Where to go on holiday in Victoria

Destinations for every travel style and want

Relaxation 

For many, a holiday is about taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and slowing down, so scheduling the day from morning to night isn’t really the aim of the game.  

Rather, finding a destination that allows you to experience everything on offer at a much slower pace is the preferred option, like the Barossa Valley. In this picturesque part of South Australia, wine lovers can explore more than 150 different wineries, history buffs can immerse themselves in the areas European influence at the Barossa Museum, and art enthusiasts can take in local works at Barossa Regional Gallery. 

Then not too far down the highway from the Barossa Valley is Adelaide, where you can take your time exploring great food, beaches, markets, galleries, and even take a walk up Mount Lofty if you feel so inclined.  

Adventure

For the adventure buffs, the Grampians in Western Victoria is the place to fulfil those thrill-seeking needs.  

The 160,000-hectare national park is home to native animals, waterfalls, and numerous hikes both long and short, such as Mount William, which has 360-degree views across the entire park. 

The Blue Mountains in New South Wales is another breathtaking destination for those who enjoy the great outdoors, with hikes to suit every fitness and experience level, as well as vistas as far as the eye can see.  

Food and wine 

Foodies will be in heaven in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, because just a short drive from Melbourne you’ll find endless dining experiences from premium wineries and intimate cafes to distilleries and gourmet food producers. 

Head to establishments like Four Pillars Distillery in Healesville, Helen and Joey Estate in Gruyere, Rob Dolan Wines in Warrandyte South, Oakridge Wines in Coldstream, or Rochford Wines in Coldstream with a spectacular cellar food, as well as classic Italian fare. 

Just a stone's throw away at the foothills of the High Country, Healesville is home to two new exquisite foodie destinations, Banyalla restaurant, and the Riddell’s Green, where you’ll feel part of the natural surrounds while enjoying world-class food.  

Art and culture 

For the ultimate art lover’s holiday, Tasmania is the destination with perhaps the quirkiest art experience of all, with the Museum of Old and New Art housing one of the most controversial private collections of modern art and antiquities in the world.

While MONA is open year-round in Hobart, if you find yourself in Launceston in January, the MONA team bring live music and art to the city with the Mona Foma Festival.

September and October are also great months for art and culture in Tasmania, with the Junction Arts Festival as well as Tamar Valley Writers Festival set amongst rolling vines with water views.  

The Hunter Valley is full of greenery and hidden gems. Credit: Destination NSW.

Sustainable

If you’re looking to get away and want to be more sustainable about how you do so, then unleash your pedal power and go on a cycling tour! 

Put your helmet on and cycle through the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, or trip through the islands, beaches, and rail trails of Southeast Queensland. 

Or if you want to take a sustainable getaway closer to home, cycle through the Victorian High Country and experience the famous tracks of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, through towns such as Myrtleford and Bright.   

Road trip 

With so many destinations both near and far, there are many options if your travel style is to hit the open road.  

The Macedon Ranges and Daylesford is a close option to Melbourne that offers a bit of everything in terms of food, art and relaxation. Further,  afield in the Flinders Ranges, you’ll find yourself immersed in Indigenous history where you can learn about everything from bush tucker and traditional art to the formation of walking trails and craters. 

Gippsland is a road trippers dream, covering almost one fifth of the south-eastern side of Victoria, and offering five key areas that are all diverse and exciting in their own way. From the penguins at Phillip Island to the natural landscapes of Wilson’s Promontory, this closer-to-home destination isn’t lacking in things to do.  

Ochre Cliffs. Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission.