Victoria Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Twelve Apostles showing a beach, a gorge or canyon and a sunset
Drive the Great Ocean Road passing the Twelve Apostles, spot koalas and penguins, ski in the highlands and take in the cultural delights ofcosmopolitan Melbourne.

Victoria’s rolling farmlands and forested mountains are framed by the mighty Murray River to the north and rugged coastline to the south.

The state’s capital, Melbourne, is Australia's second-largest and most cultural city, a place where old and new, funky and chic, classical and cutting edge blend together effortlessly.

Heritage meets high rise along the city center’s main street, Collins Street. From the jumble of modern architecture and museums of Federation Square, stroll along the Yarra River at Southbank. Browse the stalls of the covered Queen Victoria Market or buy your gourmet treats at the Italian hub of Lygon Street.

Leave Melbourne behind to visit the coastal playground that is the southern Mornington Peninsula, with its colorful shacks perched along golden beaches.

To the west, tour the famous Great Ocean Road and marvel at the soaring limestone stacks known as the Twelve Apostles. Experience the excitement of Victoria’s gold rush in the replica town of Sovereign Hill near Ballarat. Enjoy a walk through the Grampians, a mountain range of craggy granite peaks and abundant wildlife.

In the north, take a step back in time in the quaint pioneer town of Echuca. Drift along the scenic Murray, Australia's longest river, on a historic paddle steamer.

Tour the Yarra Valley vineyards northeast of Melbourne and follow the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail.

The eastern Alpine region turns into a delightful winter wonderland around May. You can base yourself in the resort town of Falls Creek, a fun-packed ski resort. Closer to Melbourne, ski the gentle slopes of Mount Baw Baw or test your skills on Mount Hotham and Mount Buller. Outside the wintersports season, cycle or hike the scenic trails of the Alpine region and enjoy a train ride along the Walhalla Goldfields Railway.

Along the Gippsland coast, cross the bridge to Phillip Island, where special wildlife encounters await at the Koala Conservation Centre and the Penguin Parade.

Popular cities in Victoria

Melbourne
Melbourne
Known for Dining, Shopping and Museums
From historic monuments to ultra-modern malls, ancient art to cutting-edge culture, Melbourne effortlessly blends past and present.

Reasons to visit

  • SEA LIFE Melbourne
  • Melbourne Museum
  • Princess Theatre
Bendigo which includes a city
Bendigo
Known for Art, Museums and Historical
Cosy bars and restaurants, artists’ workshops and boutique shops lie behind heritage façades in this regional city and living museum of gold rush-era architecture.

Reasons to visit

  • Bendigo Art Gallery
  • Central Deborah Gold Mine
  • Rosalind Park
Ballarat showing night scenes and heritage architecture
Ballarat
Known for Historical, Lakes and Gardens
Home to the famous Eureka Stockade, this historic gold rush city has fascinating museums, fresh local produce, wildlife parks and a tribute to Australian democracy.

Reasons to visit

  • Sovereign Hill
  • Lake Wendouree
  • Ballarat Town Hall
Hotham Heights showing a sunset, snow and snow skiing
Hotham Heights
Known for Mountains, Skiing and Bars
In the heart of the Victorian Alps, challenge yourself on some of Australia’s best ski and snowboarding terrain. Breathtaking alpine views stretch for miles.

Reasons to visit

  • Mount Hotham
  • Mount Hotham Alpine Resort
  • Mount Hotham Alpine Resort
Geelong featuring sailing, boating and a marina
Geelong
Known for Friendly people, Shopping and Beaches
Spectacular rock forms, scenic drives, attractive beaches and a fascinating cultural heritage await at this port city in Victoria.

Reasons to visit

  • You Yangs Regional Park
  • Little Creatures Brewery