Our homes in
Victoria
Victoria packs an extraordinary variety into Australia’s smallest mainland state. It is home to the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, the world-famous Great Ocean Road and the wineries of the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula. Alpine ski fields, national parks and charming country towns are also within a few hours’ drive.
Welcome
Your Victorian escape
Few places offer as much diversity in such a compact area as Victoria. In a single trip, you can wander Melbourne’s laneways and galleries, drive one of the world’s great coastal roads, sip cool-climate wines in rolling valleys and soak in natural hot springs. You can also spot penguins on Phillip Island, hike through ancient rugged mountains, and ski or hike in the High Country.
Victoria is a state of food and wine, sport and culture, with a year-round calendar of world-class events and a dining scene that ranks among the best in the country. Whether you’re planning a city break, a coastal getaway, a wine country retreat or a mountain escape, Victoria has a destination to suit every season and every traveller.
Things to do
City, coast, wine country and mountains
Across Victoria, there is something for every kind of traveller:
Explore Melbourne’s laneways, galleries, restaurants and major sporting events
Drive the Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles and the rainforests of the Otways
Taste your way through the wineries of the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Bellarine Peninsula
Watch the famous penguin parade at Phillip Island
Soak in natural hot springs and mineral spas around Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and the Mornington Peninsula
Hike the rugged peaks and waterfalls of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Discover the beaches and wildlife of Wilsons Promontory National Park
Ski or snowboard at Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham in winter, or hike and mountain bike in summer
Step back in time at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat and explore the historic goldfields towns
Cruise the Murray River or explore the waterways of the Gippsland Lakes
Location
Perfectly placed in Australia’s south-east
Victoria sits in the south-east corner of mainland Australia, bordered by New South Wales to the north and South Australia to the west, with the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait along its coastline. Melbourne is the state’s capital and main gateway, with international and domestic flights into Melbourne Airport and domestic flights into Avalon Airport near Geelong. Many of the state’s highlights, including the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Phillip Island, Daylesford and the start of the Great Ocean Road, are within one to two hours’ drive of Melbourne. The Grampians, Wilsons Promontory and the High Country are around three to four hours away.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I travel around Victoria without a car?
For some destinations, yes. V/Line trains and coaches connect Melbourne with major regional centres such as Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and parts of Gippsland. Full-fare passengers can tap on at myki-enabled train stations with a contactless bank card, phone or smartwatch. However, many of the state’s highlights, including wineries, national parks and coastal drives, are best explored by car, as public transport to these areas is limited or infrequent.
- Will I pay tolls in a hire car?
Possibly. Several of Melbourne’s major roads, including CityLink and EastLink, are toll roads, and the route from Melbourne Airport into the city uses CityLink. Most hire car companies automatically charge tolls to your account, often with an added service fee. Check your rental agreement before you drive, and use the navigation setting to avoid tolls if you prefer.
- What should I know about bushfire season?
Bushfire season in Victoria generally runs through the warmer months, from around November to March, with the highest risk on hot, dry and windy days. If you’re travelling to regional areas, download the VicEmergency app, check the Fire Danger Rating each day, and follow any advice from authorities. On Total Fire Ban days, campfires and other open flames are prohibited. Be prepared to change your plans if conditions are extreme.
- Do I need snow chains in the High Country?
During the official snow season, usually from around June to early October, vehicles travelling to Victoria’s alpine resorts are often required to carry snow chains. This applies particularly to two-wheel-drive vehicles. Chains can be hired in towns at the base of the mountains. Resort entry fees may also apply, and some hire car agreements restrict alpine driving, so check before you go.
- What’s the weather like in different parts of Victoria?
Victoria’s weather varies widely by region and season. Melbourne and the coast are known for changeable conditions and mild summers. The Mallee and Murray regions in the north are hotter and drier. The alpine regions bring snow in winter and cool, pleasant summers. Pack layers and a warm jacket wherever you travel, as temperatures can change quickly, especially along the coast and in the mountains.
- How much time do I need to see Victoria?
It depends on your interests. A long weekend is enough to enjoy Melbourne and a day trip to the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula or Phillip Island. With a week or more, you can add a few nights along the Great Ocean Road, in the Grampians or in Daylesford. Two weeks allows time to explore the High Country, Wilsons Promontory or the Murray River at a relaxed pace.
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