The best things to do near RACV Resorts in Victoria

The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay is a great day out for the whole family . Image: Visit Victoria

RACV Torquay Resort

The RACV Torquay Resort is your gateway to the wonders of the Great Ocean Road, world-renowned beaches, and true-blue Aussie surf culture. In addition to the spacious and modern rooms, the resort has several top-rated facilities, including a golf course and the tranquil One Spa.

Best attractions near RACV Torquay Resort

Whether you keen to surf or watch the pros, there’s no better place to be than Torquay. Bells Beach is a top surf spot, and Torquay Front Beach is ideal for beginners and lessons. You can also kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and go kite surfing. 

If you don't mind venturing a little further afield, a daytrip to Live Wire Park outside of Lorne provides action and excitement for all ages. The high ropes and adventure park champions sustainability wherever possible, with courses available for adults and children. Adventure Park is another family-favourite activity, plus it's just a 40-minute drive from RACV Torquay.

Dining out in Torquay is highly rated, thanks to the quality cafés, restaurants, breweries, and wineries. Try a Texan-style barbecue at Bellarine Estate, lunch or dinner aboard the Q Train or a Sunday music session at organic Wolseley Wines.

Best free things to do in Torquay

The Torquay History Walking Trail takes you to 28 markers on a discovery tour of the town’s architecture, art, Aboriginal history, and surf culture references.

At low tide, head to the Point Danger Marine Sanctuary to encounter this limestone reef’s diverse marine life. There are 96 varieties of sea slugs, many endemic to Point Danger.

Best arts, culture & shopping in Torquay

The Australian National Surf Museum is a fascinating itinerary addition. It’s the country’s largest surf museum.

In keeping with Torquay’s big wave culture, head to the town’s famous Surf City Plaza outlets for swimwear, casual wear, and sportswear bargains.

Best walks near Torquay

Join one of Victoria’s best coastal walks, the 12-part Surf Coast Walk. Follow in the footsteps of Wadawurrung elders on the Point Impossible to Yellow Bluff section or continue to Point Danger for an exceptional 10km hike.

More than 70 bush trails await in nearby Lorne (a 50-minute drive), including the famous fern-framed Erskine Falls.

RACV Cape Schanck Resort

Enjoy a quality Mornington Peninsula getaway at the 5-star coastal RACV Cape Schanck Resort. The elevated views complement the coastal-inspired architecture, contemporary room décor, and rejuvenating resort facilities, including spa, golf course, and hatted restaurant, Cape.

Best attractions near RACV Cape Schanck Resort

The Mornington Peninsula’s most historically significant landmark, the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, is a must-see attraction. Soak in the expansive coastal views (look for seals and dolphins) and take the boardwalk to Pulpit Rock.

Soaking in the area’s natural geothermal springs is an idyllic way to enhance your holiday vibes. Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are popular spas for pampering.

For native wildlife adventures by night, head to Moonlit Sanctuary while gourmands might like to try a farm picnic at Green Olive or authentic American barbecue at Red Gum BBQ. 

Best free things to do in Cape Schanck

The abundance of natural wonders equals ample free activities. Visit some of Victoria’s most stunning beaches, including Sorrento Back Beach and Rye Beach. Nearby Gunnamatta Beach is also known as a choice surf beach with many rips and good breaks - swimmers should remain between the flags at all times as the beach can be extremely hazardous. 

Other free activities include strolling past the exuberant Millionaire’s Walk homes, snorkelling Rye Pier (it has its own 'Octopus's Garden' snorkelling trail), or discovering Point Nepean National Park’s military history.

Best arts, culture & shopping in Cape Schanck

The free Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery affords a glimpse into Australia’s contemporary art scene. Combine nature and art at the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery with over 100 thought-provoking sculptures across their bushland setting.

For shoppers, browse Sorrento and Flinders speciality boutiques and local crafts any of the Mornington Peninsula’s markets.

Best walks near Cape Schanck

For the perfect introduction to Cape Schanck’s scenery, walk the 2.6-kilometre-long Bushrangers Bay Track or part of the 26-kilometre Two Bays Walking Track. Your rewards? Picture-perfect views and native wildlife encounters.

Discover the significance of the telegraph to the region by reading the informative plaques along the Cable Station Walk.

Read more: The best walks near RACV Resorts in Australia.

RACV Cobram Resort

Whether you’re road-tripping from Melbourne to Mildura or spending time solely in Cobram, the RACV Cobram Resort has cabins, apartments, and a caravan park. Resort facilities include a resort pool, fitness centre, plus tennis and basketball courts.

Best attractions near RACVCobram Resort

Hop aboard a paddlesteamer for a scenic historic journey that reveals the importance of the Murray River. Include wine tastings and lunch to see why the region is known as Australia’s Food Bowl.

For golf lovers, enjoy the two 18-hole courses at the Cobram-Barooga Golf Club. There are golf simulators for rainy days, along with Sporties Mini Golf to keep the whole family entertained.

Book a visit to the region's resident 'Big Thing' as well: the Big Strawberry at Koonoomoo. This strawberry farm lets you pick your own berries when in season. Outside of that time you can indulge in all manner of strawberry-infused treats, from jams and toppings to wine and liqueurs. 

Best free things to do in Cobram

You may not expect a beach day out in a destination 220 kilometres from the ocean, but at Thompson’s Beach, you can have one. Towering red gums frame this large white-sand beach. Pack a picnic (there are barbecues) and beach games, or choose to swim, hike or fish: it’s a perfect family day out.

Best arts, culture & shopping in Cobram

Connect to Cobram’s history at the Old School with informative displays.

For art you can eat, indulge in a chocolate tempering class at the Tocumwal Chocolate School.

For vintage handbags, treasured crockery, and an extensive jewellery range, browse the antiques at Katamatite Bazaar.

Best walks near Cobram

With eight trails crossing 12ha of cactus plants, Cactus Country is one of the region’s most unusual walks and attractions. You can even try cactus cake or cactus ice cream at the on-site cafe. Leashed dogs welcome.

Explore the ancient Aboriginal Yorta Yorta cultural heritages at Barmah National Park, an hour west of Cobram. Barmah is home to the world’s largest River Red Gum forest, plus diverse wetlands and walking trails.

For bird watchers, Quinns Island Wetland Sanctuary has a trail with viewing hide; perfect for sighting island’s water bird residents.

RACV Inverloch Resort

The family-friendly RACV Interloch Resort stands out thanks to its beachside location, exemplary service, and impressive resort facilities, including a health club, pools, and tennis courts.

Best attractions near RACV Inverloch Resort

As you may expect in a place known for its ocean views, craggy coastline, and windswept bays, the beaches around Inverloch are top attractions to enjoy on your break.

Main Beach is popular for families and Inverloch Surf Beach for surfers.

Best free things to do in Inverloch

Dinosaur footprint hunting at low tide captures the imagination of young and old. Discover 126-million-year-old footprints at the Flat Rocks Dinosaur Dreaming dig site.

Take the Bunurong Coastal Drive around the Bass Coast strait area for a day trip without entry fees and expenses (besides gas). Include stops at beautiful Shack Bay and Eagles Nest.

Best arts, culture & shopping in Inverloch

If you’re travelling with children, the Shell Museum at the Environment Centre is worthwhile for its 6,000-shell collection. Inverloch souvenirs are available at the centre’s gift shop.

For a more sobering historical site, take in the exhibits and galleries at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum on Phillip Island, 40 minutes from Inverloch.

Art lovers will enjoy the 40 street murals found at eight Inverloch locations, such as the giant, intricate underwater mural on the Serious Surf Stuff store on Williams Street.

Best walks near Inverloch

With several fabulous nature walks nearby, choosing a favourite can be a challenge! The views along the 7km George Bass Coastal Walk are a treat, as is the Screw Creek Nature Walk through the wetlands.

The RACV Inverloch Resort is an ideal place to reach Phillip Island for the island’s trails and resident koalas and penguins. Reach it in under an hour - the famous penguin parade happens nightly at sunset. 

RACV Goldfields Resort

RACV Goldfields Resort is perfectly positioned between the historical gold mining town of Ballarat and Daylesford’s rejuvenating mineral springs. Rooms are modern and spacious with balconies and the resort’s fabulous facilities include the Art House, golf course and mountain bike trails. Don't be suprised if you see kangaroos on the golf course!

Best attractions near RACV Goldfields Resort

Sovereign Hill, an authentically recreated Gold Rush town with activities like gold panning and candle making, is Ballarat’s most famous attraction.

Kryal Castle is another great day out. It's Australia's only medieval theme park, featuring knights, dragons, wizards, kings and queens.

Ballarat Wildlife Park has animal encounters, educational talks, and 15 hectares of native bush to explore.

Soaking in Daylesford’s mineral-rich springs is a must-do. The historic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa and Lake House’s pampering spa and award-winning restaurant are top recommendations.

Read more: The best things to do on a trip to Ballarat. 

Best free things to do in the Goldfields

Find your zen as you wander the peaceful 40ha Ballarat Botanical Gardens or take a refreshing summer swim at the former mining dam of St Georges Lake.

In Daylesford, the Amazing Mill Markets are ideal to peruse for antiques, collectables, clothing, furniture, and curious knick-knacks.

Best arts, culture & shopping in the Goldfields

Ballarat is a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, and the Ballarat Art Gallery is the city’s cultural heart. Combine with one of the town’s four self-guided art walks.

Read more: The best regional art galleries to visit in Victoria.

In Daylesford, Vincent Street is an ideal place to explore old treasures in the antique stores. You can also step back in time aboard the 1882 heritage Daylesford Spa Country Railway.

Best walks in the Goldfields

For a scenic walk, take the 40-minute Peace Mile path around Lake Daylesford or the 90-minute loop walk around Lake Wendouree in Ballarat. For a more strenuous trail, walk or bike part of the 210km Goldfields Track, connecting Bendigo to Mt Buninyong.

Further afield, the legendary Hanging Rock Trail is a fascinating 1.5-hour hike. Along with its scenic beauty and cultural significance to the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Traditional Owners, the trail connects to bushranger ‘Mad Dog’ Morgan and the Australian novel/movie Picnic at Hanging Rock. It's also one of Victoria's many extinct volcanoes.

RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort

A stay at RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort offers luxury, style, and excellent customer service. Located in the stunning Yarra Valley, resort highlights include rejuvenating One Spa treatments, an aquatic centre, and Michael Clayton-designed 18-hole golf course.

Best attractions near RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort

One of Yarra Valley’s star attractions is the wildlife haven of Healesville Sanctuary. Explore the animal’s habitats or meet them close-up as part of a wildlife encounter (additional costs apply). Nearby you'll also find the famous Puffing Billy railway, a heritage steam train that takes passengers through a magical forest journey to towns such as Lakeside, Menzies Creek and Gembrook.

For oenophiles (wine lovers), the Yarra Valley wows with fabulous wine tasting, great meals, and gorgeous vine-covered hilly landscapes. Ther are over 80 wineries, from traditional establishments like Yering Station, the region’s oldest, to a range of new vineyards, to choose from.

Best free things to do in Healesville

One of Victoria’s best road trips, a scenic drive along the winding Black Spur route takes you through the Yarra Valley’s verdant vistas, mountain ash forest, and rolling hills. When you reach Marysville, take a stoll along the Steavenson River, which runs through the town centre and is lined by parks and gardens. The cascading Steavenson Falls is a 15-minute drive away.

In Lilydale, stop by the free Yarra Ranges Regional Museum to see 13,000 regional artefacts, informative exhibitions, installations, and immersive activities.

Best arts, culture & shopping in Healesville

The lush Yarra Valley clearly inspires creativity. In the Kinglake Ranges, tour the 10 water-tank murals on the Dindi Arts Trail. For a bush stroll with a difference, visit the 45-minute Toolangi Sculpture Trail with forest-focused art symbiotically decaying as the forest ages.

One of regional Victoria’s best art galleries, the TarraWarra Museum of Art presents thought-provoking 20th- and 21st-century contemporary art, plus an on-site winery.

For Healesville retail therapy, wander the boutiques along Maroondah Highway for treasure, trinkets, and art.

Best walks near Healesville

With 76,000 hectares of ancient forests, cascading waterfalls, and native flora and fauna, there are ample walks to include on your Yarra Valley itinerary. For epic views on an easy path, take the Badger Weir Loop Walk or Maroondah Reservoir trail.

The 7.5km Yarra Glen Trail from Lilydale to Yering follows an old railway line. Balance your day with the yummy local food and wine options en route.