A vibrant cosmopolitan city, rolling valleys filled with vineyards, and sweeping forests of lush biodiversity have made Victoria the perfect travel destination for visitors seeking the complete Australian experience.
The culinary scene, modern art museums, and famed sports complex have earned Melbourne the reputation of being Australia’s trendiest city, while those willing to venture further afield will find breathtaking coastal views and mountainous vistas across a diverse geological landscape.
While each of Australia’s states promises its own charms, Victoria is the only one that promises a little bit of everything that the country offers, from untouched natural landscapes and rich living histories to the contemporary comforts of a modern city.
In this travel guide, we will explore everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Victoria, including the best time to visit, what to pack, and the top destinations you have to visit to experience everything this wondrous state has to offer.
Facts & Info
- Size – 227,444 km2
- Population – 6.7 million
- Country – Australia
- Official Language – None (English is the predominant language.)
- Major Airports – Melbourne Airport (MEL), Avalon Airport (AVV)
- Time Zone – Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
- Nickname – The Garden State
- Currency – Australian Dollar (AUD)
Places to Visit in Victoria
- Melbourne – Enjoy culinary excellence, tour an art museum, or attend a sporting event in Australia’s trendiest city.
- Great Ocean Road – Admire the natural coastal landscapes and ecosystems of one of the planet’s most scenic roads.
- The Mornington Peninsula – Experience Victoria’s thriving wine country, complete with sweeping vineyards and golden beaches.
- Phillip Island – Hang with penguins, soak along an empty beach, or explore local history while enjoying a laid-back island getaway.
- The Grampians – Explore mountainous vistas and a continuing Aboriginal history within this natural playground of outdoor adventures.
Things To Do in Victoria
- Embark on an Unforgettable Road Trip – Experience breathtaking vistas filled with abundant wildlife, golden beaches, and charming local communities along the Great Ocean Road.
- Explore Melbourne – Take some time to fully experience the state capital. Browse trendy shopping centres, bar hop between world-class restaurants, or attend an international sporting event.
- Visit a Vineyard – Enjoy the unique tastes of 21 different wine regions found along the Pinot Coast, the Yarra Valley, and Shiraz Central wine destinations.
- Hike Through a National Park – Hike along a coastal path or head inland along a multi-day mountain trek through one of Victoria’s 45 national parks.
- Engage With the Local Wildlife – Check out the Penguin Parade at Phillips Island or visit local wildlife in their natural habitat, including Koalas, Dolphins, and Kangaroos.
Victoria Tourist Attractions
- The 12 Apostles – Take in the scenery of one of Australia’s most iconic coastal landscapes consisting of limestone pillars formed over millions of years.
- Melbourne Cricket Ground – Watch a cricket or football match or tour the facilities of the largest, oldest, and most celebrated sports venue in Australia.
- The Pinnacle – Marvel at panoramic views of the Grampians from this breathtaking lookout that can be accessed along numerous hiking trails.
- Californian Redwood Forest – Wander through a majestic forest of nearly 1,500 redwoods as they reach towering heights of up to 55 metres.
- Queen Victoria Market – Browse through the shops of the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere.
Best Beaches in Victoria
- Bells Beach – Catch a wave or marvel at the coastal cliffs of this world-famous surfing hot spot.
- Ninety Mile Beach – Claim your own corner of paradise at one of the longest beaches in Australia.
- Whisky Bay – Find coastal seclusion at this white sand beach hidden in Wilsons Promontory.
- Lorne Beach – Relax at a cosy beach community, complete with sprawling white sand and seaside cafes.
- Apollo Bay – Escape to the turquoise waters and white sands of this laid-back bay.
Victoria National Parks
- Grampians National Park – Hike or rock climb through rugged sandstone ridges to photogenic lookout points, hidden waterfalls, and ancient rock art sites.
- Wilsons Promontory National Park – Hop between isolated beaches along Australia’s most southern point while spotting native wildlife, including the elusive wombat.
- Dandenong Ranges National Park – Escape to a lush wilderness just an hour from Melbourne for the opportunity to spot wallabies, echidnas, and endemic bird species.
- Mount Buffalo National Park – Ski, toboggan, or hike your way through rugged landscapes for year-round fun at this outdoor playground.
- Great Otway National Park – Explore diverse landscapes that range from striking coastal cliffs to forest-covered inland mountains that are home to koalas and other wildlife.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (December – February) – The best time to visit for optimal weather conditions, Victoria experiences warm and dry summers. It is a great time to explore Melbourne and take in a sporting event at the cricket grounds, but can also become very busy at popular coastal destinations and along the Great Ocean Road.
- Autumn (March-May) – The autumn shoulder season is a great time to visit Victoria. Along with experiencing fewer crowds, changing colours only adds to the natural beauty of the landscape, while plenty of events and festivals can still be found in Melbourne.
- Winter (June – August) – While Victoria can get chilly in the winter, it is a great time to visit for good deals. The season also experiences the fewest tourists, making it ideal for visiting popular attractions with minimal crowding.
- Spring (September – November) – Spring is when Victoria is at its most beautiful. Trees are beginning to bud and the flowers are blooming to accentuate the natural landscapes that are best enjoyed before the arrival of the summer crowds.
Getting Here & Around
- Airports – There are two international airports in Victoria, with most international visitors arriving through Melbourne. There are nine other regional and domestic airports to help get you where you need to go once in the state.
- Ferries – The Spirit of Tasmania connects Victoria to Tasmania with daily services from Devonport to Geelong. You can also reach Victoria along a cruise ship, with several lines offering stops in Melbourne.
- Trains –.Interstate rail services are offered by Great Southern Rail and NSW TrainLink, with lines connecting Melbourne to Sydney, Adelaide, and Canberra. Meanwhile, the V/Line train offers rail services to all major towns and cities within Victoria.
- Driving – Renting a car is the best and most flexible way to get around Victoria, especially when travelling outside of Melbourne,
- Taxis – Taxi services can be a quick way to get around Melbourne but can become costly for longer trips.
- Public Transportation – Regional trains, trams, and buses operate within Melbourne and the surrounding area. Preloaded myki cards are required to utilise these public transportation options.
- Biking – Victoria is full of great bike routes, both within Melbourne and surrounding areas. Cycling can be an exciting and affordable way to get around the state.
- Walking – While you aren’t going to walk across the state, travelling on foot can be a great way to explore smaller areas.
Victoria Travel Tips
- Apply for your visa in advance – Australia travel visas are required for all international visitors. You should plan to apply at least a month before your trip.
- Spend time in the city – Melbourne is full of exciting attractions and activities. Plan to spend at least four days in the city to experience it all.
- Explore beyond Melbourne – Don’t confine your trip to the city. Victoria’s other regions are just as wondrous and more naturally beautiful and deserve a visit of their own.
- Prepare to drive on the left – Like everywhere in Australia, cars drive on the left side of the road in Victoria.
- Buy a myki card – This preloaded card is your key to Melbourne’s public transportation and makes getting around the city a breeze.
What to Pack
- Sunscreen – Pack your UV protection. This includes sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Walking shoes – You’re going to be on your feet a lot. Pack comfortable shoes.
- Layers – Temperatures can change drastically throughout the day. Be prepared to add or remove layers.
- Bug spray – Just trust me on this one. You are going to want your insect repellent.
- Camera – Victoria is filled with striking scenery and picturesque landmarks just begging to be photographed.
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