Welcome to Victoria, Australia – where breathtaking landscapes, world-class food and wine, and vibrant city life create the ultimate travel experience. Whether you’re exploring Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, or venturing into the Yarra Valley wine region, the Great Ocean Road, or the snowfields of the High Country, Victoria is packed with must-see attractions.
From stunning coastal drives to historic gold rush towns, lush national parks, and gourmet food scenes, Victoria offers something for every traveller. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, adventure seeker, or culture enthusiast, our Victoria Travel Guide will help you uncover the best destinations, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences across the state.
Destinations
Melbourne
Melbourne is a city perfect for exploring by foot. Weave your way through historic laneways stopping for coffee breaks as you do. Turn a corner to be faced with eclectic street art. Amble along the Yarra and watch locals sculling the river.
When you're get tired of walking jump on the historic and free City Circle Tram. Or head to one of Melbourne's vibrant suburbs like St Kilda or Fitzroy. Plus eat! Melbourne offers a variety of cuisines and some of Australia's top restaurants.
Discover more about Melbourne in our Melbourne Travel Guide.
High Country
A true gourmands delight with farm gates, provedores, wineries, and renowned restaurants. Explore historic towns, hiking or cycle the stunning alpine scenery.
In winter grab your skis and hit the slopes or enjoy a little aprés skiing at one of the alpine resorts.
Yarra Valley & the Dandenong Ranges
The Yarra Valley is renowned for its world-class vineyards producing cool-climate wines. Plus a big bonus it is only an hour's drive from Melbourne.
The Dandenong Ranges are known for their natural beauty, and charming villages. It is the perfect spot for a weekend away and getting back to nature.
Mornington Peninsula
Seaside villages, golf, food, and wine. The Mornington Peninsula has a lot to offer visitors. If you love the spa you're in for a treat with the region's natural hot springs and multiple pamper offerings.
For those who love to browse and shop, you will discover an eclectic range of galleries, vintage and antique outlets, markets, fashion boutiques, and designer homewares.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is a sanctuary for iconic wildlife 90 minutes from Melbourne. Visit the cute as-a-button Little Penguins, Koalas, and Australian Fur Seals.
Enjoy pristine beaches and nature reserves. Or visit for one of the motorsport events held on the island annually.
Great Ocean Road
Victoria's Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. 243km of stunning vistas, craggy cliffs, soaring bluffs, pristine empty beaches, river estuaries, and lush rainforests.
But it's not all about the stunning views. Break up your drive by visiting the numerous towns and villages along the route. Enjoy local produce and shopping. Stretch your legs in one of the beautiful National Parks.
Daylesford & Macedon Ranges
Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges is the place to escape and rejuvenate. If spas and springs are your thing, you will be one happy visitor.
Foodies can rejoice too. The rich fertile land and the area's pure mineral water equals extraordinary produce. With the result of many hatted restaurants and gold medal-winning wineries to enjoy.
Goldfields
Take a walk back in time and discover the rich history of the Goldfields. The centre of Victoria's 1850's gold rush. The remnants of a time long gone are everywhere.
The area, once home to several notorious bushrangers and those seeking their fortune, now sets a different pace. Relax and discover charming country towns, wineries, award-winning restaurants, and galleries.
Grampians
The grand sandstone mountains of the Grampians offer breathtaking views. Head outdoors and enjoy the many walking tracks, waterfalls and native wildlife.
For lovers of the indoors, you can enjoy the many local galleries, wineries, and excellent local produce.
Geelong & Bellarine Region
The area is home to peaceful seaside villages and delicious tasting trails. There are plenty of wineries, breweries, and local distilleries to discover. Along with a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Waterbabies will delight at the options available in, on, and under the water. Go swimming with dolphins, scuba diving, surfing, or sailing.
The Murray
Experience life river life on the Murray, Australia's longest river. Spend a few tranquil and relaxing days on a houseboat, or onboard a historic paddle steamer.
Off river eat and drink your way through the region's delicious produce and wines. Explore indigenous cultural sites, or play a round or two of golf.
Gippsland
Go sailing on Gippsland Lakes. Explore Ninety Mile Beach, spectacular national parks, and tiny towns.
Feed your stomach with local produce, visit cellar doors, and distillers. Feed your soul with the many local galleries and studios.
State Highlights
Our top five picks for the Victoria Travel Guide. Of course, there is so much more to see and do.
Melbourne
You can't visit Victoria without spending at least a few days in its capital, Melbourne. Coffee, fine dining, shopping, street art, and that's only just the start.
Read our Melbourne Travel Guide for more information.
Silo Art Trail
The Silo Art Trail is Australia’s largest outdoor gallery which stretches over 200 kilometres. Grain silos were transformed into epic works of art by renowned Australian artists.
Portsea
Where Melbourne's rich and famous holiday. Go swimming with weedy sea dragons. Amble along Millionaire's Walk to Sorrento along cliff tops.
Squeaky Beach
Located in Wilsons Promontory National Park. As you walk along the pristine white sands of the beach, they squeak under your feet. That's how the beach got its name.
Yarra Valley
Eat incredible local farm-fresh produce. Be pampered at one of the many spas. Sup wine at renowned cellar doors. Get up close and personal with the elusive Australian platypus at Healesville Sanctuary.
Festivals and Events
January
Great Australian Beer Festival
Ocean Sounds Festival
February
Meeniyan Garlic Festival
150km Feast
Riverboats Music Festival
St Kilda Festival
Japanese Summer Festival
Pako Festa
March
Australian International Air Show
Chill Out Festival
Lara Food & Wine Festival
Yarra Valley Herb and Chilli Festival
Geelong Highland Gathering
Brunswick Music Festival
Port Fairy Folk Festival
April
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
Pyrenees Unearthed Festival
Rainbow Serpent Festival
May
La Fiera Festival
Grampians Grape Escape
Groovin the Moo
June
Truffle Melbourne
The Victorian Salami Festival
National Celtic Festival
October
The Great Murray River Salami Festival
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Pitch Music & Arts Festival
November
Melbourne Cup Carnival
La Dolce Vita Festival
Ability Fest
Queenscliffe Music Festival
Horsham German Fest
Peninsula VineHop Festival
Williamstown Beer and Cider Festival
December
Ashes Series Boxing Day Test
Daylesford Highland Gathering
Falls Festival
Meredith Music Festival
Planning Your Visit
Victorian summers are warm with maximum temperatures around 27°C. Winters are cold and crisp with the daily average around 13°C. October is the States wettest month.
Book your accommodation well in advance if visiting an area during school holidays or a festival. Book well in advance if heading anywhere along Victoria's coastline or Lakes Entrance for Christmas/summer holidays
Even in summer pack a light jumper for the evenings, especially if you are inland or in the mountains.
Summer: Water activities and longer daylight hours to explore.
Autumn: Milder weather for hiking and outdoor activities.
Winter: Skiing in the snowfields.
Spring: Hiking and the native flowers are blooming.
Getting Here
By Air: Tullamarine Airport (Melbourne Airport) is the main International and Domestic Airport. There are a couple of Regional Airports dotted around the State.
By Train: Trains run from Sydney or Adelaide to Melbourne. The regional train system, V Line, runs through various parts of Victoria. Melbourne is on a stop on a couple of Australia's Greatest Train Journeys.
By Sea: Pre-COVID times Port Melbourne was the major cruising port for Victoria. At present cruising is on hold.
By Bus: There are regular bus services available from the Capital Cities of each State. Buses also run throughout Victoria.
