Explore Victoria

Victoria hugs the south-eastern corner of Australia’s mainland and has many beautiful and diverse regions, from pristine beaches to forests full of wildlife.

Victoria is Australia’s second-smallest state covering 227,600 square kilometres, about the size of the British Isles. We have unique landscapes and lots of activities for you and your family to enjoy:

• Ski resorts
• Wineries
• Hiking tracks
• Mountain ranges
• Townships
• Beaches
• National parks and much more.

Moving to Victoria will give you plenty of unforgettable experiences. With a world-renowned tourism industry and established hospitality infrastructure, you and your family can live in Victoria comfortably and confidently.

Driving is one of the most popular ways to get around in Victoria. If you’re thinking about a day trip from Melbourne, you can reach the following amazing places in just a few hours drive.

0–1 hour drive

Bay beaches

Relax on clean and calm beaches across Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay – from popular swimming spots and shore side diners in St Kilda, to the colourful landmark bathing huts at Brighton. Most beaches are patrolled by surf life savers during the warmer months and during school and public holidays.

Golf courses

Melbourne has an outstanding chain of championship golf courses, particularly in the south-east. Enjoy stunning views of rivers, mountains and beaches, and play a round in the famous south-eastern 'sandbelt' where the climate, landscape and rich history creates a golfing destination like no other.

The Yarra River

The Yarra River is the lifeblood of Melbourne, winding through central Melbourne and the north-eastern suburbs; it is the setting for many popular activities. Trails, paths, picturesque settings and barbecue facilities are available for cyclists, rowers, kayakers, bushwalkers and picnickers.

1–2 hours drive

Dandenong Ranges

Drive or bushwalk through the magical mountain rainforests of giant Mountain Ash and tree ferns, home of the lyrebird. Explore Sherbrooke Forest and visit the area's famous gardens such as the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. Stop for a Devonshire tea at one of the Dandenong Ranges' lively villages then climb aboard Australia's oldest steam train, Puffing Billy.

Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is a scenic wine region offering premium cool-climate wines, fabulous food and luxury accommodation. Take an early morning balloon flight, meet passionate food and wine producers, sample wine at one of over 60 cellar doors and encounter a platypus at Healesville Sanctuary.

The Goldfields

Discover the charming old gold towns and Victorian-era cities of the 1850s Gold Rush, situated northwest of Melbourne. Visit the Bendigo Art Gallery, renowned for curating innovative Australian-exclusive international exhibitions from across the globe and step back in time at Sovereign Hill, where the gold rush era is brought to life.

2 or more hours drive

The Great Ocean Road

One of Australia’s most iconic drives, the Great Ocean Road takes in dramatic coastlines including the Twelve Apostles, exceptional surf beaches, beautiful bushlands and waterfalls of the Otway Ranges. Watch as surfers tackle the famed surf break at Bells Beach and relax in the holiday towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay, or take a tour of Tower Hill to learn about native animals and indigenous culture.

Victorian Alps

Victoria is home to seven alpine resorts with excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions and plenty of snow play options for the whole family. Located within driving distance from Melbourne, the Alpine Region makes for the perfect winter break.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory National Park is a peninsula that forms the southernmost part of the Australian mainland. Hikers, climbers and campers love this magnificent coastal wilderness with rugged bush, beaches, spectacular rock formations and Australian wildlife.

Go to the Visit Melbourne website to discover more about Victoria.