Victoria is one of the smallest states in Australia, yet it is perhaps one of the more diverse in terms of its natural regions. Mountain ranges, gorges, flat plains, and a well known coastal road are examples of this diversity, and the following are just a few areas that you may want to visit.
The Dandenong Ranges
South-east from Melbourne, the Dandenongs are visible long before you reach the foothills. With fern gullies and walks to waterfalls, this is a beautiful place to visit, and there are plenty of places to stay, to eat and to window shop in the towns dotted along the tourist road.
The Yarra Valley
Situated approximately an hour’s drive east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is Victoria’s best known wine growing region, where you have a steady stream of wineries on both sides of the road as you drive through. Most wineries have tasting available, some with cafes and restaurants, and at times, may charge a small fee for the tasting (although this is generally reimbursed if you purchase a bottle of their produce).
Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula is situated to the south of Melbourne, and it ends at Point Nepean, which is one side of the entrance to the Heads, which is Melbourne’s main shipping route.
Mornington Peninsula is an upcoming wine growing area, and it is bordered by Port Phillip Bay, Westernport Bay and Bass Strait. From calm, beautiful water, to surf beaches, the peninsula has a lot to offer its visitors, and is a popular destination for campers and holiday makers.
The Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road runs from Torquay all the way to South Australia, along the southern coastline of Victoria, and has along it the famous Twelve Apostles; surf beaches and historical towns.
There are various ways of getting to the Great Ocean Road, however one way that is a little different, is the ferry from Sorrento (Mornington Peninsula) to Queenscliff (Bellarine Peninsula), not far from where the road actually begins.
Ballarat – The Goldfields
Ballarat has a unique place in Victoria’s history. Within and around Ballarat some of the largest gold nuggets in the world have been discovered, and during the mid to late 1800’s, it was inundated with travellers wanting to strike it rich. It was also the site of the Eureka Stockade, perhaps the first union strike movement to occur in Victoria. Ballarat is about two hours north west of Melbourne.
The Macedon Ranges are about an hour’s driving time north west of Melbourne, and the area includes natural spring or spa towns, Hanging Rock, and heavily forested areas.