If you’re planning a trip to Australia, check out this list of 10 best things to do in Victoria!
A significant number of Australia’s prime attractions lie within Victoria: the renowned Great Ocean Road, the iconic Twelve Apostles, vast stretches of pristine Australian shores, and beyond.
Victoria’s landscape is truly varied. From the snow-capped peaks in the east to the sandy desert landscapes of Wilsons Promontory in the south, extending to the heart of the Wimmera Plains and the sacred Grampians National Park, revered by Australia’s Indigenous Aboriginal communities.
This nation’s rich past paves the way for remarkable cultural encounters, breathtaking natural settings, and thrilling ventures throughout the year.
When flying into Victoria, Melbourne, the country’s second-largest metropolis with a population of 5 million, welcomes you. The efficient SkyBus system streamlines the roughly one-hour journey from the airport to the city’s heart.
We’ve streamlined what could be a vast compilation of Victoria’s must-visit spots, presenting our curated list of the Top 10 activities and sights in Victoria, aiding your itinerary for a memorable Australian escapade.
Melbourne City
Melbourne showcases the vibrant core of Victoria’s culture, evident in its bustling arts community. Traverse its various nooks and crannies, and you’ll stumble upon street art by resident and overseas talents, especially in locales like Hardware Lane, Hosier Lane, and ACDC Lane.
There’s a saying about Melbourne’s coffee scene: it’s unparalleled. It’s hard to pinpoint another city with such fervour for its brews. The city is dotted with myriad cafes, reaching even suburban corners. A must-try? The Melbourne Magic Coffee is essentially a double shot ristretto and a ¾ flat white.
Melbourne’s CBD (central business district) beckons with many galleries, notably the Ian Potter Gallery, Melbourne Museum, and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Shopaholics can delve into luxury shopping at the Bourke St mall, while those searching for a relaxing evening can find numerous rooftop lounges offering breathtaking cityscape views during twilight.
Adding a touch of nostalgia, the city circle tram stands as a testament to the early 20th century when electric trams debuted. Operating in areas like St. Kilda and Essendon, it now provides a complimentary city loop journey, allowing tourists and residents to embark and disembark at various points throughout Melbourne’s core.
Mornington Peninsula
While we might have a soft spot for it (since we reside here), the Mornington Peninsula, located on the southern flank of Port Phillip Bay, is an ecological gem cradled by the tranquil Port Phillip Bay waters and the waves of the Southern Ocean and the Bass Strait.
Recognized for its expansive coastlines ranging from Frankston to coastal settlements like Sorrento, Rye, and Portsea, the commute from the city to Sorrento might take slightly above an hour (Melbourne isn’t known for speed). Yet, once there, the urban commotion feels distant, and it’s easy to forget the city’s dense population.
Red Hill and Main Ridge, nestled in the Peninsula’s heart, are renowned for top-tier vineyards, adding to Mornington Peninsula’s charm. For hiking enthusiasts, the Two Bays Trail offers an impressive 26 km stretch from Dromana to Cape Schanck, boasting pristine air quality.
Presently, in the winter season, massive whale pods gather around Australia’s warmer shores, especially along Victoria’s southern coastline, preparing for their Antarctic journey.
Phillip Island
Famed for the Australian Moto Grand Prix and an adorable gathering of Little Penguins, Phillip Island offers an insular retreat, merely a few hours from Melbourne’s core, a city within the outskirts of another city.
Affectionately termed “the island” by its inhabitants, its entry point is an overpass linking it to San Remo town. The Nobbies, positioned in its southwestern extremity, features a well-facilitated sanctuary with educational stalls, ample parking, and dining options. This locale provides a safe haven for the resilient Little Penguin colonies, who return to the coastlines after a day of foraging.
Summerland Bay becomes a spectacle from October through March as these penguins parade onto the shores. The event is observed from an elevated platform and is considered among Victoria’s top attractions.
The Nobbies Centre boasts extensive boardwalks and vantage points. Nesting boxes dot the cliffs, welcoming shearwater birds and penguins during nocturnal hours.
Lastly, Cowes, the Island’s primary township, entices visitors with diverse gastronomic delights, from classic Italian dishes to contemporary Asian blends. A lively evening scene unfolds with bars and gelaterias. Post-race, it’s common to spot motorcycling luminaries like Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez mingling in the locale.
Wilsons Promontory National Park
Journey to the southwestern tip of Gippsland, in the southeastern part of the state, to discover the natural allure of Wilsons Promontory National Park. This ecological gem seamlessly blends coastal sanctuaries with bushwalking marvels.
Whether you camp out in their spacious sites or nestle in the comfort of their high-end lodges, Wilsons Prom offers a wonderful chance to witness local creatures like Wombats and Echidnas foraging near your tent when dusk falls. Laura and I had the pleasure of staying, and every evening, Wombats greeted us at our Tidal River campsite.
Numerous hiking trails weave through the park, with options for extended treks. It’s wise to have a partner and keep a GPS device handy. A highlight is the Mount Oberon Summit trail, which, though challenging, rewards climbers with panoramic vistas of Oberon Bay during dawn or dusk.
Another hallmark of Wilsons Promontory is its pristine beaches, especially on its western shorelines, such as Whisky Bay, Squeaky Beach, and Fairy Cove. Although picturesque, Fairy Cove requires a vigilant approach, especially in summer, when snakes might be about, so closed shoes and a watchful eye are advised!
From the urban sprawl, a drive will clock in just below three hours. While there’s no entry fee for vehicles, reservations are crucial if you’re contemplating an overnight stay as spots fill up rapidly each month.
Grampians National Park
Venture inland, specifically four hours north of Victoria’s coast, and you’ll reach the Wimmera Region of western Victoria, home to the expansive Grampians National Park.
Situated conveniently under 40 minutes from Horsham and a three-hour drive from Melbourne, the Grampians are an equal distance away from Wilsons Promontory, the city. Spanning 84 km from its northern to southern extremities, one of its most notable trails is the Grampians Peak Trail, demanding a 9-11 day commitment to conquer.
Rich in cultural significance, the Grampians or Gariwerd, are deeply revered by the Indigenous Australian First Nations communities. Whether you’re planning a brief visit or an extended stay, a few must-visit vantage points include:
- Boroka Lookout
- Pinnacle Lookout
- Reed Lookout
These sites are easily reachable from Halls Gap via Grampians Road. For current information on park conditions, visit the Grampians Visitor Information Centre.
The Great Ocean Road
Topping the list of must-experience road trips before departing Victoria is The Great Ocean Road, arguably one of Australia’s most emblematic drives. This mesmerizing 243 km route, which snakes between Torquay and the Twelve Apostles, offers spectacular natural vistas, quaint remote seaside communities, and an unparalleled surf vibe.
Your adventure commences in Lorne, marked by the Memorial Arch, a tribute constructed by and for the warriors of the Great Wars. To truly soak in the essence of this journey, we suggest spreading the drive over several days.
The route is sprinkled with numerous eateries and pubs in places such as Lorne, Apollo Bay, Aireys Inlet, and Torquay. Towards the road’s southern tip, the Cape Otway lighthouse station beckons, just a brief diversion from the main pa
Twelve Apostles
Yarra Valley Wine Region
To the east of Melbourne lie the enchanting vine regions of Yarra Valley, which extend into the broader Yarra Ranges National Reserve. Esteemed vineyards and cider houses in Yarra Glen, Healesville, and Coldstream craft some of the most sought-after wines and ciders.
An ideal Yarra Valley day outing might commence with a sunrise hot air balloon trip courtesy, transitioning into an afternoon of fine dining and wine sampling at St Hubert’s winery.
On your way back, consider indulging your dessert cravings at the Yarra Valley Chocolate and Gelato Hub on the old Healesville pathway in Yarra Glen.
Alternatively, the meticulously groomed Alowyn Gardens offer a pleasant locale for a leisurely stroll after your meal.
The Murray River
The junction of Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia is marked by a river known as the Murray River, extending through all three territories. This river also demarcates the boundary between Victoria and New South Wales, stretching towards the isolated Pilot Wilderness just below the Kosciuszko National Reserve.
Throughout the warm December to March period, residents from all over flock here to revel in camping, water sports, and sunbathing by the Murray’s shores.
Various roads provide seamless transitions from the Victorian side to the New South Wales end, facilitating a smooth journey.
Warrnambool
The prominent town of Warrnambool, located in the western region, is labelled Barwon. Come winter, Logans Beach Whale Haven witnesses the arrival of migrating humpback whale groups.
Navigating to this spot is straightforward, with ample parking facilities. From there, it’s a short walk to an observation deck, which provides unparalleled views of the aquatic displays of humpback whales and, occasionally, southern right whales.
This location stands out as one of the unique spots on this coastal belt, expressly designed for whale observation from a prime viewpoint.
While you’re busy soaking up the chill vibes of the Great Ocean Road or trekking through the Grampians, don’t forget that Australia is a massive sunburnt country with plenty more to offer. If you’re planning to head up north after your Victoria stint, you’ve gotta brace yourself for some real heavy hitters. I’m talking about the legendary Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River. It’s a fair dinkum adrenaline rush where you’ll see some absolute units — massive saltie crocs — launching themselves out of the water. It’s a total ripper of an experience that’ll make your Victoria trip feel like a walk in the park!
FAQ
What makes Victoria a must-visit in Australia?
How many days do I need and how should I plan the route?
What are the unmissable nature stops?
Wilsons Promontory (Mount Oberon, Squeaky Beach), the Great Otway waterfalls, Twelve Apostles & Gibson Steps, and Grampians lookouts (Pinnacle, Boroka, Reed). In winter, add whale watching at Warrnambool.
Where should I go for food, wine, and coffee?
Melbourne laneway cafés (try a “Magic”), Yarra Valley for cellar doors and long lunches, and Mornington Peninsula for cool-climate vineyards and coastal bistros.
How do I get around and when is the best time to visit?
Hire a car for flexibility (SkyBus gets you from MEL to the city first). Visit Sept–May for beaches and hiking; June–Aug brings cool, clear days, waterfalls in flow, and whale season on the southwest coast.
