Victoria might be Australia's second-smallest state, but it absolutely punches above its weight. From Melbourne's world-class food, sport and arts scene, to the wild beauty of the Great Ocean Road, it's a place where culture and nature collide in the best way. You can sip top-notch wine in the Yarra Valley, wander gold-rush towns like Ballarat, or watch penguins waddle ashore on Phillip Island, all within a few hours drive. What really sets Victoria apart is the variety packed into such a compact space, plus a strong creative and sporting heartbeat that locals live and breathe. It's polished without being pretentious, outdoorsy without being remote, and always up for a good time - a proper all-rounder with a bit of attitude.
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city and regularly bags the title of one of the world’s most liveable cities, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. Melbourne is the beating heart of Australia’s events scene, from headline sporting clashes and food-and-wine festivals to fashion moments, blockbuster theatre and live music, there’s always something happening. Melbourne’s cobblestoned laneways double as an open-air gallery, splashed with colourful street art that turns a simple wander into an impromptu art tour. Famous for its food, fashion and creative edge, the city also delivers on big-ticket attractions such as the Melbourne Musuem and Royal Exhibition Building.
Highlights of Melbourne:
- After dark, Melbourne’s food scene really turns it on. We offer a fantastic local-led walking food tour. This evening wander through buzzing laneways and hidden hotspots serves up a mix of iconic eats and under-the-radar favourites. Clients can expect bold flavours, great stories, and a taste of the culture that makes Melbourne a true foodie capital, all set against the glow of the city at night.
- Melbourne is packed with events year-round, giving visitors plenty to choose from no matter when they arrive. From major sporting icons like the Australian Open and AFL matches at the MCG, to world-class concerts, live music and blockbuster stage shows, the city is always buzzing. Add in food and wine festivals, fashion events, cultural celebrations and headline exhibitions at venues like the NGV, and it’s easy to see why Melbourne is known as Australia’s events capital.
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Put clients up in 5* comfort in the United Places Botanic Gardens. These suites are all about space, comfort and understated style. Interiors blend premium design with handcrafted details, opening onto private terraces that invite you to slow down and stay a while. Bright, airy and made for easy living, each suite offers room to relax with separate lounge and dining spaces, a fully equipped kitchen.
Perfect for:
- Melbourne is a great fit for clients who love culture, food and experiences with a bit of edge. It’s ideal for travellers who enjoy world-class dining, buzzing neighbourhoods, art, live music and major events all wrapped into one easy, walkable city.
- It also suits clients who want variety without long travel time, with beaches, wine regions and nature all close by.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most jaw-dropping coastal drives, serving up big ocean views, surf beaches, rainforest, waterfalls and natural icons at every turn. While many rush it in a day, taking two days lets clients slow down and really soak it all in, and do some epic activities along the way.
Highlights of the Great Ocean Road:
- Helicopter ride: a sensational flight that soars over more of the Great Ocean Road. Clients can witness the highlights and hidden gems from a luxury helicopter and go beyond the 12 Apostles to discover Victoria’s coastal treasures. Guests can marvel at dramatic cliffs, craggy stacks, pristine bays, and crashing waves in this 25 minute flight which reveals the very best of the Great Ocean Road.
- 12 Apostles Signature Walk: experience the Great Ocean Road on foot with a fully guided walk through some of its most spectacular and lesser-seen landscapes. Covering the final 44km of the Great Ocean Walk, the trail winds past wild coastlines, quiet beaches and lush national parks. Along the way, hear stories of ancient Aboriginal culture and the dramatic shipwrecks that shaped this coastline. Clients then wrap it all up with a well-earned celebratory lunch before heading back to Melbourne: adventure done right!
- Wildlife Wonders offers clients a rare, behind-the-scenes way to experience the Otways at their most magical. Starting at first light, this guided walk with a conservation expert showcases the shift from nocturnal to daytime wildlife in a calm, uncrowded setting. It’s a relaxed yet immersive experience that combines meaningful nature encounters, storytelling and local insight, finished with a light regional meal. Ideal for clients seeking something exclusive, authentic and deeply connected to place.
Perfect for:
- First time visitors to Australia: a must-see on any Aussie itinerary, to showcase one of Australia's most famous landmarks.
- Slow travellers: although it can be driven in a day, clients wanting to immerse themselves deeper in the history, culture and nature of the surroundings will be glad they lingered.
- Premium activity seekers: who want to uncover the secrets of the Great Ocean Road on foot, combined with luxury accommodation and gourmet dining.
Mornington Peninsula
Just an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is all about coastal charm and easygoing luxury. Think calm beaches, rolling vineyards, cellar doors, seaside villages and natural hot springs, all wrapped in a relaxed, local vibe. It’s the perfect add-on for travellers who want great food, wine and scenery without going far, and a great trip for a night or two outside of Melbourne.
Unmissable Experiences
Jackalope
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Set among the vineyards of the Mornington Peninsula, Jackalope Hotel delivers bold design with a luxury edge. Its 44 suites feature private terraces, king beds and rain showers, with select rooms offering Japanese soaking tubs. Guests can enjoy hatted dining, the onsite winery and crafted cocktails, all overlooking sweeping vineyard views.
Wineries
- Monalto Winery offers experiences for all wine lovers from beginner to seasoned tasters alike, with a unique insight into roles played by variety, site, and winemaking in producing these world-class cool climate wines.
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Get stuck into the art of wine and cheese pairing at Ten Minutes By Tractor. Led by a local wine expert, this intimate tasting walks guests through four perfectly matched pairings, featuring award-winning local whites and reds alongside regional cheeses. It’s relaxed, flavour-packed and a great way to taste the Mornington Peninsula like a local.
Perfect for:
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Slow, premium experience seekers: it’s ideal for couples, honeymooners and luxury travellers drawn to boutique accommodation, cellar doors and long lunches at wineries.
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Wellbeing-focused clients, thanks to coastal walks, calm beaches and experiences like the hot springs.
Grampians
The Grampians (Gariwerd) serve up big scenery and even bigger wow moments, with rugged rock faces, waterfalls, wildlife and sweeping lookouts just three hours from Melbourne. It’s a playground for hikers, climbers and anyone who loves the outdoors, with standout trails like MacKenzie Falls, the Pinnacles and the Grampians Peaks Trail. Deeply significant to Traditional Owners, the park is rich in Indigenous culture, with ancient rock art and stories brought to life at Brambuk Cultural Centre.
Unmissable Experiences
- The Royal Mail Hotel is a standout stay at the edge of the Grampians, pairing relaxed luxury with jaw-dropping mountain views. Guests can unwind by the outdoor pool, stroll into Dunkeld, and settle in for seriously good food on site. From hatted fine dining at Wickens to the laid-back Parker Street Project, it’s all about local produce, much of it straight from the hotel’s own kitchen garden.
- Get out and about in the Grampians, with our trusted supplier who offers a wide range of experiences and adventures. From rock climbing to the guided Grampians Peak Trail, getting up close and personal with nature is the best way for clients to experience Victoria's main national park.
Perfect for:
- Active clients: who want to experience big scenery and jaw-dropping views, only a few hours outside the city.
- Nature lovers, who want to get away from the crowds and immerse themselves in the flora and fauna, as well as learn about the cultural heritage tied so closely with the park.
Gippsland
Stretching from Melbourne’s eastern edge all the way to the New South Wales border, Gippsland is one of Victoria’s most underrated regions. It’s a place where wild coastlines, lush national parks and abundant wildlife sit comfortably alongside boutique wineries and standout local produce. From the untamed beauty of Wilsons Promontory and the cool-climate rainforest of Tarra-Bulga, to the sparkling waterways of the Gippsland Lakes, this is a region made for slow exploration.
Unmissable Experiences
- Metung Hot Springs: clients can enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating communal bathing experience open to all ages. With hot springs of varying depths, cold plunges, geothermal showers, and a sauna, clients can truly unwind. There is also a reflexology walk, relaxation lounges, and scenic nature trails, offering the chance to connect with nature in a serene way.
- Wilsons Promotory Cruise: a 5.5-hour Wilsons Promontory cruise is the ultimate way to see the park from the water. Clients will travel aboard purpose-built amphibious boats to reach remote beaches, hidden coves and rugged headlands most visitors never access. Highlights include South Point, Refuge Cove, Sealers Cove and the historic Wilsons Prom Lighthouse, with wildlife sightings often featuring seals, penguins and soaring sea eagles. With expert local guides, morning tea and a beachside lunch included, it’s a standout Prom experience that delivers big scenery with minimal effort.
Perfect for:
- Nature lovers & soft adventurers: Gippsland is ideal for clients who want national parks, wildlife and wide-open spaces without going fully remote. Wilsons Promontory, Tarra-Bulga and Ninety Mile Beach deliver big nature with well-marked trails, scenic lookouts and comfortable touring.
- Self-drive explorers: with scenic roads, manageable distances and plenty of stop-along-the-way highlights, Gippsland is perfect for confident self-drive clients who enjoy slow travel, coastal drives and regional towns.
Philip Island
Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island is one of Victoria’s favourite coastal escapes, serving up a winning mix of wildlife, surf beaches and rugged ocean scenery. Days are made for coastal walks, aquatic adventures and laid-back sessions at boutique wineries and small-batch breweries. Then, as the sun sets, the island’s most famous locals take centre stage, with hundreds of Little Penguins waddling ashore in their nightly parade, a must-see moment that never gets old.
Unmissable Experiences
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The Penguin Discovery Experience offers a closer, more personal look at Phillip Island’s famous Little Penguins. Clients will start with an informative pre-parade talk at the Visitor Centre, then head to an exclusive beachfront viewing area as dusk settles in. They can then watch as the penguins emerge from the sea and waddle their way home, just metres away. To protect the penguins, photography isn’t permitted, ensuring their safety and an uninterrupted experience for guests. It’s a special, conservation-led encounter and a true highlight of any visit to Phillip Island!
Perfect for:
- Families & multi-generational travellers: easy access from Melbourne, safe beaches and iconic wildlife experiences make Phillip Island a stress-free win for all ages.
- Wildlife & nature lovers: guaranteed, ethical encounters with Little Penguins, seals, koalas and birdlife all in a well-managed, conservation-led setting.
- Short-stay & first-time visitors: just 90 minutes from Melbourne, it works perfectly as a day trip or 1–2 night stay with big payoff for minimal travel time.
Practical Information for Agents
Driving Tips
Home to one of the world's most scenic drives, its no surprise that Victoria offers some of the more beautiful driving in Australia. With all the main sites all within a day's drive of Melbourne, Victoria offers the perfect itinerary for a self-drive holiday.
Melbourne Airport → Melbourne CBD: 30 minutes
Melbourne → Philip Island: 2 hours
Melbourne → Mornington Peninsula: 1 hour
Melbourne → Gippsland: 5 hours
Melbourne→ Grampians: 3.5 hours
Need To Know
Victoria is Australia’s smallest mainland state, yet one of its most diverse, offering vibrant cities, dramatic coastlines, fertile wine regions and rich cultural heritage. Anchored by Melbourne, a global hub for food, arts and sport, the state combines urban sophistication with easy access to nature. From the Great Ocean Road and Goldfields to the High Country, Victoria delivers varied experiences within relatively short travel distances.
National Parks
Victoria’s national parks are generally free to enter for day visits, making them easy to include in touring itineraries. Camping fees apply in most parks and bookings are required, particularly during weekends and peak holiday periods. Facilities can be limited in more remote locations, so travellers should arrive prepared with water, suitable footwear, warm layers and sun protection, depending on the season.
Mobile Service
Mobile coverage is strong across Melbourne and most regional centres but can become unreliable or unavailable in national parks and remote coastal areas. Travellers venturing off major highways should download offline maps and plan accordingly. In the event of an emergency where 000 cannot be reached, the free Emergency+ app can assist by providing accurate GPS location details to emergency services.
Booking Advice
Victoria offers a broad range of accommodation options, but popular destinations can book out well in advance, particularly during school holidays, long weekends and peak summer or winter seasons. Areas such as the Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and popular national park campgrounds often require bookings several months ahead.
When To Travel
December - February
Shoulder
March-May and September - November
These shoulder seasons are some of the best times to visit Victoria, offering mild temperatures, colourful scenery and fewer crowds. Autumn brings vibrant foliage to regions such as the Yarra Valley, while spring delivers wildflowers, fresh produce and comfortable touring conditions. With school holidays largely avoided, availability is generally better and pricing more favourable, making these periods ideal for clients seeking strong value without compromising on weather.
Off-peak
March to November
Winter is Victoria’s off-peak season in most regions, offering quieter travel conditions and excellent value. Winter is also an excellent time for food and wine experiences, cosy regional stays and cultural events in Melbourne, making it well suited to clients interested in seasonal travel and unique experiences.
Unique Selling Points
A plethora of iconic experiences:
Victoria offers an unmatched variety of world-class experiences within a compact state. From the dramatic limestone stacks of the Great Ocean Road to the alpine landscapes of the High Country and the cultural capital of Melbourne, clients can experience coastal scenery, mountains, wine regions and vibrant city life within a single itinerary.
Ease of touring and excellent value:
With shorter travel distances and a well-developed road network, Victoria is ideal for self-drive and escorted touring. Outside peak summer and event periods, the state offers strong value for money across accommodation, dining and experiences, particularly in regional areas and shoulder seasons.
Renowned food, wine and cultural depth:
Victoria is Australia’s leading food and wine destination, home to acclaimed regions such as the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula. Combined with Melbourne’s global reputation for dining, arts and events, the state delivers sophisticated, year-round experiences that appeal to all types of client.
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