Victoria might be Australia’s second-smallest state, but that doesn’t mean it lacks for things to see and do. In fact, millions of tourists from all over the world specifically come to Australia just to explore Victoria.
This post looks at some cool things you can see and do in both Melbourne and the state of Victoria.
#1 – Wilson’s Promontory National Park
Victoria boasts numerous National Parks, and Wilson’s Promontory is just one of them. Located on Victoria’s southern tip, the park encompasses both a natural wonderland as well as the ocean and some stunning rugged coastlines.
Take in the coastal sights of windswept beaches and pink granite peaks before venturing inland and exploring the forest and local wildlife.
#2 – Penguins On Phillip Island
Phillip Island is a small island on the south-western coast of Victoria. It’s famous for its international raceway and beautiful scenery, but it’s also well known for its penguins, where visitors can get up close and personal to watch these cute creatures emerge from the ocean at sunset each evening.
A small grandstand with tiered seating has even been erected so people can view the spectacle up close without interfering with the penguins as they make their trek out of the ocean and up the sandy beach to rest after a day of fishing.
#3 – Explore the Yarra Valley
What’s Victoria’s Yarra Valley famous for?
- Stunning scenery
- World-class wines
It’s actually only a few hours outside the city of Melbourne, so even if you’re staying in the city, you can experience everything the Yarra Valley has to offer on a day trip to the countryside.
If you love wine tasting and enjoying some exquisite snacks at the same time, the Yarra Valley is the place to be. Some of the country’s best wines are produced here, but it’s not all about wine. As far as the state of Victoria goes, the Yarra Valley is one of the most scenic and picturesque locations in the state.
#4 – Experience the Thrill of the Melbourne Cup
Melbourne Cup 2019 promises to be one of the biggest and best horse races ever, attracting entrants from Australia, New Zealand and all around the world. This famous horse race boasts the best of the best-thoroughbred racehorses.
The race takes place on the first Tuesday in November and attracts massive crowds to the track, loads of visitors to Melbourne, and has a worldwide viewing audience in the tens of millions.
It’s Australia’s most famous horse race and one of the world’s richest and most prestigious. It’s well worth a visit to Victoria’s capital just to experience it.
#5 – Drive the Great Ocean Road
This massive stretch of coastal road is world-famous. Along the journey, you can stop off at one of Australia’s best surfing locations – Bells Beach.
This stretch of iconic coastline is best known for it’s dramatic and rugged topography, with the highlight being the 12 Apostles – 12 tall and commanding sandstone promontories jutting out of the sea right near the beach. It’s a spectacular sight not to be missed.
#6 – Ski the Slopes of Mount Buller
Obviously you’ll need to visit during the Australian winter (June-August) to experience the snow on Mount Buller, but it’s definitely worth the adventure.
Located on the New South Wales and the Victorian border is the Snowy Mountain district, and Mount Buller is Victoria’s premier winter playground. You can ski, snowboard, ride the cable cars or book in for a snowmobile adventure.
The slopes have something to offer everyone, from beginner-friendly, right up to black runs for the expert skiers and snowboarders.
Mount Buller is worth visiting even if you don’t ski. Just spend time in the quaint alpine village and take in the sites of this beautiful winter wonderland.
#7 – Ride a Horse On Mornington Peninsula
It’s truly awesome to be able to saddle up a horse, ride along the sand and trot through the waves fanning up the coastline.
It’s one of the very few places in all of Australia where you can ride horses on the beach, so if this is something you’ve always dreamed of doing, Victoria is definitely the place to be.
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