The spirited traveller’s guide to Melbourne

Victoria’s buzzing capital city Melbourne needs minimal introduction. Built around the leafy curves of the Yarra River and spreading gracefully onto the sparkling beaches of Port Phillip’s bay, the city is a multicultural empire fuelled by delicious food, an impressive arts scene, a buzzing night life and an ardent passion for sport.

Less than an hour’s drive out of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is Victoria’s premier wine region. The region is home to more than 80 wineries, showcasing some of the world’s finest sparkling wine, chardonnay and pinot noir. A day trip out here is well worth it, but we suggest spending the weekend, lodging at one of the region’s adorable chalets, villas or cottages. On the first Sunday of every month, the Healesville Racecourse Harvest & Craft Market offers an array of locally made food, crafts and souvenirs.

Close by, the Dandenong Ranges offer a wealth of hiking tracks and picnic areas, charming B&Bs and cafes, all amidst towering gum trees and lush green gullies. We recommend visiting in spring, when the leaves here are ablaze in colour, and or in winter, when you’re more than likely to encounter some light dustings of snow. Puffing Billy, a century-old steam train that chugs through the southern reaches, is a popular attraction among kids of all ages.

Driving along the Mornington Peninsula you'll be forgiven for thinking you’ve teleported to the Italian or French coast, with its picturesque bays and craggy cliffs. This scenic locale however is only an hour away from the Melbourne CBD, making it the perfect weekend getaway.

There are loads to see and do for the whole family on the Peninsula. Take a winery tour—on horseback! Visit cute and cuddly animals at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park. Explore hedge mazes and world-acclaimed gardens at Ashcombe. Or travel back millions of years and tread (carefully) among the prehistoric giants at Dinosaur World. And with plenty of bays and beaches there’s just about every water sport you could wish for—scuba diving, fishing, sea kayaking, you name it. Towns worthy of a stopover include Mornington, Sorrento, Rosebud and Flinders.

Daylesford is synonymous with bliss and relaxation. Home to the largest concentration of naturally occurring mineral springs in Australia, the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs area is the ideal retreat for a spot of indulgence. The spas are located in tranquil forested surrounds, allowing you to drift away from all your troubles and enter a state of pure ecstasy.

In nearby Macedon Ranges, discover the impressive stone mansions, specialist art galleries and exquisite gardens that make up this unique part of the world. The best itinerary we can think of is to eat and drink your way around the region, sampling some of the freshest farm produce and finest wines the state has to offer. And of course you can’t miss the legendary Hanging Rock, the spooky backdrop to the book and film of the same name.

You’ve no doubt heard Phillip Island and penguins mentioned in the same breath. Well there’s a good reason for that. A great deal of the island’s appeal lies in its waddling inhabitants—who, after a hard day’s fishing (and much to the delight of locals and tourists), return each night to Summerland Beach for the safety of their burrows. There’s a dedicated viewing platform as well as tours which enable you to get the most out of the incomparable Penguin Parade experience.

Much more than just its penguin population, Phillip Island is a popular destination for surfers and motoring enthusiasts. Home to an assortment of barrelling reef and beach breaks, the waves here can be enjoyed by pros and grommets alike. During the year, the island plays host to a number of surf clinics and tournaments. Every October, the action kicks up a notch as the world’s best riders descend on the island for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Of course, for the less adrenaline-inclined, you can enjoy a nice leisurely stroll along the headlands or down the main street of town for a shop and a bite to eat.

Located 90 minutes south-east of Melbourne, the island is accessible by car via San Remo.

You’ll be thanking your lucky stars you brought your car across to Victoria, for the state lays claim to one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives: the Great Ocean Road!

Taking you past world-class surfing breaks, pockets of unspoiled rainforest, quaint lighthouses, sheer limestone cliffs and koala-filled canopies, the road winds its way along the coast and offers plenty of pull-over spots for you to marvel at the view. The centrepiece of the drive—one that’s splashed across virtually every postcard you’ll find of Victoria—is the 12 Apostles, a collection of awe-inspiring limestone stacks rising from the shallows of the Southern Ocean. Sadly, despite the name, there are only eight stacks left (four have eroded since their discovery), so there's all the more reason to take a trip out here to see the ones left standing. On a fine day, we recommend arriving close to sunset, when the cliffs are suffused with an alluring, amber light.

Speedsters and tailgaters take note: you aren’t welcome here. The best way to explore the Road is at your own leisure. Take your time, stop in at the many gorgeous towns dotting the coast—Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay come to mind—and relish the journey through this strip of pure paradise.

Victoria’s answer to the Rockies, the rustic-sounding High Country features striking alpine landscapes, abundant outdoor activities, gourmet food and wine and a captivating history of bushrangers and gold.

Walk the tree-lined streets of Bright and discover its proud café culture or visit one of the acclaimed wineries in Rutherglen. Explore the scene of Ned Kelly's final siege in Glenrowan or the fascinating historical architecture of Beechworth.

Ski fiends will love the area during snow season, with three of Australia’s best snowfields to choose from—Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek. Once the snow has melted, the area remains popular for its off-road four-wheel driving, mountain biking, horse-riding and hiking.

Gippsland covers a large rural region of Victoria, stretching from the east of Melbourne to the coast of Victoria and all the way to the New South Wales border.

Rising from sea level at Bairnsdale to Victoria's highest peaks of Mt Bogong and Mt Feathertop the Great Alpine Road tours through towering forests and national parks.

Reacquaint yourself with nature at the southernmost point of mainland Australia, Wilson's Promontory. Enjoy the secluded beaches, cool fern gullies and spectacular views. Other places to visit in this region include Inverloch, Lakes Entrance, Mallacoota, Mt Baw Baw, Sale, Wonthaggi and Yarragon.

Meandering its way through the charming townships and rolling countryside of Victoria and New South Wales, the Murray River is a great place to explore and unwind.

Visit the fruit-growing region of Mildura, explore colonial history at Swan Hill or take a relaxing ride on a paddle steamer as you take in the natural beauty of the mighty Murray River. Go fishing at Lake Mulwala or enjoy the large regional cities of Albury and Wodonga.

The spirited traveller’s guide to Geelong

Set right by the blue waters of the Corio Bay, just 75 kilometers southwest of Melbourne, the regional town of Geelong has blossomed in recent years. Famed for its beautiful esplanade and relaxed lifestyle, it’s easy to see why this coastal town is growing faster than Australia’s five largest capital cities.