Beyond Melbourne
The State of Victoria is home to a wealth of diverse destinations and experiences easily accessible from the capital, Melbourne. You can experience forests, native animals, mineral springs, coastlines and gourmet local produce in a day or if you can spare a little more time, the choices are endless.
Murray Region
The world’s third longest navigable river, the Murray River, forms the border between New South Wales and Victoria before heading south through South Australia to the ocean. Unwind and enjoy the region’s renowned food, wine, golf courses, and river delights. Explore 40,000 years of inhabitation with an Aboriginal Discovery Tour.
www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/The-Murray.aspx
Yarra Valley
Less than one hour’s drive from Melbourne, the picturesque Yarra Valley is famous for its vineyards and rolling green hills and the pleasures of locally produced food and wine. The Dandenong Ranges is a popular escape for its mountain scenery, forests and fern gullies. Drive, walk, wander or float through in a hot air balloon.
www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Yarra-Valley-and-Dandenong-Ranges.aspx
Great Ocean Road
One of the world’s most scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road follows Victoria’s stunning south-western coastline past the famous Twelve Apostles. From Torquay, south of Geelong, to Peterborough, east of Warrnambool, the 243-kilometre road winds along cliff tops and down to the shoreline, crosses river estuaries and moves under the canopies of lush rainforests.
www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Great-Ocean-Road.aspx
Grampians
The Grampians region, with its ancient and expansive landscapes, has stunning national and state parks, indigenous history and breathtaking scenery. The Grampians National Park features spectacular rocky outcrops, 200 bird species, Aboriginal heritage trails and Victoria’s largest collection of rock art.
www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Grampians.aspx
Victoria’s High Country
Head for the spectacular scenery and high altitude of Victoria’s high country. The region is renowned for its welcoming villages, long traditions of wine making, fine local produce and adventure and outdoor activities in the breathtaking alpine scenery. Expect a warm welcome in the region’s villages from the families who run the local gourmet restaurants, boutique wineries and lodgings.
http://www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/High-Country.aspx
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is a popular destination for its nature and wildlife, as well as its international motor racing events. Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island offers visitors a range of easily accessible activities and facilities. Experience the famous Penguin Parade, Australia’s most popular wildlife event, where every day at dusk a parade of little penguins emerge from the sea and make their way to their burrows in the sand dunes.
www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Phillip-Island.aspx
Daylesford and Macedon Ranges
Daylesford and Macedon Ranges is the state’s capital of indulgence, offering spa retreats and natural springs, great cafés and fine dining. For more than 100 years, people have flocked to Daylesford and the surrounding spa country for rest and reinvigoration. More than 80 per cent of Australia’s naturally occurring mineral springs are found in the region, with over 70 mineral springs found there.
www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Daylesford-and-the-Macedon-Ranges.aspx
Goldfields
Discover the riches of the Goldfields. See works by renowned local artists, catch major exhibitions at some of Australia's best regional art galleries, or try some retail therapy at specialty shops in the area. Explore villages, indulge your taste buds with fresh food and boutique wines, and then get active by hitting the bush trails on a mountain bike. Visit the Goldfields, and leave a little richer.
www.visitmelbourne.com/Regions/Goldfields.aspx
Mornington Peninsula
Combine the best of Europe's coastal living with traditional Aussie charm on the Mornington Peninsula, just an hour from Melbourne. Explore the galleries, spas and cafes in breezy seaside villages, cool off with a day on the beach, or escape to the hinterland for gourmet delights at boutique wineries.
www.visitmelbourne.com/Regions/Mornington-Peninsula.aspx