Best Time to Visit
March to May (Autumn)
Autumn brings spectacular foliage across the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, perfect weather in Melbourne and uncrowded beaches along the coast. The AFL Grand Final in late September also draws crowds if that is your thing.
Top Destinations in Victoria
Melbourne
World-class coffee, laneways full of street art, exceptional dining across Fitzroy and Collingwood, and a live music scene unmatched in Australia.
Great Ocean Road
The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the old growth rainforests of the Otways along one of the world's great coastal drives.
Yarra Valley
An hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley delivers excellent cool-climate pinot noir, artisan produce and farm gates galore.
Mornington Peninsula
Hot springs, wineries, bay and ocean beaches and some of Victoria's finest restaurants all within 90 minutes of the CBD.
The Grampians
Dramatic sandstone ranges, Aboriginal rock art, wildflowers in spring and the excellent Halls Gap as a base.
Phillip Island
The famous penguin parade, surf beaches, a Grand Prix circuit and excellent wildlife experiences for all ages.
Must-Do Experiences
Walk a Melbourne laneway
Hosier Lane, Centre Place and AC/DC Lane form the beating heart of Melbourne's street art culture. Free and endlessly photogenic.
Drive the Great Ocean Road west to east
Start from Torquay and take 2 to 3 days. Stop at Kennett River for koalas, Cape Otway Lightstation and of course the Twelve Apostles at sunset.
Try a Yarra Valley cellar door
De Bortoli, Domaine Chandon and Yering Station are all accessible, excellent and offer beautiful grounds for a picnic.
Soak at Peninsula Hot Springs
The Mornington Peninsula's thermal spring complex is perfect year-round. Book well ahead for weekend sessions.
Accommodation Tips
Budget (hostels, camping)
$30 to $70 per night
Melbourne has great central hostels. Free camp sites exist near the Grampians with basic facilities.
Mid-range (motels, B&Bs)
$120 to $200 per night
Halls Gap in the Grampians and Lorne on the Great Ocean Road have solid mid-range options that book out in summer.
Premium (boutique hotels)
$250 to $600+ per night
Melbourne CBD boutique hotels offer deals on Sunday to Thursday nights. Avoid Grand Prix and AFL final weekends for any price.
Budget Breakdown
Approximate daily costs for a solo traveller in Victoria.
Prices are approximate guides based on 2025 averages.
Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory
The southernmost tip of mainland Australia delivers some of Victoria's best wilderness hiking, squeaky white sand beaches and incredible stargazing. Camp at Tidal River and wake to wombats wandering past your tent.