Twelve Apostles , Great Ocean Road
VICTORIA
Trendsetting Melbourne | Australia ’ s best road trip | Pristine national parks Fabulous culinary scene | Adorable fairy penguins | Remote beaches
© Visit Victoria
With sensational sporting events , renowned coastal drives and mouthwatering food and wine , Victoria boasts both the heart-pumping and the heavenly .
Hailed as the world ’ s most liveable city , Melbourne is Australia ’ s cultural , shopping , foodie and sporting capital . This bustling metropolis also flaunts trendy bars and clubs , cutting-edge restaurants , creative laneways , eclectic shops and hip neighbourhoods .
Experiencing the rugged beauty and striking vistas along the 170 mile-long Great Ocean Road is a must . It truly is one of the world ’ s most scenic coastal drives with craggy cliffs , limestone karsts , empty beaches , epic surf and soaring bluffs flanked by brilliant green countryside . Highlights include Teddy ’ s Lookout for a glimpse of the 12 Apostles ; the surfing hotspot of Torquay ; Anglesea ’ s family-friendly beaches and the resident kangaroos on the fairways of Anglesea Golf Club ; fashionable Lorne ; picturesque Apollo Bay and Cape Otway National Park ’ s rainforests , waterfalls and wildlife .
After travelling all this way , it would be rude not to sample some of the local food and wine , so set your SatNav for the lovely Yarra Valley . Here , you can taste regional flavours in the restaurants , wineries , distilleries and breweries that dot the area plus discover charming villages with vibrant art scenes .
The nearby Dandenong Ranges welcome with stunning gardens , cool forests and quaint townships . Take relaxing walks in the shadow of towering trees and plunging fern gullies or , enjoy their beauty from aboard the historic Puffing Billy steam train .
Further natural treats and striking landscapes await you in Grampians National Park . Gaze in awe at jagged peaks , glimpse ancient Aboriginal rock art , or head out on walking tracks that lead to waterfalls , wildlife and aweinspiring lookouts . Celebrate your adventuring at local cellar doors and inspired restaurants .
A treasure of Victoria ’ s coastline is the Mornington Peninsula . Breathe in the fresh sea air , laze on golden beaches , follow stunning coastal hikes and soak away your cares in steamy hot springs . Foodies will love the worldclass wineries and renowned restaurants .
Phillip Island is another highlight of Victoria , particularly where wildlife is concerned . This tiny island sanctuary is busy with seals , migratory whales , koalas and birdlife including cute penguins which waddle up the beach at sunset to their sand dune homes .
For a glimpse of times past , take a journey on an old-fashioned paddle steamer and cruise down the Murray River ; soak up the atmosphere of historic Port Fairy ; or pan for gold in Sovereign Hill , a recreated 1850s gold mining town .
74 AUSTRALIA visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 900