Victoria

Victoria, the smallest mainland state in Australia, packs a punch with its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. 

Home to Melbourne, the vibrant cultural capital, Victoria boasts outstanding coastal landscapes, such as the Great Ocean Road, with its breathtaking coastal views and the iconic Twelve Apostles.

While Yarra Valley is a wine lovers paradise, Victoria is also well known for its awe-inspiring national parks such as the Grampians National Park, with its rugged mountain ranges, scenic hikes, and Indigenous rock art.

Cities & towns

Melbourne

This funky and down-to-earth destination, located approximately 443 miles from Sydney on the southeastern coast of Australia, is filled with vibrancy, culture, and plenty of things to do. 

The famous Queen Victoria Markets and the World Heritage Site-listed Royal Exhibition Building are well worth a visit.

Mildura

Offering world-class food with small-town hospitality, savour fresh local produce direct from the farm or visit the award-winning restaurants only TravelEssence can tell you about.

Did you know...? The Murray-Darling region produces more than 20% of Australia’s wine-grape harvest and is home to some of the best-known wine companies in the country. 

Explore Victoria's Historic Towns

Uncover the Goldfields

Victoria is home to charming towns born from the 1850s gold rush. Visit Bendigo, Maryborough, Castlemaine, Daylesford, Avoca, Blackwood, where each town offers unique gold rush-era charm.

Ballarat

Are you a history buff? Be sure to visit Ballarat, the place that sparked the Gold Rush era back in 1851. Visit Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum, and learn more about this important and interesting period in Australia’s history. Here, you can try your luck and pan for gold!

There is more to discover than history

As Victoria's largest inland city, there is an abundance of things to do and see here. If you are a foodie, there are many fabulous restaurants, breweries, and cafés to choose from. Uncover the wineries in the region which produce fragrant Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and elegant sparkling wines. Or, if you prefer to dabble in a little culture, visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat.

Region highlights

Gippsland

Stretching from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to the New South Wales border, this region features 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!

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.

Discover the treasures of Australia's second-smallest state

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!

Highlights

Whether you're searching for world-class surf beaches, snow-capped mountains, national parks, unique wildlife, the most liveable city in the world, or culture, museums, and fine dining – Victoria has it all. This part of Australia is an adventure playground for travellers and this refined destination is waiting to be explored.

Go neighbourhood hopping in Melbourne

There are many colourful neighbourhoods to visit and fantastic places to explore. Feel the beach vibes of St.Kilda or experience the local café culture of South Yarra. Visit the bright beach shacks of Brighton or go shopping on Chapel Street. Find hidden bars in the City LaneWays, pass by Federation Square and conquer Chinatown. Pop into vintage stores on Brunswick Street, visit Melbourne Museum or view street art of Flinders Lane. Discover the hop on/ hop off tram that explores Melbourne daily, or watch a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The day trips and travel possibilities in this lovable city are endless.

The Great Ocean Road

Discover one of the world’s most renowned scenic coastal drives, The Great Ocean Road. A 240-kilometre stretch of road that takes you along the coast of the Indian Ocean, Victoria. With every twist and turn, an impressive new panoramic view appears. Along the way, you can explore an open-air nature wonderland with rugged coastlines to heathland. See a collection of famous surf beaches, shipwrecks, and colourful seaside villages.

The Great Ocean Road West

The western part consists of gorges, rainforests, and the Port Campbell National Park. Visit the iconic Twelve Apostles, eight massive limestone structures set amongst the wild ocean. Say G’day to koalas and kangaroos at Tower Hill Reserve or the seal colony on Lady Julia Percy Island. Pop by Port Fairy, a quirky historic port town. From here, you can make day trips to Logan Beach. This region is a bush walker’s paradise!

The Great Ocean Road East

Starting from the colourful surf town, Torquay, this road will lead you through ancient forests with the largest collection of eucalyptus trees in all of Australia. Along the way, you will find Apollo Bay. A seafood village, rich with creative artists, sandy beaches and rolling green hills. Otway National Park is found on the east side of The Great Ocean Road. A bush walker’s dream with a dozen trails to choose from and many koalas to be spotted. Go fishing or surfing in the historic town, Johanna. Or stop by the picturesque Wattle Hill, a quaint seaside town near the iconic Twelve Apostles.

Phillip Island

Uncover a marine playground, located 140 kilometres southeast of Melbourne, Phillip Island. Here, you can experience one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Watch in awe as fairy penguins return from a day of fishing out at sea and gather in a large group on the shoreline. Admire these little beauties as they waddle up the beach back to their burrows for a night of rest.

Discover some of the best surf beaches in Australia

Phillip Island is also Victoria’s first surfing reserve, a place where you can find some of the best breaks in the country. This beautiful island is also home to over 35,000 Fur seals, the biggest colony found in Australia. Take long walks along the wooden boardwalks and spot unique Australian wildlife such as koalas. On your way to Phillip Island, catch a wave at Port Phillip Bay!

Food & wine regions

Victoria is a melting pot of a modern blend of Australian cuisine and produces some of the best wines in Australia. Melbourne is known as Australia's culinary city with over 3500 restaurants serving over 70 different cuisines from different countries around the world. The Murray Darling region has been called the ‘engine room’ of Victorian wine and is home to 20 per cent of Australia's vineyards. If you are a foodie or a wine lover, Victoria is sure to spark your palette! The Bellarine Peninsula is also growing its reputation as a foodie destination.

Mornington Peninsula

A combination of good old-fashioned Australian charm and unspoiled coastal living – Mornington Peninsula. This idyllic place is a must-see and is located just one hour outside of Melbourne, Victoria. Escape the bustle of the city and step into a Mediterranean-style oasis.

This region is renowned for its exquisite food and wine scene

There are over 50 wine cellars to choose from, and the area is best known for producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Visit Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm and pick fresh strawberries, or pop by T’Gallant Winery for a wood-fired pizza and a glass of Pinot Gris.

Meet the wonderful wildlife

Go swimming or kayaking in the bright blue seawater and try to spot cheeky dolphins and seals. End your day at Cape Schanck, soak up the views and watch the sun melt away.

Yarra Valley

Take your taste buds on a culinary journey in Yarra Valley. Located an hour away from the cosmopolitan city, Melbourne. This picturesque region is a must-see and boasts rolling vineyards, secret gardens, and national parks. It has a rich wine industry, outstanding locally-grown produce, and an array of fine restaurants to savour.

The Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest wine region

The cool climate is ideal for producing quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines. Wine lovers are spoilt for choice with more than 80 wine cellars to discover. Explore the 38 kilometre, Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail by either bike, hiking, or horseback.

Enjoy an assortment of wildlife and local towns

Visit Healesville, a foodies' haven, and be sure to take a wander through Healesville Sanctuary and say G’day to koalas. Another classic country town is Warburton, a hub for local wine and homemade stores. Or pop by the historic town, Yarra Glen, and enjoy a cheese platter!

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.

Explore a unique environment

Visit an array of wineries, or pop into a local farm and taste some locally-grown produce. Be sure to purchase some local homemade crafts too. Say G’day to a range of wildlife, including a large population of wild koalas on Raymond Island. You can access this nature oasis via a free ferry!

Have unique encounters with Australian wildlife

Try to spot the famous Lyre Bird, who is known for mimicking all sorts of sounds. Go for a hike on one of the many trails on offer or ride your bike along old train tracks, the options are endless!

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.

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!

The Grampians National Park

Immerse yourself in nature's open-air playground, The Grampians National Park. Located 260-kilometres southwest of Melbourne, this wonderland features an enticing mix of ancient culture, unique wildlife, charming towns, and world-class walking trails. Home to more than 200 species of birds, eucalyptus trees, mountain forests, and an array of spectacular waterfalls. Visit MacKenzie Falls and marvel at an impressive 25-metre-high and wide waterfall.

Heritage-listed for its unique assortment of flora and fauna

Admire Indigenous rock paintings or visit The Brambuk Cultural Centre and learn more about the Aboriginal traditional way of life. Spot kangaroos grazing at sunset from the balcony of your accommodation and soak up the views of rolling green hills and endless nature. Pop by the local towns such as Halls Gap and grab a hot cup of coffee. Meet the friendly locals in Dunkeld and enjoy fresh baked goods from the bakery.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory National Park is one of the largest wild coastal areas in the state of Victoria and is also known as ‘The Prom’. You will find no less than 50,000 hectares of pure nature with many hiking trails to explore. Along the way, you may notice that there is an array of wildlife living here, including wombats, emus, kangaroos, and parrots.

The 'Prom' is the perfect blend of Australian bush and beach

This raw dramatic scenery is surrounded by calm rivers, granite peaks, and green forest valleys. Wilsons Promontory also has many deserted beaches and rugged rock formations. One of the most famous beaches is Squeaky Beach. If you walk here, it looks like you are walking on styrofoam.

Marvel at all the colours of nature

Through the park runs the Tidal River, this river takes on special colours thanks to a large collection of tea trees in the area. The shallow areas turn yellow, while the deeper areas have a distinct dark purple to black colour. The waters around the coast are protected as a national marine park.

Local gems

While some seek the highlights, others prefer to get off the beaten path and discover the local gems. Victoria has many treasures, all waiting to be discovered. From colourful coastal towns to friendly country towns in the Central Highlands, there is no shortage of things to discover in this part of Australia.

Victoria Mountains

Marvel at Australian alpine scenery in the Victoria Mountains. Located approximately 185 kilometres east of Melbourne, this hidden gem is an all-year-round adventure and relaxation playground. Grab your skis and cut up the slopes in winter, passing grey-blue snow gums. Or take a wander through wildflowers in spring.

One of Australia's richest towns

Delve into the history of the gold-mining era in the sleepy mountain town, Walhalla. This masterpiece was once one of Australia’s richest towns with over 4000 gold seekers. Today, it is home to just 20 permanent residents and was interestingly the last town in Australia to be connected to the electricity grid in 1998.

Are you feeling lucky?

Have a go at panning for gold or take a wander to Long Tunnel Mine. Explore Baw Baw National Park or hop on board the Walhalla Goldfields train and travel through winding valleys and bridges, crossing over deep gorges. Mount Hotham is also worthwhile!

Apollo Bay

Feel friendly coastal vibes in Apollo Bay, a seafood village along the famous Great Ocean Road, Victoria. This colourful and quirky surf town provides the perfect base to discover the iconic Twelve Apostles. Set amongst raw dramatic scenery, this natural playground is near Otway National Park, where Australian wildlife roams free.

An abundance of nature to explore for every visitor

Say G’day to koalas or go on a waterfall bush walk and spot native birds. Meet creative artists at the local markets or taste locally-grown produce at the restaurants. This oceanic oasis is also a water sports enthusiast's fantasy. Go swimming, diving, or boating!

From surf beaches to lighthouses

Try your luck with some surfing on the golden beaches or go fishing in the calm rivers. In the harbour, you will find the oldest lighthouse on the mainland of Australia, which has been continuously operational since 1848.

Port Fairy

Uncover the history of a charming fishing village, Port Fairy. This coastal gem is located at the end of the famous Great Ocean Road, 290 kilometres west of Melbourne. Historically, the coastline was used by whalers and seal hunters and was named after the crew of the whaler ship, The Fairy in 1828.

Soak up the local lifestyle

Check out one of the busiest fishing ports in Victoria and watch as the fishermen unload their fresh catch of the day. This colourful seaside town is arty too! Be sure to visit the large assortment of art, craft, antique, and boutique stores scattered all around.

Discover the treasures

Admire wide streets lined with picturesque 19th-century cottages, Norfolk pines, and old-fashioned stone churches. Taste the region’s finest produce at the renowned Merrijig Kitchen Inn or nearby Basalt Vineyard cellar door.