Melbourne
& Victoria
Providing
dramatic contrasts in a compact area, Victoria's lush countryside,
glorious ocean drives, top-notch wineries and stylish capital
are fascinating to explore.
Melbourne
Australia's cultural capital and second largest city,
Melbourne is known for the good things in life - fashion,
food, entertainment and sport. Spend time in the city's laneways
and precincts, admiring their Victorian architecture, trams,
art galleries, shops, leafy parks and exciting restaurants.
 Events
Sports-mad Melbourne is home to world-famous events
like the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Open Tennis and the
Qantas Australia Grand Prix. You'll also most likely see the
biggest names in music and major theatrical productions first
in Melbourne.
 Fashion
Melbournites take fashion seriously, and nowhere
in Australia offers a greater range of shops dedicated to
looking good. Whether looking for something funky or classic,
Melbourne's arcades and fashion streets are sure to have it.
 Food
& Wine
The influence of decades of immigration makes Melbourne
a paradise for food and wine lovers. Whole streets are dedicated
to food - Indian, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and
Greek. A fine meal paired with a Victorian-region wine can't
be missed!
 Great
Ocean Road
One of the world's most spectacular coastal drives,
the Great Ocean Road winds along quiet bays, pounding surf
beaches, tranquil rainforests, caves, gorges, blowholes, and
starkly beautiful columns of rock set in the ocean. Stretching
for some 65 Miles, the route also takes in historic shipwreck
sites and plenty of wildlife.
Twelve
Apostles
A series of 12 magnificent sandstone rock
formations, the Twelve Apostles tower hundreds of feet out
of battering surf. Take a picnic and watch sunset over the
huge columns, trek along a cliff top path through Australian
bushland, or simply stay on the viewing platform and marvel
at another wonder.
Shipwreck
Coast
For more than 40 years around the end of the 19 th
century, more than 80 ships sank between Moonlight Head and
Port Fairy. Today, instead of shipwrecks, the coast has stunning
national and coastal parks and charming maritime villages
like Warrnambool and historic Port Fairy.
 Otway
National Park
Fern gullies, rainforest, and woodland - as well
as spectacular coastline between Apollo Bay and Princetown
- make this park a national treasure. Swamp wallabies and
ring-tailed possums are common, as are camping, walking, fishing,
canoeing and surfing.
 Beaches
& Surfing
Gorgeous beaches lining the coastal road offer good
family swimming spots and some of the world's best surf. Torquay,
world-renowned for the best waves this side of Hawaii, hosts
the most prestigious World Championship surfing event, the
Rip Curl Pro and Sun Smart Classic each April at Bells Beach.
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Phillip
Island
Phillip Island
An easy day trip from
Melbourne, Phillip Island is filled with fairy penguins,
koalas, Australian fur seals, migrating birds, great diving,
and spectacular coastal cliffs. At night, experience one
of Australia's most popular wildlife attractions, the Penguin
Parade. Surrounded by darkness, you'll suddenly hear feet
waddling, see splashing water, and catch a glimpse of a
head popping out from the ocean and a gleeful return of
these little creatures wobbling to shore.
Spa Country, Macedon Ranges
Spa
Country
A visit to the Macedon Ranges and Victoria's Spa
Country will revive your senses, perhaps even reveal new ones.
Right
on Melbourne's doorstep, the green countryside offering everything
from revitalising spas, friendly country towns to some very
fine wines. Sit back, relax and discover Victoria's spa country.
Take
a balloon ride over the Yarra Valley vineyards
Yarra
Valley and the Dandenongs
Just under an hour from Melbourne are the rolling
hills and vineyards of the Yarra Valley, a popular wine region
with cellar-door tastings, good food and peaceful scenery.
The
nearby Dandenong Ranges are perfect for a steam-train ride
through forests and fern gullies or a browse through antique
shops, cool-climate gardens, craft shops and tea houses.
Puffing Billy, Dandenong Ranges |