places to visit country victoria

The Most Charming Country TOWNS IN VICTORIA

There are plenty of pretty small towns in Victoria that are just perfect for a quick getaway or weekend day trip from Melbourne . Today, we share a collection that in our experience offers a mix of natural beauty, great food, and, of course, country charm!

Before you get started, we know some of these towns are technically cities; however, they still have a small-town vibe and warrant their spot in our collection of some of the best examples of towns in Victoria.

Warrnambool

Healesville, metung – gippsland, map – towns in victoria perfect for a road trip.

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Charming towns in Victoria: A guide for travellers

This list of towns in Victoria results from a collaboration with locals and nomads who have taken the time to share their tips for exploring their favourite country towns. If you are planning a lap of Australia , these towns should all be on your list.

Don’t worry if you are not sure where they are – we have included google map links on each place a map at the bottom of the page to help you find them.

Where it is possible to reach these towns easily by public transport, I have included all the details you need!

Dunkeld is a beautiful small town at the southern tip of the Grampians/Gariwerd mountain range. If you are planning to visit the Grampians , staying a couple of nights in Dunkeld is a great idea so you can experience the delicious food and gorgeous walks the town offers.

The Dunkeld Arboretum is accessible for all, and wandering around the beautiful space overlooked by Mt Sturgeon/Wurgarri is a lovely walk to enjoy. If you feel more adventurous, a hike up Mt Sturgeon or Mt Abrupt/Mud-Dadjug will provide gorgeous views over Dunkeld. Next to Mt Sturgeon is the smaller mountain, The Piccaninny/Bainggug, perfect for climbing with kids.

If food is more your style, Dunkeld does not disappoint! The well-known Royal Mail Hotel features a range of dining options. The Wickens Restaurant is the ultimate culinary experience, and the Parker Street Project is a casual dining option with some really interesting options at reasonable prices. Koopmans is another excellent choice for yummy St Ali coffee and food, plus you can check out the on-site art gallery while you wait.

Where to stay in Dunkeld With stunning views of Mt Sturgeon, you can stay at the Royal Mail in a mountain view room or indulge in the restored bluestone cottages at the Mt Sturgeon property, a 5-minute drive from the hotel. Dunkeld Old Bakery was first established in 1887 and has the most delicious, handcrafted baked goods. The historic bakery also features accommodation in the old baker’s residence , perfect for couples. Other accommodation options in Dunkeld include Salt Creek Cottage, Dunkeld Caravan Park and Southern Grampians Cottages .

Where is Dunkeld A 3-hour drive west of Melbourne, a visit here is easily combined with a stay in Halls Gap. Don’t have a car? You can take a train to Ballarat then jump on a bus to reach the town.

Google Map location

Suggested by Kate from Travel around Bendigo.

The seaside town of Warrnambool has a bit of everything; history and rugged coastline, wildlife, and family activities. At over 3 hours west of Melbourne, it is far enough away to feel you’re escaping the city, but Warrnambool is still big enough to cater for all types of travellers.

Despite its size, Warrnambool has an untamed feel. It’s in an area known as the Shipwreck Coast. The combination of the town’s maritime history and spectacular coastline are central to many of Warrnambool’s attractions.

Flagstaff Hill Pioneer Village brings to life the area’s history. There are old-style shops, interactive displays and an evening sound and light show. The Thunder Point walk and lookout is a great way to get a sense of the dramatic coastline.

For families, Lake Pertobe is a fun place to explore. There are lakes, playgrounds, a maze, and the kids can even zoom around the lake on little motorboats. The park is just a minute or two from several of the town’s caravan parks.

For nature lovers, between June and September, Warrnambool is a popular whale-watching spot. If you want a fix of cute, you have to meet the Maremmas that guard the penguin colony on Middle Island.

There are lots of day trips you can do from Warrnambool. The Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles are less than an hour away. A must-do for foodies is the Artisan Gourmet Trail that starts at Timboon, about 40 minutes from Warrnambool.

Where to stay in Warrnambool We stay in caravan parks, and there are plenty to choose from in Warrnambool. They are right on the beach and close to the foreshore and Lake Pertobe. Try the council caravan park at the Killarney Beach oval 20 minutes west of Warrnambool if you want something quieter.

Suggest by Natalie from Curious Campers

Ballarat, the second oldest city in the state of Victoria, and while not exactly a small town in the strictest sense, it is a lovely town centre to explore.

Ballarat is home to a wide variety of attractions, including one of our favourites Sovereign Hill, a living history museum that depicts life in Ballarat during the gold rush era.

The buildings, particularly those on Sturt and Lydiard Street, highlight the area’s wealth in the mid-1800s. You could take this self-guided heritage walk or book with the local experts who run Ballarat Heritage Walking Tours .

There are also many art galleries, including the Gold Museum, whose exhibits include rare minerals, fossils, and gemstones.

The region’s history is visible throughout the city and not just at Sovereign Hill, so make sure you allow some time to wander. While the former gold rush town has plenty to offer all travellers, it will delight those with a passion for colonial Australia.

Where to stay in Ballarat There are some lovely historic properties here and two we particularly like. Firstly the George Hotel (Quality Inn) on Lydiard Street in the heart of town. It was built in 1854, and while the building retains its heritage features, the rooms are modern and spacious. If you fancy a splurge, then check out Craig’s Royal Hotel, also on Lydiard Street. Their superior suite was lovely, but I would have loved to have booked the Royal Suite, we peeked inside, and it looked fit for a king!

How to get to Ballarat Only a little over an hour from Melbourne by car, Ballarat can also easily be reached by train from the city. A local bus service connects to Sovereign Hill.

Halls Gap in Victoria’s western districts is a great base for exploring the magnificent Grampians National Park. The Grampians are exceptional, from the flat semi-arid countryside to the step rising mountains with their rock faces and alpine vegetation.

You will find there is no shortage of  things to do in Halls Gap  and the surrounding area. Despite a permanent population of only 480 people, Halls Gap always seems busy with nature-loving tourists coming and going. Waterfalls, lookouts and hiking are the most popular activities in the region.

Make a stop at Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre to learn more about the traditional owners of the land of Gariwerd/The Grampians.

You will find several wineries, breweries, and farms selling local produce, including olives, jams, and various fruit. While for kids, there is the ever-popular Halls Gap Zoo , Grampians Adventure Golf and the e-bike hire in Halls Gap.

Don’t miss a chance to check out some of the best waterfalls in the state, including McKenzie and Silverband Falls.

Where to stay in Halls Gap The local YHA Grampians Eco hostel is a fantastic place to stay with a good-sized room, outstanding facilities and close to the centre of Halls Gap.

Where is Halls Gap Halls Gap and the Grampians National Park are around 3 hours away from Melbourne via the Western Highway. Travel by public transport is difficult and probably best avoided.

Suggested by Bec of Wyld Family Travel

Bendigo was one of the central points of the gold rush back in the 1850s. We loved strolling around the centre of town taking in all the stunning heritage buildings. The quality of the restorations from this period give the town a unique character and provide clues to what the town will have looked like back in its heyday.

From the imposing Town Hall building in the centre of the CBD to the smaller shop fronts with lattice covered awnings, the variety in the architecture alone is worth the two hour trip from Melbourne. Ballerat is one of the most historic small towns in Victoria and its so easy to get here.

If the town’s history interests you, then the Central Deborah Gold Mine is a great place to start your visit. Tours run regularly each day and take you to depths of 61, 85 and 228 metres below the surface.

We cringed at the working conditions of years gone by, and the stories our guided shared were fascinating.

The mine complex is at the end of the line for the vintage trams that run through town. So leave the car there and take advantage of the hop-on/off tram line for the rest of your day.

The first stop is right outside the Town Hall building mentioned earlier. From here, we walked over to the Botanical Garden next door. It’s a small garden with the highlight being the large tower at the top of the hill that you can climb to get the best views in the district. Unfortunately, the high wire fences make it hard to get a nice picture up there, but we thought the view was still excellent.

From here, the art gallery is a two-minute walk. If that is not your thing, walk past anyway. The street here is one of the best for that old architecture, and the gallery also has a couple of funny-looking sculptures out the front.

The boardwalk at Lake Weeroona and the Joss Temple are the other main stops on the tram line, but we skipped these.

Where to stay in Bendigo If you want the full colonial experience, you can stay in the Hotel Shamrock. This majestic structure is 150+ years old and is worth seeing from the outside even if you don’t want to stay there. Alternatively, there is also Quest Bendigo , or a lovely vineyard stay at Byronsvale just 4km from the town.

Sorrento is a lesser-known beautiful small town at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula , just a short drive of an hour and a half from Melbourne, making it  the perfect weekend getaway . I think this is one of the prettiest small coastal towns in Victoria.

The highlights for me are its pristine turquoise beaches, and the foreshore area. You could take long walks and if you time it right, photographs of the beautiful sunsets. Both the beachfront and the main street are lined with lovely eating places, art galleries and shops.

There are some lovely options for trails and hikes – a popular one that we do every time we visit is the Millionaire’s walk and the Sorrento-Portsea Artists’ Trail.

There is a lot of history here too. At the furthest tip of this peninsula, Fort Nepean is one of the fortifications that protected Melbourne during the World Wars with a tunnel complex and gun emplacements. We enjoyed discovering the coastal treks and trails with panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay. 

Where to stay in Sorrento We love the Sorrento Beach Motel ; it’s more than a motel with ample parking space, helpful staff and a delicious spread of breakfast. If you prefer an apartment, take a look at Carmel at Sorrento or Oceanic Sorrento just a few minutes from the water.

Explore more : There is an hourly ferry service from the ferry terminal at the end of the pier to another small seaside town Queenscliff.

Suggested by Jan from Leisurely Drives

One of the most charming small towns in Victoria, Healesville began as a track to goldfields located in the area in the 1800s. In 1889 the train line arrived, and it was transformed into a tourist getaway. Today, Healesville is a thriving town of just under 8,000 people.

Nicholson Street is the main street and is a beautiful tree-lined street with boutique shops, cafes and pubs. A busy town during the week, Healesville comes alive on the weekend thanks to visitors coming to the markets and riding the historic Yarra Valley Railway. There are also plenty of walking tracks, art exhibitions at the nearby TarraWarra Museum of Art and don’t forget wine tasting at some world-renowned wineries.

However, Healesville is best known for being home to the Healesville Sanctuary, a wildlife reserve and premier Victorian attraction.

The Healesville Sanctuary is located 4km south of Healesville township. It is easy to find; just follow the signs. On a daily basis, hundreds of people visit the sanctuary to interact and discover Australia’s native wildlife. If lucky enough, you can book a swim with a platypus. If not, walk around and enjoy the wildlife presentations and see native animals in their natural habitats.

You can also visit the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, where the vets and nurses treat the sick, injured and orphaned native animals in need of care.

Where to stay in Healesville If you want to stay longer than a day, there is plenty of accommodation ranging from camping to B&Bs and apartments to caravan parks. Check out the Old Mechanic apartments in the centre of town, beautifully decorated with plenty of natural light. We also think the Healesville Hotel is a splendid choice.

Where is Healesville Located an hour northeast of Melbourne in the Yarra Valley. Known for being a premier Australian wine-producing area, there are also many quaint towns to visit, one being Healesville.

Contributed by Sharyn McCullum from Live Work and Play in Australia.

Glorious Port Fairy is located approximately 4 hours from Melbourne at the far end of the Great Ocean Road . For anyone travelling along the iconic road, adding Port Fairy to the list of places to stop is a must, and you will not be disappointed.

The quaint seaside port town oozes charm and history and boasts being one of Victoria’s most livable towns. There are a great number of cafes, pubs, bars and lovely boutique stores.

There are some fabulous things to do in Port Fairy – historical walks, a popular golf course, learn to surf, SUP or kayak, snorkelling, go to the popular Port Fairy Day Spa, walk around Griffiths Island, buy from the local markets or get yourself a ticket to the world-famous Port Fairy Folk Festival.

Of course, you cannot visit Port Fairy without going to the beautiful beaches. Although known for being a windy location, on a good day, Port Fairy’s East Beach is arguably one of the best along the coast and most family-friendly. Popular for holidaymakers in Summer, it makes for a great place to spend your day swimming and playing some beach cricket. South Beach (or Pea Soup to the locals) is a great spot for a protected swim and some snorkelling – Pea Soup is not patrolled.

Where to stay in Port Fairy Accommodation is plenty, with options ranging from the Big 4 Caravan Park to the Port Fairy YHA, hotels to luxury stays with river or sea frontage. For something with great location and value, stay at Seacombe House Motor Inn .

Suggested by Erin from Australian Mountains To Se e

Just two hours from Melbourne, Lorne is blessed with a magnificent beachfront that you can enjoy as you approach along the iconic Great Ocean Road. The main street boasts fantastic eateries, bars, cafes and boutique stores, beach frontage and a grassed area perfect for picnics and kids to run and play.

There is a walking track alongside the water, a fantastic adventure playground for the kids to enjoy, beach car parking in multiple locations, a beachside cafe and a trampoline park.

Be sure to pack your hiking gear, as this pretty beachside town is located on the edge of the Great Otway National Park, and there are fantastic hiking trails and a range of outdoor activities for those looking for some adventure.

Nearby Erskine Falls offers a great family-friendly walk and a popular one for those on a shorter stay.

Where to stay in Lorne Lorne offers many accommodation options, from camping , backpackers, eco-cabins to high-end luxury hotels and waterfront holiday apartments. Lorne caters for all budgets and styles, but you must pre-book because it is a highly sought after beach holiday location on the Surf Coast. For something comfortable, easily accessible, in and a great location, check out the Lorne Hotel .

To reach Lorne by public transport It’s a pretty straightforward trip; start by taking the V/Line train service to Geelong Railway Station and then join the V/Line bus service, which departs from just outside the station. It travels along the Great Ocean Road to Lorne; it takes about two and a half hours from Melbourne with good connections.

Suggested by Erin from Go Camping Plus Australia

Metung is a quant little waterside village on the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria. As locals we love this small Gippsland town and it’s popular with holidaymakers from Melbourne and beyond too. You will immediately notice the laid back pace of life; there are not a lot of “attractions”, you will not find mini-golf, movie theatres or swimming pools.

What you will find in Metung are yachts sailing on the calm waters of the lakes and people out eating and drinking in the small centre of town. There is still plenty to do in Metung to keep you busy on a quick getaway.

Metung is famous for its pub that sits on the water’s edge and provides the perfect spot to watch the passing boats on the Gippsland Lakes.

I highly recommend you stop by the local bakery and try one of their amazing pies or traditional Vietnamese Bahn Mi. We also usually pop into the Framer and the Cook, a local gourmet grocery store selling such delicacies as fresh oysters and local cheese.

The Metung Hot Spring draws even more visitors to this small waterside location. If you are staying a little longer consider day trips to Lakes Entrance, Buchan Caves and the nearby Nyerimilang Heritage Park.

Where to stay in Metung Perhaps the best place on the Gippsland lakes to relax and unwind, there are some great options on offer. If you want to stay in town, try The Mooring or McMillans of Metung Coastal Resort .

Google map location

Suggested by Mark from Travels in Gippsland

You could string all these towns together in a nice long road trip!

Other pretty small towns in Victoria to consider include:

Got a question? Head over to our Australia Travel Tips Facebook Group and ask a local .

2 thoughts on “The Most Charming Country Towns in Victoria”

While Bendigoo & Ballarat are great places to visit, they are not small towns

True and sorry if we offended anyone – For those of us from capital cities they feel small.

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Get inspired by these spectacular places to visit in Victoria, Australia, brought to you by a local Burn City inhabitant addicted to her home state.

Melbourne. Voted the most liveable city in the world  seven times over. I mean, there’s gotta be more to it than our smashed avo on toast which, mind you, is the the bomb diggity – or, our not-to-be-messed-with coffee culture. Right?

I don’t even know what the ranking is based on, but I can tell you one thing – despite the mind blowing brunch selections or soul soothing flat whites, Victoria is home to a vast number of captivating attractions that’ll make you see exactly why the capital of this state is the most liveable city in the world.

If you’re seeking the perfect weekend getaway, or you’re looking to add some unforgettable day trips to your Melbourne itinerary – this epic list serves to inspire you to pack your bags, and visit the most beautiful places in Victoria.

Looking for more Melbourne travel inspiration?

5-Day Melbourne Itinerary: Best Sights & Food

10 Hidden Gems on the Great Ocean Road: 2-Day Itinerary

15 Scenic Places to View the Melbourne Skyline

Places to Visit in Victoria: Quick Travel Tips

➢  Rent a car, van or SUV . Let’s face it, Australia is big and vast – we don’t have much of a rail or bus network that connects everywhere. Renting a car is your best bet of getting around at your own pace and stumbling upon hidden gems.

Find the best price and car suited to your needs on Rentalcars .

➢   Pay attention to the speed limit. To say hurts getting a speeding fine in Australia is a huge understatement. It’s agonising. Torturous, even. It’ll throw you a couple hundred out of pocket and make your trip much less enjoyable.

➢   Book a day trip on Klook . Not ready to brave it on the great Australian roads with a car? No problemo. Take day trips out of Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula with Klook.

Take a look at these popular one day trips in Melbourne:

➢ Get the Entertainment Book . Australia is  expensive . Save a ton on activities, dining, shopping and accommodation in Melbourne and regional Victoria by getting this handy money-saver.

➢ Pack clothes suited for  all seasons. Because weather in Victoria is, basically, like Melbourne weather. This state is notorious for experiencing “4 seasons in one day” climate.

➢ Pick up a 4G SIM card . You’ll definitely need data to navigate the roads. WiFi can be sketchy in country towns Victoria, so be prepared and grab yourself a reliable SIM provider with plenty of data.

YOU MIGHT LIKE:  10 Fun Things to do in Melbourne

21 Beautiful Places to Visit in Victoria

Strap in your seatbelts, guys. This list is going to overload your summer road trips from Melbourne plans for the next 2 years straight. Who would’ve thunk that there are this many beautiful hidden places in Victoria to unravel? 

1. Wilsons Promontory National Park

Deemed one of the most beautiful places in Victoria, it’s safe to say that you haven’t experienced the magnificence of Aussie beaches until you’ve been to Wilsons Promontory. Located in the Gippsland region, roughly 2.5 hours from Melbourne, the national park is a natural marvel that you need to feast your eyes on.

Prepare to be astounded by gorgeous trails and hikes, spotless white sandy beaches, unique Australian wildlife, and views to literally die for.

Camp under the stars, skip along the ‘Prom’s iconic Squeaky Beach, or conquer the summit at Mount Oberon – it’s a haven for hikers, family adventurers, and photographers alike. Get out of the city, slow down a few paces, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors.

Things to do in Wilsons Prom

▪︎  Watch the sunset from Mount Oberon . One of the most scenic places in Victoria, the hiking trail to the summit is a booty-busting and leg-demolishing exercise that’s worth all the blood, sweat and tears

▪︎   Explore Squeaky Beach, Whisky Bay & Norman Beach . Sink your feet into bright white sand and turquoise water at these glorious beaches found within the national park.

▪︎   Go on a wilderness cruise . Jump onboard one of Wilsons Promontory Cruises amphibious boats and experience the breathtaking granite coastline from the serenity of the water. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins, whales and seabirds.

Unique Stays in Wilsons Prom

Unless you’re a keen camper – no accommodation can be found within Wilsons Promontory, as the National Park aims to protect its pristine beaches, rainforests and wildlife.

▪︎ Stay inside an Eco Tent . Not quite glamping, not quite camping – this unique experience sits somewhere in between. Powered by solar and fitted with an ensuite bathroom, kitchen and deck BBQ, this is the perfect place to stay for semi-nature lovers.

▪︎ Spend a night inside a cottage at a lighthouse . Visitors can get a taste of the lighthouse keeper lifestyle by staying in one of the three gorgeous cottages right next to the lighthouse.

2. Inverloch

One of the best summer family holiday destinations in Victoria, the laid-back coastal town of Inverloch is the perfect retreat for beach lovers, families and water sport junkies. 

Tucked safely inside Andersons Inlet, the beach and waters are protected by Venus Bay peninsula, making it an ideal spot for little swimmers and beginner surfers. 

But, the town is not all about the beach life – wander inland and you’ll be greeted with serene boardwalks and nature trails that take you through the marshlands and stunning viewing platforms of Anderson Inlet.

Things to do in Inverloch

▪︎   Explore the rugged coastlines at Eagles Nest . One of the most beautiful hidden places in Victoria, this gem is located between Inverloch and Cape Patterson. Soak in the views from the lookout or climb down to the secluded beach for a swim or surf.

▪︎   Take kids on a Dinosaur Discovery tour . Embark on a pre-historic adventure to The Caves and unravel plant and dinosaur fossils on this geological landscape

▪︎   Taste wine, beer and local produce at Dirty Three Wines.  Spend a lazy afternoon enjoying local wines and delicious food inside this small industrial estate.

Unique Stays in Inverloch

▪︎   Relax in a Beach Shack with a private outdoor cinema . Retreat into a 1960s inspired beach shack with a designer flare. Chill out by the fireplace or enjoy lying on bean bags while watching a movie on the big screen outside.

▪︎   Spend the night inside a glamping tent . Set on scenic farmlands with gorgeous ocean views – enjoy luxury bell tents with private bespoke bathrooms while you switch off from the world.

RELATED:  15 Places to find the Best Views of Melbourne

3. Lakes Entrance

A solid 3-hour road trip from Melbourne, Lakes Entrance is found in the eastern corner of Victoria. Known for its picturesque intertwining lakes, amazing camping grounds, and the famous Ninety Mile Beach – it’s a popular spot for families and nature seekers.

Grab your sleep bags and snooze under the starry night sky on a quiet stretch of beach, try your luck at fishing, explore the coastline, or visit all the quaint little towns dotted around the lakes. 

For more destinations in Gippsland (and a cheeky trip to NSW South Coast), take a look at this Melbourne to Sydney road trip itinerary .

Things to do in Lakes Entrance

▪︎   Drive inland to the Buchan Caves . Formed by a system of underground rivers cutting through limestone, inside, visitors can tread beneath hundreds of stalactites that line the ceiling (whilst trying not to freak out about one dropping on your noggin’).

▪︎   Rent a houseboat.  Be your own skipper and wake up to a different view each morning aboard your own floating island. 

▪︎   Hop on a ferry and explore Gippsland Lakes.  Uncover the beauty of the waterways from the comforts of a large ferry and cruise through stunning inland waterways consisting of lakes, marshes and lagoons.

Unique Stays in Lakes Entrance

▪︎   Stay inside a luxury off-grid home . Switch off from the world and experience sustainable living at a completely off-grid home set on 3 acres of rolling green hills.

▪︎   Sojourn at a wooden lakehouse . Ever dreamt of living in lakehouse complete with a private jetty and pool? Time to convert that dream into a reality.

Lakes Entrance accommodation booked out? Take a look at this family holiday park in Bairnsdale that’s only a 15-minute drive away.

4. Mallacoota

Surrounded by the glittering beauty and wilderness of Croanjingolong National Park, the pretty little town of Mallacoota is graced with cool ocean breezes in the hot summer months and the warmest winter temperatures in Victoria.

Enjoy nature strolls, boating, fishing, canoeing, 4WDing, surfing or golfing – there’s something enjoyable to be found in Mallacoota for every type of traveller.

Things to do in Mallacoota

▪︎  Explore the ancient forests of Croanjingolong National Park . Delve into the unique landscapes and enjoy boating, fishing, canoeing, 4WDing, surfing and golfing.

▪︎  Visit Gabo Island Lighthouse. Join in on a tour with the keeper and learn about the town’s history and look out for whales, dolphins, seals and even penguins.

▪︎   Captain your own motorboat.  Hire a small boat for the day and explore the scenic waterways and secluded coastlines.

Unique Stays in Mallacoota

▪︎  Stay inside a secluded Riverhouse inside the forest . Immerse yourself in pristine bushlands and forest life inside this magnificent home by the river.

SEE MORE: Highlights of Melbourne to Sydney Drive via Gippsland

5. Mount Dandenong

Country, bush, coast – Victoria’s got ’em all. But, if the mountains are callin’ – we’ve got a set of those, too. And, you better heed that call.

Take a trip out to the Dandenong Ranges, a mere one hour drive from the city – it’s a short trip from Melbourne that makes for a perfect ‘quickie’ retreat from the fast paced city life. Explore eclectic mountainside villages, wander through forest-scape, discover magical falls, and stunning viewpoints.

Things to do in Mount Dandenong

▪︎  Ride the Puffing Billy Steam Train . Travel through lush forest land, fern gullies and farmlands of the Dandenong Ranges onboard Victoria’s most famous train.

▪︎  Soak in panoramic views at Sky High . Drive up to the highest natural viewing point in Victoria – stop at the bistro for a feed or roam the hedge maze and secret gardens.

▪︎  Visit the charming towns of Olinda and Sassafrass . Stop for tea, coffee or lunch in one of these laid-back mountain towns.

▪︎  Take a stroll inside William Ricketts Sanctuary . A free outdoor exhibition that winds through nature paths dotted with wonderful sculptures.

Unique Stays in Mount Dandenong

▪︎  Spend the night inside a medieval-style cottage . Be awed by the Tudor-inspired lodging experience surrounded by rainforest views, walking tracks and picnic areas.

▪︎  Sleep inside a converted 1966 vintage caravan . Experience a stay inside a lovingly restored caravan complete with a hot tub, free WiFi and private patio with a BBQ.

▪︎  Frolic inside a wooden barnhouse . This cosy country-style home is surrounded by breathtaking views and boasts a double spa in the living room, gas log fire and private balcony with a BBQ.

Need to rent a car? Compare the best prices on Rentalcars .

6. Healesville

For a splendid one day trip in Melbourne that’s guaranteed to please kids and grown-ups alike, there’s no place quite like Healesville. A haven for food and wine lovers, the region is enveloped by awe-inspiring scenery, iconic Australian wildlife, artistic inspiration, and award-winning  wineries and restaurants.

It’s also, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Victoria with kids where little ones are given the opportunity to encounter rescued wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary, or run wild at one of the many outdoor picnic grounds with playgrounds.

Things to do in Healesville

▪︎  Encounter Aussie wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary . One of the top places of interest in Victoria, this is where you can meet rescued wombats, kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, koalas and more native animals. 

▪︎  Have a picnic at Maroondah Reservoir Park . Pack a picnic and chill inside the huge park space or climb up to the dam wall for a gorgeous vista of Healesville from above.

▪︎  Pop into some of the region’s finest wineries . Soak in views of rolling green hills and indulge in some of the state’s most delectable cuisine and wines.

Unique Stays in Healesville

▪︎  Stay inside a glamping pod at a holiday park . Sleep inside an eco glamping pod with an ensuite bathroom and enjoy roaming the great outdoors.

▪︎  Romantic vacay at a tiny house on the edge of a hill . Be awed by this adorable country-style cottage nestled on rolling green hills.

▪︎  Experience living inside a luxury warehouse . Enjoy one of the most unique weekend trips from Melbourne by staying in a warehouse-style shed.

Experience the best attractions of the region. Join in on one of these top-rated tours and activities in the Yarra and Dandenong Ranges.

✰ Puffing Billy & Winery Lunch Hop on the famous steam train and choo choo your way through Dandenong Ranges National Park followed by lunch and wine tasting in the Yarra Valley.

✰ Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight Kick off the morning feeling like you’re on top of the world (literally) with an unforgettable flight over the Yarra Valley.

✰ Full Day Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch   Hop between Victoria’s top wineries and enjoy tastings with an expert guide, including lunch at a winery restaurant.

7. Warburton

Lovers of the outdoors, rejoice. Warburton is one of the most adorable country towns in Victoria you’ll come across and fall instantly in love with. 

Located in the upper reaches of the Yarra River, the area is surrounded by lush, green mountains and age-old trees that soar into the skies. Take the opportunity to see some of the state’s most picturesque countryside via bicycle, 4WDing or on foot. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tina ft. 2 boys & 1 man child (@hangrybynature) on Jan 8, 2019 at 12:27pm PST

Things to do in Warburton

▪︎  Experience snow in winter on top of Mount Donna Buang . Drive up the windy road to the summit and experience snow play toboggan runs in the cold months.

▪︎  Stroll through the majestic Redwood Forest . Pack a picnic and explore this magical forest lined with towering Californian Redwood trees.

▪︎  Visit the Warburton Rainforest Gallery . Float along enormous mountain ash and myrtle trees and be mesmerised by the beauty of this forest.

Unique Stays in Warburton

▪︎  Spend the night inside an American-style eco barn . Prepare to be blown away by this collection of hand built barn-style rooms tucked away in the Yarra State Forest.

▪︎  Sleep inside an off-grid mudbrick house . Built with reclaimed timbers and handmade mudbricks, this rustic cottage is the perfect way to switch off.

▪︎  Retreat into a Gaudi-inspire art house . Let your creative muse loose inside this artsy space and find inspiration for your next project.

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8. Marysville

Nestled in the foothills of the state’s great alpine region is the delightful little town of Marysville, truly, one of the tip top beautiful places to visit in Victoria. The drive up the Black Spur alone is a jaw-dropping experience that’ll make you tear up with all the beauty that this corner of the state has to offer.

Only a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne, this alpine resort village is the ideal destination for all-year-round outdoor activities. Take the family on a snow adventure to Lake Mountain for toboggan runs in the colder months or trail to Keppel Lookout for breathtaking scenes of Steavenson Falls. 

Things to do in Marysville

▪︎  Hike up to Steavenson Falls . Embark on an easy climb up to the top of this magnificent waterfall for amazing views of the region.

▪︎  Trek along the Keppel Lookout Trail . Drive or hike up to this wonderful viewing spot where you can soak in invigorating panoramas of Marysville.

▪︎  Visit Lake Mountain Alpine Resort for snow-filled shenanigans . Ski through 37 kilometres of cross-country trails or let the kids loose on the fun toboggan runs.

Unique stays in Marysville

▪︎  Experience country hospitality at a secluded lodge . Wake up to kangaroos outside your window on a 68-hectare property surrounded by dense forests.

▪︎  Stay inside a German Alps-inspired mountain chalet . Enveloped by untouched rainforest and native Australian wildlife – this place is one of the best escapes from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Short on time? Take a day trip to Lake Mountain with a guide that includes skiing, tobogganing and chocolate sampling .

9. Cathedral Ranges State Park

One of the craziest and adrenalin-fuelled hikes that I ever agreed to embark on – hiking up Cathedral Ranges is not for the faint-hearted. 

However, I can assure you that the view at the summit is completely worth the near-death experiences encountered along the way. Enjoy one of the most beautiful places in Victoria overlooking vast farmlands, charming towns and mountain ranges.

Clamber through claustrophobia-inducing narrow cave passages and cliff-edge climbs that’ll make your heart rate drop. If adrenalin is what you seek, then adrenalin you shall find.

Things to do in Cathedral Ranges

▪︎  Drop by the township of Lake Eildon . Explore this quaint little town and its rich history or partake in water-based activities, such as houseboating and wakeboarding.

▪︎  Camp and hike to the top of Cathedral Ranges State Park . Climb to the summit for inspiring views and experience one of the hardest hikes in Victoria.

Unique Stays in Cathedral Ranges

▪︎  Experience a family stay at a 40 acre rural retreat . Spend a few nights inside a huge 4-bedroom house with views of the Cathedral Mountain range, splendid sunsets and a private pool.

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10. Kinglake

Before we dive into the beautiful attractions of Kinglake, let’s set the record straight – there’s no lake. Alright, now that we got that out of the way, let’s talk about this incredible town that’s an absolute paradise for outdoor lovers.

Situated 50 minutes north of Melbourne CBD, the town is home to countless natural marvels, such as the Kinglake National Park, berry farms, lush walking trails and adventure playgrounds that the kids will go nuts over.

Things to do in Kinglake

▪︎  Enjoy a bushwalk in Kinglake National Park . Go camping, wind down the myriad of nature trails and find a quiet spot to admire the powerful Kinglake Waterfall.

▪︎  Pop by the magical playground at Bollygum Park. Moulded after the award-winning children’s book ‘Bollygum’, this outdoor playspace features a skate park, animal houses and a bird’s nest making it a hit amongst kids.

▪︎  Visit one of the biggest berry farms in Australia . Sink your teeth into the fresh and juicy raspberries at Kinglake Raspberries during harvest season.

Inch your way towards the Alpine National Park, one of the best places to visit in Victoria in the autumn and winter seasons, and enjoy the splendour and allure of the high country. 

Wander along Ovens River and soak in the stunning forest and call of the mountains that the town is engulfed in. Bright also boasts a first-rate foodie scene, where you’ll stumble upon boutique wineries, village cafes and mouthwatering restaurants serving up delicacies sourced from local ingredients.

Things to do in Bright

▪︎  Embark on an easy walk to The Canyon . Follow Ovens Valley River, bask in the natural scenery and cross a picturesque suspension bridge.

▪︎  Swing by Bright Splash Park in the summer . Cool off in the warmer months and chill out in this free public space that features bucket dumps and ring sprinklers where kids will have an absolute ball.

▪︎  Day trip to Mount Hotham or Falls Creek . If you’re after snow-capped adventures in the winter time, these two popular snow resorts are a must for ski enthusiasts.

Unique stays in Bright

▪︎  Stay inside a contemporary tin hut . Experience a memorable stay inside a modern tin house with designer touches.

▪︎  Cosy up in a modern love shack . What great romances are made of. Plan a romantic getaway and enjoy views of the mountains from the outdoor bath.

▪︎  Tiny House with an epic mountain view . Switch off from the world and seclude yourself in this gorgeous tiny home surrounded by killer mountain scenery.

TIP:  Plan a trip during the Bright Autumn Festival to experience breath-stealing autumn foliage and taste rare seasonal produce of the region.

12. Alpine National Park

Welcome to the state’s amazing High Country where you can spend days hiking along towering alpine ridgelines, trek past lush river valleys, rugged bushland and revel in unforgettable mountain scenery.

Some of the most amazing places to visit in Victoria are not always found along the coast. Albeit, Victoria is home to tear-jerkingly beautiful rugged coastlines that’ll make your heart skip a beat, but we also have mountain ranges that some might call ‘alps’ (as a German-born, I tend to disagree). With snow. Yes, plenty of snow.

Things to do in Alpine National Park

▪︎  Make a trip up to Mount Hotham or Falls Creek . Victoria’s most popular ski resorts are open all-year round for adventure seekers.

▪︎  Trek or drive up to highest mountain in Victoria . Nestled in the heart of the Alpine National Park, Bogong High Plains offer world-class mountain bike trails and hiking opportunities.

▪︎  Visit the hidden Lake Tali Karng . Camp out at the highest freshwater lake in the alpine region and bask in unforgettable mountain views.

Unique Stays in Alpine National Park

▪︎  Get cosy inside a Witcher-style stone cottage . Wake up to the sounds of the river and the forest in this detached mudbrick studio nestled at the foot of the mountain.

▪︎  Live it up inside a pod with breathtaking vistas . Enjoy stunning views from the bed or terrace of Kiewa Valley and Mount Bogong.

▪︎  Relax in a loft-style 3-bedroom chalet . Kick back in this Scandi-inspired mountain chalet boasting minimalist modern furnishings and to-die-for views.

New to Airbnb? Get $40 travel credit when you book your first stay!

13. Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula

Geelong. Better yet,  Gee-troit , as the locals like to call it to give Victoria’s second largest city a ghetto edge. Although it’s far flung from its colloquial name, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all the delightful attractions and natural sights Geelong has to offer .

Roughly an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this easy-going coastal city is a burgeoning foodie scene, home to a myriad of contemporary dining experiences, craft breweries and hipster cafes. Enjoy wading in the cool waters of Eastern Beach in the summertime, explore the historic streetscapes or drive off to the Bellarine Peninsula for a surf, swim or scenic walk.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tina ft. 2 boys & 1 man child (@hangrybynature) on Dec 2, 2018 at 1:53am PST

Things to do in Geelong

▪︎  Take a leisurely stroll down the scenic waterfront . Food, cafes, ice cream parlours, vintage carousels and an awesome public swimming pool is what awaits you at the Geelong Waterfront.

▪︎  Eat your way through Pakington Street . Discover cool laneways, cafes tucked into warehouses, shipping containers and even old churches – it’s a mini Melbourne outside of Melbourne.

▪︎  Uncover the beauty of the Bellarine Peninsula . Scramble along the rocky shores of Barwon Heads, explore the seaside resort town, Queenscliff or even jump on a ferry to the Mornington Peninsula.

Unique Stays in Geelong

▪︎  Stay inside an incredible converted barnhouse . Constructed from traditional post and beam, this place even features a complete wooden chess corner on the top floor.

▪︎  Spend the night inside an enchanting Hobbit-style bungalow . This art deco-inspired private bungalow is surrounded by magical gardens and whimsical footpaths that’ll whisk you off into a fantasy world.

READ MORE:  Top 10 Geelong Attractions & Things To Do

14. Great Ocean Road

Hailed one of the bucket list places to visit near Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road is one of nature’s most marvellous creations and a place you have to set out to visit at least once in your life.

The 243 kilometre coastal stretch runs along the rugged south western coast of Victoria, where the journey begins in a small beach town called Torquay, a paradise for surfers just over an hour’s drive outside from Melbourne.

Without a doubt, the most iconic stop on the Great Ocean Road is the legendary Twelve Apostles, only, there aren’t many left. So, be sure to make the effort to go and see these unique rocky pillars before they vanish from the surface of our Earth.

Take a look at our suggestions for hidden gems along the Great Ocean Road .

Great Ocean Road: Things to do

▪︎  Kick back in the popular surf towns of Torquay, Bells Beach and Lorne . Bask in Australia’s beach culture, explore the cliffsides or trek up waterfalls in these chilled out towns.

▪︎  See the best attractions on a guided day tour . Get blown away by the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge.

▪︎  Otway Fly Treetops Walk or Otway Fly Zipline Tour . Discover the incredible Otway National Park from the treetops.

You might like these fun activities on the Great Ocean Road:

Unique Stays on the Great Ocean Road

▪︎  Stay inside a 40 metre high suspended glass house . Staring into the Pacific Ocean, this is Australia’s most photographed luxury accommodation that will completely blow your mind.

▪︎  Sleep inside an award-winning designer eco lodge . A stone’s throw away from the Twelve Apostles, you’ll find a group of unique sanctuaries where you can relax and heed the call of nature.

▪︎  Bunk up inside a converted steam train carriage . Disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and those around you inside this renovated train carriage.

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15. Warrnambool

Set out on a 3 hour drive to the remote western corner of the state – in our personal opinion, one of the best towns in Victoria to visit with kids, or simply retire in. 

Better yet, add Warrnambool to your Great Ocean Road itinerary and make it your first (or last) stop to enjoy whale watching, beach swims and stunning walks along the rocky coast.

It’s the ideal family vacation spot where you’ll find the historical Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Bay of Islands and a pretty lake that is the social gathering point of the town.

Things to do in Warrnambool

▪︎  Catch the sunset at Warrnambool Breakwater . Climb around the rocky cliffs or trail down Pickering Point for impressive views of the islands.

▪︎  Take the kids to Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground . An epic outdoor playspace that the kids will never want to leave. Stroll around the lake or hire a small motorboat.

▪︎  Visit the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village . Travel back in time to a 19th century replica maritime village and see Australia’s most precious shipwreck relic.

Unique Stays in Warrnambool

▪︎  Call a shipping container your home for the night . Wake up to sounds of the river from within a converted shipping container with all the amenities you could possibly need.

▪︎  A church that’s been renovated into a home . For a unique experience in Warrnambool, stay inside a converted church complete with stained glass windows and high ceilings.

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16. Mornington Peninsula

Crystal blue waters and silky soft and shallow sand beaches that span into the horizon – the Mornington Peninsula is home to some of the best kid-friendly beaches in Melbourne. If this isn’t on your list of top places to see in Victoria, then you need to add it in right this moment.

Rent a car and make the gorgeous drive down yourself or book the Ultimate Mornington Peninsula Day Tour that covers prime attractions of the region, such as Fort Nepean National Park, Sorrento Beach, wine tasting and more.

Take a look at our complete guide to 12 must-dos in the Mornington Peninsula .

Things to do in Mornington Peninsula

▪︎  Book a visit to the Peninsula Hot Springs . Dip in the toasty waters of thermal hot springs and experience ultimate rejuvenation in this peaceful sanctuary.

▪︎  Drive to the hidden back beaches . Explore the untouched sands of Bridgewater Bay, Gunnamatta Beach and Cape Shanck.

▪︎  Take a scenic gondola ride on the Arthurs Seat Eagle . Soar through the skies and marvel at scenic views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay.

Unique Stays in Mornington Peninsula

▪︎  Sleep in a Tiki-style ocean cottage . Get whisked away to the Pacific Islands and chill inside this home with all the tropical beach vibes.

▪︎  Relax inside a luxury Mongolian-style yurt . Experience what it’s like to be a true nomad by sleeping in a traditional yurt with a modern touch.

▪︎  Bungalow tower with million dollar views . Perched on the highest vantage point in Mount Martha, this architect-designed home will have you picking your jaws up from the floor.

Discover more popular Mornington Peninsula activities:

17. Werribee Gorge State Park

A perfect short day trip from Melbourne, the Werribee Gorge can be found in the desolate west of the city. Hugely popular amongst bushwalkers and rock climbers, it’s easily one of the best day trips from Melbourne.

The national park offers on trail and off trail adventures, steep descents for thrill seekers, river crossings, cable climbs, wildlife spotting and rock hopping for outdoor junkies.

18. Ballarat

If you’ve had enough of the coast and beach (as if), then it’s time for a getaway to the remote inland regions of Victoria. Situated just over an hour from Melbourne by road or rail; the city makes for an ideal day trip or weekend escape from the city.

Although gold played an important role in moulding the city into what it is today, there is much more to this place than all that glitters. Home to scores family-friendly activities and enveloped by stunning green landscapes, Ballarat is one of the best things to do in Victoria that caters for all interests and age groups.

Have a glance at our entire 10 things to do in Ballarat guide for more inspiration.

Things to do in Ballarat

▪︎  Dig for gold inside Sovereign Hill . A visit to Ballarat’s number one attraction is an absolute must. Descend into old gold mines, pan for gold and immerse yourself in life as it was in the 1850s.

▪︎  Encounter Australian animals at Ballarat Wildlife Park . Home to over 100 free-roaming kangaroos, wombats and koalas – this place is a sanctuary for animal lovers.

▪︎  Experience medieval life inside Kryal Castle . Perfect for anyone who’s fascinated by knights, wizards and castles, this is a must-visit attraction for all ages.

Unique Stays in Ballarat

▪︎  Stay inside a classical Victorian townhouse . Choose between a 2 or 6-bedroom beautifully restored townhouse in the heart of Ballarat.

▪︎ Spend the night inside Kryal Castle . The medieval-themed suites inside this adventure park will bring out the knight and princess in you.

▪︎  Sleep in a restored corner shop . Experience a unique stay inside a restored shop with a lofty bedroom and all modern amenities.

▪︎  Bunk up inside a 1850s-style miner’s loft . Ever wondered what kind of space miners would’ve slept in? Be awe-struck by this whimsical and rustic goldmine-inspired abode.

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19. Daylesford

Overdue for a romantic escape with your other half? Daylesford calls. Possibly one of the best places to visit in Victoria for couples, this dreamy little town is famously known for its natural mineral springs and botanical garden that sits atop an extinct volcano.

It’s the ideal location to invigorate your body and mind, ignite creativity in the dense forests or venture to some of the historic neighbouring towns for country-style culinary experiences. 

Things to do in Daylesford

▪︎  Spend half a day bathing inside Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa . Indulge in a relaxing body treatment or massage to rejuvenate your mind and soul.

▪︎  Visit Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens . Wander through this enchanting green space that was built on top of an extinct volcano.

▪︎  Drive to Trentham Falls. Marvel at one of the most beautiful outdoor places to travel in Victoria and get awe-struck by this powerfall waterfall.

Unique Stays in Daylesford

▪︎  Cosy up inside a wombat hole-inspired home . What it looks like when Scandi-style meets wombat hole.

▪︎  Live it up inside a converted horse stable . Experience loft-style living inside an old horse stable that’s been brought back to life.

▪︎  Sleep inside an enormous converted barn . Enjoy life inside a revitalised 100-year old property that’s been creatively restored.

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20. Macedon Ranges

Venture an easy 1-hour trip north of Melbourne where you’ll find spectacular gardens, quaint towns and rolling green hills in the Macedon Ranges. 

Stock up on some of the finest local produce at the markets, indulge in artisan food, hit up world-class wineries or explore the expansive forests and trails at Mount Macedon and Hanging Rock.

Things to do in Macedon Ranges

▪︎  Climb up Hanging Rock Reserve . Make your way up this imposing rock edifice, meet some native animals along the way and bask in the scenery.

▪︎  Visit one of the many wineries . Macedon Ranges is known for its quality wineries, be sure to wine and dine in, at least, one.

▪︎  Soak in panoramic views from Mount Macedon . Roam the beautifully manicured gardens and admire the breathtaking scenery.

Unique Places to stay in Macedon Ranges

▪︎  Stay inside an old school house . Experience accommodation inside a converted 1876 school in the heart of the Macedon Ranges.

▪︎  Sleep inside an old railway station . Set in Lance Field, the converted train station houses a restaurant and includes free breakfast.

▪︎  Make the inside of a vintage colonial tram your home . Stay the night inside a cosy 1920s tram with an outdoor campfire, BBQ and Tiki bar.

Short on time? Join a 1-day horses, wine and beer tour of Macedon Ranges.

21. Bendigo

Searching for more glory, gold and riches? If Ballarat didn’t cut it in way of panning for gold, make a trip to Bendigo and continue the hunt. Lying 150 kilometres north of Melbourne, Bendigo is Victoria’s fourth largest city and the second highest producing goldfield in Australia during the height of the gold rush.

Boasting some of the country’s finest Victorian buildings, Bendigo is steeped in captivating history of a bygone age. Tour the Central Deborah Mine, sample delectable modern cuising inside historic buildings or uncover the city’s Chinese heritage; Bendigo makes for one of the best day trips from Melbourne for all types of travellers who enjoy a wee bit of history and culture.

Things to do in Bendigo

▪︎  Bendigo Vintage Talking Tram Tour . Hop onboard this refurbished vintage tram and see the best landmarks and attractions.

▪︎  Tour the Central Deborah Gold Mine . Learn about Bendigo’s golden past and experience what life was like for miners.

▪︎  Visit the Golden Dragon Museum . Learn about the Bendigo’s Chinese influence during the great gold rush era and how it shaped the city.

Unique Stays in Bendigo

▪︎  Stay inside a glamping tent at a winery . Spend a night or two at Balgownie Estate Winery Retreat, enjoy complimentary wine tasting and relax inside the luxurious tents.

▪︎  Experience the 70s inside a hippie van . Get groovy inside a 1973 vintage caravan with a private ensuite and private outdoor area.

▪︎  Live it up inside Victorian-style residences . Run wild inside this restored 4-bedroom residence in Bendigo’s art precinct.

22. Echuca Moama

Ahoy! Welcome to Australia’s paddler steamer capital, home to the world’s largest fleet of riverboats and floating fine-dining restaurants. 

Roughly a 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne, Echuca-Moama is steeped in exciting colonial heritage, but also makes for an action-packed holiday for outdoor lovers. Stroll around the old Port of Echuca and observe paddlewheelers and steam engines in action, experience the mighty Murray River on a river cruise, wakeboard, waterski or get a group together and get rowdy on the paintball fields.

Things to do in Echuca

▪︎  Tour Echuca on the back of a rickshaw . Get chauffeured around to the best points of interest and historical sites.

▪︎  Cruise the Murray River onboard PS Emmylou . Soak up the beautiful surrounds on a traditional wood-fired paddlesteamer.

▪︎  P aintball ’til you fall . Get a gang together and run wild inside Australia’s biggest paintball venue.

Unique Stays in Echuca

▪︎  1-night onboard PS Emmylou paddlesteamer . Experience an all-inclusive overnight stay – enjoy a multicourse dinner and bask in the spectacular scenery.

▪︎  Stay inside a vibrant gypsy wagon . Inspired by 19th century gypsy wagons, this modern reproduction comes with all the 21st century comforts.

TIP: Echuca is home to a myriad of exciting festivals. Check the Echuca events calendar   to align your visit.

23. Phillip Island

Picture this. Dazzling rugged coastlines, deep blue water ideal for surfing, fish and chips by the beach and cute little penguins bouncing up sandy hills. That’s the essence of Phillip Island, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Victoria that needs to be on your bucket list.

The island harbours splendid sights and activities for families, couples and adventure seekers. Learn about its history and heritage at Churchill Island Farm, hike along Cape Woolamai or watch the Penguin Parade; you’ll find it hard to get bored on Phillip Island.

Don’t forget to grab the Phillip Island 4 Parks Pass to save on entry for the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre and more top attractions.

Things to do in Phillip Island

▪︎  Relax at Cape Woolamai Beach and hike to the Pinnacles . Traverse this stunning surf beach and trail your way along the coast to the Pinnacles lookout.

▪︎  Go on a wacky adventure inside A Maze’n Things . Waltz through rooms filled with optical illusions and crazy puzzles, an attraction all members of the family are sure to enjoy.

▪︎  Watch the Penguin Parade . Observe adorable penguins hobbling up to their nests at sunset.

Unique Places to stay in Phillip Island

▪︎  Get cosy inside a tiny beach house . Situate yourself minutes from the beach in a unique tiny home with all the beach vibes.

▪︎  Stay in a Bohemian beach bungalow . Featuring an outdoor camp kitchen, a firepit and eco-composting toilet, this is what Bohemian rhapsodies are made of.

Discover more of Phillip Island’s best attractions:

24. The Grampians

Known for picture perfect sandstone mountains, jaw-dropping views and unique Australian wildlife, the Grampians National Park is one of the top places to see in Victoria for couples or families seeking recluse in the mountains.

Covering over 170,000 hectares of space at the border of Victoria and South Australia, a visit to this corner of the state will have you reconnecting with nature, loved ones and the nomad inside of you. Expect to come across awe-inspiring vistas, mighty waterfalls, tranquil lakes and wild native forests. 

Things to do in the Grampians

▪︎  Hike up to The Pinnacle lookout . Deemed one of the top things to see in Victoria, getting to this bucket list lookout involves an arduous 2 kilometre hike that leads to an insanely rewarding view.

▪︎  Stare in wonder at Mackenzie Falls . Marvel at the water cascading down Victoria’s largest waterfall from the top or bottom lookout.

▪︎  Pop by the Halls Gap Zoo . Found at the foothills of the Grampians, Victoria’s largest regional zoo is home to over 160 native and exotic animals.

Unique Stays at the Grampians

▪︎  Enjoy a glamping retreat in the mountains . Immerse yourself in the great outdoors and enjoy 5-star amenities inside a canvas tent.

▪︎  Hide out in a secluded cabin in the woods . Escape city life in this modern couple’s retreat that’s surrounded by native bush and wildlife.

▪︎  Live it up inside luxury terracotta villas . Including breakfast, a spa bath and a romantic fireplace, this is the ultimate getaway with modern amenities.

Tight on time? Take a guided Grampians Day Tour to see the best lookouts and attractions.

25. Albury Wodonga

Ever wanted to be in two difference places at the same time? Albury Wodonga is ‘where everything comes together’. Two cities located at opposite ends of the state border that are filled with natural wonders, charming townships and outdoor adventures; a trip to this stunning region will bring out the explorer in you, but will also give you the time to relax and unwind.

Things to do in Albury Wodonga

▪︎  Picnic at Lake Hume . Drive or stroll around the picturesque lake and admire the impressive infrastructure.

▪︎  Paddle down the Murray River . Hire a canoe or kayak and explore the surrounds at your own pace.

▪︎  Spend a day at the Albury Botanic Gardens . Stroll through the 130-year old gardens that features a children’s playspace and historical buildings.

Unique Stays in Albury Wodonga

▪︎  Stay inside a tranquil zen house . Surround yourself with peaceful and ambient energy that comes complete with a garden made for ultimate relaxation.

▪︎  Experience ultimate luxury in a spa hotel . Live the high life inside this upmarket space that features contemporary decor, breakfast and a day spa.

More Melbourne & Victoria Guides

Take a look at this list of 10 best things to do in Melbourne to inspire your next city trip. Ditch the Great Ocean Road for a trip to Mornington Peninsula’s best attractions . Taking the kids for a day trip out of Melbourne? Don’t look past Ballarat . Slickin’ in the city? Check out these fun things to do in Docklands .

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Wrap Up

There’s obviously more to the reason why Melbourne was voted the most liveable city in the world on numerous counts, but I’d say our amazing countryside mixed in with our spectacular coastline accounts for a good chunk of the points here. Oh, and our food scene. Let’s not forget the mind blowing food our chefs put on the brunch table here.

I hope this list has inspired you to jump in a car to explore the remote regions of my beautiful home state – there really is so much to see and do for travellers of all kinds. A great place to start planning your next great Victorian getaway is on the official Visit Victoria site, where you can align your travels with special events, or simply find inspiration on where to go.

Want to know more about these beautiful places in Victoria?

Feel free to ask in the comments below.

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38 comments.

Gorgeous photos! Makes me want to pack a bag right now. 🙂

Thanks, Lacee! I hope you get around to visiting one day – I’m sure you’ll love it!

Wow! These photos are amazing. I have always wanted to go to Australia!

Thank you, Vicki! I hope you get the chance to visit soon! It truly is a beautiful place.

Wow. These places are amazing. You’re good with taking landscapes I see. Thank you for sharing these wonderful places.

Great post, I am going to try and visit all these when I get to Vic again! I have only been to Melbourne and I fell in love with that city, so I would love to see more of Victoria.

I know, it’s hard because there’s so much to see in Melbourne alone. But along the coast and in the country is really where all the beauty is at! Come again soon!

Thanks for the post, the pictures are absolutely beautiful and really makes me want to pack my bags and head to Australia right now 🙂

I hope you get the chance to visit soon!

I would love to visit! Thanks for sharing!

Wow fantastic read, awesome pics, makes me want to pack my bag, jump on a plane and visit right away.

Thank you, Stefany! Hopefully you get around to visiting Australia soon!

Your Clicks are amazing! Austraila is on my bucket list, love the place as well as well as their food 😀 Thank you for sharing this amazing post 🙂

I have always wanted to travel here. How amazingly beautiful your photos are. Stunning!

Thanks for your kind words. I hope you get to visit soon!

I have got to visit Australia! These pictures and places are beautiful!

Definitely – you’ll love it!

Ah I absolutely love Australia! So many gorgeous places to explore. Can’t wait to visit again some day 😀

I hope you get to visit again soon!

Australia is one of those places I feel like I’d need an extended trip to. I have always been fascinated and now you have given me even more places to visit!

I know, we’re just so far away from the rest of the world and you definitely need to take an extended trip if you want to travel around the country and make the most of it. My list of places to visit is ever-growing as well!

All of these places look absolutely magical! I don’t even know which one I would begin with! Maybe the Grampians? I can’t say no to an incredible mountain view.

Me neither. I love a combo of mountain and ocean – so I would highly recommend Wilsons Prom!

I have not been to Australia but NOW I want to go and visit all of these amazing, beautiful places.

I hope you get the chance to visit one day – you won’t regret it!

I’ve never had the opportunity to visit Australia, but now I definitely want to! 🙂 These beaches are SO GORGEOUS! Hopefully I can go this Summer! 🙂

xo, Chloe // http://funinthecloset.com/fishnets-friend-foe/

This is only the state of Victoria – there’s so much more to see! I hope you get the chance to come down and visit one day, you won’t be disappointed!

All of these are so amazing. I had a good friend just move to Australia. I need to send this to her!

Oh yeah, definitely! If she visits Victoria, she needs to visit these places 🙂

Beautiful photos and a great post. Such travel inspiration.

I so enjoyed this post, it makes me want to visit. What’s the temperature like in spring on the beaches?

Thank you – I’m happy to hear you enjoyed reading my post. The weather in spring is pretty inconsistent in Victoria, probably not the best for swimming in the beach. Best time to hit up the beaches would be January-February and early March 🙂

Too bad I never got a chance to visit Victoria when I lived in Sydney. Love the sneak peek. Hoping to catch up on these place the next time I visit

Wonderful post! I love, love all the pictures…beautiful.

Wow! It looks amazing, and the photos do speak for themselves. However, my favorite photos of Mornington Peninsula. The whole place looks worth a visit. Thanks for sharing them.

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Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Places to Visit in Victoria (Australia)

15 Best Places to Visit in Victoria (Australia)

Victoria is a great place to travel, and a great place to live, too: its state capital, Melbourne, has been ranked the most liveable city 6 years in a row by the Economist, and it’s also been voted the world city with the best coffee, beating out the traditional favorites of Rome and Vienna.

But with 2.6 million international visitors flocking to Victoria in 2016 alone, there’s plenty to offer outside of Melbourne’s urban buzz: drive the famed Great Ocean Road, relax on the beach at a coastal village, enjoy the splendour of a national park, or check out the adorable little fairy penguin colony at Phillip Island.

There’s so much to do in Victoria that if you can, devote a few weeks to exploring. You’ll experience a fascinating insight into Australian city and country culture, meet plenty of friendly locals, and make memories to last a lifetime.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Victoria :

1. Grampians National Park

This stunning national park boasts exceptionally scenic diversity: from rugged sandstone ridges to lush waterfalls and colorful Spring wildflowers, you’ll find many picture-perfect shots for your photo album: the sunset views are an absolute must-see.

The Grampians are the home to many Australian marsupials and native birds, so it’s a great spot for fauna-spotting while you enjoy the many walking trails in the area  There’s also fascinating examples of ancient indigenous art.

If you make a small trip outside the park to Ararat or Halls Gap, there’s plenty of gorgeous modern art by local studios too, and Ararat is a popular destination in its own right, particularly interesting for its eerie ghost tours.

From Melbourne : Grampians National Park Great Escape Tour

2. Torquay and the Great Ocean Road

Torquay is an adorable seaside resort town known for being the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, but it’s well worth a visit in its own right: its famous for its surf beaches, including the world famous Bells Beach, and if you visit during Easter you’ll be able to see some of the world’s best surfers in action at the Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro.

The Surf Coast walk is a wonderful, relaxing journey, or you could just enjoy some sunbathing! If you’re in the mood for a romantic holiday destination, Torquay is perfect: the Surfcoast Cottages and Bells Estate Cottages are adorable, and there’s plenty of tasty dining options here.

From Torquay, many travelers will continue onto the Australian Heritage-listed 243-km Great Ocean Road, the backdrop for many an international car commercial with its gorgeous coastal and mountain views, charming towns like Apollo Bay, and yet more of the pristine white-sand beaches that Australia is rightly world-famous for.

Book online : Reverse Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

3. Great Otway National Park

The Otways are a very popular detour for drivers on the Great Ocean Road, and are considered an iconic Victorian experience; they’re popular with locals, interstate and international travelers alike.

Stop in a few towns on your way, and make sure to take the time to explore the Great Otway National Park (if you’re a daredevil, maybe even try the zipline!)

4. Phillip Island

Just under 2 hours by car, with a bridge linking it to the mainland, Phillip Island is a popular day-tripping destination for Melbournites and tourists alike.

The island is best known for its adorable colony of Little Penguins, one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions.

The penguins return to shore en masse every sunset; visitors can view them from several different locations, such as the Penguin Parade viewing platform or the underground facility; there’s also the option of the Ultimate Penguin Tour, which offers a more personal and intimate penguin encounter.

The visitor centre is also very informative and interesting.

Visiting the penguin colony is a must-do, but there’s plenty more on Phillip Island to enjoy: a koala conservation centre, an animal park, and Warook Farm – a fully working farm which is over a century old.

The island is also for its excellent beaches, which are popular with swimmers and surfers alike, as well as various family-oriented activities such as the Islantis Surf Experience, A Maze’n Things, a chocolate factory, and a summer carnival that has been running for over 50 years.

The island also boasts several wineries, and many excellent restaurants.

Complete day trip: Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

5. Alpine National Park

The Alpine National Park is home to two of Victoria’s best known mountains, Mt Buller and Mt Hotham, both of which operate alpine resorts that are famous throughout Australia as winter sports destinations.

Of course, spring and summer in the Alpine National Park is an entirely different experience, so it’s worth making trips at various times of year to the Park if you have the chance! The scenery is stunning, with gorgeous flora and fauna, especially in wildflower season.

The walking and biking trails are great for an outdoorsy holiday.

Both Mt Hotham and Mt Buller offer a variety of summer activities and events, from abseiling to fireworks and film festivals, so it’s worth checking their respective websites to see what’s on.

Bendigo offers a fascinating insight into Victoria’s past.

Located just under 2 hours drive from Melbourne, as well as being easily accessible by train, Bendigo was a gold rush boomtown in the Victorian era.

There are many well-preserved examples of Victorian architecture in the town, making Bendigo famous for its heritage buildings and gold rush history alike; at one point, the output of Victoria’s goldmines were higher than anywhere else in the world besides California, with almost 1 million kilograms of gold having been extracted in Bendigo alone since mining began in the 1850s.

Like the gold rushes in the US, the Victorian gold rush brought in an influx of migrants from within Australia and overseas, transforming the town from a quiet sheep station to a major settlement.

Some popular sites for heritage and cultural tourists to visit in this now-thriving modern city are the Discovery of Gold Monument, the Bendigo Tramways Museum, the Golden Dragon museum (which commemorates the Chinese population which developed during the gold rush, peaking at 20% of the town’s population in the 1860s) and the Joss House Temple, as well as several buildings that are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register: the Bendigo Town Hall (built in 1859), the Old Post Office, the Law Courts (1892), the Sacred Heart Cathedral (1896), Shamrock Hotel (1897), and the Memorial Military Museum (1921).

The growing city has much to offer beyond heritage and cultural tourism: lovely national parks, a science museum, the excellent Bendigo Art Gallery, and the Bendigo Botanic Gardens which overlook the gorgeous Lake Weeroona.

For a wonderfully informative taste gold rush history, the Central Deborah Goldmine can’t be beat – this subterranean tour of a genuine historical mine shaft is a very memorable experience (although perhaps not ideal for the claustrophobic). You can even pan for gold at the end of your visit!

7. Wilsons Promontory National Park

Victoria’s largest coastal wilderness area is beloved by locals and tourists alike, with the opportunity to get close to a wide variety of Australian native flora and fauna; “the Prom”, as it is nicknamed, is the home to many kangaroos, emus, wombats, echidnas, and gorgeous birdlife.

As the Prom is well-touristed, these animals are very used to people, and will be very friendly to you if you’ve got some feed to offer! The walking trails at the Prom are lovely, and it’s also a great spot for relaxing on the beach.

It’s a popular location for camping, but also for romantic getaways, so you’re sure to find accommodation that suits your needs as well.

Available tour : Wilsons Promontory: 2.5-Hour Wilderness Cruise

8. Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a lovely little day-trip from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne; just over an hour away (and a very pleasant drive), you’ll find a different world.

The peninsula is famous for its wineries, cherries and berries, as well as produce straight from the farm-gate (and tasty restaurant fare, as well!). It’s also a popular foraging spot, including for sea spray herb, seaweed and mushrooms (Mushroom Tours offers helpful advice on distinguishing from the poisonous and the palatable!)

Like many regional attractions, the gorgeous walking trails on the peninsula shouldn’t be missed, but there’s also plenty to do in the towns.

The Peninsular Hot Spring in Sorrento are particularly enjoyable, especially as natural hot springs in Australia are few and far between.

Rosebud and Rye boast many family attractions, and if you’re in the mood for a beachside tipple, Portsea has a lovely pub.

The bright, colorful shacks along the beach at Mount Martha make it well worth a visit too.

There are several national parks on the peninsula, spanning over 25,000 hectares in total.

They include lovely sites such as Cape Schank (home of a lighthouse build in 1859 which still operates today, as well as being a perfect spot to catch the sunset).

Book online : Mornington Peninsula & Hot Springs Tour

• 9.  Healesville Sanctuary

Located in the heart of the scenic Yarra Valley, this sanctuary is widely considered to be the best spot in Australia to see and interact with Australian wildlife in unspoiled natural habitat.

Get up close and personal with all manner of famous Aussie animals: kangaroos, koalas, emus, wombats and even platypuses (the sanctuary’s most iconic species). There’s also several interesting “wild encounters” available, such as “wombat pat & play”, “wade with the platypus” and a dingo encounter (apparently they sometimes give visitors a kiss on the cheek!) These uniquely Australian experiences make the sanctuary a trip to remember.

Book online : Healesville Sanctuary General Admission Ticket

10. St Kilda

Melbourne has a lot to offer visitors, but a particular must-see is St Kilda.

This suburb boasts a wide range of attractions, from beachside relaxation to a thriving nightlife scene, the famous Esplanade Markets, and some of the best food in the city (if not the state). The suburb is quite ethnically diverse, and Acland Street in particular is well-known for its Greek and Jewish bakeries and cake shops, so it’s a perfect spot if you’ve got a sweet tooth.

There’s also many vegetarian restaurants here (particularly noteworthy is the pay-as-you-feel Lentil as Anything).

St Kilda is also known for its boutique shopping, vintage finds, and its iconic colorful beach shacks.

The pier is gorgeous, especially when it’s lit up at night and you can go penguin-spotting.

The botanic gardens are also a lovely way to work up an appetite for the excellent local fare (or alternatively, work off that delicious cake!)

You’ll also find Luna Park here, an iconic amusement park opened in 1912. The Scenic Railway was opened in the Park the same year, making it the world’s oldest continually-operating rollercoaster (with fantastic views of Port Phillip Bay). It’s free to enter, just pay for what you ride, and it’s fun even just for a walk around.

11. Fitzroy

Fitzroy is described by Time Out as an “inner-city mecca for all things cool and kooky”; vintage shopping, a vibrant bar and pub scene, a thriving alternative subculture, and delicious restaurants serving a wide range of Australian and international food, generally at very reasonable prices.

The best thing about Fitzroy is definitely the atmosphere – it’s a fun area just for a wander around – but there’s also lots of live music events going on at any time, as well as a variety of markets, art events, etc.

A visit to the in.cube8r Fitzroy Emporium and Gallery is also highly recommended.

12. Carlton Gardens

The Carlton Gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a short walk from Melbourne’s city centre.

The complex includes the Royal Exhibition Building, Imax Cinema, and Melbourne Museum, all of which are well worth a visit.

The gardens are a gorgeous example of Victorian landscaping, as well as being noteworthy for their biodiversity.

The Royal Exhibition Building is a very attractive example of heritage architecture.

You’ll also find plenty of wildlife in the area, such as possums, kookaburras, and tawny frogmouths; there’s even bats at night! There are three major fountains in the complex as well: the Exhibition, French and Westgarth Drinking fountains.

The area makes for a pleasant and easily accessible day out for Melbournians and visitors to the city.

13. Daylesford

Daylesford is a gorgeous spa town roughly an hour and a half from Melbourne, making it very popular with both locals and tourists.

Originally established as a gold-mining town, Daylesford has been a popular spa destination for a century.

The town is famous for its natural spring mineral spas; the broader area of the town and surrounds are home to over 80% of Australia’s effervescent mineral water.

As well as its many spas, Daylesford is known for its wineries, galleries, restaurants, and its gorgeous lake views.

The Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens are also a lovely attraction, and the stunning Hepburn Regional Park is only a stone’s throw away.

14. Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges are a low mountain range on the outskirts of Melbourne, 35km from the city centre.

Gorgeous, lush and green, they make for a popular nature day-trip for the locals, as well as a must-see for tourists.

In particular, the popular Puffing Billy scenic railroad is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Ranges.

The highest point is Mount Dandenong, at 633 metres.

You’ll find great farm-gate produce here, breathtaking bushwalks, lovely bed-and-breakfasts, sweet little towns, immaculate gardens, and well-preserved Australian architecture.

There’s also plenty of wildlife to encounter in the Ranges: kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and more!

15. Ballarat

Ballarat is another famed gold-rush boom town, now a thriving city with great cafes and restaurants, and many events to attract the modern traveler as well (the Ballarat Beer Festival and the Summer of Sound are particularly popular). The Ballarat Art Gallery is also a must-see, a stroll around the lake is a fun way to while away some time, and the Ballarat Wildlife Park is a great spot for a koala fix!

Like Bendigo, it has done a fantastic job of preserving its history: there are plenty of examples of heritage architecture to be found, and the fascinating Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka is actually located on the historic site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade, the site of a renowned rebellion against the colonial authority of the UK that was a crucial moment in the history of Australia’s road to becoming an independent democracy.

Sovereign Hill is a particularly enjoyable tourist site in Ballarat; this open-air museum and historical park has been described as Australia’s best outdoor museum, and it will truly make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the heady days of the beginning of the gold rush over 150 years ago! The experience is very authentic, and highly informative; you can go underground and enjoy a fully-guided gold mine tour, visit 1850s shops, see steam-driven machinery in operation, and have a chat with the various fully-costumed staff members “plying their trades” as candlemakers, wheelwrights and candy-makers of yore.

(Of course, it’s also a fantastic spot for photo opportunities!)

8km outside of Ballarat, you’ll find Kryal Castle, biling itself as “Australia’s only medieval adventure park and resort”. There’s something a little out-of-place about jousting knights and dragons in the middle of Australia at the height of summer, but it’s still a lot of fun, and fantastic to keep any smaller travelers in your group entertained.

15 Best Places to Visit in Victoria (Australia):

• Grampians National Park
• Torquay and the Great Ocean Road
• Great Otway National Park
• Phillip Island
• Alpine National Park
• Wilsons Promontory National Park
• Mornington Peninsula
• Carlton Gardens
• Dandenong Ranges

• The best places to visit in Victoria

From the dramatic coastline to the thrills of the snow, there are so many things to do in Victoria.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and loves exploring different parts of Australia.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today and has been a journalist for 20 years.

Last updated: August 16, 2024

The best things to do in Victoria

Use this table of contents to jump down, or keep reading to see my suggestions for the best places to visit in Victoria.

Mornington Peninsula

Yarra valley, great ocean road, gippsland lakes, high country.

It may not be the biggest state, but Victoria sure packs quite a punch. There is no shortage of places to visit in Victoria and every where you go, you’ll find a rich local culture surrounded by gorgeous nature.

Victoria is one of the greenest states in Australia, with its cooler climate and rivers meaning its mostly covered in bushland, although there’s still plenty of variety from the surf to the snow.

Melbourne is, of course, the highlight and many of Victoria’s tourist attractions are found here. It’s easy to spend days – or even longer – getting to know the laneways, the bustling neighbourhoods, and the cultural institutions.

But the capital sets the trend for the state – a part of Australia where good food is a way of life and bad coffee just doesn’t exist! Art spills out from the galleries and onto the streets and buildings of country towns.

Road trips are one of the best things to do in Victoria and there are some wonderful touring routes that will take you along the coast or into the state’s rural towns. The Great Ocean Road may be the most famous, but there are other options that are just as interesting.

For those who love nature, some of Australia’s best national parks are in Victoria but they’re not all household names – offering the opportunity to visit the striking landscapes without hordes of tourists.

But ultimately visiting Victoria is about exploring the culture, finding chefs and artisans who have taken their crafts to new levels, relaxing into a welcoming town, and discovering inspiration around every turn.

Melbourne is constantly changing. Every time I visit, there are new restaurants, bars, and exhibitions. It’s a city that is always alive, always innovating, and it’s one of the things that people love about spending time there.

But Melbourne is also steeped in history, from the original Indigenous people to the European settlers, and all of that can be explored in the city’s attractions, including the World Heritage Site of the Royal Exhibition Building.

Food is a bit focus of the city and the influence from immigrants over the decades shines through in the authentic dishes you’ll find in so many different pockets of the suburbs. In the city centre, in particular, some of Australia’s top chefs run wonderful restaurants.

Melbourne has probably the most dynamic city centre of all the capitals, and it’s here you’ll find galleries, museums , theatres and more – much of it near to Federation Square. For something different, catch the tram to St Kilda and have a seaside experience (although Melbourne’s beaches are not its selling point).

And then, as well as the normal things to do in Melbourne , there are all the events that take place here. If you can time a visit to coincide with one of the arts festivals or one of the sporting events (like the Australian Open), then you’ll find the city even busier than usual with pop up events throughout the streets.

To escape the city, it’s an easy drive south of Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula, a large strip of land where you’ll find charming seaside towns with plenty of food and culture.

The beaches are the first thing you’ll notice on the Mornington Peninsula, and you can see why Melbourne residents would choose to drive down here for a swim – but there’s much more to the region than that. From a purely recreational perspective, there are golf courses, spas, and national parks to enjoy.

But the Mornington Peninsula is also home to wineries specialising in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and gourmet restaurants making the most of the abundant fresh produce in the region.

It’s easy to spend your time here eating and drinking, with breweries, cider houses, and distilleries to go along with the wine. Plus, many of the local farms and orchards will welcome you in to pick your own fruit.

Alternatively, take a slight left turn as you head out from Melbourne and drive down to Phillip Island instead. It’s also got wineries and similar coastal landscapes – but the highlight here is the wildlife. The penguins are the most famous residents, but there are also koalas, birds, and dolphins and whales in the water.

The state’s premier wine region is just a short one-hour drive from Melbourne, which is just one reason why the Yarra Valley is one of the best places to visit in Victoria.

It’s the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that takes centre stage here, with an ‘Old World’ feel to many of the vineyards in the wine region, which dates back to 1838. But increasingly sparkling wine has grown in popularity, while breweries have also appeared in the region.

Beyond the wine, though, the Yarra Valley has wonderful little villages set in lush greenery, where you’ll find boutique stores, cosy restaurants, and plenty of friendly locals. There are quite a few small artist studios, while the TarraWarra Museum of Art is a must-visit.

The Healesville Sanctuary, home to plenty of Australian wildlife, is one of the most popular attractions in the Yarra Valley, while there are also spas, walking and cycling trails, and the opportunity to go hot air ballooning.

The nearby Yarra Ranges National Park has some incredible walks through verdant valleys full of ferns out to epic viewpoints and amongst temperate forest rising up the slopes.

The Great Ocean Road isn’t just one of the best things to do in Victoria, it’s one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Along the 243 km of coastline, there are iconic surf breaks, waterfalls, unbelievable panoramas, and the famous rocks rising from the sea known as the 12 Apostles.

The rugged cliffs and the soaring bluffs can make the Great Ocean Road seem quite dramatic at first, but when you stop in the towns and villages along the way, you’ll find a warm welcome from restaurants, producers, and guest houses.

The nature of the region is the focus and you’ll find that at famous beaches like Bells Beach, with the wildlife like koalas and kangaroos, and even with remote rainforest at Otway National Park.

Obviously most people will tackle the road by car and the viewpoints directly along the way can get busy, but as you find small detours and explore the towns, you’ll create your own unique itinerary. For a special experience, there are also walking and cycling trails that cover the length of the coastline.

In the west of the state is one of Victoria’s best national parks, the Grampians, where sandstone mountains rise from the forest in dramatic peaks.

Within the national park, there are walking trails leading to waterfalls, with challenging hikes up to viewpoints, spectacular wildflowers, and plenty of wildlife. There are also important Indigenous sites that tell tens of thousands of years of stories.

The broader Grampians region offers even more than just the national park, and you’ll find charming country towns, welcoming wineries, and boutique accommodation options. One of the most popular attractions is the 200-kilometre Silo Art Trail, which starts here and has enormous artworks painted on the sides of grain storage units.

Spending a few days in the Grampians is the perfect way to discover some of the best landscapes of western Victoria, with mountains and forests that are world-class. But, like most of Victoria, there’s also plenty of good food and culture to round out the stay.

Gippsland Lakes always makes me think of summer holidays. Not because I came here myself, but because it’s going everything a local wants from a relaxed Australian getaway down the coast.

The Gippsland region stretches all the way from Melbourne to the New South Wales border, and the lakes region is right in the middle. Combined, this network of lakes cover more than 600 square kilometres and are protected from the ocean by coastal dunes.

The waters teem with wildlife, including dolphins and pelicans, and the best way to experience the lakes is to head out on a boat. You can hire your own or there are quite a few tour operators that have different styles, depending on your interest. Small islands in the lakes can be reached by ferry or water taxi.

For many visitors, though, the Gippsland Lakes are about relaxing – swimming at the beach, paddling in the lakes, having a drink by the water, hiking in the bush (where you might spot koalas in the wild). Metung is a good base but there are other great options.

It’s also worth noting that at either end of Gippsland are two of Victoria’s best national parks that are both worthy of a visit – Wilsons Promontory in the west, and Croajingalong in the east.

Ballarat is Victoria’s largest inland city – and full of history. As a centre for the gold rush from 1851, it grew in size and wealth, and much of that legacy is still seen in the grand old buildings in the city centre.

To experience the gold rush, you can head to Sovereign Hill , which is one of the best places to visit in Victoria. This recreation of Ballarat in the 1850s is set across a huge site with more than 60 buildings and countless characters playing their parts on the streets, in the shops, and in regular shows.

Of course, there are plenty of other things to do in Ballarat .

In the city centre, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest regional gallery in the country, while there’s also Her Majesty’s Theatre from 1875, and a lovely Botanical Gardens. Boutique shops and charming cafes can be found along the main tree-lined streets.

It seems you’re never far from a winery in Victoria and Ballarat is no exception. The food scene is vibrant here, with lots of top restaurants to choose from. Just 1.5 hours’ drive from central Melbourne, Ballarat is a great regional escape.

In 2019, Bendigo was named Australia’s only UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy – which might seem strange for a rural city, but says a lot about how important the food scene here is.

There’s a real focus on local produce, paddock to plate, and native ingredients. The restaurants in Bendigo regularly win awards and there are about 80 wineries in the region (with a focus on Shiraz). Coming here for the dining is reason enough.

But Bendigo has even more to offer, particularly with its arts precinct, which often hosts important international exhibitions. Colourful street art adorns the walls and there are plenty of small galleries.

Like Ballarat, Bendigo was a focus for the gold rush and there’s heritage from this period throughout the city, including a museum about the Chinese workers who came to the city. You can also do a tour of a mine, to go a bit deeper into the history.

In the northeast of the state is the mountainous region of Victoria known as High Country. It has some lovely small towns like Marysville and Glenrowan, famous for the last stand of the infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly. But when it comes to this region, there’s one thing that rules supreme.

High Country is home to some of the most popular Victorian tourist attractions – the ski fields! The NSW snow just over the border gets a bit more attention, but there are excellent resorts here in the High Country, particularly Falls Creek, Mt Buller, and Hotham (known as Australia’s ‘powder capital’).

Even if you don’t ski, the snowfields make for a beautiful wonderland in the winter, with dog-sled rides, snow play parks, fine dining, and fire-warmed chalets to relax. In the summer, the mountains come alive with hiking and biking trails, plus alpine road trips take you between wineries, national parks, and coffee roasters.

During the year, you’ll find lots of festivals being held in the towns of the High Country and it’s worth trying to time a visit with one of them. The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues is a great event to consider, for example.

Victoria would not be what it is without the Murray River – quite literally, because the course of the waterway forms the state’s northern border. And discovering the Murray is one of the best things to do in Victoria.

Although there are quite a few places where you can cruise along the river in a houseboat, a good place to base yourself is the city of Mildura in the northwest of the state, right on the border with New South Wales.

The region around Mildura feels like the Outback, so this little patch of green along the river feels like quite an oasis. Especially when you realise that it’s full of great food and wine, much of it along Feast Street, a renowned dining strip.

To make the most of the Murray, take a trip on a 19th century paddle steamer, hire a kayak to paddle yourself, or just sit on the bank and watch life float by. The Murray has been an important part of Indigenous culture for millennia and there’s lots to learn.

Mildura is also an excellent base for trips to nearby natural wonders, including Mungo National Park (in NSW), Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, and Murray-Sunset National Park which, as the name suggests, has some incredible colours at the end of the day.

More Victoria stories

• The top things to do in Melbourne
• The best museums in Melbourne
• Coastal itinerary for a Melbourne to Sydney drive
• The best things to do in Ballarat

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Victoria’s High Country, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Guide to Victoria's High Country & King Valley

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• Getting to Victoria's High Country
• When to visit

Well known as an epicurean delight, the High Country food and wine regions are just the beginning.

Victoria’s High Country offers something for everyone, from breathtaking scenery, picturesque mountains to explore, snowy slopes to ski, luxury accommodation, and incredible food and wine. It’s a destination for rugged adventure peppered with world-class epicurean delights created by humble visionaries. What more could you ask for?

Victoria’s High Country is approximately a three-hour drive from Melbourne and is serviced by a regional airport.

• Mount Hotham Airport (MHU); domestic flights only

Getting around Victoria’s high country is easy with transfers and tours available throughout the region. If you are driving during winter, ensure you have snow chains on your tires.

If ski slopes are what’s calling you to the region, peak ski season is between July and August. However if you are visiting to mountain bike, horse ride, and tour the local wineries, then summer and spring are perfect for you.

• High season: Summer (December to February)
• Low season: Winter (June to August)

Top things to do in the High Country & King Valley

High country holiday inspiration.

8-day Sydney to Melbourne inland drive

10-day road trip through regional Victoria

The best ski resorts in Australia

Tempt your taste buds with these 5 foodie road trips

Destinations near the high country.

The Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

Daylesford & the Macedon Ranges

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50 best things to do in Victoria

Lush valleys, thundering waterfalls, bluebird days and unique landscapes make Victoria the perfect playground for a post-iso day trip. Start picking your road-trip playlist.

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I’ve hiked everywhere, these are my top spots

I quit my job to travel to the world’s most remote sites

I’ve been to 100 countries, these 5 stood out

Get ready to hit the road, breathe some fresh air and soak up a change of scenery, because Victoria is officially reopening for day trips. There’s a lot to see and do, whether you’re looking to get some blood flowing on a hike or indulge in sugary treats at one of the state’s historic regional bakeries.

Here are our top 50 recommendations.

Best affordable things to do

1. BELLARINE TASTE TRAIL

Wineries. Provedores. Farm gates. Remember those? Take your tastebuds on an adventure along the Bellarine Taste Trail. There are more than 50 local producers, so map your own itinerary and enjoy.

2. LITTLE MALOP STREET

Geelong’s cultural precinct mixes the grandeur of historic buildings with contemporary street art, new bars, exciting eats and laneways full of curiosities. You can either drive or take the Port Phillip Ferry.

3. GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK

Vibrant greens, lush ferns and trickling creeks make Great Otway National Park the perfect place to forest bathe. Make sure you stop by Hopetoun Falls, Beauchamp Falls and Triplet Falls. For some guidance, this tour that takes you on a 3km hike of the National Park,and also stops at Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles. 

4. CALIFORNIAN REDWOODS

Driving down a dusty road through timber plantations, you’ll wonder if you’re lost, but the ethereal grove of towering Californian Redwoods – the world's tallest species of tree – are impossible to miss.

5. BUDJ BIM

This long-dormant volcano, located in the state’s southwest, once spewed lava up to 50km. It’s rich in history and a great spot to learn about the cultural heritage of the Gunditjmara people.

6. 12 APOSTLES

There may only be eight left, but the 12 Apostles are a must-stop on every Great Ocean Road trip. Plan to get there late-afternoon, so you can watch the sea spray glowing gold as the sun sets. If you're short on time or wish to see the Great Ocean Road from a different view there are scenic flights and tandem skydives over the coast. 

7. MT STURGEON

Mt Sturgeon is a hard 7km hike towering over the town of Dunkeld, which takes about three hours. Once you’re done, order a Two-Hatted Dinner from the acclaimed Royal Mail Hotel to enjoy at home.

See more: 10 best Airbnbs to escape to in Victoria

See more: I found Melbourne’s best-kept secret

See more: 20 incredible Victorian road trips

See more: The pub meal worth the day trip

8. THE PINNACLE

No visit to Grampians National Park is complete without a trek to the Pinnacle. The 9.6km walk starts at the Halls Gap Caravan Park and climbs steeply until you feel like you’re on top of the world. Hide & Seek has regular tours from Melbourne.

9. MACKENZIE FALLS

Thundering waterfalls aren’t an obvious attraction in the dry plains of Western Victoria, but MacKenzie Falls has a year-long cascade. Walk down from the car park or follow the creek up from Zumsteins.

10. MALLEEFOWL

Malleefowl are Victoria’s most intriguing birds. Native to Little Desert National Park, the species builds its nests out of large mounds of litter, which warm eggs as they compost. It’s ingenious.

11. SILO ART TRAIL

This breathtaking collection of murals, painted on enormous grain silos, spreads 200km through Western Victoria. It’s one of the world’s largest outdoor galleries and it's worth the drive.

12. PINK SALT LAKES

Murray Sunset National Park is home to a series of salt lakes that range in colour from deep pink to bright white, depending on the light. This pristine spot is located in the state’s remote northwest.

13. TRENTHAM FALLS

Take a raincoat to the base of Trentham Falls, so you can feel the mist on your face without getting soaked, then whet your appetite with Redbeard Bakery’s organic, wood-fired sourdough.

14. MOUNT BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK

Mount Buffalo is famous for hiking, yes. It will make you feel a million miles away from your day-to-day life. However, it's got plenty of tricks up its sleeve, starting with fresh local olives and craft brews.

15. GREAT ALPINE ROAD

Everyone has heard of the Great Ocean Road, but what about its alpine counterpart? The 339km stretch from Wangaratta to Metung has views galore, winding its way from the mountains to the coast.

16. DARGO HOTEL

Built in 1898, this historic pub sits at the entry point to the Alpine National Park and Mitchell River National Park. It’s perfect for post-adventure pints and parmas and definitely worth a look.

17. KOKODA TRACK MEMORIAL WALK

The ‘1000 Steps’, in Dandenong Ranges National Park, nods to the Kokoda Track’s arduous Golden Staircase. It’s the ultimate way to get the blood flowing after a weekend of indulgence.

18. HOSIER LANE

There are plenty of fun day trips to be had in Melbourne. Start at Hosier Lane and wander through the city’s streets, taking in the ever-changing canvas of urban street art (with a side of people-watching). Walking tours abound to take you to all the best spots and provide insight into the artists and their works.

19. ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

The Royal Botanic Gardens actually operates across two sites in Melbourne – one in the city, and one in Cranbourne. Each has a completely different look and feel from the other, so why not visit both?

Sometimes, the greatest satisfaction comes from the simplest things. Lune is the brainchild of former F1 aerodynamicist Kate Reid and it creates arguably the best croissants outside France.

Best things to do for families with kids

21. CHOCOLATE MILL

It’s hard to go past handmade Belgian-style chocolates at the best of times. The Chocolate Mill, located 7km north of Daylesford, makes decadent treats in a unique building constructed from straw bales.

22. SOVEREIGN HILL

Sovereign Hill is popular for school groups, but it’s just as magical to visit as an adult. Take the family and step back in time to a world of raspberry drops and gold panning. Tickets start from $49 and can be booked through Klook .

23. MURRAY TO MOUNTAINS RAIL TRAIL

Explore the heart of the High Country on Victoria’s best rail trail on a bicycle. The 100km track rolls past green farms and pretty valleys, with gourmet producers, cellar doors and craft brewers aplenty.

24. SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING

Parts of Victoria’s high country are snowy enough to provide tremendous conditions for skiing and snowboarding. There are five to choose from:  Mount Buller ,  Ski Falls ,  Mount Hotham ,  Mount Baw Baw , and Lake Mountain Resort (but more on Lake Mountain in a second). 

25. MALLACOOTA

What's great about Mallacoota? Unspoilt sand, crystal clear water, pristine bush, epic surf breaks, and great coffee, for starters. Tucked away at the eastern end of the state, it's a true beachside paradise.

26. EXPLORE ORBOST

Orbost is the perfect spot to break up the drive along the scenic route between Sydney and Melbourne. It’s an adventure hub, with an abundance of 4WD, mountain biking and hiking tracks.

27. BUCHAN CAVES

It’s been about 400 million years since an underground river carved the spectacular caves at Buchan, in Gippsland. It's great all year round, but particularly as a cool retreat in the height of summer.

28. LAKE MOUNTAIN

Just 120km from Melbourne, Lake Mountain is a great spot for the kids to see snow for the first time. Sign your family up for an unforgettable day of tobogganing and snow play when the gates re-open.

29. KINGLAKE NATIONAL PARK

The Running Creek Track is an easy 14.3km hike just north of Melbourne. It’s beginner-friendly, with great views of the countryside, and you can stop at the pretty Masons Falls for a picnic lunch.

30. PENGUIN PARADE

Two hours from Melbourne’s CBD, Phillip Island is a day trip dream. Visit the beach, explore the shops and take your mates (or dates) to see the incredibly cute Penguin Parade. Tours run frequently from Melbourne and general entry tickets start at $32 for adults.

31. ASHCOMBE MAZE & LAVENDER GARDENS

This incredible hedge maze was planted 40 years ago and is now three metres tall. It’s fun for the whole family and you can leave the kids to search for the cheeky gnomes hiding in the gardens.

32. PUFFING BILLY

This beautifully-preserved steam train, which runs from Belgrave to Gembrook, is an icon. The best part is the open sides which make you feel completely at one with the lush forest it passes through. You can pre-book tickets through Klook online .

33. EXPLORE WARRANDYTE

Warrandyte started as a goldmining area and is now best known for its talented local artists. Escape the city for and explore the galleries, studios and craft shops before enjoying a short bushwalk.

34. CYCLE MELBOURNE

Swap public transport for a two-wheeled adventure and cycle along the shore from St Kilda to Black Rock. The route takes in gorgeous views of the bay and passes the Brighton Bathing Boxes.

35. QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET

Queen Victoria Market is open for business and it’s the perfect place to unleash your inner foodie, with a bustling fresh food market and plenty of gourmet produce.

36. YARRA BEND PARK

Located just 4km northeast of the CBD, Yarra Bend Park is the largest area of natural bushland left in Melbourne. It has plenty of trails to walk or cycle, as well as stunning sunset views over the city.

Best things to do for couples

37. UNDERBAR

Ballarat’s newest upscale dining destination has just 16 seats, taking intimate dining to a new level. It’s only open two nights a week, with an ever-changing tasting menu designed by head chef Derek Boath.

38. CHANCERY LANE

Food, fashion, ever-changing street art and a buzzing European feel. What’s not to love? Chancery Lane has awakened Central Bendigo, creating a cosmopolitan nook full of emerging trends.

39. HOUSEBOAT TRIP

There's no better way to relax and unwind than a luxury houseboat trip along the Murray. Take your significant other, pick up some delicious local wines and produce, and savour misty mornings on the river.

40. CACTUS COUNTRY

This desert landscape, full of cactuses and succulents, is a photographer’s dream. Located in the state’s north, you can't explore this remarkable 12-acre garden without trying the cactus ice cream.

41. PEDAL TO PRODUCE

Ease into the good life with a gentle cycle through Rutherglen, taking in the historic towns and lush countryside while sampling fresh local honey, gourmet cheese, house-made preserves and wines.

42. BEECHWORTH BAKERY

Every country town prides itself on having the best bakery, but for Beechworth, it’s actually true. This gorgeous bakery takes pies and pasties to the next level, with a balcony and live music on Sundays.

43. PROSECCO TRAIL

Twenty years ago, Otto Dal Zotto planted the first prosecco vines in the King Valley. These days, you can enjoy a sensational Italian-themed food and wine experience through the area on Prosecco Road.

44. SARDINE

It’s not often you get to take away a meal made by an ex-Vue de Monde chef, but it’s currently possible at Sardine in Gippsland. This hatted restaurant is progressive but wholly unpretentious.

45. GIPPSLAND LAKES

Raymond Island, which is only accessible by boat, is home to Victoria’s largest koala population. That’s just one reason to hire a boat and explore the calm waters of the gorgeous Gippsland Lakes.

46. WILSONS PROMONTORY

If you haven’t already visited mainland Australia’s southernmost point, now’s the time to plan a trip. Pristine beaches, rugged wilderness and teeming wildlife make it the ultimate change of scenery. Hiking tours can guide you through the arresting scenery though for a change of perspective you can also hop on a wilderness cruise , scenic cruise or kayak tour .

47. VISIT MEENIYAN

Meeniyan is a town of just 771 people on the way to Wilsons Promontory, but good music, good food, boutique shops and progressive art mean it’s the perfect place to pause on the way to Gippsland.

48. MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula has five hatted restaurants, all located on wineries just 15 minutes from each other. It’s a dream foodie destination. Choose to lunch at a local farm , a wine tour , or treat yourself to a night at the InterContinental Sorrento .

49. SASSAFRAS

There’s no better place to spend wintry weekends than the moody Dandenongs. Warm the cockles of your heart with Devonshire tea from one of the excellent tearooms in Sassafras.

50. YARRA VALLEY

There’s nothing quite like drinking a crisp apple cider while gazing at the orchard from which it came. The Yarra Valley is home to hearty food, fruity Chardonnays and warm hospitality all year round. Elevate your experience with a horse trail ride , hot air balloon over the valley or a high tea at Elmswood Estate .

Please check the websites for the most up-to-date information.

What is Victoria in Australia best known for?

Victoria's top tourist destinations include the The Great Ocean Road , The Twelve Apostles, Phillip Island and Grampians National Park. Its capital Melbourne is renowned as a hub for arts, culture and coffee.

What is the best season in Victoria?

Summer and autumn are the best seasons to visit Victoria as the weather is warm and the skies are generally clear.

Being the peak season however, summer is often expensive and crowded due to the school holidays. If you're looking for a good mix of sunshine sans the crowds, consider travelling in February and March. 

- Best short breaks in Victoria

- Best hotel day spas in Melbourne

- Best camping experiences in Victoria

Kirrily never sits still for long. She spent the last decade travelling anywhere/everywhere, living for a while in Padang, Indonesia, and Anchorage, Alaska, along the way. She's the queen of off-beat adventures and is currently road-tripping her way around Australia in a personality-filled Hyundai iLoad called Ivan.

Scenery and hiking are the building blocks of this Australian author's holidays. 

Hiking the Kokoda Track was a pivotal moment for Dot Robertson. It inspired her interest in remote cultures, and she's now a guide for Aurora Expeditions, venturing to far-flung destinations around the world. 

Seeing countries recover from war is the most satisfying form of travel for post-conflict remediation expert Ian Mansfield.

I’m a street food aficionado, this is my No.1

Her day job is as Melbourne-based co-founder of fashion label Elk, but when she travels, Marnie Goding is on a quest to find the world’s best street food.

21 Hidden Places To Visit In Victoria, Australia

By audrey chalmers.

Discover The Best Hidden Places To Visit In Victoria.

The list of places to visit in Victoria can be a little overwhelming, with top attractions like the Great Ocean Road and the buzzing metropolis of Melbourne catching the eye of many first-time visitors.

But if you want to find a place to visit in Victoria that’s away from the tourist crowds there are plenty of great options.

Some of the best places to visit in Victoria are the small towns and villages that line the coast or are hidden further inland.

In our guide to the best places to visit in regional Victoria we look at some of the most interesting historical towns, the top spots for nature, as well as a few of the best hidden places to visit in Victoria that are well off of the tourist radar.

Table of Contents

Best Hidden Places To Visit In Victoria, Australia

1) portland.

One of the most historical towns to visit in Victoria, Portland started as a whaling station in 1829.

See the sights on the Portland cable tram network, visit galleries and museums, and look out over Nelson Bay at Yellow Rock lookout.

The town was established in 1834 when Edward Henty established the very first European settlement in Victoria.

Learn more about its rich past and uncover some of its varied history by visiting some of Portland’s 200 heritage buildings.

You will also discover how European settlement came with its downsides. Portland was the site of one of the first and largest massacres of Indigenous people in Victoria.

The Gunditjmara, the traditional owners of the southwest, were violently displaced when Europeans first arrived here.

But Portland isn’t just about the past, it’s also a great place for wildlife watching.

Point Danger is home to the only mainland gannet bird colony in Australia, while the 6-kilometre Cape Bridgewater Seal Walk has mass gatherings of over 2,000 Australian and New Zealand fur seals.

During the winter months, migrating whales can be seen from the shore as well as a designated viewing platform.

2) Port Fairy

Port Fairy is undoubtedly one of the best towns to visit in Victoria and was voted number 1 in the “Top Tourism Town Awards” in 2022.

You can find Port Fairy in the Shire of Moyne, just off of the Princes Highway in Victoria. Top spots to visit include the lighthouse, Merrijig Inn, Moyne Mill, the Lecture Hall, and the Court House.

The coastal town is home to one of the busiest fishing ports in Victoria, it’s a great place to grab fresh seafood, wander around heritage buildings, and relax at East Beach.

The town has lots of charm with a swathe of Victorian buildings from its European settlement in the 1800s as a whaling town.

Now of course it’s better known for its nature reserves and conservation efforts. Take a boat trip to Lady Julia Percy Island to see dolphins, a large colony of Australian Fur Seals, and the majestic Southern Right Whales.

If you happen to come on the right weekend in March, you may even come across the Port Fairy Folk Festival with live music, delicious local food and drinks, and lots of family-friendly things to do.

3) Warrnambool

Just east of Port Fairy is Warrnambool, another great spot for sightseeing in Victoria.

Located at the far western end of The Great Ocean Road, many visitors end up here on their Shipwreck Coast road trip. Visit Thunder Point, Warrnambool Botanical Gardens, or one of the town’s famous vibrant markets.

Every winter whales migrate here from the sub-antarctic to give birth at Logans Beach, known as a whale nursery. The best place to spot them is from the specially designed Logan’s Beach Whale Watching Platform.

Make sure to visit at least one Warrnambool market while you’re in town. From antiques to one-of-a-kind pieces, the second-hand markets in Warrnambool are a great place to find treasures for your home.

For fresh local produce, there’s also the flower market and the farmers market. While in the summer months head to Lake Pertobe to enjoy the long evenings, and catch an open-air film at the Twilight Market.

4) Aireys Inlet

Aireys Inlet is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places to visit in Victoria. The scenery along this stretch of coastline is out of this world.

Surfers flock here to catch waves at Fairhaven Beach, while the secluded coves and rock pools make it equally enticing for nature lovers.

For walking and hiking there’s the Surf Coast Walk, the Cliff Top Walk, and the Aireys Inlet Lighthouse Precinct Walk.

Snorkelers will love exploring Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary, a rich 17-hectare reserve that’s home to Cat sharks, Port Jackson sharks, skates, and rays.

Other top attractions in Aireys Inlet include the 12-hole mini golf course and Split Point Lighthouse – better known as the ‘Round the Twist’ lighthouse from the TV series.

Forrest, a charming village nestled in the heart of a lush rainforest, fern gullies, and sprawling bushland, is a haven for nature enthusiasts, athletes, and adventurers alike.

Adding to its allure are the Forrest Brewery and Forrest General Store and Cafe. The brewery, known for its handcrafted beers, offers a unique taste of the local culture amidst the natural beauty.

Just a stone’s throw away, the Forrest General Store and Cafe serves as a delightful spot for visitors to enjoy delicious, locally sourced meals and refreshments.

These two establishments not only enhance the village’s rustic charm but also provide perfect spots for relaxation after a day of exploring the stunning surroundings.

Tours to the nearby Lake Elizabeth offer the chance to spot the elusive platypus, as well as other native creatures like glow worms.

Take a tour with a company like Otway Eco Tours for a better chance of an encounter.

You can find Forrest around half an hour’s drive from Victoria’s south coast, near Otway Forest Park.

6) Halls Gap

The small town of Halls Gap is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in Victoria. It sits right at the centre of the huge Grampian National Park making it the perfect base for exploring the area.

It’s a top destination for walking and hiking with trails like Pinnacles Lookout, the Venus Baths Loop, Boronia Peak and Chatauqua Peak, and the Grand Canyon walking track.

Some of the main reasons to visit are the stunning natural sights like Mackenzie Falls, Grampians National Park, and Lake Bellfield.

There’s also a rich indigenous history here. Visit the Brambuk Cultural Centre to learn about the aboriginal heritage in the Grampians area or see aboriginal rock paintings at Gulgurn Manja Shelter.

7) Daylesford

If you’re looking for places to visit in Victoria in winter, the spa town of Daylesford is a safe bet.

It’s popular year-round due to its hot springs, visitors come from far and wide to take a dip in the revitalising mineral-rich waters.

At around an hour and a half from Melbourne by car, it’s an easy overnight stay or even as a day trip if you’re short on time.

Head over to the foothills of the Great Dividing Range to discover one of the wealthiest gold-rush towns founded during the 1850’s.

You might notice that the Victorian-era town has interesting and unique architecture due to the Swiss-Italian migrants that first settled here.

The gastronomy is also first class with a wealth of farm-to-table restaurants, fresh local markets, and some of the best names on the Central Highlands food scene.

The neighbouring town of Hepburn Springs is a must-visit as well.

8) Macedon Ranges

One of the best places to visit in regional Victoria if you want to escape to the great outdoors is the Macedon Ranges.

This verdant region in Central Victoria lies between the cities of Bendigo and Melbourne.

Come to explore expansive native forests with over 30 kilometres of trails to wander throughout the Macedon Regional Park.

Other top visitor attractions include Hanging Rock, the village of Woodend, the historic town of Kyneton, and the imposing Mount Macedon at 1001 metres elevation.

Nine historic and creative villages in total make up the Macedon Ranges. The region is famous for cellar doors brimming with cool climate wines, internationally acclaimed gins, and a vibrant art and culture scene.

9) Castlemaine

The small city of Castlemaine is another one of the nice places to visit in Victoria that’s tucked away. It’s located in the Goldfields region of Victoria – around a 30-minute drive north of Hepburn.

Explore the plant life at one of Victoria’s earliest botanical gardens – the sprawling Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, or learn a little more about its history at the Victorian Goldfields Railway.

Art and culture also play a huge role in Castlemaine’s list of things to do .

You can uncover some of the best up-and-coming talent at the local artists market, visit the more famous collections at the art museum, or embrace the culture at the biennial Castlemaine State Festival.

10) Bendigo

As the third-largest inland city in Australia and the third-most populous city in Victoria, Bendigo comes high on the list of where to visit in Victoria.

Bendigo was named as a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy in 2019. Local restaurants and eateries certainly live up to the labels with around 80 wineries and plenty of locally sourced food to tuck into.

This arty hub is a great place to visit to see all of the cultural treasures of Victoria with top spots like View Street and the Bendigo Art Gallery.

Chancery and Bath Lanes also have some wonderful street art to explore.

One of the most popular things to do in Bendigo is to take a tour of the Central Deborah Gold Mine.

In fact, there’s lots of gold-rush history and heritage architecture to explore in the city; jump on one of the famous trams for one of the easiest and most scenic ways to get around all of the sights.

The 60-acre Rosalind Park is another must-visit with its beautiful cascade waterfall and open-air fernery.

Take a picnic or take the kids to the fantastic playground to make the most of the open spaces.

11) Beechworth

Another of Victoria’s historic gold-mining towns, Beechworth boasts heritage architecture, boutique shopping opportunities, and nature right on its doorstep.

Autumn is one of the best times to visit as the oak and elm-lined streets turn orange, red, and yellow with the changing leaves.

Here you can visit over 30 National Trust-listed buildings, take a ghost tour at the Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum, or head out of town to visit the impressive Woolshed Falls.

You can also learn about beekeeping at Beechworth Honey – one of the most famous honey brands in Australia.

No trip to Beechworth is complete without a stop at Beechworth Bakery. The bakery is known throughout the state for its traditional baked goods that retain an old-world charm in keeping with the town’s atmosphere.

12) Werribee

As one of the state capital’s suburbs, Werribee is only 30 minutes from Melbourne’s city centre so it makes an easy day out if staying in Melbourne .

Escape the concrete jungle at the sprawling Werribee Park Precinct, there are plenty of world-class attractions in this area alone.

The magnificent Werribee Park Mansion is perhaps the most famous attraction, but there are also the 5000 roses of the Victoria State Rose Garden and the top-rated safari tour at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

The nearby Shadowfax Winery is a great place to reward yourself after a hard day of exploring with an award-winning glass of Shiraz.

For those looking for an active day out in Werribee , you can stroll or kayak down the Werribee River, wander Wyndham Harbour, or go hiking or mountain biking in nearby You Yangs Regional Park – one of the many hidden gems in Victoria.

13) Portarlington

Portarlington is a popular holiday spot located on the Bellarine Peninsula, 28 km from the city of Geelong. It’s surrounded by vineyards and olive groves and has fantastic views over Port Phillip Bay.

Highlights include Newcombe Street with the historic Grand Hotel, the nearby wineries, a beautiful beach , and the family-friendly Portarlington Miniature Railway.

Make sure to check out the drive along The Esplanade from Portarlington to St Leonards while you’re in town to take in unforgettable views of Melbourne’s skyline, Port Phillip Bay, and the You Yangs mountain range.

14) Queenscliff

Also located on the Bellarine Peninsula, just a 20-minute drive south of Portarlington, is the heritage town of Queenscliff.

Known as the ‘Grand Dame’ of The Bellarine, it has all the seaside town vibes you could hope for – including top-notch fish and chips!

Once the most heavily armed fort in the Southern Hemisphere, Queenscliff’s prime location means it’s the perfect beach holiday spot , surrounded by water on three sides.

One of the best ways to spend time here is by taking part in the water activities on Port Phillip Bay.

The abundance of reefs and shipwrecks makes it a great spot for diving and snorkelling, you can also swim with seals and dolphins and there are some great spots for fishing.

Another popular thing to do in Queenscliff is to explore the township of Sorrento on the other side of the bay. Just hop on the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento, the journey takes around 40 minutes.

15) Ocean Grove

A little further along the Bellarine Peninsula, Ocean Grove is a lively surf town , surrounded by wineries and idyllic beaches.

There’s ample room to spread out or play a game of cricket at the two-kilometre Ocean Grove Main Beach. It’s the perfect spot for surfing and bringing the family- plus it’s dog friendly too.

The sand stretches from Point Lonsdale to the Barwon River mouth, so it’s never too hard to find a good spot all to yourself.

For kids, there’s the nearby Adventure Park that’s full of fun rides and waterslides. Located in the nearby town of Wallington, it opens all summer between late November and late March.

There’s no shortage of golf clubs around Ocean Grove for sports lovers, but for families, there’s also the mini golf at Bellarine Adventure Golf.

For nature lovers, there are plenty of bird-watching opportunities like on the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve loop.

While for foodies highlights include Blackman’s Brewery and the wine tastings at Oakdene Vineyards.

16) Wilsons Promontory

Known locally as ‘The Prom’, Wilson’s Promontory is home to Victoria’s largest coastal wilderness area and lies at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia.

Wilsons Promontory National Park has around 50,000 hectares of protected landscapes, it’s the perfect place to escape into the wild and go on a real outdoor adventure.

Top spots to visit include Norman Beach, Mount Oberon, and the Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park.

Camp out under the stars or rent a cabin in the woods overnight at Tidal River Campground to really immerse yourself in nature.

Night hikes are also a popular option here taking in sights like the historic Wilsons Promontory Light Station and Sealers Cove.

Of course, there’s no shortage of wildlife in this natural paradise, with common sightings including seals, dolphins, kangaroos, emus, wombats, and echidnas.

17) Lakes Entrance

The seaside resort of Lakes Entrance has been a popular holiday spot for a number of years, so you can expect to find everything you need for a summer holiday in Victoria.

The fishing port town sits on the eastern edge of Ninety Mile Beach, where Australia’s largest inland waterways (the Gippsland Lakes) enter into the Southern Ocean.

The town is known as a place to go for amazing seafood.

For the best local catches make your way to Off the Wharf, or sample fresh seafood at one of the floating restaurants (Sodafish or The Floating Dragon Dockside Restaurant).

For something a little sweeter there’s also local institution Big Bears Donuts with 20 flavours of delicious donuts to choose from.

Another must-visit is the Lakes Entrance Surf Club Foreshore Market for local finds and produce – held on the first Sunday of the month.

Named after the Aboriginal word for ‘meeting of the waters’, this historic river port lies just across the border from Moama in New South Wales.

Echuca is famous for being Australia’s paddle steamer capital and it was once a key part of the trade route along the Murray River.

Today the rail and road network have taken over this vital industry, but Echucha hangs on to its glory days through its museums and historic buildings.

The area is home to the world’s largest fleet of operating riverboats and you can even enjoy a cruise on an authentic paddle steamer on a guided tour of the river.

Another way to embrace the water-based way of life here is by staying on one of the many houseboats that line the banks of the Murray River in Echuca.

19) Swan Hill

A little further inland down the Murray River, Swan Hill is a city in the northwest of Victoria, Australia.

Also a once important trading town, now its claim to fame is that it has “more sunny days per year than the Gold Coast” with an average temperature of 23°C.

It was named by Major Thomas Mitchell in 1836 after the noisy swans that kept the men up at night after making camp here.

Visitors can learn more about the first European settlers by heading to the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement, an open‑air history museum that serves as Australia’s first reconstruction of a 19th‑century river port.

The city has its own share of outdoor activities too. Head down to Riverside Park and the Swan Hill River Walk, or take a bush walk through the red gums and box trees of Nyah Vinifera State Forest.

20) Mildura

Lying right on the border with New South Wales, Mildura is the most northerly regional city on this list.

Its access to the wild Australian outback and year-round sunshine make it one of the best hidden places to visit in Victoria.

Situated on the lands of the first peoples of Millewa-Mallee (Latji Latji and Ngintait traditional owners), there are plenty of great places to explore the outdoors around Mildura.

Visit the ancient Mungo National Park, kayak through Kings Billabong, and be amazed at the Pink Lakes of Murray Sunset National Park.

The top highlights of Mildura city include taking a historic paddle steamer tour on Murray River, exploring culinary delights on ‘Feast Street’, and perusing local produce at the Sunraysia Farmers Market.

21) Lake Tyrrell

One of the more unusual places to visit in Victoria is this 120,000-year-old salt lake.

Right in the heart of the Mallee region, Lake Tyrell’s shallow waters provide some amazing opportunities for photographers with a mirror-like film covering the earth’s surface.

But you will want to stay for longer than just a day trip here; by night Lake Tyrrell has some of the best dark skies in Victoria.

See the Southern Hemisphere’s constellations in their full glory; beautifully reflected by the lake’s still waters.

Lake Tyrell is a four-hour drive from Melbourne along the Calder Highway, visitors can stay 7 kilometres north in the town of Sea Lake.

Hidden Places To Visit Victoria Map

Victoria’s regional treasures offer a delightful escape for those seeking experiences beyond the usual tourist paths.

By exploring historical towns, engaging with nature at its finest, and uncovering hidden gems, visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic charm and diverse beauty of this remarkable region.

Whether it’s a quiet coastal village or a secluded inland retreat, each destination in Victoria holds its own unique story and allure.

This guide serves as a key to unlocking these lesser-known yet equally enchanting corners of Victoria, promising an enriching and memorable journey for every traveler.

Recommended

• 31 Must-See Landmarks In Victoria
• 21 Unmissable Things To Do At The Docklands
• 21 Amazing Landmarks In Melbourne: Don’t Miss These!
• 15 Best Great Ocean Road Tours From Melbourne
• Werribee Mansion & State Rose Garden: Top Guide
• 15 Of The Best Grampians Waterfalls

Audrey grew up in Victoria and travelled the world but she always called Victoria home. She loves nothing more than exploring her home state and sharing it here.

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The best quirky getaways in country Victoria

From restored churches to riverside yurts, these out-of-the-ordinary stays will take your weekend getaway game to the next level

Leaving the city behind for a few days to recharge is always a good choice. These days, accommodation options reach far beyond a traditional hotel , cabin or B’n’B ; Victoria is home to beachside glamping spots, art-filled mountain retreats , farm stays, campsites and lots more. We've searched the state for our favourite quirky getaways, which range from romantic trips for two to houses with space for all your friends or family.

For more travel tips, check out these epic road trips from Melbourne  or take a staycation at the best boutique hotels in Melbourne . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

1.  Yandoit Church

• price 4 of 4

Built way back in 1884, this cool-as-all-get-out restored church has been given new life as one of the most original stays in the Hepburn Shire. Only 15 minutes from the charming town of Daylesford – famous for its healing mineral springs – this award-winning conversion has everything needed for a heavenly stay: reverse-cycle air-con, nifty wood fire heater, oak floors, and a triple-grill gas barbecue out on the deck. Luxe furnishings, original works of art, vaulted ceilings and striking Gothic windows make this former place of worship one you’ll never want to leave. There are three bedrooms, which means it’s perfect for your family, your whole crew or a luxe romantic getaway.

2.  Hedge Farm

• price 2 of 4

Just an hour away from Melbourne, this cute property in the bucolic Macedon Ranges ticks all the cool getaway boxes. Home to a converted train carriage and a historic van once used to house railway workers, a stay at Hedge Farm will please trainspotters, history buffs and design fans who get off on seeing what can be done in small, upcycled spaces. Wineries, farm gates and old school country pubs are all within striking distance too.

3.  The Church at Lyonville

• price 3 of 4

Only ten minutes from the hamlet of Trentham (a small town in Hepburn Shire), this classic retreat will convert visitors to churchgoers in no time. Originally built in the 1920s, a weekend at this restored timber church is just the ticket if a slow-paced country escape is on the agenda. Featuring original stained glass windows, high ceilings, a fireplace, a spa, a deck and extensive gardens to swoon over, a stay here is truly a religious experience. There’s enough space here for six guests in this three-bedroom house.

4.  Steam Train Carriage

It took nine months to renovate this genuine steam train carriage into accommodation that can sleep six (or four, more comfortably). The steampunk-inspired aesthetic inside matches the carriage's surroundings, and it includes an open-plan living room, a wood-burning fire and a full kitchen. Pets and children are welcome. All aboard!

5.  1860 Luxury Accommodation

If you are looking for somewhere really special to stay in the High Country, you should book the  1860 Luxury Accommodation  in Beechworth. The timber cabin (from, yes, 1860) is down a laneway just off the main drag in the beautiful Victorian gold rush town. It's surrounded by a lovely garden and gum trees, and it's just the place for peace and quiet.  The cabin was originally situated in the town of Emerald and was shifted to Taggerty and then to its present home in Beechworth. Current owners Matt Pfahlert and Gina Bladon lovingly restored the cabin, using period materials and reclaimed wood from other 19th-century buildings. The outside looks very rustic, with a wraparound timber verandah and a sloped roof. But the inside has every modern luxury you could want.

6.  Glamping Sea Gypsy Wagon

The Sea Gypsy caravan can be set up at any of the campgrounds on the Mornington Peninsula for you, so you can stay beachside and listen to the waves lapping the shore from your own glamping caravan. The Sea Gypsy includes a queen-sized bed, kitchenette, running water, outside furniture and a funky, hippie design.

7.  The Kiln Houses

Nothing beats a fresh blast of alpine air. A visit to Porepunkah’s Kiln Houses – located at the base of Mount Buffalo – feels like stepping back into an older, simpler world, blended with the freshness of contemporary design. Modelled on the tobacco kiln houses that once dotted the High Country, these architecturally designed retreats offer incredible views of vineyards, cattle and surrounding mountain ranges. Kitted out with a spa, wood fire and even a sauna, this property also offers a set of Chappelli bikes for guests to take for a spin to the local pub or further afield to Bright Brewery. You can choose between one of three houses depending on how much space you’re after.

8.  Dollywood, Daylesford

Not enough annual leave to get to Dollywood in Tennessee? Luckily, you can get your dose of southern charm only an hour from Melbourne.  Like the country singer herself, Dollywood in Daylesford is bursting with personality. What this four-bedroom home lacks in theme park rides it makes up in vintage bikes, Netflix, cacti, a record player a bath perfect for belting out ‘Jolene’. This thoroughly contemporary (and almost achingly hip) home features artworks by the likes of Spencer Shakespeare and Jennifer Stenglein, with fun kitsch touches like pink neon signage.

Explore Victoria's hidden secrets

10 places in victoria that look nothing like victoria.

• Things to do

Think you’ve seen all of Victoria? Take a gander at some of the state's most unfamiliar locations, from ancient caves to European flower farms.

More holiday inspiration

Ten weekend getaways from melbourne.

All the inspiration you need to plan your next weekend escape.

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Hit The Road And Visit These 12 Amazing Victorian Towns

By Urban List Writers

2nd Apr 2024

Ready to hit the road? Prepare for a new way to move in the Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER. Driven by electric, fuelled by petrol—so you’ll never need to plug-in. Click here to explore the range and find out more.

Beautiful coastlines and beaches, mountain top walks, and relaxing day spas all await you in parts of regional Victoria.

Here are some places you should pack the car and head to.

Travel time: 3.5 hours Great for: Bush Walking

Bright is one of the most picturesque places in Victoria and comes alive in autumn through to winter.

Leaves turn brown and fall to the ground–couple that with brisk foggy mornings and you've got some beautiful days of sightseeing ahead of you.

Bright is wedged between Mount Buffalo and Falls Creek, so you can imagine it gets a little cold at night. And with the 3.5 hour drive time from Melbourne, you're best to stay for a full weekend, or even longer.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Bright? Scope out this lofty studio hidden in the wilderness.

Travel Time: 6 hours Great For: Wilderness Adventures

Mallacoota is a six-hour drive out of Melbourne and the perfect spot for a long weekend getaway. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, situated on the mouth of the Wallagaraugh River with the Croajingalong National Park to the south-west, and the Cape Howe Marine National Park to the east.

The Thurra River dunes walk is a highlight–trek through banksias and heathland to dunes which sit 30-metres above the Thurra River with amazing views. Check out some further inspiration for a Mallacoota trip here .

Need somewhere to stay in Mallacoota? Take a look at this stunner of an Airbnb with lakeside views.

Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Great for: Food & Wine

Jindivick isn't exactly a tourism mecca, but it's well worth a trip to the small west Gippsland town.

A couple of years ago, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival turned the whole town into a foodie paradise which only strengthened its standing as a destination for day-trippers seeking some great food, wine, and produce.

There are many wineries dotted throughout the rolling hills surrounding the town. Wild Dog Winery is probably the best known, but it's worth visiting others such as Ripplebrook Winery, Piedmont Wines, Narracan Falls Winery, Meriz Winery, and Brandy Creek Wines.

The Brandy Creek Wines property is also home to the Brandy Creek Day Spa which features a Turkish hammam and is a great spot for some rest and relaxation.

Get some further inspiration for a Jindivick day trip here .

Travel Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes Great For: Beer & Whisky

No trip to Wilsons Prom is complete without jumping off the South Gippsland Highway and stopping at Loch.

The sleepy town is now home to a range of amazing businesses making the most of the surrounding landscape and produce.

Stop by the Loch Brewery & Distillery for traditional ales, along with gin, negroni, and whisky all available to take home too. 

Olive at Loch is a great spot to stop for a coffee and some delicious baked goods if the mood takes you. It's also worth wandering along the quaint main street and heading into Udder & Hoe for some 'slow food' and picking up some great produce from the surrounding area.  Get some further inspiration for a Loch day trip here .

Looking for accommodation near Loch? Check out this tiny home and meet the local alpacas.

Healesville

Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes great for: food & wine.

There’s so much to see and do in Healesville that it's hard to get it all into a couple of paragraphs.

Healesville Sanctuary is a great spot to spend a day, and there are plenty of picnic spots too. Catch Australian native animals in beautiful habitats. Koalas, platypus, kangaroos, dingoes, and more roam around the grounds of the Sanctuary.

In Healesville itself, you'll find great spots to quench your thirst and fill your stomach for a day of exploring the wineries of the Yarra Valley.

Monroe's on Maroondah Highway dishes up excellent burgers, and a trip to Healesville isn't complete without stopping by the massive Four Pillars shed for a gin tasting.

If you're looking to buy some great local produce to cook up a storm at home, stop by Kitchen & Butcher to get your hands on delicious cheese, meats, and everything in between.  Get some further inspiration for a Healesville day trip here .

Take a look at all the accommodation in and around Healesville here .

Travel Time: 3 Hours Great For: Bush Walking

Halls Gap is situated right on the doorstep of Grampians National Park and is a great place to base yourself if you plan on tackling everything the Grampians has to offer.

The Grampians Peaks Trail is a 160km-long trail that takes around 13 days to complete. The newly built hike was completed in late-2021 and is an epic adventure for anyone who takes on the full trail.

Halls Gap is home to Victoria's largest regional zoo— Halls Gap Zoo . There are more than 160 different species of animals, including; American bison, giraffes, saltwater crocodiles, cheetahs and red pandas. Read more about the animals on show via the Halls Gap Zoo website .

On the food front, there are plenty of spots to get a great feed including the Halls Gap Bakery , Flame Brothers Restaurant & Bar , Kookaburra Hotel , Paper Scissors Rock , and the Halls Gap Tavern .  Get further inspiration for a Halls Gap and Grampians trip here .

If you're staying overnight, check out one of the most popular Airbnb's in the area, complete with a generous spa and indoor fireplace, here .

Queenscliff

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes great for: seafood.

Situated on the Bellarine Peninsula, the historic town of Queenscliff is the perfect spot for a day trip if you're into seafood.

Located on the head of Port Phillip Bay, Queenscliff harbour is a great spot to grab some fish and chips and watch the boats come in.

Mi Shells Seafood has fresh, locally caught seafood, Saltbush Fine Foods has a range of local produce and delicious dishes, and the Queenscliff Brewhouse & Distillery has more than 100 beers for you to get stuck into while you take in the bay views.

Other highlights of the area include grabbing a meal on the Q Train , which runs on the former Geelong to Queenscliff railway line, or charter a boat and head out onto the bay or beyond the heads into the Bass Strait.  Get  further inspiration for a Queenscliff trip here .

Daylesford 

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes great for: food & wine.

Daylesford is the ultimate destination to slow down and relax, surrounded by nature. This much-loved spot is in the foothills of the great dividing range, and has some of the best art and produce in the state. 

Back in the 1850s, Daylesford was one of Victoria’s illustrious gold rush towns, and the shine hasn’t worn off yet. There are plenty of unique spots to stay, but if you’re looking for a luxury getaway, look no further than The Lake House .

While you’re in town, check out the Convent Gallery, which features local and international artists and the Sunday Market , open each week rain, hail or shine. Take a walk around the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens and Lake Daylesford, and when you’re finished sit back and relax at Passing Clouds Winery . 

Another must-see is the Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm –a beautiful spot to explore for an entire day. And of course, no trip to Daylesford is complete without a visit 30 minutes North to Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa.

Daylesford is primed for a couples weekend away. Check out the best romantic accommodation for two here .

Travel Time: 1 hr 20 minutes Great For: Surfing 

Located along the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is the perfect spot for a seaside getaway. The town is the home of iconic surf brand Rip Curl, and each year hosts hundreds of surfers from around the world for the WSL at Bells Beach.

It’s the perfect spot to catch a wave, but if you’re not feeling like braving the cold water, you can head to the Australian National Surfing Museum instead. 

There’s plenty of good food and coffee in Torquay too. For the best Pho along the Great Ocean Road head to Pholklore , they also have delicious cocktails and DJs on the weekends. If you’re missing your Melbourne coffee order you can swing past Mavis Mavis or Ocean Grind , and for the ultimate Melbourne style brunch by the ocean, there’s The Salty Dog Cafe.  

Don’t forget to stop by the outlets to pick up some bargains, and if you need a break while shopping, have a drink at 4 Pines Brewery.

Metung 

Travel time: 4 hrs great for: hot springs & boating.

This small town is East Gippsland’s best-kept secret. Located four hours out of Melbourne, Metung is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 

The best way to see this little village is from the water–hire a boat for the day and explore the lush Gippsland lakes. When you’re finished, head to the local pub for fresh seafood overlooking the water.

For the ultimate relaxing experience, stop by The Metung Hot Springs . These geothermal pools have recently been transformed into a luxury bathing experience by the company that created the Peninsula Hot Springs. Enjoy soaking in mineral-rich, 45ºC water from a 500m deep bore, followed by a massage at the day spa. The perfect escape. 

There are plenty of places to stay right by the water in Metung, like this gorgeous Airbnb , where the jetty is more or less at your doorstep.

Travel Time: 1hr 15 minutes Great For: Food & Wine

It’s a big call, but Red Hill is the ultimate spot for food and wine lovers. Located in the hills of the Mornington Peninsula, it’s surrounded by vineyards and signs on the side of the road selling produce with an honesty system.

It’s difficult to narrow down the best food and wine spots, but three that you have to visit are; Polperro Winery for their wine tastings, Green Olive for their cheese platters, and Mont Rouge Estate for their chocolate.  If you’re in town on the first Saturday of the month (from September to May), make sure you stop by the Red Hill Market and pick up fresh produce, flowers and crafts. 

Make a weekend of your time in wine country and check out the best stays in the area here .

Olinda 

Travel time: 1 hr  great for: wilderness adventures.

Located among the towering forests of the Dandenong Ranges, is a small town called Olinda. The best things to do here are outside, so put on your walking shoes and get exploring. The Dandenong Ranges Botanical Gardens is a great place to start. With views over the Yarra Valley, it’s a perfect spot to highlight the beauty of this lush region. 

There are lots of cute stores to visit in Olinda and the surrounding towns, where you can try freshly made scones , award-winning pies , and pick up some locally made candles. Just up the road, you’ll find the ultimate lookout to catch the sunset, Sky High. There’s a restaurant on-site so you can grab a drink and food while you’re there. 

Commit to the theme and park up at this three-level treetop house for the night.

For more trips and things to do around Victoria, head to our Local Escapes section .

Image credit: Loch | Visit Victoria

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10 Best Places To Visit In Victoria

Although it might be Australia’s second smallest state, Victoria is still overflowing with places to explore and a whole range of diverse landscapes sitting side by side.

With an epic coastline and some of the best drives in the world along the southern coast, to mountain ranges, rainforests, an abundance of native wildlife and Australia’s longest river running along the northern border, each region of Victoria offers something unique and different to anywhere else in Australia.

Victoria is also our home state, so we have spent many years exploring all it’s nooks and crannies and refining a list of our favourite places in the state.

Plan your next visit with our list of the best places to visit in Victoria.

In this post:

When to visit Victoria

If you’re thinking of that year round summer Australia has a reputation for, you’re not going to find it in Victoria. There is  definitely a winter season in Victoria, especially in the bottom half of the state. In fact, Victoria is infamous for offering four seasons in one day, where you can often experience sunshine, wind and rain all on the same day.

In the summer time Victoria offers a dry heat, with temperatures that range between about 25°C and 35°C or above. There are often heatwaves during the summer time, where temperatures can soar to above 40°C for a few days in a row, but cool patches are also just as common.

In winter time the weather can stay under or around 10°C for weeks at a time, with grey skies and super short days. There are some great snowfields around the state, where ski conditions are often pretty good throughout the whole ski season. Always take a jacket with you, you never know what you’re going to get.

The best time to visit Victoria in our opinion would definitely be during the summer months. When the days are longer, nights are warm and ocean swims aren’t going to freeze you to your bones, everything comes to life in Victoria in the summer time.

1. The Great Ocean Road

A favourite of anyone who visits Victoria, the Great Ocean Road is world famous for it’s scenic coastal drives, epic surf beaches and number of natural attractions that you won’t find anywhere else in Australia.

Stretching from the coastal town of Torquay all the way along the coast to Warrnambool, there’s precisely 243 kilometres of coastline to explore, winding you inland through incredible rainforests and then back out to the ocean to find Victoria’s best beaches.

Great Ocean Road Highlights

• The 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge near Port Campbell
• Kennett River Koala Walk 
• Teddy’s Lookout in Lorne
• Memorial Arch Lookout just out of Torquay
• Great Otway National Park
• Waterfall hopping around Lorne
• Rip Curl Pro Surf Competition at Bells Beach
• Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet

Check out the best places to stay along the Great Ocean Road

2. Murray River

Creating the boarder between Victoria and New South Wales, the Murray River runs almost the whole way along the top of Victoria and boasts more sunny days than anywhere else in Australia. No matter what time of the year you visit, you’re likely to get some sunshine at least for a bit of your visit!

This is a great place to take your first camping trip , where you can get out and about in nature, enjoy life at a slower pace and see a completely different side of Australia. There are lots of great places along the Murray River to free camp, so it can also be a super cheap option for a quick getaway.

Murray River Highlights

• The Port of Echuca & Murray River Paddlesteamers
• Koala spotting at Ulupna Island
• Margaritas at Cactus Country in Strathmerton
• Year round sunshine in Mildura

Book now: Experiences along the Murray River

3. Melbourne

The capital city of Victoria, Melbourne is known for being a pretty unique and diverse city in Australia. Full of hidden lane ways, delicious artesian coffee, great entertainment and the home of sport in Australia, there’s so much here to keep you busy.

There are graffiti filled alley ways, unique boutiques on every corner, underground restaurants and an oversupply of rooftop cocktail gardens. Melbourne has perfected the art of Instagrammable locations, hidden secrets and how good it feels to be in the know when you find one of the cities hidden gems.

Melbourne Highlights

• Watch an AFL game at the MCG
• Check out some of the live comedy shows
• Shop the boutiques in as many hidden lane ways as you can find
• Take a walk or a cruise along the Yarra River that winds through the city
• Check out the views from the Eureka Skydeck
• Take a hot air balloon ride over the city
• Visit some of the best markets for unique finds

If you have some extra time make sure you get out of the CBD and explore some of the surrounding suburbs to check out more of a locals view of Melbourne. Just a short train or tram ride from the city South Yarra, Prahran, St Kilda, Richmond and Collingwood all offer their own super unique vibe, with heaps of trendy hot spots to check out.

Book your stay in Melbourne HERE

4. The Grampians

For some of Victoria’s most dramatic landscapes, beautiful hiking trails and incredible lookouts, the Grampians is not to be missed. This stunning mountain range rises out of nowhere in the farmland of Victoria and offers so much to explore.

Base yourself in the close by town of Halls Gap and immerse yourself in the abundance of wildlife, Aboriginal history, tumbling waterfalls and long winding hiking trails that the Grampians has to offer.

Grampians Highlights

• Boroka Lookout
• The Pinnacle Walk & Lookout
• Reeds Lookout & The Balconies
• Mount William Summit
• Mackenzie Falls

Explore more of the best hikes, lookouts and waterfalls around the Grampians.

5.  Mornington Peninsula

A coastline full of beautiful bays, the Mornington Peninsula differs from the Great Ocean Road because it still lies inside Port Phillip Bay. Because of this there are no epic surf breaks or tumbling waves, but there are a row of because offering pristine calm water, that is truly a beautiful shade of blue.

Mornington Peninsula is also home to all those cute little colourful bathing boxes that you can find along most of the beaches in the area. Make sure to visit beaches on both the bay and ocean side of the Mornington Peninsula for the best look at the area, with the ocean beaches offering plenty of rock pools to explore.

There’s also a whole bunch of inland experiences to check out in the Mornington Peninsula, with everything from hot springs to wineries in the region that will keep you coming back for more.

Mornington Peninsula Highlights

• Sorrento Back Beach
• Cliff jumping at Mount Martha
• Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs
• Safety Beach Bay Trail
• Diamond Bay & Number 16 Beach
• Check out the tip of the bay at Point Nepean

Book now: Where to stay along the Mornington Peninsula  

6. Yarra Valley

Known around the world for it’s magnificent wineries, the Yarra Valley is sure to keep you entertained, and a little bit buzzed for your whole visit. There are so many beautiful places to explore in this little area, it’s really incredible.

Each winery is more impressive than the last with beautiful decor, delicious wines to taste and sweeping views over the vineyards. The region also offers a range of delicious local produce, with everything on offer here from cheese to chocolate.

Yarra Valley Highlights

• Winery hopping around the valley – some of our favourites include Zonzo, Stones of the Yarra Valley and Domain Chandon
• Alowyn Gardens
• Healesville Sanctuary
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice-creamery
• Yarra Valley Dairy

Check out the best places to stay in the Yarra Valley

7. Wilsons Promontory

Located at the southernmost tip of Australia’s mainland, Wilsons Promontory offers visitors a little bit of everything you might be looking for in Victoria. Surrounded by stunning coastlines, full of white sand beaches, Wilsons Prom is also home to thick bushland, huge granite mountains and lots of native Aussie wildlife.

Wilsons Promontory is a great place to disconnect from the world for a few days – take a multi day hike to the untouched side of the island, where you can sleep in little camp spots along the way before reaching the most beautiful and deserted beaches in the park.

Wilsons Promontory Highlights

• Squeaky Beach & Squeaky Beach Track
• Picnic Bay & Whiskey Bay
• Prom Wildlife Walk
• The Complete Southern Prom Hike
• Little Waterloo Bay
• Overnight Camp in Wilsons Prom

8. Mount Hotham

There are a few different snowfields in Victoria, but Mount Hotham is arguably the biggest and the best. Offering stunning views over the snow capped mountains, Hotham sits high above the rest of the mountain ranges in the area, giving you incredible views as you ski down the mountains.

Top off your experience with a sleep over in the snow at Alpine Nature Experience , where you can sleep in the snow in your very own super cute teepee after a delicious cheese fondue and wine evening. It’s the perfect winter escape.

Other snowfields to visit in Victoria

• Mount Buller
• Falls Creek
• Mount Buffalo
• Mount Baw Baw
• Lake Mountain

Book now: Best accommodation deals in Mount Hotham

9. The High Country

In the north-east of Victoria you will find the High Country, a great little pocket of Victoria that’s full of national parks, Victoria’s highest mountains, lakes, snow resorts, vineyards and wineries and a rich history including gold discovery, cattlemen and bushrangers.

There are heaps of different places to explore in the High Country, from the snowfields in the winter time, to country towns surrounded by waterfalls, hidden rock pools, crystal clear rivers and incredible scenic drives.

If you have the chance, make sure you visit the High Country in both summer and winter. The region is extremely different in each season, although both are just as magical as each other, offering vastly different experiences.

Some of the top towns to visit in the High Country include Bright, Eildon, Myrtleford and Harrietville.

10. Phillip Island

Offering everything from stunning white sand surf beaches to adrenaline sports and an abundance of wildlife, including the world famous little penguins, Phillip Island has a lot more than meets the eye.

This little Victorian island is full of secret hot spots that get you out and about in nature. There are incredible nature hikes, deserted beaches, animal sanctuaries and even a whole bunch of different festivals during the holidays.

Phillip Island Highlights

• Watch the Penguin Parade
• Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
• Visit the Koala Conservation Centre
• Explore Cape Woolamai
• Check out the Nobbies Ocean Discovery

Check out the best places to stay on Phillip Island

No matter where you decide to visit, you’re sure to have a great time exploring a little more of Victoria. It might be Australia’s second smallest state, but it’s still bigger than all of the United Kingdom, so there’s still plenty to see.

If you have a favourite place in Victoria that we haven’t mentioned in this post we’d love to check it out. Make sure you drop us a comment or send us a DM or email with the details!

Explore more of our adventures around Victoria

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Happy travels, if you enjoyed this post, we'd love you to share it for us follow us on instagram @exploreshaw to see our latest adventures around australia. check out our travel favourites: click here to subscribe to our newsletter, for blog posts and updates emailed straight to your inbox use this link for $25 aud off your next hotel stay with booking.com, or this link for $55 aud off your first booking with airbnb..

Emma is a travel writer, photographer and blogger, chasing the sun around Australia. Travelling in her recently renovated vintage Viscount caravan, along with her husband Thom and daughter Macey, she's sharing the very best experiences from around her beloved sunburnt country.

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11 best things to do in North East Victoria

The North East is a popular holiday destination in Victoria. Tourism North East features mountains and rivers, wineries and breweries and unforgettable Alpine scenery in the high country region.

You will find everything from Silo Art in small towns to attractions along the Murray River and outdoor activities in the Alpine Valleys. The North East is best accessed via the Hume Freeway from Melbourne or the Great Alpine Road in the East of the state. North East Victoria attractions and spectacular landscapes are around every corner.

Map of North East Victoria

So where is North East Victoria? Our state covers such a large area and defining areas can be difficult. We have included this map below to help you easily plan your visit to North East Victoria.

Things to do in North East Victoria

When you explore Victoria you want a great mixture of activities to keep all travellers in your group entertained. With a plethora of things to do in North East Victoria, you will easily find something for everyone.

Chiltern Lockup in North East Vic

In the historical town of Chiltern just off the Hume Highway, you can visit the old Chiltern Police lockup.

This small 2-cell lockup was built around the time of the gold rush in 1875 and was once earmarked as a place to hold Ned Kelly if he was caught in the area.

You can borrow the key from the Chiltern Visitor Information Centre and let yourself in for a look It is a stark reminder of what it would have been like to be locked up back in the day.

You will find some information boards inside that tell you a little about the history of the lockup. Chiltern is one of the most popular small towns in North East Victoria.

The Ned Kelly Trail

The Ned Kelly Trail is a popular tourist attraction in Victoria, Australia. The trail takes in sites associated with the Kelly’s including the rural towns of Glenrowan, Beveridge, Avenal, Mansfield, Beechworth and the Old Melbourne Jai l.

The trail is lined with historical sites associated with the life of Ned Kelly, including his childhood home, the site of his first robbery, the cemetery where his mother and father are buried and more. The Kelly Gang are closely associated with North-Eastern Victoria.

Discover more :   Explore the towns on the Great Alpine Road

North East Victoria Silo Art Trail

The North East Victoria Silo Art Trail is a unique way to explore the small town of Tungamah, St James, Devenish and Goormabat. The trail features murals painted on silos in the towns celebrating local farming, industry, famous figures and war.

These artworks on the Northeast Victoria Victorian Silo Art trail have breathed new life back into some of these dying small towns that for so long were heavily reliant on farming and wheat production.

The trail provides a great opportunity to get off the Hume Highway and see some of these small towns of the north.

De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate

De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate is located in the heart of North East Victoria. This might just be the ultimate location in Victoria for wine lovers . The estate Rutherglen is housed in repurposed wine cellars that were built in the mid-1880s.

It now houses the De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate Cellar Door and the Tuileries Complex. This complex boasts an a la carte restaurant, outdoor courtyard, luxury accommodation and conference facilities.

De Bortoli has a long history in Australia stretching back nearly 100 years, and today, it produces some of Australia’s best wines.

The cellar door offers wine sales to the public, where you will be taught and educated about the wines you are trying. Why not stay the night at De Bortoli Estate in Rutherglen ?

Everyone LOVES a road trip:   Use our easy drive North East Victorian road trip itinerary for an epic journey!

Grab a pie at Gum Tree Bakery

The Gum Tree Bakery started out as a small business in Yackandandah, selling pies and cakes. The food became so popular that the bakery expanded into other nearby surrounding towns of Wodonga, Beechworth and Bright.

The standout products are the famous Gum Tree Pies, which have won gold, silver & bronze medals at the Great Aussie Meat Pie Competition.

You will find a wide range of pies on sale, such as lamb and mint jelly, Thai green curry, steak and Guinness, and minced meat. Yackandandah is one of the prettiest Victorian country towns near Bright.

Drive the Great Alpine Road – Victoria’s high country

The Great Alpine Road traverses Victoria from the North of the state to the South of the state. A drive from Beechworth to Omeo on a Great Alpine Road itinerary will be a thrilling and breathtaking experience.

The Great Alpine Road Victoria is one of the most beautiful roads in the world, and it’s easy to see why. as it cuts through the Alpine National Park. The road winds its way through some of Australia’s most stunning mountain ranges, culminating in spectacular views of the Alpine countryside at Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain.

Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely road trip or celebrate a special occasion on this incredible route, there’s no better way to experience all that North East Victoria has to offer.

Need summer holiday plans?   We have you covered with the best places for a summer holiday in Victoria.

North East Victoria attractions – Mount Buffalo

Mt Buffalo is an imposing peak in the North East Victoria region, standing at 1,267 metres above sea level. It’s a popular destination for bushwalkers and day-trippers who can explore its lookouts, Heritage-listed Chalet and rugged undulating terrain while staying in Bright and surrounds..

Several waterfalls and lakes are located on the mountain, making it a great place to spend a day in nature. In wintertime, visitors can enjoy the snow gums and wildflowers that grow on the mountain. The drive to the top is memorable, with many places to stop and see the views over the north.

Lake Hume Weir

Lake Hume Weir straddles the Victorian – New South Wales border near Wodonga. The Lake Hume Weir is popular for skiing, wakeboarding, canoeing, fishing and jet skiing. There are plenty of places to stay on the banks of Lake Hume that allow you to launch your boat and berth your boat on the bank.

The Weir Wall at Lake Hume makes the tart of the famous Murray River that runs all the way to the ocean in South Australia passing through Echuca, Swan Hill and many other Victorian towns.

At the Lake Hume Weir wall, there is a picnic area with a few outdoor displays and a walking path that takes you across the wall. There are a number of viewing areas and platforms on the wall where you can see the small power station on the wall.

Victorian weekend getaways:   All the very best things to do in Bright

Things to do in Victoria North East -Have a beer at Bright Brewery

Bright Brewery has already made a big impact on the local beer scene. The brewery was founded by two couples in 2005 who had a passion for beer, Bright’s spectacular surroundings and its environment.

They have now created some of the best beers in Victoria, that is now available all over the country. The brewery in Bright, North East Victoria has a core range of 5 traditional beers which are complimented by different seasonal beers throughout the year.

Some of their specialty season brews that have been created include Chocolate Jaffa Stout, Pale Passionfruit Ale, Cherry Cream Milkshake Ale and more.

You can grab a sampling paddle at the brewery and try some of the beers on offer. All this beer is complemented by a menu featuring platters, pizzas, burgers and more.

Bright is one of the most popular places to visit in North Victoria. Book a stay in Bright today. Don’t forget to check out the many cellar doors and frame gates in the area featuring local produce.

Things to do in Beechworth – see the Historical sites

Beechworth is a charming Victorian town with a rich history, and the Historical Precinct is a great place to start your exploration. The Historical Courthouse where The Beechworth Historic Courthouse saw over 40 trials for the Kelly family, with additional trials for Kelly supporters Ned Kelly was once put on trial.

This courthouse was where it all started for Ned Kelly as a bushranger after his mother was sentenced to 3 years in jail. Be sure to take a Ned Kelly or Echos of History walking tour through Beechworth.

The Burke Museum has an eclectic display of items relating to Beechworths history while the Telegraph Station is a beautifully preserved Gold Era building where the internet of the day was housed. This precinct of buildings all in a row are some of the nicest gold-era buildings you will find anywhere.

In Beechworth, there are several romantic things to do, such as taking a leisurely stroll through the historic streets and enjoying a candlelit dinner at one of the charming local restaurants.

Mountain biking in Omeo

Omeo is a location to keep an eye on for all-mountain bike lovers. This small Gippsland town is set to be one of Victoria’s next big mountain bike destinations.

121km of singletrack will start and finish about 200m from the main street of Omeo. The trails will take in Mount Sam and Mount Mesley, which overlook the town.

The trails will have big, long descents with 400-500 metres of vertical drop. The first stage of this whole plan has been finished with a pump track and skill course opened at Livingstone Park.

The first 55 kilometres of the trail could be opened towards the end of 2022. In the meantime, enjoy the Alpine National Park, The Oriental Claims Area, the local history museum and a meal at the Golden Age Hotel.

Omeo is popular as a staging point for days spent on the slopes at Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham.

What’s on in North East Victoria this weekend?

What’s on in North East Victoria this weekend includes various outdoor activities, such as hiking, wine tasting, and farmers markets. You can check the regional tourism board sites such as Visit Bright , Visit Albury Wodonga , Tourism North East and Visit Melbourne , all have events listed/

A road trip in the northeast of Victoria is a great way to spend a weekend or a week exploring this amazing part of the state and some of the cute small towns of Victoria .

In the northeast, numerous things exist, such as exploring historic landmarks, indulging in regional cuisine, and participating in outdoor activities. Visit NE Victoria today and experience some of the best regional towns in Victoria,

We hope this article from us here at Explore Victoria has inspired you to embark on your adventure in Victoria, Australia, from popular  caravan parks  and  pristine beaches  to drives along the  Great Ocean Road . Enjoy weekends away on the Mornington Peninsula and discover the cosmopolitan charm of  Melbourne, Victoria ,  with a range of experiences for every traveller who wants to visit Victoria.

Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the Grampians, the cultural richness of Ballarat , or the autumn colours of  Bright  and  Northern Victoria , there’s no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in Victoria.

Even if you love  exploring Gippsland  or driving the  Great Alpine Road , Victoria has something special for you, and there is so much more for you to discover. If you are looking for more incredible and best places to  visit in Melbourne  or more travel in Victoria destinations,  Explore Victoria  has some more articles below for you to check out. Expand your horizons and get out and about in Victoria, Australia, for an unforgettable experience. 

If you have an idea, attraction, or top spot in Victoria, please comment or email us at  [email protected] .

More Explore Victoria’s inspiration

7 day Victoria itinerary

Best things to do in Victoria in winter

Visiting the NGV in Melbourne

Mark Wyld is a passionate writer and explorer, weaving tales inspired by a deep love for his home state of Victoria. With local knowledge, Mark seeks to share insights and experiences that captivate and inspire readers. When not immersed in writing, you can find him working in Disability Support or spending time with family and friends. Follow Mark for a journey through Victoria’s best sights, tastes and attractions.

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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

23 of the Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

April 16, 2024 By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

Things to Do in Victoria – Last updated: April 21, 2024

When it comes to beautiful Canadian cities, Victoria is definitely high on the list. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is British Columbia’s capital and one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. A British settlement since 1843 and named after Queen Victoria, the city is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the beautiful parliament buildings and the world-famous Empress Hotel. The city is also home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, vibrant First Nations communities who have called this place home long before European settlement, and is widely known as “The Garden City” thanks to its mild weather and almost year-round gardens.

Victoria is also ranked as one of the top 20 cities worldwide for its quality of life and is relatively snow-free in the winter months, something rather unusual for a Canadian city. Another benefit of visiting Victoria is the city’s surroundings, which include a stunning Pacific coastline, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountains. It’s also conveniently located near both Vancouver, BC, and Seattle, Washington.

If you’re looking to visit a beautiful laid-back city surrounded by outdoor adventure and nature, Victoria should definitely be on your bucket list. In this Victoria BC Travel Guide, we’ll share with you some of the best things to do in Victoria while also sharing some tips on saving money, how to get around, where to stay, and much more.

Planning your trip to Victoria last minute?

Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more! Don’t forget to plan ahead when considering the top things to do in Victoria!

🇨🇦 Top Activities and Tours in Victoria:

• Best Whale-Watching Tour : If there’s one activity in Victoria that you shouldn’t miss, it’s a whale-watching tour. This is one of the best places in the world to see Orca Whales!
• Best Walking Food Tour : With more than 1,000 5-star reviews, this is your best chance to explore Victoria’s history and culinary scene on a walking food tour.
• Best Seaplane Flightseeing Tour : If you’re looking to get some incredible views of Victoria and the surrounding area, you’ll want to take a seaplane flightseeing tour.
• Best Comprehensive Tour from Vancouver to Victoria : If you’re in Vancouver and short on time, this 13-hour tour from Vancouver to Victoria will give you an excellent taste of British Columbia’s capital city.

🛌 Top Hotels in Victoria:

• Fairmont Empress (luxury)
• Inn at Laurel Point (mid-range)
• Red Lion Inn & Suites (budget)

🚗 Visiting Victoria independently?   Be sure to book your Victoria rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Victoria BC

Victoria is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, which creates loads of attractions, activities, and other things to do. Below is a list of some of the best things to do when visiting Victoria.

Get Stunning Views from Malahat Skywalk

The Malahat Skywalk , one of the newest attractions in Victoria, offers a unique and captivating experience that stands out as one of the top things to do in Victoria. Perched on the southern end of Vancouver Island, this awe-inspiring structure provides visitors with a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding natural beauty—from the deep blue waters of the Saanich Inlet to the distant, snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains. The adventure begins with a scenic walk through a lush Arbutus forest, leading up to an exhilarating ascent of the spiralling, 10-story wooden tower. At the summit, guests can either soak in the breathtaking views or opt for a thrilling descent via the 20-meter spiral slide. The combination of stunning landscapes, innovative design, and adventurous elements makes the Malahat Skywalk a must-visit destination, appealing to nature lovers, photographers, and thrill-seekers alike.

Smell the Roses at the Butchart Gardens

Visited by more than one million people each year, the Butchart Gardens has become an icon of Victoria, as well as a National Historic Site of Canada. This breathtaking 55-acre garden is home to 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses, and 50 full-time gardeners! Whether you’re travelling solo, with your family, or on a romantic date with your partner, the Butchart Gardens is a must-do when visiting Victoria. It’s just a stunning place to walk around. However, they also have a Saturday fireworks show, boat tours, evening entertainment, and a lovely gift shop. Roses, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and Japanese maples are just some of the magnificent flora you might see in this world-famous garden.

Prefer a tour? Click here to learn more about a popular tour from Vancouver that includes the Butchart Gardens and downtown Victoria.

Visit the Royal BC Museum

Founded in 1886, the Royal British Columbia Museum is a great place to learn about BC’s natural and human history. There are three permanent galleries inside, including Natural History, Becoming BC, and the First Peoples Gallery. The natural history collection alone has more than 750,000 records of specimens that are almost exclusively from the province. The Royal BC Museum is also home to touring exhibitions, such as the Titanic, Egyptian artifacts, and the Vikings. You can also watch educational films and commercial films at the IMAX Victoria theatre. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance from the Empress Hotel and the inner harbour.

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Not far from Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the lovely floating neighbourhood of Fishermans Wharf. This hidden treasure is a great place to eat food, shop at unique stores, and go on eco-tours. This place was busy with people eating fresh seafood when we visited, but our favourite part was touring the floating homes and just imagining what it would be like to live in a house that moved with the water. I believe we even saw some guesthouses if you want a really cool experience in Victoria.

Travel Idea: Click Here for the Victoria Harbour Smartphone Audio Walking Tour .

Go for a Stroll at Beacon Hill Park

If you’re looking for a beautiful park to stroll around for the afternoon, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one better than Beacon Hill Park , which is conveniently located in downtown Victoria. Simply walk up Belleville Street past the Museum of Natural History and the Imax Theatre to Douglas Street, take a right, and then climb a short hill until you reach the top. Beautiful inner-city nature awaits you. However, do note that the park is a whopping 200 acres in size, so plan your visit accordingly.

Explore the Inner Harbour and Victoria Pier

One of the best things to do in Victoria is to simply stroll along the inner harbour, which is one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. This is where you’ll find many historic streets and buildings, as well as a variety of festivals and shows throughout the summer. It’s also home to an international ferry terminal, float planes, and many ecotourism businesses.

Take a Walking Food Tour

One of the great things about taking a walking tour is that you’ll actually learn about the place you’re visiting. You’ll learn about the street you’re walking on or the neighbourhood you’re walking through, helping to make the city truly come alive for you. However, taking a 3-hour food tour with A Taste of Victoria Food Tours will add the experience of trying a variety of delicious food from local restaurants and bakeries. This was one of our favourite ways of exploring Victoria as we got to learn some history while sampling things like Italian baked goods, perogies, homemade ice cream, balsamic vinegar and olive oils, and some delicious meatballs.

Click Here to Book Your Food Tour!

Visit the Victoria Parliament Buildings

Right next to the Inner Harbour is the impossible-to-miss British Columbia parliament buildings . Overlooking stunning Victoria Harbour, these beautiful historical buildings are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. Visitors are able to do self-guided tours of the buildings or can go on a regularly scheduled 35-minute guided tour, which occurs seven days a week during the summer months. The Parliamentary Dining Room and Gift Shop are also open to the public year-round.

Go inside Craigdarroch Castle

For a Victorian experience and a real-life example of a “bonanza castle” – massive homes built for wealthy entrepreneurs during the industrial age – you’ll want to visit the Craigdarroch Castle . Built between 1887 and 1890 on a hill offering impressive views of the area, you’ll find four floors of exquisite stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian-era furnishings.

Tour Alert: Click here to visit the castle as part of a private tour from Vancouver .

Go Whale Watching

One of the top things to do in the warmer months is whale watching . Thanks to an abundance of orcas (killer whales), the areas around Victoria and Vancouver Island are some of the best places in the world for these majestic marine animals. While we haven’t gone whale watching directly from Victoria, we have done it a few hours north in Port Renfrew, which was the best whale-watching tour we’ve ever done. We’ve also experienced Vancouver whale watching on the mainland and it was also very good. Highly recommended!

• Orca Spirit Adventures : This is the company we were with just off the coast of Port Renfrew. Despite being the last day of the year for tours in Port Renfrew, we saw dozens of Humpback whales and orcas, making it the wildest whale-watching tour of our lives.

Click here to book a VERY POPULAR half-day whale-watching tour!

Go Small at Miniature World

Honey, I shrunk the kids! Remember that movie? Now you can somewhat experience that at one of Victoria’s top tourist attractions – Miniature World . This little world features more than 85 miniature dioramas and displays, including the world’s smallest operational sawmill, the Great Canadian Railway, one of the world’s largest model railways, and even two of the world’s largest Doll Houses circa 1880 complete with over 50 furnished rooms! Talk about attention to detail!

Abkhazi Garden

This is yet another reason why Victoria is nicknamed “The Garden City”. Complete with an exquisite heritage home, the beautiful Abkhazi garden was created in 1946 by Prince and Princess Abkhazi. It’s only one acre in size but features dramatic glaciated rocky slopes, magnificent native Garry oaks and gorgeous vistas, Japanese maples and rhododendrons, carpets of naturalized bulbs, and much more. It might be small in size but it’s the overall design that leaves the greatest impression upon visitors.

Visit the Victoria Bug Zoo

First, a miniature world and now a miniature zoo? What’s with Victoria and the little things in life? For those interested in insects and spiders, this is the place to be! this is a great opportunity to view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. You’ll find approximately 50 species, including Canada’s largest ant colony, giant walking stick bugs, alien-eyes praying mantids, and even glow-in-the-dark scorpions. Whether you’re with kids or not, bring your camera for an unforgettable experience at the Victoria Bug Zoo !

Stop by the Empress Hotel

The Fairmont has done it again. This hotel is not only one of the top tourist attractions in the city but also one of the most historic buildings as well. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time to the days of the British Empire. Admiring the flora crawling up the building from the outside is just stunning. This iconic Canadian Pacific Railway hotel was built between 1904 and 1908 and has become one of the world’s most famous hotels. But even if you don’t want to shell out the dollars to spend the night at the Empress Hotel , you can just visit the hotel or even partake in afternoon tea, which is served in the lobby to more than 800 visitors per day.

Tour Idea: Click here for a Victoria Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour .

Explore Chinatown

It’s quite amazing how many cities around the world are home to Chinatown . But Victoria’s is unique in that it’s the second oldest Chinatown in all of North America, second only to the one in San Francisco. Created by Chinese immigrants more than 150 years ago, Chinatown has become a testament to the resiliency of the culture and traditions brought overseas long ago. From the Gate of Harmonious Interest to the bold colours of lucky red and gold throughout the neighbourhood, Chinatown is simply a place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Victoria. While there, don’t miss meandering down Fan Tan Alley as well, which is one of the narrowest streets in Canada.

Go Kayaking

Regardless if this is your first kayaking adventure or if you consider yourself a pro, Victoria is an awesome place to paddle and is the gateway to world-class paddling destinations around Vancouver Island. It’s a wonderful way to get some exercise while getting unique views of the harbour and the city, while also having the opportunity to spot local marine wildlife. Being surrounded by water, Victoria offers a huge variety of paddle sports experiences from the serenity of a calm lake, or the joy of an urban paddle on the inner harbour, all the way up to the excitement of a quick-moving current. It’s not just kayaking either. Paddle-boarding is also popular, as are canoeing and other water vessels. The best time for kayaking in Victoria is April through October, but thanks to the city’s mild climate, it’s possible to paddle all year long. There are many companies offering rentals and tours .

As you might imagine, with so much water surrounding the city, sailing is another popular activity in Victoria, BC. Whether you want to learn how to sail or just go for a scenic tour around the harbour, this is a great place to do it.

Get Amazing Views from the Malahat Skywalk

If you’re looking to get incredible views of the surrounding islands and sea, check out the Malahat Skywalk, which is only 30 minutes from Victoria. This new incredible lookout attraction rises up to 250m above sea level, offering a sweeping panorama view of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and islands in two countries. While you’re up there, walk out onto their sturdy 84 ㎡ Adventure Net and be suspended above the centre of the tower with uninterrupted views of the lush arbutus forest and the spiralling structure beneath your feet. Even better? Choose to take the ramp back down or go even faster on their 20-metre Spiral Slide, all the way to the bottom.

With so much nature surrounding the city, Victoria is an awesome base for stunning hiking opportunities. Whether you hike in the city or outside the city, there is no shortage of trails and natural sites, including waterfalls, mountaintops, historic sites, and coastal treks. Most trails are only 30 minutes outside of downtown but will make you feel like you’ve gone deep into the backcountry, except with more people. Trailheads are well signposted, usually with maps, and trails are very well maintained. Most hiking trails are open year-round and are dog-friendly as long as they are on a leash. Some popular options include Coast Trail in Sooke, Mount Work Hiking Trail, Thetis Lake Hiking Trail, and the Trestle Bridge Hiking Trail in Goldstream Provincial Park, just to name a few.

See the Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Who doesn’t love butterflies? Well, now you can step into an indoor tropical rainforest filled with thousands of butterflies fluttering about the place. There are over 70 species of these magical creatures to see, as well as koi fish, turtles, poison dart frogs, parrots, flamingos, and many tropical flowers.

Click here to purchase your ticket to the Butterfly Gardens .

Get a View from the lookout

If you’re looking for one of the best views of the city, head on over to the downtown Harbour Centre’s observation deck for panoramic views over Victoria, as well as the neighbouring mountains and ocean. Click here to see ticket prices.

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site

If you’re looking for a Parks Canada National Historic Site , this 19th-century coastal artillery fort is bound to satisfy. Tour through secret bunkers, military command posts and original 19th-century buildings while also having the opportunity to camp overnight in group-friendly oTENTik’s. There’s also the adjacent Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, which is home to Canada’s west coast’s first lighthouse.

Day Trips to the Smaller Islands

While Vancouver Island is quite big , there are actually hundreds of smaller Gulf Islands and inlets in the Georgia Strait around Victoria, BC. These make for excellent day trips. You could rent a boat, arrange a tour, or even take the ferry to popular islands such as Gabriola, Saltspring, and/or Thetis. Once on the little islands, you can simply relax in nature, go biking or hiking, visit local artisans and eateries, or find yourself a nice beach to whisk the day away. Ferry rates are about $10 CAD ($7 USD).

Explore Vancouver Island

While some certainly visit Victoria just for Victoria, we highly recommend taking another week or more and exploring more of Vancouver Island . It’s truly a special place and one of the most beautiful areas in the country. You’ll find gorgeous rainforest treks, mystical coastal beaches, jaw-dropping waterfalls, lovely little island towns, and the best surfing in Canada out by Tofino. There are also whale watching and wildlife tours all over the island, the opportunity to go snorkelling with salmon around Campbell River, and some of the best multi-day hikes in North America. Where will you go?

Tips for Saving Money in Victoria

With a little effort, you can turn Vancouver Island into an affordable travel destination. Most of the outdoor stuff is free so if you stick to that and cook your own food, you can keep your costs pretty low! Here are some of my ways to save money when you travel to Vancouver Island:

Couchsurf: Although Couchsurfing requires quite a bit of upfront work, it can be a great way to meet locals while saving mega dollars on accommodation.

Camping: Vancouver Island is home to a plethora of camping opportunities for those well-equipped. Use the DiscoverCamping.ca website to find potential campsites around the island. Expect to pay around $20 CAD or more per campsite.

Happy Hours: When looking for pubs and restaurants, find out if they have a happy hour. This is a great way to save money on food and drinks, while still enjoying the dining scene of each place.

Go Car-Free: If you’re only planning on visiting one city, such as Victoria or Nanaimo, consider leaving behind your vehicle and taking the ferry as a single person. You’ll save more than $50.

Go Biking: Vancouver Island is one of the top places in the country for mountain biking, so if you have the experience, you can save a lot of money by biking from destination to destination.

Hitchhike: Considering its popularity, there are many opportunities to try hitchhiking. Obviously, you’ll want to check with the local laws beforehand, but this can be a great way to save money. This should only be considered if you have lots of time.

Where to Stay in Victoria

Victoria is home to a plethora of accommodations, ranging from budget hostels to super high-end hotels and everything in between. We’ve listed some good options below but for all the best options, check out our guide to the best hotels in Victoria .

Fairmont Empress: If budget is of no concern, it’s hard to beat the famous Fairmont Empress, which offers a spectacular location and a wide variety of amenities such as a spa, pool, restaurants, and more. Click here to see reviews and availability .

Abigail’s Hotel: With almost all 5-star reviews, this beautiful hotel offers a wide variety of amenities such as free delicious breakfast, free parking, and even a small library to relax in. Guests rave about the comfortable beds as well. Click here to see reviews and availability .

Helm’s Inn: Located just outside of popular Beacon Hill Park. this all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations, free WiFi, a refrigerator, a microwave, and very high reviews. They also have some kitchenettes available and have a coin-operated laundry facility on-site. Click here for reviews and availability .

Marketa’s Bed & Breakfast: This is where we stayed during our 150-day road trip across Canada. The breakfast alone is worth the stay, including home-baked scones or muffins, Montreal-style bagels, French toast, and more. This heritage home showcases Edwardian décor, has four-poster beds, and is very centrally located and within walking distance of many popular sights. Click here for reviews and availability .

Where to Eat in Victoria

There’s no shortage of places to chow down in Victoria.

Spinnakers : This is definitely the coolest place we ate at during our visit to Victoria. Not only is it a fancy pub but it’s also a brewery. From Kale Caeser to Shrimp Flatbread and Wild Pacific Halibut Fettacunni, Spinnakers is a great place for any meal of the day. But what makes it more special, aside from the views and ambience, is that they also brew their own beer. There are lots of options so we ended up having their beer and chocolate pairing flight, which included four house beer tasters and four handcrafted house-made TCHO Chocolate Truffles by Chocolatier Crystal Duck. We can’t wait to go back!

Getting to Victoria BC

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Victoria, here’s some practical advice on how to get there.

Getting to Victoria by Plane

If you’re flying into Victoria, you’ll most likely be flying into Victoria International Airport (YYJ). Although there are other smaller airports around the island, this is the one that gets used by most visitors. It’s located just 25 minutes from downtown, is the 3rd busiest airport in British Columbia and offers easy access to downtown Victoria, including by public bus or taxi. The public bus costs $5 CAD but space for baggage is limited.

Getting to Victoria by Car and Ferry

Victoria is also a great place to visit by car, especially if you plan on exploring more of Vancouver Island. If you’re driving to Victoria, you will need to take a ferry from the mainland to either Victoria or to Nanaimo. Most people would be either driving west from interior BC and Vancouver or potentially south from Washington. The crossing time is approximately 1.5 hours. The BC ferries leave from Vancouver’s Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (Victoria). The other option is to take the ferry to Nanaimo, and then drive 2-hours to Victoria. The cost for a car and driver is approximately $75 CAD for a one-way trip. However, it’s much better to get a rental car and have all the freedom you need. Depending on timing, you want to arrive 1-2 hours earlier than the ferry departure as it can be very busy. Upon arrival, you will be in Sidney, BC, which is 32 km (20 miles) north of Victoria, taking approximately 30 minutes by car to reach downtown Victoria. You could also take a ferry to Nanaimo and travel to Victoria from there.

Connecting to the Ferry from YVR: Tsawwassen is the closest ferry terminal to Vancouver Airport for those looking to take the ferry to Victoria, BC. For more information on how to take the bus from Vancouver Airport to the Victoria ferry. You can take public transportation from the airport to the ferry, or if you rent a car, just drive to the ferry terminal.

Seattle to Victoria Ferry: Another really cool feature about Victoria BC is that you can actually take a ferry right from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria, sailing through some really beautiful coastal scenery. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and starts at around $110 USD.

Getting to Victoria by Bus

Just like driving to Victoria, the only way to get to Vancouver Island is to take the ferry. There is no bus that takes you all the way to Victoria from Vancouver. However, you can take a bus to the ferry, and then another bus from the ferry to Victoria. This entire route will take approximately 4 hours. Basically, you need to take the Canada Line and ride the SkyTrain to Bridgeport Station and then take bus 620 from bay 11 to Tsawwassen ferry terminal (45 minutes or more). Jump on the ferry and take it to Swartz Bay (1.5 hours). Once on Vancouver Island, catch the 70 express bus or 72 bus to downtown Victoria (1 hour +). The total cost, including the ferry, will cost around $30.

Getting to Victoria by Tour

Another option for exploring Victoria and Vancouver is a tour from Vancouver that includes the ferry .

How to Get Around Victoria

Victoria is not a huge city, and thus, there is no subway train system. There is, however, a pretty good public bus network, as well as taxis to get you around. You could also rent a car, or if not going too far, Victoria is also a great place to walk or bike.

Bus: Public bus will take you almost anywhere you need to go within Victoria, as well as to the airport and the ferry terminal. Check the BC Transit schedule and also NextRide, which provides real-time bus arrival. Another option is to take the Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus, which takes you to all the popular tourist sites, allowing you to get on and off as you please.

Taxi: Like most of Canada, taxis are not cheap but they can be convenient. Prices start around $3.50 CAD and go up by $1.89 CAD per kilometre after.

Bicycle: Victoria is a wonderful city to traverse by bike. There are a variety of options for renting a bike, including electric bikes as well. Another option is the u-bike , which you just grab and go across the city. The only thing you’ll need in advance is an account. The cost is approximately $1 for 30 minutes.

Walk: If you’re only going to be exploring downtown Victoria, walking is the best way to do it. There are even self-guided walking tours and paid tours you could partake in.

Carshare: Another way to get around is by carshare, which is currently operated by both Modo and Zipcar.

Harbour Ferry: For inner-city travel, the Harbour Ferry is a great way to get around and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. It runs from mid-February until the end of October (weather permitting).

Weather for Victoria Travel (Best Time to Visit)

Victoria is one of the mildest cities in Canada, receiving very little snowfall and rarely dipping below 0°C. It does, however, get quite a bit of rain during the winter months.

March-May: The spring months are actually a great time to visit Victoria, as this is when many flowers being to bloom and the weather warms up. The average temperature is about 10°C – 18°C (50-65 degrees F).

June-August: Like most of Canada, the summer months are the busiest and costliest time to visit. However, this is when the weather is at its warmest. With maximum warmth and minimum rain, this is the best time for getting outdoors and going walking, biking or hiking. It’s also a better time to go whale watching. You’ll want to consider booking accommodation weeks or even months in advance. The average temperature is around 22°C (73 degrees F).

September-November: The fall is also a great time to visit the island, though you should expect more rain. However, we explored the island in September and had beautiful weather for weeks. We also went whale watching on the last day of the season and had the best whale-watching tour of our lives. You just never know. Just pack a sweater and a rain jacket and umbrella and you’ll be fine. The average temperature is 15°C – 20°C (55-68 degrees F).

December-February: These months represent the winter and is known as the offseason in Victoria. If you don’t mind colder weather and rain, this is the best time to save money on accommodation as well as avoid crowds. There is also skiing on Vancouver Island if you’re looking to go skiing or snowboarding. The average temperature is 9°C (47 degrees F).

Fun Things to Do on Vancouver Island and Beyond

Another great part about Victoria is that there are so many things to do outside of the city as well. From going hiking in the rainforest to camping on a beach to driving up to Tofino to go surfing, Vancouver Island is a place you could spend weeks exploring. You could also head over to Vancouver and continue exploring mainland Canada. The options are seemingly endless.

For more on what to do outside of Victoria, check out these articles below:

• Things to Do in British Columbia
• Best Hotels in Victoria
• Two-Day Victoria Itinerary
• Things to Do in Vancouver
• Driving from Vancouver to Calgary
• Canada Road Trip Ideas

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

April 5, 2021 at 7:18 pm

This looks so amazing! Thanks for all this information!

April 7, 2021 at 12:56 pm

What a great article, highlighting so many of Victoria’s attractions. Reading this has made me what to revisit many of them.

April 28, 2021 at 2:06 pm

Articles really make me want to see all of this for myself.

May 10, 2021 at 7:27 pm

When visiting Butchart Gardens – leave your selfie sticks at home, they’re not allowed in the gardens. Yay – finally banned!

May 12, 2021 at 8:50 am

I love Victoria!

May 13, 2021 at 2:52 pm

The gardens are so beautiful at Butchart Gardens, this is definitely on my bucket list.

May 18, 2021 at 8:23 am

Looking forward to getting out to Victoria again. I love it out there!

May 26, 2021 at 6:45 pm

I’ve always wanted to go explore Victoria

January 8, 2022 at 12:38 pm

Great website, each spot is beautifully articulated!

Being new to Canada, this was a great way to learn about incredible and historical places. Hope the situation gets better to get my boots out soon, and plan for my most awaited AB and BC adventure trip this summer.

January 8, 2022 at 1:17 pm

Thank you so much. Yes, we really hope it becomes easier too. Have you seen our Youtube channel?

June 6, 2022 at 10:08 pm

There’s a few things in here I didn’t know about. Happy to find new places to explore.

March 9, 2023 at 11:20 am

We missed you at Haunted Manor Mini Golf! See you next time hopefully?!

March 9, 2023 at 11:58 am

That would be awesome! Not sure when we’ll be back but hopefully not long

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The 55 Most Beautiful Places in the World

From cloud forests to glacial lakes, these destinations are the world's best sights to see.

Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the jungle.

From sky-blue lakes in Canada to sandstone beaches in Seychelles, beauty abounds in every corner of the Earth. Focusing largely on national parks , mountains, beaches, deserts, and other natural wonders , we’ve compiled the world's most beautiful places to inspire your next dream destination. 

• Best tourist destination: Iguazú Falls, Argentina and Brazil
• Underrated hidden gem: Fairy Meadows National Park, Pakistan
• Best for families: Grand Canyon, Arizona
• Best for couples: Anse Source d'Agent, Seychelles
• Best for solo travelers: Railay West Beach, Thailand

Join us for a journey to some of the most beautiful places in the world, like the red rocks of the Grand Canyon and the abundantly colorful Great Barrier Reef.

Iguazú Falls, Argentina and Brazil

Altogether, the 275 cascades on the Argentina-Brazil border form a mind-blowing, panoramic waterfall. The overwhelming sight of Iguazú Falls, combined with the sound and energy of water rushing at up to 450,000 cubic feet per second in the rainy season, is pure magnificence.

Fairy Meadows National Park, Pakistan

Tahreer Photography / Getty Images

Near the foot of the world's ninth-highest mountain (Nanga Parbat), Pakistan's Fairy Meadows offers sublime mountain scenery and wildlife, including brown bears, markhor, and Himalayan ibex. To get to Fairy Meadows, you’ll have to hire a Jeep but be forewarned, the road there is not for the faint of heart.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Don Eim/Travel + Leisure

Offering some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, the Grand Canyon truly merits the term "breathtaking." The vast geologic wonderland, one mile deep and up to 18 miles across, displays countless layers of colorful rock and practically hypnotic vistas.

Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles

Pinpointing the most beautiful Seychellois beach is like splitting hairs, but Anse Source d'Argent gets extremely high marks for its sugar-white sand framed by dramatic granite boulders and sparkling aquamarine water. The sweet shoreline is relatively secluded from the resort crowds on La Digue Island.

Railay West Beach, Thailand

Dmitrii Guldin / Getty Images

On the Railay peninsula's west side, Krabi's famous karsts meet a simply stunning jade-green lagoon. The vertical cliffs block access from the Krabi mainland, making Railay reachable only by boat, adding to its incredible appeal.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

There's no better way to experience Patagonia's rugged natural beauty than in Torres del Paine National Park . The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to its namesake granite towers (the park's name is a combination of the Spanish word for “towers” and the Tehuelche word for “blue”), as well as sparkling lagoons and otherworldly glaciers.

Bagan, Myanmar

It's hard to truly grasp the magnitude of Myanmar's Bagan Archaeological Zone , dominated by thousands of temples, pagodas, and stupas. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site on a bike, or for an eagle's-eye view, take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise to see the temples scattered across the lush landscape.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Costa Rica

This magical, misty, and well-preserved cloud forest in northwestern Costa Rica is a successful template for sustainable ecotourism. Along with its sister cloud forest, the Santa Elena Reserve, Monteverde is a practically untouched paradise home to thousands of plant, animal, and bird species (including the radiant quetzal), visible from jungle paths and nail-biting steel bridges hanging over the canopy.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia

One of the world's largest waterfalls, Victoria Falls spans the Zimbabwe and Zambia borders. As a destination, "The Smoke That Thunders," as it is known in the Bantu language family, is a hub for white-water rafting, helicopter rides, big-game safaris , and other thrilling adventures.

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Whitehaven Beach mesmerizes from above with swirls of white and blue hiding amid the offshore islands of Queensland. Part of Australia's Whitsunday Coast, the star attraction is remarkable for its amazing combination of pure silica sands and vivid blue-green waters.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

On a dirt road near the west coast town of Morondava is a stretch of tall and ancient baobab trees unique to Madagascar, and all that remains of a once-dense forest. The centuries-old giants are especially magnificent cast in the light of a sunrise and sunset.

Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

The world's largest salt flat covers 4,000 square miles of the Bolivian Altiplano. In the dry season, it's an endless white sheet of salt tiles made all the more dazzling by clear, sunny skies. From December to April, however, regular rains create a mirror effect that merges lake and sky. No matter when you see it, Salar de Uyuni is one of the most captivating sights on earth.

Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam

With hundreds of jungle-covered karst cliffs rising out of emerald green waters, Hạ Long Bay is a photographer's dream. Hop on a boat or kayak to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site 's beautiful islands and surreal cave systems.

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Nicholas Schmidt/Travel + Leisure

Lake Atitlán in the Sierra Madres offers a combination of Indigenous culture and waterside serenity. It likely comes as no surprise that a place this tranquil is also a popular destination for yoga retreats. Cross the gorgeous crater lake by boat and explore various pueblos, shop local markets for Mayan crafts, and sleep in treehouse accommodations.

Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius

A freestanding basaltic mountain hulking over a bright blue-green Indian Ocean lagoon certainly makes for spectacular scenery. When viewed from above, the surrounding sand and silt form an optical illusion that appears to be a massive underwater waterfall at this mythic place — and there is a fascinating history to uncover. Thanks to its isolation and near-inaccessibility, Le Morne sheltered people who escaped enslavement during the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Acadia National Park, Maine

From rocky shorelines shrouded in mist to conifer-cloaked mountainsides, Acadia National Park is a wild place of sea, stone, and forest. Visitors flock here to hike, fish, climb, camp, and experience the end-of-the-world feel in New England's only national park.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The mighty Okavango , the largest inland delta in the world, is a vast network of winding waterways and animal-attracting lagoons. Navigating through reed-studded channels in a mokoro (traditional canoe) and spotting hippos, leopards, and elephants is one of the world's great travel experiences for nature lovers.

Maasai Mara, Kenya

This famed wildlife preserve (next door neighbor to the Serengeti) is one of the world's most enchanting ecosystems . The Mara's golden grasslands stretch to the horizon, interrupted by graceful acacia trees and rumbling throngs of wildebeest and zebra — and their stalking predators.

Beautiful Forests Around the World

Cat island, the bahamas.

Cat Island is a secret nirvana hiding in plain sight in the Bahamas . Sparsely developed and off the main tourist track, Cat Island is resplendent in miles of nature trails and wondrous pink sands sprawling under the Caribbean sun. Far from the mega-resort scene of busier islands, the mood on Cat Island is very laid back, so expect to find local vibes and small family-owned hotels.

Zhangye National Geopark, China

Distinct rolling bands of orange, cream, yellow, brown, and russet against jagged mountain peaks make this geological anomaly in the Northwestern province of Gansu look like a psychedelic scene on Mars. Boardwalks have been built throughout the park allowing visitors to see the stripes up close.

Glencoe, Scotland

The Scottish Highlands are filled with astonishingly scenic glens, but Glencoe Valley is perhaps the most famous (and infamous, due to a brutal 17th-century massacre that marked a pivotal moment in Scottish history). Today the valley is a haven for hikers, mountaineers, and whisky lovers — the 19th-century Ben Nevis Distillery is a short drive away.

Mount Kōya, Japan

The Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi founded this mountaintop temple town in 819. Today, the sacred and serene place is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains more than 100 temples, including the head temple Kongobuji, featuring gorgeous gilded sliding doors and ceilings carved with flowers. Within the ancient complex is a mausoleum and cemetery surrounded by a cedar forest with old-growth trees up to 600 years old.

Dead Sea, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel

Name aside, the Dead Sea is a lake and one of the world's saltiest, at that. (In fact, the saline water has such a high density that it keeps bathers afloat.) Set between Jordan, Palestine, and Israel at the Earth's lowest elevation, it's known for its beautifully clear and tranquil waters (with nearly 10 times more saline than the ocean) and its surrounding mineral formations, sandy beaches, nature preserves, natural pools, and waterfalls.

Zion National Park, Utah

Elisabeth Pollaert Smith /Getty Images

Glorious Navajo Sandstone cliffs, rainbow-colored canyons, and incredible biodiversity make Zion one of the most popular (and most scenic) national parks in the U.S. Utah is famous for its many gorgeous national parks, but in Zion, you can enjoy unique hikes like The Narrows, a slot canyon trail following Virgin River upstream — just make sure you go in the right season .

Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Dominated by a 3,000-square-mile ice cap of the same name, Vatnajökull is a chilly, Icelandic wonderland of caves, craters, glacier-filled calderas, and waterfalls. Perhaps the most famous cascade is Svartifoss, plunging over hexagonal lava-rock columns.

Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale's electric-blue thermal pools and white travertine formations, naturally formed by slowly crystallizing calcium carbonate, make for gorgeous vacation photos. Its location is quite remote, so you will need to set aside a day or two for this special trip, but with steaming hot waters and a name that translates from Turkish to "cotton castles," it's worth the experience as well as the view.

Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Hawaii

Nā Pali translates to "the cliffs" in Hawaiian, a deceptively simple name that might not fully prepare travelers for the epic glory on display on the Kauai coast. The staggering coastline is too rugged and vertical for road access, so the only way to see it is by boat, air, or seriously intense hiking trails.

Table Mountain, Cape Town

Ascending iconic Table Mountain tops the to-do list for most travelers in Cape Town. Adventurous hikers can go on foot, but there's also an aerial cableway that gently sweeps up to the 3,563-foot summit. Either way, the top offers insane panoramic views of the South African capital and the Atlantic.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Built nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan citadel whose engineering ingenuity and head-spinning views rival the extraordinary beauty of its Sacred Valley setting. It may be a hotspot for tourism now, but the rest of the world has only known about its existence since it was rediscovered in 1911.

Lucerne, Switzerland

Xantana/Getty Images

Picture a serene alpine lake fringed with soaring Alps. Now add in a walkable medieval town and you've got the setting for this long-popular Swiss destination . Don't miss Mount Pilatus (via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway) and the Rigi for nature trails and a famous viewpoint overlooking three lakes.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

The Blue Ridge Parkway may lack Highway 101's ocean scenery, but it trades Pacific views for peaceful Appalachian beauty. Stretching 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park , the 45 MPH, no-trucks route winds past overlook after overlook, letting road-trippers marvel at the mountains' dreamy blue hue.

Pulau Tioman, Malaysia

This isn't a tropical island getaway with a wild party scene or a string of upscale resorts. Pulau Tioman is more of a floating nature preserve, with local character and a strong sense of environmental conservation (coral rehab and sea turtle preservation are major focuses for the island's Juara Turtle Project ). The island, off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea, is popular for its dive sites, shipwrecks, and tropical rainforest.

Damaraland, Namibia

Damaraland region is an almost mystical vision of red-earth desert plains, flat-topped mountains, a petrified forest, and well-preserved ancient Bushmen rock paintings. Though it looks like a scene from Mars, Damaraland is rich in wildlife, home to lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and the critically endangered black rhino.

Matira Beach, French Polynesia

The South Pacific calls up many visions of spectacular beaches . The otherwordly Bora Bora 's Matira Beach gets singled out for its miles of pearly white, flour-fine sand, and breathtaking bright turquoise lagoon.

Cirque de Gavarnie, France

Cirque de Gavarnie is a popular hiking destination in the Pyrenees and one of the most beautiful in France . Called "the Colosseum of Nature" by Victor Hugo, the Cirque is a ring of sheer granite mountain walls enclosing a picture-perfect green valley. It's astounding even before you add in three-tier Gavarnie Falls pouring over a 922-foot drop.

Shark Bay, Australia

Shark Bay: where the red earth of Australia's westernmost point meets the teal waters of the Indian Ocean. The bay is home to one of the largest and richest beds of seagrass in the world, as well as rare stromatolites — rocky-looking, cauliflower-shaped microbial reefs and some of the oldest life forms on Earth.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Lofoten archipelago bursts dramatically out of the Norwegian Sea. Between the jagged peaks and steep slopes are quaint fishing villages, secluded coves, scenic backpacking and biking trails, and dreamy white-sand beaches. You can even get there by train via the Ofotbanen , a luxury rail service that takes you from Oslo up to the Arctic Circle.

Los Cabos, Mexico

Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, Los Cabos ' symphony of natural features — desert, mountains, sea, and plenty of sunshine — and yes, raucous party scene, have made it one of the most popular vacation destinations in North America. Its cobalt-blue waters are a hub for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching.

Taormina, Sicily

Frans Sellies/Getty Images

Taormina has all the elements for a gorgeous Mediterranean destination : ancient ruins, a charming old town, and a setting backed by Mount Etna, an active volcano you can summit by foot. One of the highlights is visiting the beach of Isola Bella, a small storied island that you can walk to during low tide.

Dal Lake, India

The snow-capped Zabarwan Range rises above Kashmir's romantic Dal Lake, a long-time Himalayan escape for Indians fleeing the south's heat. During the summer, veranda-clad cedar houseboats bob along the lake's western edge while floating markets and brightly painted taxi boats drift by.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The world's largest barrier reef is an unrivaled experience for snorkelers and divers. The sensational underwater world is made up of 2,900 individual reefs, 900 islands, and a mind-boggling diversity of marine life.

Wulingyuan Scenic Area, China

Thousands of tapering quartz sandstone formations spiral skyward in this 100-square-mile stretch of karst terrain in China's Hunan Province . Beneath the towers lie valleys, streams, waterfalls, caves, natural bridges, and dense green forests.

Banff National Park, Canada

Canada's oldest national park showcases the majesty of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. Banff is known for its staggering peaks, dense pine forests, hot springs, animals — grizzlies, bighorn sheep, and moose all call the park home, and almost eerily azure glacier-fed lagoons, such as the postcard-perfect Peyto Lake.

Wadi Rum Reserve, Jordan

Wadi Rum is a stunning red desert landscape filled with canyons, dunes, mountains, springs, archeological sites, and stone archways. Brave hikers can cross the largest, Burdah Rock Bridge, which is more than 200 feet above the ground.

Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, New Zealand

Glaciers carved this awe-inspiring valley , leaving behind craggy peaks with sheer drops into glistening waters. Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site Te Wahipounamu , the South Island's Milford Sound is blessed with waterfalls, rainbows, rainforests, and a diversity of wildlife — everything from black coral to bottlenose dolphins, with seals and even penguins in between.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Blissfully isolated 217 miles off the Brazilian mainland, this lovingly preserved archipelago offers pristine beaches and clear waters abundant in marine life perfect for world-class snorkeling. The remote island is also a hub for honeymooners looking for a slice of paradise.

The Algarve, Portugal

Surrounded by the Atlantic to the south and west, Portugal's Algarve region looks and feels like a wild respite. Wind-sculpted cliffs and headlands frame big, sandy beaches popular with surfers and dotted with secret coves and grottoes.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Solitary Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africa's most stunning icons, rising more than 19,000 feet from coffee and banana farms up to snowy volcanic peaks. Along the way to "The Roof of Africa," hikers trek through distinct climate zones, from rainforest to high-altitude desert to the arctic-like summit.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Both an active volcano and an emblem of serenity, Mount Fuji is one of the world's most magnificent sights. You can hike to the sacred landmark's summit for sweeping views or simply gape at it from Lake Kawaguchi and elsewhere in the beautiful Five Lakes region . Head to the spa town of Hakone in winter to pair crisp Fuji views with steaming hot springs.

Li River, China

The Li River carves through the lowland farms and jagged karst terrain of northwestern Guangxi, creating some of China's most picturesque scenery (the area is so pretty, it appears on the 20 yuan banknote). A four- to five-hour river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the most popular way to experience Li River, though travelers wanting more autonomy can rent bamboo rafts or hike — the natural moon-shaped arch of Moon Hill makes a glorious lookout.

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como has been one of Italy's most popular vacation spots since the time of the Roman emperors. This unabashedly high-rolling resort area still attracts a posh crowd with its lush gardens, cinematic palaces and villas, and sun-soaked alpine shores. Take the funicular to the tiny village of Brunate for an amazing panorama.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Like so many of Earth's most stunning sights, Crater Lake is the result of earth-altering, volcanic forces. Its 1,943-foot depth makes it the deepest lake in the U.S. , filled with mesmerizingly deep blue waters fed by rain and snow. View its perfection from hiking trails, boat tours, and the 33-mile Rim Drive around the caldera. Keep in mind, some attractions like boat tours and the scenic Rim Drive close for the winter season.

Big Sur, California

Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure

Even considering California's 840 miles of monumental coastline, it's hard to rival the beauty of Big Sur . Thick redwood forest, foggy canyons, and rocky cliffs tumbling into the Pacific define this area (the name refers to both the town and the coastal region), made all the more famous for its freewheeling NorCal vibes and Old Hollywood history.

Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee

With half a million acres split by Tennessee and North Carolina, this famous park 's wondrous mountain scenery encompasses hardwood forests, steep-sided ravines cut by rivers and streams, and brilliant wildflowers in bloom from spring to fall. Hikers have 150 trails available to them, from the Appalachian Trail’s Charlies Bunion hike to the more challenging Rainbow Falls route.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The scenery alone — waterfalls, calderas, misty bamboo forests — makes Volcanoes National Park a worthy contender of any travel list. The mystical setting is all the more special for hosting buffaloes, birds, golden monkeys, and the elusive mountain gorilla.

Related Articles

Watch CBS News

Perseid meteor shower put on quite a show when it peaked overnight

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: August 12, 2024 / 6:33 AM EDT / CBS News

The Perseid meteor shower peaked overnight Sunday into Monday, giving astronomy fans one of the best shows of 2024 as they look to the skies. 

The shower started in July and will continue through most of August, but just peaked, NASA said. The Perseids are considered the " best meteor shower of the year" by NASA, with about 50 to 100 meteors seen per hour under ideal conditions. 

What time did the Perseid meteor shower peak?

The best time to catch the Perseids was in the pre-dawn hours, according to NASA, but it was possible to view its meteors as early as 10 p.m. 

NASA noted that the moon was to set just as the Perseids started to peak. The Old Farmer's Almanac details specific moonset times  for different ZIP codes across the United States. 

Where was the Perseid meteor shower visible?

The best view of the Perseids meteor shower was from the Northern Hemisphere. NASA urged astronomy fans who wanted to check out the shower to get away from the bright lights of cities. 

" Try to get to the darkest location you can," NASA wrote . "The darker it is where you are, the more meteors you will see streaking across the sky."

Around 50 to 75 meteors an hour could be seen in darker locations. 

Where was it best to look to see the meteor shower?

NASA had a simple suggestion: Look up! NASA suggested lying on your back, enabling your eyes to adjust to the dark — and staying off your phone. There was no need to look in any particular direction as the meteors could generally be seen all over the sky.

The space agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory suggested facing roughly northeast as you lay down, but to try to take in as much of the sky as possible because meteors can appear all over.

When will the next meteor shower be?

Two other meteor showers are actually active right now. The Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower began last month and will run through Aug. 21. It peaked in late July. The alpha Capricornids, a small meteor shower, also started last month. It will continue through Aug. 11, according to the American Meteor Society.

The next major meteor shower, the Orionids , won't be active until late September, with a peak in October, according to the American Meteor Society. NASA describes the Orionids as one of the most beautiful showers of the year. The Orionids are known for their brightness and speed.

What are meteor showers?

Meteors — space rocks that enter Earth's atmosphere — streak through the sky every night, but meteor showers happen less frequently. During a meteor shower, many meteors hit Earth's atmosphere over a short period of time. When they pass through the atmosphere, the meteors leave behind streaks of light caused by glowing, hot air. 

While most meteors burn up as they fall, some survive the trip and reach Earth. Those surviving space rocks are considered meteorites.

Look up — what else can you see in the sky this summer?

There are two more full moons this summer. August's full moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon, reaches peak illumination on Monday, Aug. 19. September's full moon will reach peak illumination on Tuesday, Sept. 17, just days before the start of fall. 

• Meteor Shower

Aliza Chasan is a Digital Content Producer for "60 Minutes" and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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Japan Warns of Elevated Risk of Giant Earthquake After Strong One Hits

The official warning came after a 7.1-magnitude temblor struck off the coast of southern Japan on Thursday.

Strong Earthquake Hits Southern Japan

Shake intensity.

By River Akira Davis Kiuko Notoya Hisako Ueno and Victoria Kim

River Akira Davis, Kiuko Notoya and Hisako Ueno reported from Tokyo, and Victoria Kim from Seoul.

Japan’s meteorological agency said on Thursday that there was a higher-than-usual chance that an immense earthquake could hit the country in the next few days, following a 7.1-magnitude temblor off the southern island of Kyushu.

Japan has long expected a major earthquake to occur along the Nankai Trough off its eastern coast. As of last year, researchers said there was a 60 percent chance that an earthquake of magnitude 8 to 9 — even more devastating than the one in 2011 that laid waste to the country’s northeast coast and knocked out cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant — would occur in the trough area over the next 20 years.

After the 7.1-magnitude quake on Thursday, Japan’s meteorological agency convened a group of experts to evaluate whether it could be related to the long-anticipated bigger disaster, called a “Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake.”

Experts warn that an earthquake between two tectonic plates that converge along the Nankai megathrust fault, which runs from Kyushu north through Tokyo, could cause devastation. It could extensively damage cities throughout Japan, potentially cause a tsunami and lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths.

“The possibility of a large-scale earthquake occurring in the area of ​​the Nankai Trough is relatively higher than usual,” the meteorological agency said in a statement late Thursday.

The risk that an earthquake of magnitude of 8 or higher would occur after one with a magnitude of 7 is particularly elevated for about a week after the initial temblor, the agency said.

Japan’s meteorological agency issued a “caution” level of warning on Thursday. The next step up would be an “alert,” which would advise residents to evacuate from areas deemed a tsunami risk. The agency said it was the first time Japan had issued a “caution.”

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged people to ensure that they were ready at all times in case an earthquake occurred and they had to evacuate. He told reporters that the government was on high alert.

Earlier on Thursday, a tsunami advisory was issued for coastal regions on the southern Japanese islands of Kyushu and Shikoku after the 7.1-magnitude quake. As of late Thursday evening, the maximum height of waves recorded reached about a foot and a half off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu.

A handful of injuries but no deaths were reported related to the earthquake. Footage showed images of strong shaking in buildings in Miyazaki Prefecture, but damage in the area appeared to be minimal. The earthquake occurred less than 20 miles off the coast of Miyazaki, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Bullet train service was temporarily halted on Kyushu, and the Miyazaki Airport suspended takeoffs and landings to inspect runways for any damage. Both bullet train and airport operations resumed later Thursday evening.

The Kyushu Electric Power Company said its nuclear power plants were operating normally.

Separate from the heightened possibility of a Nankai Trough earthquake, Japan’s meteorological agency advised being alert for aftershocks of a similar magnitude off the eastern coast of Miyazaki Prefecture over the next week. It said that landslides could also be a risk if there is rain in the coming days.

An earlier version of this article used an incorrect map showing an earthquake on Japan’s west coast. The earthquakes occurred on Japan’s east coast.

How we handle corrections

River Akira Davis covers Japan, including its economy and businesses, and is based in Tokyo. More about River Akira Davis

Kiuko Notoya is a Tokyo-based reporter and researcher, covering news and features from Japan. More about Kiuko Notoya

Hisako Ueno is a reporter and researcher based in Tokyo, writing on Japanese politics, business, labor, gender and culture. More about Hisako Ueno

Victoria Kim is a reporter based in Seoul and focuses on breaking news coverage across the world. More about Victoria Kim

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Money blog: Couples reveal how they split finances when one earns more than other

Welcome to the Money, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Read our weekend feature on relationship finances below and let us know how you and your partner divide money in the comments box. We'll be back with live updates on Monday.

Saturday 17 August 2024 12:43, UK

Essential reads

• Couples on how they split finances when one earns more than other
• What's gone wrong at Asda?
• The week in money
• Best of the Money blog - an archive of features

Tips and advice

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• Fines for parents taking kids out of school increasing next month
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• 'I cancelled swimming with plenty of notice - can they keep my money?'

Ask a question or make a comment

By Emily Mee , news reporter

Openly discussing how you split your finances with your partner feels pretty taboo - even among friends.

As a consequence, it can be difficult to know how to approach these conversations with our partner or what is largely considered fair - especially if there's a big imbalance salary-wise. 

Research by Hargreaves Lansdown suggests in an average household with a couple, three-quarters of the income is earned by one person. 

Even when there is a large disparity, some couples will want to pay the same amount on bills as they want to contribute equally. 

But for others, one partner can feel resentful if they are spending all of their money on bills while the other has much more to spend and is living a different lifestyle as a result. 

At what stage of the relationship can you talk about money?

"We've kind of formally agreed there is some point in a relationship you start talking about kids - there is no generally agreed time that we start talking about money," says Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown. 

Some couples may never get around to mentioning it, leading to "lopsided finances". 

Ms Coles says if you want to keep on top of finances with your partner, you could set a specific date in the year that you go through it all. 

"If it's in the diary and it's not emotional and it's not personal then you can properly go through it," she says.

"It's not a question of 'you need to pull more weight'.  It's purely just this is what we've agreed, this is the maths and this is how we need to do that."

While many people start talking about finances around Christmas, Ms Coles suggests this can be a "trying time" for couples so February might be a "less emotional time to sit down". 

How do you have the conversation if you feel the current arrangement is unfair?

Relationship counsellor at Relate , Peter Saddington, says that setting out the balance as "unfair" shouldn't be your starting point. 

You need to be honest about your position, he says, but your conversation should be negotiating as a couple what works for both of you. 

Before you have to jump into the conversation, think about: 

• Letting your partner know in advance rather than springing it on them;
• Making sure you and your partner haven't drunk alcohol before having the conversation, as this can make it easy for it to spiral;
• Having all the facts to hand, so you know exactly how much you are spending;
• Using 'I' statements rather than 'you'. For example, you could say to your partner: "I'm really worried about my finances and I would like to sit down and talk about how we manage it. Can we plan a time when we can sit down and do it?"

Mr Saddington says if your partner is not willing to help, you should look at the reasons or question if there are other things in the relationship that need sorting out. 

If you're having repeated arguments about money, he says you might have opposite communication styles causing you to "keep headbutting". 

Another reason could be there is a "big resentment" lurking in the background - and it may be that you need a third party such as a counsellor, therapist or mediator to help resolve it. 

Mr Saddington says there needs to be a "safe space" to have these conversations, and that a third party can help untangle resentments from what is happening now. 

He also suggests considering both of your attitudes to money, which he says can be formed by your early life and your family. 

"If you grew up in a family where there wasn't any money, or it wasn't talked about, or it was pushed that you save instead of spend, and the other person had the opposite, you can see where those conversations go horribly wrong. 

"Understanding what influences each of you when it comes to money is important to do before you have significant conversations about it."

What are the different ways you can split your finances?

There's no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are several ways you can do it - with Money blog readers getting in touch to let us know their approach...

1. Separate personal accounts - both pay the same amount into a joint account regardless of income

Paul Fuller, 40, earns approximately £40,000 a year while his wife earns about £70,000. 

They each have separate accounts, including savings accounts, but they pay the same amount (£900) each a month into a joint account to pay for their bills. 

Paul says this pays for the things they both benefit from or have a responsibility for, but when it comes to other spending his wife should be able to spend as she likes. 

"It's not for me to turn around to my wife and expect her to justify why she thinks it's appropriate to spend £150 in a hairdresser. She works her backside off and she has a very stressful job," he says. 

However, their arrangement is still flexible. Their mortgage is going up by £350 a month soon, so his wife has agreed to pay £200 of that. 

And if his wife wants a takeaway but he can't afford to pay for it, she'll say it's on her.

"Where a lot of people go wrong is being unable to have those conversations," says Paul.

2. Separate personal accounts - whoever earns the most puts more into a joint account

This is a more formal arrangement than the hybrid approach Paul and his wife use, and many Money blog readers seem to do this in one form or another judging by our inbox.

There's no right or wrong way to do the maths - you could both put in the same percentage of your individual salaries, or come up with a figure you think is fair, or ensure you're both left with the same amount of spending money after each payday.

3. Everything is shared

Gordon Hurd and his wife Brenda live by their spreadsheet. 

Brenda earns about £800 more a month as she is working full-time while Gordon is freelance. Previously Gordon had been the breadwinner - so it's a big turnaround.

They each have separate accounts with different banks, but they can both access the two accounts. 

How much is left in each account - and their incomings and outgoings - is all detailed in the spreadsheet, which is managed weekly. 

Whenever they need to buy something, they can see how much is left in each account and pay from either one. 

Gordon says this means "everyone knows how much is available" and "each person's money belongs to the other". 

"We have never in the last decade had a single disagreement about money and that is because of this strategy," he says.

Money blog reader Shredder79 got in touch to say he takes a similar approach. 

"I earn £50k and my wife earns just under £150k. We have one joint bank account that our wages go into and all our outgoings come out of. Some friends can't get their head around that but it's normal for us."

Another reader, Curtis, also puts his wages into a joint account with his wife. 

"After all, when you have a family (three kids) it shouldn't matter who earns more or less!" he says. 

Reader Alec goes further and says he questions "the authenticity of any long-term relationship or the certainly of a marriage if a couple does not completely share a bank account for all earnings and all outgoings". 

"As for earning significantly more than the other, so what? If you are one couple or long-term partnership you are one team and you simply communicate and share everything," he says. 

"Personally I couldn't imagine doing it any other way and I do instinctively wonder what issues or insecurities, whether it be in trust or something else, sit beneath the need to feel like you need to keep your finances separate from one another, especially if you are a married couple." 

A reader going by the name lljdc agrees, saying: "I earn half of what my husband does because I work part-time. Neither of us has a solo account. We have one joint account and everything goes into this and we just spend it however we like. All bills come out of this too. Sometimes I spend more, sometimes he spends more."

4. Separate accounts - but the higher earner pays their partner an 'allowance'

If one partner is earning much more than the other, or one partner isn't earning for whatever reason, they could keep separate accounts and have the higher earner pay their partner an allowance. 

This would see them transfer an agreed amount each week or month to their partner's account.

Let us know how you and your partner talk about and split finances in the comments box - we'll feature some of the best next week

By Jimmy Rice, Money blog editor

The centre-point of a significant week in the economy was inflation data, released first thing on Wednesday, that showed price rises accelerated in July to 2.2%.

Economists attributed part of the rise to energy prices - which have fallen this year, but at a much slower rate than they did last year. 

As our business correspondent Paul Kelso pointed out, it felt like the kind of mild fluctuation we can probably expect month to month now that sky high price hikes are behind us, though analysts do expect inflation to tick up further through the remainder of the year...

Underneath the bonnet, service inflation, taking in restaurants and hotels, dropped from 5.7% to 5.2%.

This is important because a large part of this is wages - and they've been a concern for the Bank of England as they plot a route for interest rates.

On Tuesday we learned average weekly earnings had also fallen - from 5.7% to 5.4% in the latest statistics.

High wages can be inflationary (1/ people have more to spend, 2/ employers might raise prices to cover staff costs), so any easing will only aid the case for a less restrictive monetary policy. Or, to put it in words most people use, the case for interest rate cuts.

Markets think there'll be two more cuts this year - nothing has changed there.

Away from the economy, official data also illustrated the pain being felt by renters across the UK.

The ONS said:

• Average UK private rents increased by 8.6% in the 12 months to July 2024, unchanged from in the 12 months to June 2024;
• Average rents increased to £1,319 (8.6%) in England, £748 (7.9%) in Wales, and £965 (8.2%) in Scotland;
• In Northern Ireland, average rents increased by 10% in the 12 months to May 2024;
• In England, rents inflation was highest in London (9.7%) and lowest in the North East (6.1%).

Yesterday, we found the UK economy grew 0.6% over three months to the end of June. 

That growth rate was the second highest among the G7 group of industrialised nations - only the United States performed better with 0.7%, though Japan and Germany have yet to released their latest data.

Interestingly, there was no growth at all in June, the Office for National Statistics said, as businesses delayed purchases until after the general election.

"In a range of industries across the economy, businesses stated that customers were delaying placing orders until the outcome of the election was known," the ONS said.

Finally, a shout for this analysis from business presenter Ian King examining what's gone wrong at Asda. It's been one of our most read articles this week and is well worth five minutes of your Friday commute or weekend...

We're signing out of regular updates now until Monday - but do check out our weekend read from 8am on Saturday. This week we're examining how couples who earn different amounts split their finances.

Each week we feature comments from Money blog readers on the story or stories that elicited most correspondence.

Our weekend probe into the myriad reasons for pub closures in the UK prompted hundreds of comments.

Landlords and campaigners, researchers and residents revealed to Sky News the "thousand cuts" killing Britain's boozers - and what it takes to survive the assault.

Here was your take on the subject...

I've been a publican for 19 years. This article is bang on! It's like you've overheard my conversations with my customers - COVID, cost of living, wages - the traditional British boozer going out of fashion. (My place: no food, no small children). Hey Jood

I own a small craft ale bar or micropub as some say. The current climate is sickening for the whole hospitality sector. This summer has been ridiculously quiet compared to previous ones. Micropubs were on the rise pre-COVID, but not now even we're struggling to survive… Lauren

I am an ex-landlord. It's ridiculous you can buy 10 cans for £10 or one pint for £5 now. It's not rocket science, it's a no-brainer: reverse the situation. Make supermarket beer more expensive than pub beer, then people will start to go out and mix again rather than getting drunk at home. Ivanlordpeers

Bought four pints of my regular drink at a supermarket for less than one pint in our local pub. It's becoming a luxury to go to a pub these days. Torquay David

Traditional pubs are being taken over by conglomerates who don't sell traditional beer, only very expensive lager, usually foreign, and other similar gassy drinks. How can they be called traditional pubs? Bronzestraw

The main reason for pubs closing is twofold! 1: The out-of-reach rents that the big groups charge landlords. 2: Landlords are told what stock they can hold and restrict where they can purchase it from. Strange, but most pubs belonged to the same groups! A pub-goer

Less pubs are managed now, pub companies are changing them to managed partnerships, putting the pressure onto inexperienced young ex-managers. Locals complain that their local pub has gone. but they don't use them enough. Can government regulate rents and beer prices for business owners? John Darkins

I was a brewery tenant in Scotland for many years and sequestrated because of the constant grabbing at my money by greedy brewers who wanted more and more. I made my pub very successful and was penalised by the brewery. James MacQuarrie 

The only reason pubs are closing is locals only use them on Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, and one Sunday a year. Plus breweries don't need pubs, they sell enough through supermarkets! Use them or lose them. Peter Smith

The closing of pubs is a terrible shame. I still go to my local and have great memories of getting drunk in many in my hometown. They are important places in society. As someone once said: "No good story ever started with a salad." Kev K

It's the taxman killing pubs. £1 of every £3 sold. Utter disgrace. Stef

I go with my girlfriend, Prue, every day to my local. It's a shame what's happening to prices. It used to be full of people and joy but now it's a ghost town in the pub since prices are too high now. I wish we could turn back time and find out what went wrong. Niall Benson

Minimum wage is around £11 and the tax threshold is £12,600 per year. How can you possibly afford a night in a pub out when a pint costs between £3 and £8 a pint on those wages? Allan7777blue

Unfortunately, the very people who have kept these establishments going over the years (the working man) have been priced out, and they're paying the price. Dandexter

The pubs are too expensive for people to go out regularly as we once did a decade or so ago. People's priorities are on survival, not recreation. Until the living wage increases beyond an inflation that wages haven't risen above in years, then we will see shops, pubs, etc. close JD

Who wants to spend hard-earned money going into a pub that's nearly always empty. It takes away one of the main attractions - socialising. Michael

Monzo has been named the best bank in the UK for customer satisfaction, according to a major survey. 

More than 17,000 personal current account customers rated their bank on the quality of its services and how likely they would be to recommend to friends or family. 

Digital banks made up the top three, with Monzo coming out on top, followed by Starling Bank and then Chase. 

Some 80% of Monzo customers said they would recommend the bank. 

The digital banking app said topping the tables "time and time again" was not something it would "ever take for granted". 

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) was bottom of the ranking for another year. 

The banks with the best services in branches were Nationwide, Lloyds Bank and Metro Bank. 

Gail's bakery chain has come under fire for repurposing unsold pastries into croissants and selling them for almost £4 the next day.

The retailer lists the "twice baked" chocolate almond croissants as part of its "Waste Not" range, which means it is made using leftover croissants that are then "topped with almond frangipane and flaked almonds".

The scheme has been hit with criticism online, with many pointing out the £3.90 price tag is 95p more than the original croissant.

One X user said: "The audacity of bragging about it being part of their 'Waste Not' range like we should be grateful to them and proud of ourselves for contributing to reducing food waste when they could just sell it for less money – not one pound more than yesterday.

"Unsure whether to be impressed or horrified that someone has come up with a concept to capitalise on yellow sticker goods to make more profit."

It should be added, however, that the practice was not invented by Gail's - and almond croissants were originally created by French boulangeries to reuse day-old croissants and stop them going stale.

When factoring in the extra ingredients (almond frangipane and flaked almonds) and baking time, the bakery chain would likely defend the increased price by pointing to the additional costs incurred.

It comes as locals in a trendy London neighbourhood signed a petition against a Gail's bakery setting up shop in their area.

After (unconfirmed) rumours began circulating that the chain was looking to open a site in Walthamstow village, more than 600 have signed a petition opposing the plans.

The petition says the village "faces a threat to its uniqueness" should Gail's move into the area (see yesterday's 11.54am post for more).

Gail's has been contacted for comment.

British retailers saw a rise in sales last month after a boost from Euro 2024 and summer discounting, according to official figures.

High street retailers said sales of football shirts, electronics such as TVs, and alcoholic drinks were all stronger amid the Three Lions' journey to the final.

Total retail sales volumes rose by 0.5% in July, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. It was, however, slightly below predictions, with economists forecasting a 0.7% increase.

It followed a 0.9% slump in volumes in June as retail firms blamed uncertainty ahead of the general election and poor weather.

ONS director of economic statistics, Liz McKeown, said: "Retail sales grew in July led by increases in department stores and sports equipment shops, with both the Euros and discounting across many stores boosting sales.

"These increases were offset by a poor month for clothing and furniture shops, and falling fuel sales, despite prices at the pump falling."

The data showed that non-food stores saw a 1.4% rise, driven by a strong performance from department stores, where sales grew by 4% for the month as summer sales helped to stoke demand.

However, clothing and footwear shops saw a 0.6% dip, whilst homeware retailers also saw volumes fall 0.6%. Food stores, meanwhile, saw sales remain flat for the month.

There are fears that the £2-cap on single bus fares could be scrapped after the government declined to say whether the policy would continue past December.

Bus companies said it was vital the cost of using their services is kept low for young people to "enhance their access to education and jobs".

Alison Edwards, director of policy and external relations at industry body the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: "Bus operators are working closely with the government so that together we can find a way to avoid a cliff edge return to commercial fares.

"Analysis has shown that supporting fares, which can be done in a range of different ways, is great value for money and can support many other government objectives.

"For example, keeping fares low for young people would enhance their access to education and jobs, while also encouraging them to develop sustainable travel habits to last a lifetime."

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said in a recent interview with the PA news agency that her officials were "looking at various options" in relation to the cap, including whether they could "target it better".

It's been a busy week on the economic front.

There was no major shift in the overall outlook - since Monday we've had it confirmed that the UK economy has lower inflation and more growth than the last two years, while wages have grown faster than the overall pace of price rises.

On the back of all that news the pound is at the highest rate since early this month against the dollar, worth $1.2882, and the highest since July when it comes to buying euro with one pound equal to €1.1733. 

Signs of a recovery from the global market sell-off of Monday last week can be seen in the share prices of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Share prices have grown among the most valuable companies on the stock exchange, those that comprise the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 list of most valuable companies.

Today though, this benchmark UK index fell 0.19% but finishes the week higher than the start.

Also finishing the week higher than the start are the more UK-based companies of the FTSE 250 (the 101st to the 250th most valuable firms on the London Stock Exchange).

On Friday morning that index was up 0.08%. 

With tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe high as Iran mulled a retaliatory strike on Israel and Ukraine made incursions into Russian territory, there had been concern about energy price spikes.

But the benchmark oil price has remained steady at $80.13 dollars for a barrel of Brent crude oil.

Gas prices have remained below the Monday high of 100 pence a therm (the measurement for heat) and now are 94.50 pence a therm. 

A Cabinet Office minister has said it is "unfair" to suggest other public sector workers will be queuing up for a pay rise after the government's offer of a 15% increase for train drivers and junior doctors.

"I think that's an unfair characterisation as well," paymaster general Nick Thomas-Symonds told Times Radio.

"I think what is absolutely crucial here is we are a Government again that is sticking to the promises we made in opposition.

"We promised we would sit down and find solutions, and people expressed scepticism about that, but actually that is precisely what we have done in Government."

Last month, the government and the British Medical Association struck an improved pay deal for junior doctors in England worth 22% on average over two years.

Meanwhile, train drivers will vote on a new pay deal following talks between representatives of drivers' union ASLEF and the Department for Transport.

The new offer is for a 5% backdated pay rise for 2022/23, a 4.75% rise for 23/24, and 4.5% increase for 24/25.

The Dartford Crossing is the highest-earning toll road in the UK, new data shows. 

The Kent to Essex route raked in £215.9m in the last year - 2,159 times more than the Whitney toll bridge in Hereford. 

The crossing, which was supposed to stop charging customers in 2003, costs between £2 and £6 to use (depending on the vehicle you're driving) between 10am and 6pm every day. 

Car finance company Moneybarn found it earned just over £209m in 2022. 

It topped the chart of 13 toll roads in the country, making over £100m more than the second highest-earning road in 2023 - the M6 Toll in the West Midlands. 

In third place was the Mersey Gateway Bridge between Halton and Cheshire, which made £48.9m. 

You can see how the other toll roads fared below... 

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