Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Destinations You Need to See To Believe

Deciding to escape the city for a day, a weekend or even longer is the easy part – the hard question is, where to first? When it comes to Melbourne, there’s so much to see and explore, choosing somewhere can be somewhat overwhelming.

Should you spend a day winery hopping in the Yarra Valley? Or maybe you should finally take that scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road? Or perhaps you’re due some much-needed R&R, in which case you should go directly to Daylesford.

It may just be time to think beyond the magic of Melbourne and clear that calendar of yours, Victoria is teeming with magical places to explore. So, pack up a picnic hamper, grab your hiking shoes and be on your way – here’s our ultimate edit of places to visit in Victoria, guaranteed to earn you bucket list status.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Walhalla

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Tucked at the edge of the Victorian Alps, Walhalla is a storybook village where time slows, and nature’s beauty reigns. Surrounded by lush forests and fern gullies, this historic gold rush town is a serene escape, just 2.5 hours from Melbourne. In autumn, vibrant hues of crimson and gold paint the town, transforming it into a photographer’s dream.

Discover hidden gems like the Long Tunnel Mine, the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, and a heritage walk that whispers tales of a bygone era. With its blend of rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and seasonal magic, Walhalla invites you to experience a living fairytale.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Phillip Island

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Just a short 90-minute drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island offers more than its iconic motorcycle Grand Prix circuit and adorable penguin community. With stunning beaches, coastal hikes, and exceptional local food, it’s a destination that keeps visitors returning weekend after weekend. Here’s how to spend a few days on the island, whether you’re relaxing in the sand, catching the surf, or exploring on land. For those seeking a deeper dive into the area’s history, Churchill Island lies just off the coast. Once the site of Victoria’s first European agricultural pursuits, it’s now a historic working farm with a restored farmhouse and cottages, offering a glimpse into the lives of early Australian settlers.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Bright

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Set in the heart of the Victorian Alps, Bright is a year-round haven, where the mountains kiss the sky and the Ovens River whispers serenity. In autumn, the town transforms into a canvas of fiery reds and golden yellows, creating an idyllic backdrop for unforgettable adventures. Beyond its stunning landscapes, Bright boasts a flourishing food and wine scene. Visit Reed & Co. Distillery, where local spirits like Remedy Gin capture the essence of the alpine region and Japanese-inspired dishes stun, or discover stylish treasures at Chooks Clothing, a boutique offering curated, colourful fashion guaranteed to spark joy.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Castlemaine

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Just an hour and a half from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, Castlemaine’s relaxed lifestyle is anything but dull. With a vibrant arts precinct, lush botanical gardens, and a plethora of bars and eateries, this cultural hub in regional Victoria is ready to be explored. Once home to the richest alluvial goldfield in the world, Castlemaine’s charm is rooted in its golden past – from its dense bushland to its picture-perfect township that whispers of bygone times. An artisanal haven for collectors and foodies, The Mill, dating back to 1875, is a must-visit, overflowing with vintage markets, local makers, and small-batch brews.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: The Murray River

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An absolute must, everyone should experience the mighty Murray River in one form or another. Australia’s longest river, stretching approximately 2,500 kilometres, it is the third longest navigable river in the world, after the Nile and the Amazon. Flowing across the borders of NSW, Victoria, and South Australia, the Murray offers endless adventures. Whether you’re hopping aboard one of the many paddle steamers in Echuca, fishing for the famed Murray cod in Wodonga, or camping in the Murray-Sunset National Park to watch the sun set over the Pink Lakes, the Murray promises an unforgettable experience.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Yarra Valley

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There’s a reason countless couples choose the Yarra Valley to celebrate their wedding day. After all, what could be a more perfect backdrop for a ceremony than a sweeping vineyard vista? But this scenic, hilly region – just a short one-hour drive from Melbourne – isn’t just for weddings. It’s a city escape ideal for those who take their love for wine, food, and art seriously. Beyond winery hopping through Victoria’s wine country, visit the picturesque Healesville Village, where trendy cafes, boutique shops, and local food producers await, offering a delightful taste of the region’s charm.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Great Ocean Road

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Australia is blessed with stunning scenic drives, but none quite capture the imagination like the Great Ocean Road. Stretching 243 kilometres along Victoria’s dramatic southern coastline, this iconic route begins in the surf town of Torquay, just an hour from Melbourne, and unfolds into a journey of breathtaking beauty. Towering limestone stacks—the famed Twelve Apostles—rise majestically from the ocean, but they’re just the beginning.

Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient rainforests, hidden waterfalls, quaint coastal villages, and culinary gems tucked into the hills. It’s more than a road trip—it’s a sensory escape into the wild heart of Australia’s natural wonder.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Dandenong Ranges

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If you’re a Melburnian craving a quick escape into nature, the Dandenong Ranges are calling. Just an hour east of the city, these misty, fern-draped hills feel like stepping into another world—where life slows and the air smells of eucalyptus and earth. Spend a night in one of the charming local B&Bs and cosy up at Pie in the Sky Cafe, home to Victoria’s No.1 pie (yes, really). Whether you’re hiking through Sherbrooke Forest, browsing vintage shops in Olinda, or simply soaking in the serenity, the Dandenongs make for the sweetest little nature retreat—perfect for the soul.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Wilsons Promontory National Park

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Ah, Wilsons Promontory — or as the locals call it with an affectionate wink, The Prom. It’s the kind of place where you half expect David Attenborough to pop out from behind a granite boulder and whisper, “Observe the sunburnt Melburnian in its natural habitat.”

Towering eucalypts sway like old poets mid-soliloquy, wombats amble about with the confidence of pub landlords, and the beaches? They’re so postcard-ready you’ll wonder if someone ironed the sand. Clamber up Mount Oberon for panoramic views or soak your city stress away at squeaky-clean Norman Bay. The Prom is an enchanting tangle of rainforest, rock, and rugged romance — all wrapped up at the very edge of the world.

Places to Visit in Victoria: Daylesford

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Give yourself full permission to press pause — to step away from the hustle, exhale deeply, and surrender to stillness in Daylesford, Victoria’s beloved Spa Country. Just a short drive from Melbourne, this charming town is practically bubbling with natural healing, home to over 80% of Australia’s mineral springs. It’s a place where wellness flows as freely as the water, and days are best spent soaking in steamy mineral-rich baths, indulging in soul-soothing treatments, and feasting on local organic produce that tastes like sunshine. At the heart of it all is the iconic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa — an enduring sanctuary of serenity for generations. Come for the rest. Stay for the magic.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Mornington Peninsula

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Why settle for just one flavour of bliss when the Mornington Peninsula serves up the whole sensory banquet? Just an hour’s jaunt from Melbourne, “the Ninch” — as the locals affectionately mutter between sips of Pinot — is where vineyards flirt with the sea breeze and spas bubble with geological poetry. Red Hill’s cellar doors pour wines smoother than a jazz saxophonist in silk pyjamas, while the region’s kitchens whip up plates so fresh you half expect them to introduce themselves. Add to that the beachy glitz of Portsea, Rye and Sorrento — where yachts bob like tipsy swans — and you’ve got yourself a holiday with no wrong turns.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Nagambie

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Ah, Nagambie — where the Goulburn River meanders like a tipsy poet and Lake Nagambie glitters like a disco ball. Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, this hidden gem is all lazy charm and lakeside whimsy. Paddle, picnic, or pretend you’re in a Merchant Ivory film — the mood suits all. Sip your way through historic cellar doors like Tahbilk and Mitchelton, where the wine flows and the architecture could write a sonnet. Here, it’s so peaceful it’ll make your soul exhale.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: The Grampians

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The Grampians is a rugged playground where nature’s beauty takes centre stage. Just a three-hour drive from Melbourne, this dramatic mountain range offers a treasure trove of experiences. Towering sandstone peaks, plunging waterfalls, and lush valleys invite adventure seekers to hike, climb, or simply bask in the serenity. The Pinnacle offers panoramic views that will leave you breathless, while the mighty MacKenzie Falls roars in the distance. In spring, the wildflowers paint the landscape, and in autumn, the mountains wear a golden crown. The Grampians — a natural wonder that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Bendigo

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Bendigo, a city where the past and present dance in the golden light of a bygone era, beckons you to slow down and indulge in its quiet charm. Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, this vibrant town hums with history and culture. Wander the storied streets, where gold rush whispers linger in the air, or lose yourself in the awe-inspiring Sacred Heart Cathedral, a masterpiece of grandeur. Stroll through Rosalind Park, bathed in serenity, and let the city’s artistic pulse fuel your soul. From local wines to culinary jewels, Bendigo invites you to immerse yourself in its golden moments.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Heathcote

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Heathcote, a place where time sips wine and the land exhales with grace. Bold Shiraz vines sprawl across sun-drenched soil, their fruit yielding wines as full of depth and character as the landscape itself. In spring, golden canola fields blaze beneath open skies, a fleeting spectacle of colour that delights the senses. The Pink Cliffs rise gently in a dusty blush, their ancient forms whispering stories of the earth’s deep memory.

Wander the town’s inviting main street to discover a brilliant homewares store, welcoming cellar doors, gin tastings and cosy cafes—each a quiet ode to Heathcote’s artisanal spirit. Book a dreamy lunch at Chauncy, a French fairytale of a restaurant.

Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Ballarat

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Best Places to Visit in Victoria: Ballarat

Ballarat, where gold-dusted history meets modern charm, is a city that wears its past with pride. Once a bustling boomtown during the 1850s gold rush, it now stands as a testament to Australia’s rich heritage and cultural evolution. The city’s streets are lined with grand Victorian architecture, echoing tales of prosperity and ambition. At the heart of Ballarat lies Lake Wendouree, a serene spot for reflection and recreation. Nearby, the Ballarat Wildlife Park offers a chance to connect with native fauna in a natural setting while the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail is a two-wheeled adventure just waiting to happen.

Our pick for a delicious bite in town? Pancho, every time.

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Metung, a tranquil village set on the shores of the Gippsland Lakes, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Surrounded by water on three sides, it’s a haven for boating and fishing enthusiasts, with ample opportunities for leisurely cruises and aquatic adventures. The town’s charm is further enhanced by its boutique accommodations, local galleries, and the renowned Metung Hot Springs, where visitors can indulge in geothermal bathing while overlooking the picturesque lakes.

Keen to travel after discovering the best places to visit in Victoria? From road trips and romantic escapes, there are so many local holidays you can book! So, clear your schedule, fuel up the car, and let adventure guide you — your next unforgettable getaway is closer than you think.