Victoria Travel Guide

Our Victoria Travel Guide will show you some of the highlights around Australia's second smallest state. For its size, Victoria is packed with attractions.

You won't be at a loss for something to discover, from Vineyards, mountains, and snowfields through to the coffee loving, culturally rich, Capital City of Melbourne.

Victoria Travel Guide, bathing boxes in Brigton — Bathing Boxes Brighton

Table of Contents

Destinations
State Highlights
Festivals and Events
Planning Your Visit
Getting Here
Further Reading

Destinations

Melbourne

Melbourne is a city made for exploring on 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 your 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.

Coffee

This may sound like a strange top pick, but Australia's coffee scene is intense, and Melbourne is the coffee capital of Australia.

St Kilda

Take a sunset walk along the historic St Kilda Pier for panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay

City Laneways

Explore these narrow slices of Melbourne's inner city history. Enjoy street art, discover small bars, boutiques, and hidden delicious experiences.

High Country

A true gourmands delight with farm gates, provedores, wineries, and renowned restaurants. Explore historic towns, or 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.

Hotham

When not skiing through snow capped gum trees enjoy some "you" time at the Onsen Retreat & Spa, or waggly tail and cuteness central with a Husky Sled Dog Tour.

Beechworth

Discover Beechworth's historic precinct, fabulous food, and wine. Or send an old-style telegram from the Beechworth Telegraph Station.

Glenrowan

The location of Ned Kelly's last stand. After learning more about Australia's most infamous bushranger discover the region's cellar doors, craft breweries, and local gourmet fare.

Yarra Valley & the Dandenong Ranges

Victoria Travel Guide image of Puffing Billy Railway — Puffing Billy Railway

The Yarra Valley is renowned for its world-class vineyards producing cool-climate wines. Plus a big bonus it is only an hours drive from Melbourne.

Whilst the Dandenong Ranges are known for their natural beauty, charming villages. It is the perfect spot for a weekend away and getting back to nature.

William Ricketts Sanctuary

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of this glade. Walk amongst the ferns in their natural setting as you discover half-hidden sculptures of mystical Aboriginal figures.

Healesville Sanctuary

Where visitors will see Australian native animals like koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats, emus, and more. Visit the Australian Wildlife Health Centre and meet vets and nurses that care for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.

The Puffing Billy Railway

The Puffing Billy steam train was built in 1900 as the workhorse for the Dandenong Ranges. Once it serviced the local community, now it is one of Victoria's greatest attractions.

Mornington Peninsula

Seaside villages, golf, food, and wine. The Mornington Peninsula has a lot to offer visitors. If you love the spa life then you'll be in for a treat with the region's natural hot springs and multiple pamper offerings.

For those that love to browse and shop you will discover an eclectic range of galleries, vintage and antique outlets, markets, fashion boutiques, and designer homewares.

Peninsula Hot Springs

Soak your cares away in the natural geothermal mineral waters of the pools and private baths. Indulge with spa treatments, massage, wellness activities, and nourishing food.

Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park

An ever-changing outdoor 19-acre sculpture park of over 60 Australian and international pieces.

Arthur's Seat

Catch the Eagle (gondola) up to the summit and enjoy a picnic while taking in the sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay, towards the Melbourne city skyline, and beyond.

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.

Stargazing

With clear skies, a lack of light pollution, and uninterrupted views, Phillip Island is perfect for stargazing. You may even get lucky and see the Southern Aurora, Aurora Australis.

Penguin Parade

There is something quite magically about witnessing the Little Penguins roll in at dusk from their day out fishing. Then walk the designated tracks and watch them reunite with their families.

Koalas

Head to the Koala Conservation Reserve and see them in their natural habitat. Walk the two elevated boardwalks for the perfect view of Koala antics.

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.

12 Apostles

The most well known attraction of the Great Ocean Road. Situated in the Port Campbell National Park, these limestone structures soar up to 15m high and have been carved out of the headland by the wild Southern Ocean.

Timboon

The hub of the 70km 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail loop, and for good reason. You will discover local whisky, organic yoghurt, cheesemakers, honey, chocolate, and much more.

Otway NP

Explore Otway National Park for the numerous stunning waterfalls and spectacular hikes. Take a picnic!

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 area's pure mineral water equals extraordinary produce. With the result of many hatted restaurants and gold medal-winning wineries to enjoy.

Spa Life

The region boasts more than 140 natural mineral springs including the well known Hepburn Springs. Soak in the springs then pamper in one of the many spa towns of the region.

Wine

Macedon Ranges is the home to misty valleys and rustic cellar doors. Visit for an authentic, intimate wine tasting journey.

Secret Gardens

A couple of days during the year the impressive private gardens of some Mount Macedon mansions are open to the public thanks to the Open Garden Scheme.

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 remanents 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.

Sovereign Hill

Take a step back in history at this living museum and experience Ballarat during its time as a goldrush boomtown.

Ballarat

Victoria's largest inland city is a historic gem to visit as it was the epicentre of the 1850's goldrush.

Goldfields Railway

Book your first class ticket for a luxury journey on an authentic steam train between the historic gold mining towns of Castlemaine and Maldon

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.

Waterfalls

The National Parks and reserves of the region are home to numerous cascading waterfalls. Including MacKenzie Falls, one of the largest in Victoria.

Rock Art

The Grampians has the largest number of indigenous rock art sites in southern Australia. Do visit
Brambuk, the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap

Hiking

The area is simply too stunning to not explore on foot. There are many options from easy hour walks through to multi-day hikes.

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 dive, surf, or sailing.

HMAS Canberra

Dive down and discover the flight decks, bridge, galley, and engine rooms of HMAS Canberra. This manmade reef of a sunken frigate is geared for both diving and snorkelling.

Seafood

Enjoy the spoils from the daily catch from local fishing cooperatives Queenscliff and Portarlington wharves. Portarlington is also the mussel farming capital of Australia.

Golf

Don't leave your clubs at home. The area is one of Victoria's premier golfing destinations and is home to three of the top 50 Australian public access courses

The Murray

Experience life river life on the Murray, Australia's longest river. Spend a few tranquil and relaxing days on your own 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.

Red Gum Forest

Barmah National Park (along with adjoining Millewa forest in NSW) is the location of largest River Red Gum forest in the world. Plus home to many significant Aboriginal cultural heritage sites

Pink Lakes

The Pink Lakes of Murray-Sunset National Park is a photographer's dream come true. Pioneer Drive takes you to the best of the Pink Lakes, Lake Crosbie, Lake Kenyon, and Lake Becking.

Paddlesteamers

Take a 1 or 2 hours paddlesteamer cruise on the Murray. Or truly enjoy the experience with a 2 to 6 night cruise on the PS Emmylou, one of the most recognisable and iconic paddlesteamers in Australia

Gippsland

Go sailing on Gippsland Lakes. Explore Ninety Mile Beach, spectacular national parks, and tiny towns.

Feed your stomach with local produce, visits to cellar doors, and distillers. Feed your soul with the many local galleries and studios.

Raymond Island

Catch the free ferry from Paynesville and introduce yourself to Victoria's largest Koala colony. Wander the island's Koala Trail by bike or foot.

Burrunan Dolphins

With only two known populations of Burrunan dolphins in Victoria, they are on the endangered list. They can be spotted from the Lakes Entrance foreshore and Bullock Island.

The Prom

Not the end of year dance, Wilsons Promontory National Park (The Prom), Victoria's largest coastal wilderness area. It's also mainland Australia's southernmost point.

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 go 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
Tastes of Rutherglen
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
Kilmore Celtic Festival
National Celtic Festival

October
The Great Murray River Salami Festival
Marysville Jazz & Blues Festival
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Pitch Music & Arts Festival

November
Melbourne Cup Carnival
Beechworth Celtic Festival
La Dolce Vita Festival
Ability Fest
Queenscliffe Music Festival
Horsham German Fest
Peninsula VineHop Festival
Williamstown Beer and Cider Festival
Melbourne Whisky Week

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 montha.

Book your accommodation well in advance if visiting an area during school holidays or a festival. Also 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

Travel restrictions are forever changing due to COVID-19. Please check the latest Victoria border and travel restrictions.

By Air: Tullamarine Airport (Melbourne Aiport) 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. A couple of Australia's Greatest Train Journeys has Melbourne as one of their stops.

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.