Victoria: The Garden State’s Rich Blend of Culture, Nature &
Home to Melbourne, and The Great Ocean Road
Victoria is a state of contrasts, packed into an area smaller than some countries but overflowing with diverse landscapes, cutting-edge culture, and iconic Australian experiences. From cosmopolitan Melbourne’s laneway art and vibrant food scene to the dramatic coastline of the Great Ocean Road and peaceful wilderness of the national parks, Victoria invites you to explore at your own pace—and fall in love every step of the way.
Whether you want to sip world-class wines, witness unique wildlife on rugged coastlines, or immerse yourself in arts and history, Victoria offers something spectacular for every traveller. Let me take you on an insider’s tour of all the must-see and must-do experiences this enchanting state holds.
You Have Questions?
Ready to embark on your next adventure or just have questions? We LOVE talking all things Australia. We don't bite, and are not going to send you spam. When you are ready, we will be ready.
Love Sports? Melbourne is a must visit!
Melbourne: Australia’s Cultural Capital and Culinary Playground
Melbourne is a city that pulses with creativity, style, and sophistication—a place where historic charm meets next-level cool. Here, you’ll find endless laneways bursting with colourful street art, boutique cafes serving some of the world’s best coffee, and restaurants that have reinvented Australian cuisine with locally sourced and native ingredients.
Wander through Federation Square, an architectural marvel hosting museums, galleries, and live events. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) showcase art from both local and global talent, offering immersive exhibitions and interactive programs.
For food lovers, Melbourne’s neighbourhoods such as Fitzroy, Carlton, and St Kilda provide culinary adventures—from multicultural markets to fine dining establishments. Don’t miss the Queen Victoria Market, where you can sample delicious local produce, artisanal cheeses, and the freshest seafood.
Melbourne’s iconic sporting venues also enrich your trip. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) not only hosts exhilarating Australian Rules Football and international cricket but also offers behind-the-scenes tours. For theatre enthusiasts, the Arts Centre Melbourne stages world-class performances in ballet, opera, and theatre.
The Great Ocean Road: Coastal Majesty at Every Turn
Driving the Great Ocean Road is an Australian rite of passage—and no wonder. This 243-kilometer scenic drive twists along the rugged southern coastline, revealing dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches, and natural rock formations that take your breath away.
The Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean, are the star attraction. Sunrise and sunset visits are truly magical as the golden light plays on the stone pillars and crashing waves.
Along the way, towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay offer charming cafes, galleries, and cozy accommodations where you can refresh and soak up local hospitality.
Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife including koalas snoozing in eucalyptus trees, and in seasonal months, southern right whales breaching offshore.
For the adventurous, nearby Otway National Park’s rainforest trails, waterfalls, and treetop walks invite exploration. The Otway Fly Treetop Walk lets you stroll 25 meters above the forest floor and take in canopy views that feel worlds away from the coast.
Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit
Yarra Valley & Mornington Peninsula
Victoria’s world-class wine regions are perfect escapes into nature’s bounty paired with gourmet indulgence. The Yarra Valley, just an hour from Melbourne, is famous for its cool climate wines, especially Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Spend leisurely days tasting at wineries that range from historic estates to modern boutique cellars. Many offer vineyard-to-plate dining experiences, seasonal markets, and art exhibitions under open skies.
If you want a coastal twist, the Mornington Peninsula combines seaside charm with premium wineries, hot springs, and coastal walks. A soak in Peninsula Hot Springs’ mineral pools rejuvenates body and spirit, while gourmet restaurants showcase fresh Victorian produce paired with fine regional vintages.
Wildlife Encounters and Nature Escapes
Victoria is home to incredible wildlife and nature sanctuaries that welcome you to get close in unforgettable ways.
Phillip Island Nature Parks is famous worldwide for its Penguin Parade—where little penguins return at dusk to their sandy burrows. The experience includes sensory tours and accessible viewing platforms to ensure everyone enjoys this charming spectacle. The nearby Koala Conservation Centre lets you walk among these gentle marsupials in a natural setting.
If birdwatching excites you, the Gippsland Lakes offer peaceful waterways perfect for spotting rare bird species while kayaking or cruising. Wilsons Promontory National Park lures visitors with stunning beaches, granite peaks, and abundant wildlife including kangaroos and emus.
For a unique nocturnal adventure, try a spotlight tour to see Victoria’s elusive owls and possums in their natural habitats.
Historical & Cultural Richness: Step Back in Time
Victoria generously blends modern life with echoes of its gold rush past and indigenous heritage. Sovereign Hill in Ballarat is a living museum where you can pan for gold, watch blacksmiths at work, and experience life in the 1850s with interactive displays and costumed characters.
In Melbourne, the Aboriginal Cultural Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens offers an insightful journey into the land’s first peoples—the Kulin Nation—with stories, customary uses of plants, and connections to country.
The Arts Precinct features galleries, theatres, and studios celebrating both contemporary and traditional arts. From vibrant street art in Melbourne’s laneways to performances at the Melbourne Theatre Company, cultural curiosity is rewarded at every turn.
Get off the beaten path and discover the lesser-known attractions and hidden gems of South Pacific Expert. From quaint villages to secret beaches, we'll show you the best of what this amazing region has to offer.
Seaside Serenity and Beachside Towns
Victoria’s coastline beyond the Great Ocean Road has many jewels. The Mornington Peninsula’s beach towns—Sorrento, Rye, and Dromana—combine relaxed holiday vibes with excellent seafood, boutique shopping, and family-friendly beaches. Along the South Gippsland coast, find secluded coves where you might watch seals playing offshore or enjoy peaceful coastal walks.
If you want to spot native wildlife—kangaroos by the sea at Murramarang National Park or fairy penguins on Phillip Island—you can plan your adventures around the best lookout spots and seasons.