From vibrant Melbourne to dramatic coastlines, mountain ranges to wine country — discover Australia's most diverse state with incredible experiences just hours from the city
Victoria packs incredible diversity into a compact space perfect for exploration. Within 90 minutes of Melbourne, you can be surfing ocean waves at Bells Beach, tasting world-class wines in the Yarra Valley, soaking in natural hot springs on the Mornington Peninsula, riding historic steam trains through mountain forests, or watching little penguins waddle ashore at sunset on Phillip Island.
Each destination offers its own unique character and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're seeking coastal adventures along the iconic Great Ocean Road, mountain escapes in the Grampians, wildlife encounters, or gourmet indulgence in wine country, Victoria delivers world-class experiences just hours from Melbourne. For official travel information and current updates, visit Visit Victoria.
Explore our comprehensive guides to the best places to visit across Victoria
⭐ Most Iconic
One of the world's most spectacular coastal drives featuring the magnificent Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, ancient rainforests, and pristine beaches. This iconic 243km route is Australia's ultimate road trip experience.
🐧 Wildlife Hub
Famous for the nightly Penguin Parade where hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at sunset, plus seal colonies, koalas, pristine beaches, and the MotoGP circuit. Perfect family-friendly island escape.
🍷 Wine Country
Victoria's premier cool-climate wine region with 80+ wineries, gourmet restaurants, hot air ballooning, artisan food producers, and Healesville Sanctuary. A sophisticated rural retreat close to Melbourne.
⛰️ Hiking Paradise
Spectacular mountain range with rugged sandstone peaks, cascading waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal rock art, diverse wildlife, and world-class hiking trails. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
🏙️ Cultural Capital
Australia's cultural and sporting capital combines world-class dining, vibrant street art, rooftop bars, major sporting events, museums, galleries, and the famous laneway culture. Endless urban exploration awaits.
♨️ Wellness Escape
Sophisticated seaside escape combining natural geothermal hot springs, boutique wineries, pristine bay and ocean beaches, gourmet dining, and charming coastal villages. Perfect weekend retreat.
🚂 Heritage Escape
Enchanted mountain forest escape featuring Puffing Billy historic steam railway, stunning gardens, charming villages with tea houses, and towering mountain ash forests. Perfect day trip from Melbourne.
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Australia's southernmost point featuring pristine white-sand beaches, granite boulder coastlines, abundant wildlife including wombats and emus, and spectacular hiking trails through diverse landscapes.
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Step back to the 1850s gold rush era at Sovereign Hill, Australia's premier outdoor museum. Pan for gold, explore underground mines, and experience life during Victoria's transformative goldfields period.
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Victoria's alpine playground featuring ski resorts at Mount Buller, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham in winter, transforming to wildflower meadows and mountain biking trails in summer.
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Historic seaside peninsula with charming towns including Queenscliff, Portarlington, and Point Lonsdale. Enjoy wineries, coastal golf courses, fresh seafood, and Victorian-era architecture.
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Australia's largest network of inland waterways offering boating, fishing, pristine beaches at Ninety Mile Beach, and charming lakeside towns. A water sports and nature lover's paradise.
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Historic river region featuring paddle steamer cruises, riverside towns like Echuca and Mildura, wineries, citrus orchards, water sports, and rich indigenous and pioneering history.
Combine destinations for unforgettable Victorian road trips:
Victoria shines year-round with seasonal highlights:
Easy access from Melbourne to all major destinations:
Stay options to suit every style and budget: