Victoria
Australia's cultural capital also has its share of natural wonders
While Melbourne is known for being an arts centre, with festivals galore and an incredible food scene, Victoria is more than just a cultural hotspot, with outdoorsy options from snowfields in the northeast to the awe-inspiring coastline of the south.
Natural wonders such as the Twelve Apostles vie for attention with wildlife wonders such as Phillip Island’s beloved colony of Little Penguins. Swim with dolphins in Port Phillip Bay year-round or spot whales in Warrnambool from June to October.
Head to wild Gippsland, the famous coastal Great Ocean Road and the rocky Grampians for hiking and picturesque driving holidays, or visit historic goldfields towns such as Walhalla, Castlemaine and Daylesford for a fascinating old-world vibe. Don’t be surprised to find fine dining in country towns – in Daylesford, head to the Lake House; or try former Royal Mail chef Dan Hunter’s new digs at Brae restaurant in Birregurra.
Victoria has 22 distinct wine regions with over 850 wineries and 650 cellar doors. Within easy reach of the Melbourne city centre, you’ll find the vineyards of the Yarra Valley, Macedon Ranges and Mornington Peninsula. Bottoms up!
