Melbourne - to the East
Yarra Valley, Dandenong’s, Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, Gippsland, High Country
The vibrant and multicultural city of Melbourne is an exciting mix of fantastic entertainment, world class venues, museums and galleries, gardens, markets and wonderful eateries. Spend a day exploring the city on a tram – probably the most relaxing way to take in all the sights, super convenient and affordable.
Only a one-hour drive from Melbourne and popular for daytrips or weekend getaways are the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Fabulous wineries, produce and magnificent gardens make these surrounding regions well worth a visit. Phillip Island is renowned for abundant wildlife, particularly the famous nightly Penguin Parade where Little Penguins waddle ashore from the sea, alongside other attractions like seal colonies, koalas, and stunning coastal scenery. With Easy access from the Melbourne CBD, Mornington Peninsula is bordered by Port Phillip Bay to the west, Western Port to the east, and Bass Strait to the south. It boasts prime beaches, wineries (excellent pinot noir), Arthurs Seat with panoramic views accessible by gondola, hiking trails, and wildlife spotting. Further east into Gippsland discover a mixture of wild beaches, calm inlets, fishing and popular Lakes Entrance (a great base to explore this region). East Gippsland has Australia’s largest system of inland waterways and scenic foothills of the High Country. The High Country stretching from the high alpine country in the east to the Goulburn River in the west and north to the Murray River and New South Wales border.
This is the home of the Man from Snowy River and the high country horsemen! Expect winter snows and white-water streams in the spring, preserved heritage towns, all reminders of the gold rush era. Ski resorts, trout fishing, bushwalking, cross-country treks, eco tours, riding trails and alpine wildflowers await!
The striking diversity of landscapes, coast and countryside will amaze you!
Melbourne - to the West
Daylesford, Bellarine, Great Ocean Road, Goldfields, Grampians, The Murray
Victoria’s west has many fantastic and well-known attractions. Leaving Melbourne you can go via Geelong/Bellarine and take one of Australia’s most spectacular scenic drives – The Great Ocean Road. It winds its way along a coast hugging course, past incredible rock formations, surfing beaches, forests and historic villages. Or you could head northwest from Melbourne to beautiful Daylesford, nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Probably best known for its natural mineral springs and rare wildlife. Only 100km north-west of Melbourne, The Goldfields take you back in time to the days of the goldrush era. Ballarat and Bendigo have incredible examples of lavish Victorian architecture built on the wealth from gold diggings.
Further west, the Grampians cover about 1,670 kilometres of stunning scenery including high rocky outcrops offering panoramic views, abundant native wildlife, wildflowers, prolific birdlife and ancient rock paintings. The Grampians are fantastic for bushwalking, hiking, camping and, for the really adventurous – abseiling and rock-climbing. Up near the New South Wales border explore The Murray River as it winds its way through wetlands and towns shaded by the giant red gums shading its banks. The relaxed pace will have you doing a spot of fishing, admiring the water birds and wildlife that dwell along the river. Don’t be surprised if you see a magnificently restored paddle steamer glide by. MacCabe Corner in the far northwest of Victoria is where the borders of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia meet.
Experience a mind-blowing coastal drive, see history come to life, hike or just relax river side!
