Although it's only a small slice of the mainland, Victoria offers everything you could possibly want from a motoring holiday. Lofty peaks, a dramatic coastline and a cosmopolitan city are just a few of the delights you can explore and enjoy.
Melbourne
Melbourne is a city on show. Whether you'd like to meander down the maze of laneways and enjoy a good coffee, or roll around the CBD for free on the City Circle tram, there is always something to do.Start with sporting blockbusters including the Australian Open, the Formula One Grand Prix and an AFL match at the iconic MCG, then set your sights on the procession of cultural festivals like the International Comedy Festival, the International Film Festival, the International Arts Festival and the Food and Wine Festival. Kick up your heels with a day at the races as part of Spring Racing Carnival, or enjoy a concert at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl – Victoria's famous outdoor performance venue.
Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
You won't find two more contrasting and yet compatible regions in Victoria – the vine strung hills of the Yarra Valley and the lofty Dandenong Ranges.One is known for its wine and produce, the other is a world of cathedral-tall trees, carpets of ferns and secluded bed and breakfasts, heritage hotels, nurseries and flourishing gardens. Just a skip from the city, the Dandenongs are Melbourne's traditional romantic retreat, and have been for more than 100 years.
The High Country
Fresh country air, views that could stretch forever over blue ranges, horse riding adventures, bushwalking, riveting history and snow play galore.In winter you can take your pick from any number of great ski destinations, including Mt Hotham, Falls Creek and Mt Buller. Year-round, Victoria's High Country has everything you'd expect from an alpine region of such rugged beauty. Marvel at the natural beauty and history to be found in Mount Buffalo National Park, or take a 4WD tour along Circuit Road around Mount Stirling.
Mornington Peninsula
With its breathtaking coastline, Port Phillip Bay's blue waters are hugged by an equally captivating landmass that makes up the Peninsula.Strung along its coastline, less than an hour from town, are sights and activities that range from the adventurous to the indulgently tasty. Catering extremely well to the latter, the peninsula is famous for its cool climate wines and a range of local produce guaranteed to delight.
Murray River
Even though it's inland, the Murray region makes sure there's plenty of water for a range of aquatic activities.As for the drinking variety, the area is also home to some fine wineries, not to mention many classic old country pubs. A powerful symbol in indigenous folklore, the Murray River is undoubtedly a spiritual place. It winds more than 2,500km from its alpine headwaters to the sea.
Phillip Island
Take the 90 minute trip from Melbourne to enjoy pristine beaches and get up close to a menagerie of wildlife, including those famous penguins, koalas, seals and migrating waterbirds.The island has numerous reserves, wetlands and breathtaking coastlines that are part of the Phillip Island Nature Park. Phillip Island is famous for its adorable Little Penguins, which you can see at the Penguin Parade, with a range of viewing options and packages. See the seals just offshore on Seal Rocks, the world's largest Australian Fur Seal colony, and time your visit to Rhyll Inlet for the arrival of wading birds which fly thousands of kilometres to breed here on their annual migration.
The Great Ocean Road, Geelong and the Bellarine
A spectacular stretch of Victoria's western coastline meanders along 300km to form the Great Ocean Road, stretching from Torquay to Warrnambool.Begun in 1919 and finished in 1932, this tourism icon is dedicated to the memory of the First World War and was actually built by returned servicemen using only picks and shovels. Today it traverses cliff edges, rugged headlands, undulating farmland, pristine beaches and wide river floodplains through three regions; the Surf Coast, the Otway Ranges and the Shipwreck Coast.
Geelong is the gateway city to the Bellarine Peninsula and manages a vibrant cultural life and a thriving industriousness, boasting beautiful historic features along its waterfront.
Gippsland
Sir George Gipps, one-time Governor of New South Wales, may never have visited the part of eastern Victoria named after him, but no doubt he would have approved of it as a delightful break from the pressures of his Sydney office.Gippsland is a region full of natural attractions, stretching east from Melbourne's suburban fringe to the Gippsland Lakes, and inland from Mt Baw Baw to the mainland's southernmost tip at Wilsons Promontory.
Goldfields and Spa Country
Even the most urban-centric city dweller needs a retreat like this on their doorstep.Nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Macedon Ranges and steeped in fascinating history, this region is devoted to indulgence, pampering and relaxation. Melbournians often escape to spa towns like Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. On the way, fossick among the antique shops and galleries in Kyneton and enjoy the gourmet delights of the annual Harvest Picnic at Hanging Rock.
Grampians
The Grampians are all about space, large and small. See massive skies that touch the horizons in all directions.Look down and you'll see the most delicate and diverse wildflowers blooming at your feet. The Grampians themselves are undisputed tough guys, towering above the surrounding plains and bursting out all over with eye-catching peaks.
Editor's Pick
Spring Racing CarnivalThe Spring Racing carnival is the highlight in Melbourne between October and November when fashion comes alive and racegoers clearly try to out do each other in the Fashions on the Field competition. Head down to Flinders Street Station and watch the fashion parade of frocks and hats on display.
