Home to a creative capital city, a plethora of awe-inspiring natural wonders and rustic villages at once idyllic and cosmopolitan, exploring Victoria is a truly unique adventure. The regions surrounding Melbourne, complete with seaside villages, enchanting wildlife and rolling vineyards, are as diverse as they are breathtaking.
Melbourne
Melbourne is a blend of laneways, world-class restaurants and captivating museums. The locals love their coffee and there's always a sense of excitement here. Attend a major event, drink a cocktail on a rooftop, uncover the stories of urban Aboriginal culture and discover a wealth of art-filled alleyways. Melbourne’s reputation as one of the most culturally rich yet effortlessly laid-back cities in the world is certainly well deserved. Its city centre is full of street art, coffee roasters, independent boutiques and restaurants, while neighbourhoods like St. Kilda, Carlton and Prahran are perfect for exploring rooftop bars, local designers and tucked-away restaurants. Melbourne’s food and drink scene Food is serious business in Melbourne. From Ben Shewry’s acclaimed Attica, to the cult followings of Chin Chin and Charcoal Lane, the local’s never-ending appetite for new creations is rewarded with modern menus created by an ever-increasing number of innovative chefs. The fairly new Gimlet is a 150- seat dining room and bar in a landmark 1920s building in the heart of the city. Bringing classic European charisma, expect soaring ceilings, art deco columns and an extensive cocktail list. Melbourne’s cocktail bars, rooftop beer gardens and speakeasies are as intriguing as they are welcoming. In a city known for its hidden treasures, discovering their whereabouts can be as much fun as sipping their wares. Bar Margaux and Arlechin are two that rewards the curious with excellent drinks lists and late night romance.
Easy side trips from Melbourne
Mornington Peninsula - Ninety minutes south of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is saturated in local history and dotted with golden beaches. Relax at the Peninsula Hot Springs before stopping into Montalto Piazza and Winery and Pt. Leo Estate's Sculpture Park houses an array of Australian and international pieces.
Yarra Valley - Take a trip to the Yarra to taste an array of fresh seasonal produce direct from local farms and wineries. Within one-hour of Melbourne you’ll find: Rochford Wines hosting live jazz; Tarrawarra Estate's winery and art gallery, and the new winemaking facility and architectural landmark at Levantine Hill.
Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges - Invigorate body and mind in the natural mineral springs and historic villages of Daylesford and its surrounding region. Indulge in spas and wellness retreats, enjoy country pubs and gourmet restaurants, explore heritage gardens and browse boutiques and art galleries. If you want to stay Search and Stay has many holiday rental options in and around Daylesford.
Phillip Island - Packed with native wildlife, coastal trails and sandy beaches, Phillip Island is a great spot to enjoy Aussie surf culture. Two hours’ drive from Melbourne, visit the small-batch breweries and boutique wineries and then catch a glimpse of the island's tiny native penguins at the Penguin Parade.
Victorian regions to explore
Gippsland - Some visit for the collection of wineries, while others visit to take advantage of the swimming, fishing, boating and sailing offered by the extensive network of rivers, lakes and beaches. Gippsland locals are ready to show visitors their awesome part of the Country. Make your next trip count by spending and staying locally.
High Country - The High Country's stunning mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes are perfect places for adventure and relaxation, year-round. Hit the slopes at alpine resorts in winter, and return in the warmer months for inspired bushwalking and cycling action, from dizzying mountain bike challenges to meandering rail trails.
Great Ocean Road - The spectacular Great Ocean Road winds alongside the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. Home to craggy cliffs, empty beaches, bountiful wildlife and unforgettable Aboriginal experiences and UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes, there's an effortless affinity with nature along this iconic road. And with epic surf and unforgettable hikes, you'll find plenty of adventure around every corner. Along the Great Ocean Road is a new protected habitat called Wildlife Wonders, offering visitors a guided walk with a conservationist around the Otways bushland to spot potoroos, kangaroos, koalas and bandicoots, while showing the region’s conservation projects in action. Try Search and Stay for your holiday rental on the Great Ocean Road.
Grampians - Head out on walking tracks that lead to dazzling waterfalls, wildlife and awe-inspiring lookouts. Savour celebrated local wine at cellar doors and a sublime meal at a multi-award winning restaurant. Take in extraordinary art, old and new, in galleries indoors and out. Wherever you go, be enchanted and inspired by the striking landscapes of the Grampians spread out before you. The Grampians Peaks Trail is a multi-day hike through the rugged interior of the Grampians National Park, beginning and ending at Halls Gap. The trail is a once-in-a-lifetime 13-day hike through the backbone of the mountain range known for its stunning backdrop and Aboriginal heritage of Gariwerd. If 13 days seems beyond your fitness level, three-day facilitated hikes in the north and south will challenge without exhausting.
The Murray - Culinary delights, sparkling waters and endless summer sun – life in abundance is life on The Murray. Explore the winding waterways of Australia's longest river as you wander through red gum forests, splash around on sandy river beaches, and savour the famous food, wine and fresh produce.
Geelong and the Bellarine - Discover beautiful beaches, award-winning wineries, fascinating heritage and stop off at seaside villages along the coast, from Portarlington to Ocean Grove, and explore the peninsula's rich maritime history, excellent restaurants, cafes and grand architecture. Take in the colourful and lively ambience of bayside Geelong, Victoria's second-largest city. Delve into the city's vibrant creative scene, uncover a rich history at local museums, then wander through the picturesque waterfront precinct and count off more than 100 huge, beautifully painted bollards that represent a fascinating and fun chronicle of the city's past, focusing on some of the unique characters who played a part. Enjoy a slow drive out along the Bellarine Peninsula and surrender to the region's easy-going lifestyle. Sample local varietals at cellar doors, play a round at the famous links golf courses of Barwon Heads, or cool off in the gentle waves of Port Phillip Bay and sign up for surfing lessons on the beach. There are many choices of holiday houses to rent all throughout Victoria at Search and Stay
For more information, Visit Victoria.
Credit: Tourism Australia www.australia.com @australia.