Victoria's Top 21 Hot Spots - Part One

1. Melbournebackdrop, visit attractions such as the Hanging
As Australia's second largest city, Melbourne isRock, and the Macedon National Park which has
known for its diverse culture, fine restaurants,plenty of beautiful camping sights to choose from.
café and nightlife. Situated on the YarraThe Cope Williams Winery, Mount Macedone
River, and inland from Port Philip Bay, there is soWinery and Cobaw Ridge offer excellent local
much to see and do. Attractions includewine tasting and stunning scenery in every
Federation Square, Melbourne Aquarium,direction. Mount Macedon also has incredible
Melbourne Museum and of course the famousgardens open to the public.
Melbourne Zoo. The parks, gardens, shopping and7. Lakes Entrance
cultural ambience make this destination Victoria'sIf you love water sports, you will love this region.
number one top spot.Located close to Ninety Mile Beach, Lakes
2. BallaratEntrance offers panoramic ocean views in every
Known as Victoria's inland city, Ballarat is mostlydirection. It is a popular holiday spot situated
known for its gold. It is still a big industry drawingwhere the Gippsland Lakes meet the ocean. Lake
tourists and gold seekers to this uniqueTyers is fantastic for a picnic, and perfect for a
destination. You can choose from the Eurekadrive through its forest park. The most popular
Stockade Centre, Gold Museum or the Ballaratactivities are fishing and boating, with so many
Fine Art Gallery. Sovereign Hill is a must see withwaterways to choose from, and it is a perfect
its recreating of history during the 'Eurekadestination to relax and enjoy the surrounding
Stockade'. Only 90 minutes from Melbourne oncoastal beauty.
the Great Western Highway, it is great for a day8. Wilsons Promontory National Park
trip or a stopover to enjoy all this city has toWilsons Promontory can be found at the Victoria's
offer.southern tip along the South Gippsland Highway.
3. GeelongWith incredible scenery, wildlife and rock
Geelong is often known as the gateway to theformations, it is a stunning place to visit, and there
Great Ocean Road, with amazing scenery in allare plenty of walking trails and beaches accessible
directions. There are fantastic attractions close tomostly by foot. Camping facilities can be found at
the city. The Geelong Gaol is worth a visit, as wellTidal River which is the closest town to the
as the Ford Discovery Centre and the NationalPromontory. It is a remote location, but the
Wool Museum which is great for the family. Anatural beauty is worthwhile for those who love
very popular recreational spot is the Barwon Riverthe wilderness of Australia.
and Buckley Falls which are perfect for a9. Bendigo
bushwalk and picnic. Drive a bit further south toClose to the centre of Victoria and known for its
Ocean Grove for a swim and amazing scenery.gold mines, Bendigo is a thriving urban city that is
Geelong truly has something for everyone.fascinating to visit. There are a multitude of
4. Milduraoptions for the traveller. Visit the pottery
Mildura is Victoria's most productive fruit-growingmuseum, take a tram tour or visit the central
area, with the mighty Murray River a drawcardDeborah mine for an underground experience you
for its many tourists. There is so much to seewon't forget. The Whipstick Forest outside of the
here, with Orange World, Gol Gol Fisheries and thecity is perfect for a picnic and stroll, but if you are
Golden River Zoo some of the attractions. Thereopting for a day trip, you have the choice of
are plenty of camping spots to choose fromElmore, Castlemaine, Maldon and Heathcote all
especially at the Mungal National Park, famous forequally as impressive.
its red sand dunes. Board a paddle steamer for a10. Grampians National Park
day to see the Murray River at its best. The PSThe third largest national park in western Victoria,
Melbourne and the Rothbury both offer daily trips.the Grampians offer incredible bushwalking,
Fantastic for a the whole family, Mildura iscamping and scenery. Halls Gap is a central tourist
wonderful tourist spot.destination in this fantastic region, and is a great
5. Snowy River National Parkbase for your adventures. If you are traveling
Known for wild horses and magical sunrises, this isfrom the south, Dunkeld is the ideal entry point
Victoria's High Country at its best, with some ofand a picturesque place to stay for a while. It is
Australia's best ski fields close by, and popular forperfect for the driving holiday, with plenty of safe
all types of outdoor sports such as abseiling,roads and driving routes to take you into the
horse riding, canoeing, bike riding and hiking. Thereheart of this amazing Victorian paradise.
is incredible scenery here, with incredible gorges11. Mansfield
and river systems and plenty of fantastic campingMansfield is on this list for its country appeal,
spots. The best way to get there is in a hire car,proximity to popular attractions and stunning
via Buchan (from Jindabyne) along the Barry Waybeauty. Especially well known to horse lovers and
which will lead you to some amazing cavefavourite 'Man from Snowy River', this is the high
systems. The Buchan Caves are definitely worthcountry with a long history. It is also popular for
a visit.bike riding, fishing and snow skiing at nearly Mount
6. Macedon RangesBuller and Mount Stirling. Situated a few hours
Close to an hour out of Melbourne, this is a greatnorth from Melbourne, there are plenty of
spot to visit to escape the heat and enjoy theadventure activities available, and the drives in all
local wines and fruits of the region. With thedirections are spectacular.
Great Dividing Range and central highlands as a