A getaway to Victoria is bursting with incredible experiences that are exclusive to this region. Explore the rolling vineyards, the excellent national parks, the sophisticated cities, and the spectacular coastline of this welcoming state. Escape with a luxury holiday in Victoria, Australia's Garden State.
A getaway to Victoria is bursting with incredible experiences that are exclusive to this region. Explore the rolling vineyards, the excellent national parks, the sophisticated cities, and the spectacular coastline of this welcoming state. Escape with a luxury holiday in Victoria, Australia's Garden State.
Victoria is one of the most visited states in Australia, and this is due primarily to the glorious Great Ocean Drive, the Yarra Valley wine region, and the hip city of Melbourne. But beyond these stellar attractions, you will find a region peppered with magnificent national parks, unspoiled beaches, and range of important indigenous sites.
Kick off your tour in Melbourne, the cultural capital of the country, where you can explore the pop-up bars, exclusive restaurants, swanky bars, and exciting entertainment venues. Visit popular museums and galleries like National Gallery of Victoria and Melbourne Museum, as well as colonial heritage sites like Captain Cook’s Cottage. Just beyond Melbourne you can escape along the celebrated Great Ocean Road - one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world.
Then discover the charms of the Yarra Valley, a wine-lover's dream, filled with award-winning wineries and vaunted restaurants. Taste some of the very best sparkling wines and Pinot Noirs in all of Australia. For hiking opportunities, visit the soaring peaks of the Grampians, just northwest of Melbourne, where there is also evidence of ancient Aboriginal rock art. For those seeking beaches, a visit to the Mornington Peninsula is a must. Other highlights in the state include Gippsland, where you can admire the detailed stalactites and calcite-rimmed pools of the Royal Cave.
Victoria's climate is fairly mild, with warm summers and cool winters. Spring (September - November) offers comfortable temperatures of about 20°C, and is a great time for hiking. Summer (December - February) is popular for road trips on the Great Ocean Road, as there are plenty of summer activities along the way.
Autumn (March - May) brings Melbourne's renowned fusion of fashion, festivals, food and flowers. Winter (June - August) is the peak whale-watching period, and an ideal excuse for a cosy escape to the Yarra Valley wine region.
Victoria is known for its cuisine and its wine. You’ll find the culinary credentials in the state excellent, with a variety of options, such as fusion cuisine, fine dining, and unpretentious beachside favourites like fish and chips. Most menus will feature Australian-raised beef, locally sourced fruits and vegetables, and fresh seafood.
You’ll also find international options that range from American-style diners and Japanese sushi bars, to traditional British High Tea services, commonly held at luxury hotels.
Be sure to keep hold of your identification at all times. It's a good idea to have a photocopy of your passport just in case. For entry you'll need a tourist visa. Find more advice at GOV.UK with information on passports, visas and travel.