Regions of Victoria
Macedon Ranges and Spa Country Just north of Melbourne, Hanging Rock, made famous by the 1975 movie
Picnic at Hanging Rock, is the main attraction in the Macedon Ranges. Nearby, the mineral spa at
Hepburn Springs and the picturesque countryside of
Daylesford are also popular destinations.
Yarra Valley, Dandenongs and the Ranges
An hour's drive east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley has numerous wineries as well as the famous Healesville Sanctuary (phone 03 5957 2800). Nearby, the Dandenong Ranges area is home to the Puffing Billy vintage steam railway (phone 03 9754 6800) which is a good way to see the countryside. Marysville is the place to start three of the great forest drives of Victoria - the Black Spur, Lady Talbot Forest Drive and the Acheron Way. The nearby Beeches Rainforest Walk through 300-year-old myrtle beeches is also beautiful, although not as well known.
Bays and Peninsulas
Melbourne stands at the crown of the two peninsulas that enclose Port Phillip Bay. Bellarine Peninsula is noted for its restaurants and the grand hotels at seaside Queenscliff. Mornington Peninsula is a scenic resort area that has wineries, restaurants and art galleries.
Phillip Island and Gippsland Discovery
East of Melbourne, this region takes in the unspoiled wilderness of Wilsons Promontory, which is the southernmost point of mainland Australia. Phillip Island is famous for its nightly Penguin Parade (phone 03 5956 8300), when hundreds of tiny penguins emerge from the sea and make their way past human spectators to their burrows at Summerland Beach. Nearby Seal Rocks is home to the world's largest fur seal colony.
Goldfields
The 1850s gold rush opened up the centre of Victoria and left behind historic towns such as Bendigo, Stawell and Ballarat. The latter was the site of the famous Eureka Stockade, where miners made a protest against government interference, particularly the mining licence fees. Ballarat is also famous for the excellent recreated goldmining town of Sovereign Hill (phone 03 5331 1944), which tells the story of the first 10 years following the discovery of gold in 1851.
Legends, Wine and High Country
The mountainous northeast of the state, known as the High Country, was once the haunt of the famous Ned Kelly gang and the Man from Snowy River. In winter the area's slopes and trails are popular for cross-country and downhill skiers, and are used by bushwalkers, mountain bikers and horseriders during the summer. The Great Alpine Road, from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale, is a popular touring route through this area.
The Grampians
The Grampian Mountains, in the far west of the state, are famous for their 5000-year-old Koori rock art, climbing and walking trails. These mountains form the centrepiece of the Grampians National Park. Halls Gap, a unique village that sits on the valley floor, is the gateway to this area.
Great Ocean Road
This spectacular road winds along the south-west coast of Victoria for 320km from Torquay to the South Australian border. It is famous for its coastal scenery and natural rock formations, including the Twelve Apostles and the Blowhole.
Lakes and Wilderness
This region includes Ninety Mile Beach, the extensive Gippsland Lakes and more than 20 national parks. The eastern tip of Victoria is known for its rugged mountains, national parks (including the secluded Croajingolong National Park), rivers, lakes and remote beaches.
Goulburn Murray Waters
This area, almost directly north of Melbourne on the New South Wales border, is a fertile wine and fruit growing region. Lakes Nagambie and Eildon in this region are known as Victoria's houseboat capital and are also popular venues for power boats and fishing. North from these attractions are the resort towns of Echuca and Yarrawonga on the Murray River.
Murray Outback
The Mediterranean climate of the northwest makes it a good place to grow oranges and vineyards around the town of Mildura. Further west there are desert national parks and the historic river port of Swan Hill.
The Murray
This famous river, which starts in Mt Kosciuszko in New South Wales and ends near Adelaide, runs along the northern border of Victoria, providing a scenic corridor to view the area. Restored paddle-steamers are the vehicle of choice for most visitors who want to travel along the Murray.
Snowfields of Victoria
Victoria is a popular skiing destination during winter, with all the snowfields less than 400km from Melbourne. Falls Creek (phone 1800 232 557) has a European-style village atmosphere. Mount Hotham (phone 1800 354 555) is known as the powder capital of Australia. Mount Buller (phone 1800 033 023) is the home of the Australian Institute of Winter Sport, an Australian Olympic training centre. Mount Buffalo (phone 1800 037 038) and Mount Baw Baw (phone 1800 629 578) are popular family destinations. Lake Mountain (phone 03 5963 3288) and Mount Stirling (phone 03 5777 6441) offer cross-country skiing.