When talking about Australian tourism, most often all the attention is focused solely on Sydney. While it surely deserves all the praise, there is so much more to explore on the vast continent of Australia. The country’s second most populous state, Victoria, for instance, boasts some of the most iconic views of Australia known all around the world, not to mention all the less famous but equally stunning hidden gems you can find all over this state. So, to inspire you to visit Victoria, here are six amazing things that will make your travels memorable.
Exploring Melbourne
Of course, we must start off this list with the capital of Victoria and an incredible cultural hotspot on the south coast. Melbourne is often said to be a juxtaposition of contradictions: skyscrapers line the horizon while Victorian buildings bring in an old-time charm to this thriving city, and tradition and innovation meet as you stroll the Queen Victoria Market and browse for local produce in the middle of an urban jungle. Some of the top things to do in Melbourne also include visiting museums and art galleries in the city – when you’re in Australia, getting acquainted with the Aboriginal culture is imperative, after all. For instance, Original & Authentic Aboriginal Art has a diverse collection, while the Ian Potter Centre houses an extensive number of interesting pieces.
Wining and dining in the Yarra Valley
The Yarra River, stretching for 242 kilometers, swerving through Melbourne and ultimately flowing into Port Phillip Bay, is one of the most treasured features of the region. Taking a scenic cruise on the river is a great experience, but the area surrounding the Yarra River, called Yarra Valley, is outstanding for many more reasons. The Yarra Valley is the most notable wine region in Victoria and also one of the best in the whole of Australia, with over 80 wineries and charming cellars you can explore if you are a fan of fine wining and dining, not to mention interested in the behind-the-scenes of this craft. The Yarra Valley will not disappoint, and the breathtaking sceneries are just a massive bonus.
Meeting the penguins on Phillip Island
Phillip Island is another one of the many notable holiday destinations in Victoria, and for good reasons. Nature and wildlife lovers will thrive if they visit this large island that is just off the coast of Melbourne and is very easy to get to. One of the biggest appeals in Phillip Island lies in its tiny inhabitants: its penguin colonies that can be observed every day as they make their way towards their burrows at sunset. The penguins on Phillip Island are the smallest species of penguins and they are certainly the main attraction, but other wildlife tours include seeing fur seal colonies and even visiting a koala sanctuary. But besides the wildlife experiences, Phillip Island is a well-loved destination among active travelers as well, thanks to sports such as surfing and even motorcycling being widely enjoyed activities on this island. The sandy shores make for perfect places to enjoy the sun and a bit of water fun, too.
Walking around the Pink Lakes
In the northwestern part of the state, there is an interesting sight that should find its way on your itinerary if you’re visiting Victoria. A scenery that is as magical as it gets, the Pink Lakes in Victoria’s outback are a completely natural but very rare phenomenon that is bound to sweep you off your feet. The color is due to a species of algae that inhabit these extremely salty waters, and the color is even more pronounced when hotter and drier weather hits, causing the salt concentration to increase. Regardless of the reason why these lakes are the way they are, they are one of the most unique things you will ever get to see. Taking a few walks on some of the trails around the lakes and enjoying the local wildlife will make the experience even better.
Driving the Great Ocean Road
Australia is a country of road trips, but there is no doubt that one route that you must not miss is the Great Ocean Road. This scenic coastal drive is an adventure of its own, and you can find some of the best-hidden treasures of the area while making stops on the road. Your road trip will start in Torquay – where adventure already begins as it would be a shame to miss out on surfing at this amazing surfing hotspot. Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay and many other seaside towns will also make you want to pull over and just enjoy the mesmerizing sea views and the incredibly fresh air. Additionally, the Great Otway National Park is also a great spot to take a break at just a few minutes away from the road – the beautiful waterfalls will make it well worth it. All in all, every minute of this short road trip will be a moment to remember.
Marveling at the Twelve Apostles
Last but not least, once you’ve completed your Great Ocean Road drive, you will arrive at one of the most iconic destinations of Australia: The Twelve Apostles. These are actually natural limestone rock formations that came to be due to erosion throughout a prolonged period of time, and they are as high as 45 meters, which is an impressive fact on its own. While today, not all twelve of the “apostles” remain standing, the best time to see them is now, as with time, these rocks are going to erode even more. In any case, walking along the serene beach while enjoying the cool breeze and marveling at this sight is an experience of a lifetime you mustn’t miss out on if you are traveling to Victoria.
While Victoria remains Australia’s smallest state on its mainland, it has endless opportunities for all kinds of travelers. From buzzing streets of Melbourne through lush nature all the way to postcard-worthy ocean views, Victoria will let you experience a different pace of life and you’ll want to come back to savor even more of its magical landscapes. Thankfully, you always have next year’s vacation!
I would love to visit Australia! I enjoyed your narrative and your photos!
We couldn’t agree more that a Great Ocean Road trip and the 12 Apostles deserve a spot on this list! However, there is more to the start of the Great Ocean Road – Torquay – than just surfing. Torquay has a some great craft breweries, awesome coastal walks and some stunning beaches to take a dip. We compiled a list of our favorite things to do in Torquay here: http://www.greatoceanroadaustr…gs-to-do-in-torquay/