VICTORIA & MELBOURNE
A dynamic hub of culture and sport centered around the world-class city of Melbourne, Victoria offers a diverse landscape from the rugged Great Ocean Road to the alpine peaks and historic Goldfields, making it an essential Australian destination.
Why Visit Victoria & Melbourne?
Cultural Capital: Experience Melbourne’s laneways, world-class dining, thriving arts scene, and major international sporting events.
Iconic Coastline: Drive the breathtaking Great Ocean Road, famous for the dramatic Twelve Apostles and stunning surf beaches.
Wineries & Wildlife: Explore the premium cool-climate vineyards of the Yarra Valley, and encounter koalas and penguins on Phillip Island.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (March–May, September–November): This is the ideal time to visit. The weather is generally pleasant and mild, perfect for exploring Melbourne’s events and driving the coastline without the extreme heat or peak crowds.
Deep Off-Season (June–August): Winter offers a different experience. Enjoy cosy laneway bars, snow sports in the Victorian Alps, and the best value on accommodation and flights.
Peak Season (December–February): Summer brings warm to hot weather, excellent beach conditions, and major events like the Australian Open (January). Book well in advance as prices and crowds are high.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Melbourne
The state capital is a cosmopolitan city renowned for its hidden laneways, exceptional coffee, world-class cuisine, and vibrant cultural calendar. Key areas include the CBD, St Kilda, and Fitzroy.
Your Smart Tip: To truly experience Melbourne’s hidden gems, skip the main streets and explore the laneways like Hosier Lane (street art) and Degraves Street (cafés). Wear comfortable shoes for walking!
The Great Ocean Road
One of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, running over 240km. Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and charming coastal towns like Lorne and Port Campbell.
Your Smart Tip: Don’t rush the drive. Stay overnight in a town like Port Campbell or Apollo Bay to catch the sunset and sunrise at the Twelve Apostles, which offers a much quieter and more dramatic experience.
Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
A short drive from Melbourne, this area is famed for its cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Dandenong Ranges offer lush rainforests, Puffing Billy Steam Train, and charming villages.
Your Smart Tip: Combine wine tasting with a morning walk in the Dandenongs. Visit a cellar door mid-week for a more personal experience with the winemakers and quieter tasting rooms.
Phillip Island
Home to the famous Penguin Parade, where every sunset, hundreds of Little Penguins waddle ashore. The island also features rugged coastlines, fur seal colonies, and opportunities to see koalas.
Your Smart Tip: Book your Penguin Parade tickets in advance, and arrive early to visit the Koala Conservation Centre before heading to the parade viewing areas for the best seats.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
Melbourne is famous for its “four seasons in one day.” Summers are warm and dry, often with sudden cool changes. Winters are cool and overcast. The high country (Alps) has a cold, snowy alpine climate in winter.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Australia but is appreciated for excellent service.
Coffee Culture: Melburnians take coffee very seriously. Skip the large chain and try a local café—ordering a “flat white” is a local must.
Road Rules: When driving, be mindful of trams in the city; you must stop behind a tram when its doors are open. The ‘Hook Turn’ in the CBD is also unique (look for signage).
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($35–$60), mid-range hotels ($130–$250), luxury ($300+). Prices are significantly higher during major sporting events (e.g., Australian Open).
Food: Casual café lunch ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($40–$70 per person), fine dining ($100+).
Transport: Myki public transport card (Melbourne, $6 card + load value), car rental ($40–$70/day).
Activities: Penguin Parade ($35+), museum/gallery entry (often free), wine tasting tour ($120+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $100–$150 (hostels, market food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $180–$300 (mid-range hotel, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $350+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours/transport).
Getting Around
By Public Transport: Melbourne has an extensive train, tram, and bus network (Myki card required). The tram system in the CBD is within the “Free Tram Zone.”
By Car: Essential for exploring the Great Ocean Road, Goldfields, and regional areas. Driving is on the left.
By Air: Melbourne Airport (MEL) is a major hub for domestic and international flights.
Must-Try Food
Meat Pie: The quintessential Australian snack, flaky pastry filled with minced meat and gravy.
Parma/Parmi: A chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese (Chicken Parmigiana).
Dim Sim (Melbourne Style): A large, steamed or fried dumpling, often found in local takeaway shops.
Smashed Avo: Smashed avocado on toast, a Melbourne brunch staple.
Prawn/Shrimp (on the Barbie): Fresh seafood is a must, especially during summer.
Flathead Fillet: A popular, local white fish often served battered or grilled.
Lamington: A square of sponge cake dipped in chocolate sauce and coated in desiccated coconut.
Tim Tam: Australia’s most popular chocolate biscuit, famous for the ‘Tim Tam Slam’ (used as a straw for a hot drink).
Pavlova: A meringue-based dessert, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Wagyu Beef: Victoria is a major producer of high-quality, internationally renowned Wagyu.
Must-Try Drinks
Yarra Valley Pinot Noir: The region is famous for this delicate cool-climate red wine.
Craft Beer (Melbourne Laneways): Melbourne is a hub for microbreweries and unique craft beers; try a local Pale Ale or IPA.
Rutherglen Muscadelle: A sweet, fortified wine from the Rutherglen region, excellent with dessert.
Victorian Gin: The local craft distilling scene is booming; try a local botanical gin.
Sparkling Wine (Tasmanian/Victorian): Cold-climate sparkling wine rivals champagne.
Chardonnay: The state produces some of Australia’s finest, from crisp to buttery styles.
Flat White: Australia’s signature coffee drink—espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
Iced Coffee/Iced Chocolate: A classic sweet beverage topped with cream and often a scoop of ice cream.
Kombucha: Locally brewed fermented tea, extremely popular and widely available.
Milkshakes/Thickshakes: A nostalgic Australian classic, especially popular in summer.