15 Must-Do Bucket List Experiences in Victoria

With its lively cities, rugged coastline, snow-capped mountains, rolling vineyards, national parks, and epic food scene, Victoria offers a multitude of unique experiences and unparalleled landscapes that are just begging to be explored. Whether you’re just visiting or a long-time local, there’s always something new to discover in this stunning state. From the mainstream to the completely unknown, our roundup of bucket list experiences in Victoria will have you chasing waterfalls, partying with penguins, and sipping Champagne in the sky. The only thing left to do is to decide where you’re going first!

Kick it courtside at the Australian Open

The first of the four Grand Slam tennis events – preceding the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open – the Australian Open brings thousands of spectators to Melbourne each year to watch the crème de la crème of tennis battle it out for the coveted title. With a range of tickets available, from daily grounds access to luxury experience packages and courtside seating, there’s an option for every budget and vibe. Beyond the court, there are plenty of things to keep you busy throughout the tournament, with premium dining, music and meet and greets among the long list of activities that make up one of the city’s most celebrated sporting events.

January 2023

Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne 

Hot Air Ballooning in the Yarra Valley

What do you get when you combine a hot air balloon ride with a Champagne breakfast and overnight stay at a beautiful winery? An absolutely unforgettable experience, that’s what. With its immaculate landscape of rolling green hills and expansive vineyards, drifting above Victoria’s Yarra Valley in a hot air balloon is one of the most romantic things you can do in the region. Throughout this magical morning, you’ll float across the sky and over Australia's most famous wine region, before finishing your journey with a delicious Champagne breakfast. You’ll literally be floating on cloud nine.

From $799 (for two)

Balgownie Estate, 1309 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen, Victoria

See the Penguins on Phillip Island

Just a short 90-minute drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island has a lot going for it besides the incredible motorcycle Grand Prix circuit and pristine beaches (although they don’t hurt). Each night at sunset, the Island’s resident colony of little penguins come to shore after a day out fishing in the ocean – and believe us, there’s nothing better than ending your day watching these majestic creatures march their way into shore. The main penguin parade viewing area is at Summerland Beach and has tiered seating, providing a breathtaking 180-degree view of the beach below. There's also the Penguin Plus experience and underground viewing platforms for a close-up view. 

Summerland Beach, Phillip Island

Eat fresh seafood at Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance is one of the most popular holiday spots in Gippsland, best known for the vast stretch of untouched coastline that is Ninety Mile Beach. It’s also a great place to dig into fresh seafood – in fact, the place is known as Victoria’s ‘seafood capital’ due to the large number of fishing trawlers that operate in the area. So, whether you’re reeling in your own supper, throwing back oysters at specialty restaurants like Sodafish, or buying the day’s catch direct from trawlers – if you love seafood, this is the place to indulge.

Lakes Entrance, Victoria

Chase Waterfalls in the Otway Ranges

When TLC said don't go chasing waterfalls, they clearly hadn't seen the ones in the Otway Ranges. The awe-inducing Great Otway National Park is a must-see destination for anyone driving down the Great Ocean Road. Stretching from Torquay towards Princetown and up to Colac, it’s known for its rugged coastlines, cool temperate rainforests and stunning waterfalls. If you're looking for picturesque, you don't need to look further than Hopetoun Falls. For those willing, follow the stairs through the ferns and down to the viewing platform below for the most impressive view of the waterfall. Another standout is Erskine Falls. Wander through the lush rainforest, then climb down the stairs to see the waterfall from its second lookout. If you're feeling adventurous, continue the walk down the river for 7.5kms and take in the stunning scenery.

Otway Ranges, Victoria

Hike the Grampians Peaks Trail

Renowned for its intrepid bush walks teeming with local wildlife, a trip to the Grampians promises boundless adventure. Just a few hours from Melbourne, this breathtaking national park is one of the most impressive in Australia. And the best way (by far) to see it all is by foot. The Grampians Peaks Trail caters to beginners and seasoned hikers alike, giving both the chance to take in Mother Nature in all her glory. You can opt for the full three-day hike or drive to one of the many multiple car parks along the trail, and access relatively quick bushwalks, where you’ll be spoilt with rugged mountain ranges, craggy canyons and trickling waterfalls.

Grampians, Victoria

Take a Helicopter over the 12 Apostles 

Ask any Victorian, and they’ll tell you that driving the Great Ocean Road is a rite of passage. Stretching 243km along the southern coast of Victoria, this scenic stretch is home to rugged rainforests, sunburnt cliffs, and the famous Twelve Apostles – which are even more amazing from above. Offering a variety of tours and private flights along the coast, 12 Apostles Helicopters feature everything from short joyrides to longer scenic tours soaring above the Shipwreck Coast’s most iconic landmarks.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria 

Book an amorous stay for two at the Pole House

There’s a reason why this is the most photographed house on the Great Ocean Road. Suspended 40 metres above Fairhaven Beach, The Pole House was built in the 1970s and has been a Great Ocean Road accommodation landmark ever since. The house itself may be small, but it sure does pack a punch – floating above the Great Ocean Road with uninterrupted views up and down the coastline. Completely self-contained with one bedroom and one bathroom, waking up to the sounds of crashing waves, has never felt so magical (and romantic). 

From $590 a night with a minimum of two nights (peak time)

Great Ocean Road, Fairhaven

Snap a pic at the Brighton Beach Boxes

Facing Port Phillip Bay, Brighton Beach is one of Melbourne’s most visited beaches. But rather than being known for its sand or sea, it’s more famous for the 82 colourful bathing boxes that line the shore. The uniform Victorian-era wooden structures were built well over a hundred years ago when a trip to the beach required a little more, ‘respectability’, shall we say. A must-see when visiting Victoria’s capital, a trip to the city isn’t complete without snapping an honorary pic in front of these technicoloured beauties.

Esplanade, Brighton 

Feast your way through Queen Victoria Markets 

Arguably Melbourne’s most iconic market, Queen Victoria Market has been serving the city for 139 years. With a deli section to rival the spoils of the Mediterranean, cavernous food halls and heritage fruit and vegetable sheds where ‘the banter is as fresh as the produce’ – the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere is worth a visit for the buzzing atmosphere alone. Melbourne’s real-life Narnia for foodies, everywhere you turn there’s another stall vying for your attention (and your pocket!), so be sure to come hungry. One of the market's not-so-hidden gems, the Borek Shop is the epitome of no-frills, authentic Turkish cuisine. For those who can brave the crowd, the reward is one of the best cheese and spinach (or lamb or potato) boreks in the city.

Queen St, Melbourne

Go husky sledding in the Victorian Alps

Hotham is considered by many to be one of Australia’s best ski resorts with 320 snow-covered hectares, majestic views, night skiing and runs for all skill levels. While hitting the slopes would be a little too mainstream for our list of bucket list experiences in Victoria, husky sledding certainly is not. In what must surely be the cutest mode of transportation possible, you can experience the joy of a husky-led snow tour right here in Victoria. Howling Husky runs tours at Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain and Mt Baw Baw that range from snappy half-hour snow dashes to five-hour adventures through wilderness and back country trails.

Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain and Mt Baw Baw     

Shack up in a vintage Airstream 

Forget hotel rooms, when it comes to bucket list experiences in Victoria, it’s all about the Airstreams. Just an hour and a half from Melbourne, the Mitchelton Airstream Hotel is bringing a touch of retro luxe to Victoria’s charming Goulburn Valley. Unwind amongst the vines and cosy up at this one-of-a-kind escape where you can immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings of Victoria. Inside each private Airstream, hotel guests enjoy luxurious linen, wifi, TV, and your own private deck that was made for sunsets. Foodies head to The Muse Restaurant while matters of the grape variety can be handled at the Cellar Door.

470 Mitchellstown Rd, Nagambie

Find your inner zen at the Japanese Mountain Retreat

Nestled in the Dandenong Ranges is this charming Japanese-style ryokan, where you can experience both utter relaxation and a spot of culture while you’re at it. Ideal for couples, they offer several romantic getaway packages that can include mineral hot spring bathing, spa treatments, massage, hammam beauty rituals and even a trip to a private steam temple where you cover your partner’s body in clay. Make a trip of it with an omakase dinner and overnight stay in their traditional Japanese rooms, complete with shoji screens and tatami flooring.

14 Mountain Crescent, Montrose

Wine & dine amongst the vines at Montalto

This family run-winery recognises that the enjoyment of wine depends on more than just how it tastes, creating an abundance of vineyard experiences for visitors. Perhaps the most delightful of these is the Summer Picnic (available from October to May), where you can grab a bottle of their award-winning pinot noir as you stroll to one of three gorgeous private picnic sites, where a set menu of delicious local fare awaits. 

33 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South

Get lost in Cactus Country

Millennials, you’ll want to sit down for this one. Just three hours from Melbourne, Cactus Country houses Australia’s largest congregation of these trendy succulents guaranteed to level up your home decor. Venture along one of the eight trails spanning four hectares and find your next window piece – there are more than four thousand different species to choose from.

Strathmerton

This list is only a glimpse of Victoria’s bucket list experiences, but when you're short on time, these are your must-dos. For those planning on staying a while, check out our top picks for winery stays, winter holiday destinations, national parks and more via our destinations page.