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and almost 30 species of snakes!
Which national park is on your bucket-list?
Alpine National Park is the largest found in Victoria and is an outdoor enthusiast's playground. Other national parks worth visiting are the Dandenong Ranges National Park, Murray-Sunset National Park, Mount Buffalo National Park, Croajingolong National Park, and the Great Otway National Park. With an area of 1,326 square kilometres, Little Desert National Park is one of the smallest found in the state.
Visit two of our favourite National Parks
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.