Regional Victoria Holidays 2022 / 2023

Victoria beyond Melbourne

Go on holiday in regional Victoria and you’ll get to know the Australian state beyond its capital, Melbourne. You can drive the Great Ocean Road, watch wild penguins parade on beaches, explore wine trails that stretch for miles, and unwind in natural mineral springs.

Victoria is the smallest of Australia’s mainland states and the most southerly. Its coastline is dotted with beaches and pretty islands, lapped by the Indian Ocean. And, further inland, you’ll find rainforests, rolling hills, grand mountains and spectacular rock formations. But any holiday to Victoria inevitably begins in Melbourne. It’s easy to see why the state capital has earned its stellar lifestyle reputation. Don’t miss rooftop bars and the quaint laneways they overlook. Have a day by the sea at vintage St. Kilda and browse markets in Fitzroy. If you want great museums, the National Gallery of Victoria is Australia’s oldest art gallery. And, when you want serious coffee, the hip South Yarra neighbourhood is a must-visit.

But there’s plenty to see in regional Victoria. Head north of the city to wine country – in the Yarra Valley, you can tour the vineyards and try delicious cool-climate wines. Or, go for a wander the wild forests of Dandenong Ranges. Animal lovers should spend a day on Phillip Island where, if you wait until duck, you’ll see the famous ‘penguin parade’ on Summer Beach. To discover the wildest wildlife, though, take a tour through the rainforests of enormous Gippsland, just east of Melbourne.

No other state has more natural mineral springs than Victoria and the best are found in the delightful Daylesford Macedon Ranges. For waterfalls and majestic mountains make for the Grampians, three hours’ west of Melbourne. And if you head south of the city you’ll come to the Great Ocean Road. A road trip legend which stretches for 400 kilometres, this amazing route takes in coastal features like the Twelve Apostles sea stacks and the dramatic Loch Ard Gorge, plus wineries, heritage villages, animal sanctuaries, Aboriginal art and Cape Otway Lighthouse – the oldest and most southerly in Australia.

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Things to do

Victoria is compact yet manages to pack in a lot, and there are some things you definitely shouldn’t miss. Once you’ve had your fill of Melbourne, take a tram to the seaside at St. Kilda and try Northcote for first-class food trucks. Then head to Mornington Peninsula for bushwalks and local markets. For immersion in vintage Victoria, visit the recreated 19^th-century goldrush town of Sovereign Hill, and admire the magnificent goldrush mansions at Ballarat.

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Spend a spa-day – or two – in Daylesford Macedon Ranges, soaking in the soothing thermal water, and then tour the area’s heritage towns. Balance wine tasting in the Grampians with a visit to Brambuk Cultural Centre to learn about Victoria’s Aboriginal history. And, if you crave a simple day by the ocean, go for a stroll on Fairhaven near Anglesea – the longest beach on the Great Ocean Road. Or for longer still, find Ninety Mile Beach in Gippsland.

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Best experiences

As experiences in Victoria go, driving the Great Ocean Road is hard to beat. Depending on the length of your holiday, you could travel all 400 kilometres, or just do part of the route. Even on the shortest drive, you’ll find natural wonders and spectacular coastal views. On the way, you can explore the rainforest in Great Otway National Park, and go koala-spotting around the blue gum trees at Kennet River. Don’t miss wild Wongarra Bay or the beautiful Hopetoun Falls. And, if you reach the iconic Twelve Apostles, make sure you walk down the Gibson Steps to see the sea stacks at their finest.

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Yarra Valley is another must. After you’ve done the wine trails, tour Dame Nellie Melba’s wonderful house and gardens. And then ride a vintage steam train through immense Dandenongs’ forest near Belgrave. Or, if you want to gain insight into Aboriginal culture, head to the Grampians and follow the Silo Art Trail.

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Best activities

Iconic surf brands Billabong and Quiksilver were born in Victoria. Melbourne hosts the Australian Tennis Open each year. And Phillip Island has an international Grand Prix Circuit. So if you want activities, Victoria certainly delivers.

Up in the air, you can float over the Yarra Valley in a hot air balloon or catch a helicopter to view the Twelve Apostles. Torquay’s one of the state’s famous surf towns, but beaches all along the coast come good on water sports. Swap driving for hiking and do part of the Great Ocean Walk. You can even ride horses along the shore in Port Phillip Bay.

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When you want to get up-close to wildlife, visit Great Otway National Park for incredible guided night walks through Melba Gully, where you’ll see shimmering glow worms. Or head to Wilsons Promontory and catch a cruise to see some of Victoria’s dramatic coastline, as well as colonies of sea lion and pods of dolphins.

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Best time to visit

Victoria's climate is as diverse as the state itself. It ranges from hot and semi-arid in the northwest, to cooler, fresher weather along the coast. Like the UK, Victoria has four seasons, and the weather here is far less extreme than other Australian states. The varied seasons means the best time to travel depends on what you want to see and do.

The summer months of December, January and February see temperatures hover in the early-twenties – so you can soak up some sun, but still explore in comfort. Spring and autumn are cooler, with day temperatures between 13 and 17°C. And it’s best to avoid May and October, as these are the wettest months.

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Alternatively, you could go to Victoria in winter. Between June and August, temperatures hover around 10°C, with the odd frosty night. While you won’t get a tan at this time of year, it’s the perfect time to see Victoria without the crowds. Winter is also peak time for whale migration along Victoria’s coastline, so you’re likely to spot humpbacks and orcas.

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11 Day Great Ocean Road Trip

11 days From £1399pp

Explore the states of Victoria and South Australia as you travel along one of the worlds most iconic and beautiful coastal drives. Once you leave Melbourne you’ll see the contrast between the rugged coastline and the lush forest that sit side by side each. Visit wineries in Barossa Valley before heading to Adelaide

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11 Day Cairns & Queensland by Camper

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Explore Western Australia by campervan before taking an epic journey on the transcontinental Indian Pacific railway from Perth to Sydney. Take in the city sights before moving on to stunning Hamilton Island.

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13 Day Christmas & New Year in Australia

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19 Day Ultimate Pacific Adventure

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3 Day The Ghan – Adelaide to Darwin

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18 Day West Coast Adventure

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14 Day Singapore and Australia

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Singapore is one of the most popular stopover destinations en route to Australia, and is the ideal combo for getting a flavour of Asia before arriving Down Under.

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Bay Villas Resort 4

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Port Douglas is a Queensland treasure. It’s the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the region’s lush Daintree Rainforest. Expect beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and some of the oldest trees in the world on your doorstep.

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Pullman Cairns International 5

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You’ll have everything on your doorstep for your Cairns adventure at Pullman Cairns International. Poised right by the harbour, this hotel gives you unbeatable views of the boats sailing past and bustling city life.

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Desert Gardens Hotel 3

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Desert Gardens Hotel is the ideal place to soak up Central Australia’s indigenous culture. It’s the only hotel in the Ayres Rock Resort, with a selection of rooms that overlook Uluru.

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Seashells Scarborough 4

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Seashells Scarborough puts convenience at the heart of everything it does. With different apartment options, you can choose the space to suit you, safe in the knowledge that you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips.

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Crown Metropol Perth 5

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Crown Metropol Perth is something of a foodie’s paradise, with 19 restaurants, bars and lounges on site. No matter the time of day, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you fancy a bite to eat here, as you’ll find everything from steak to seafood to tapas to teppanyaki.

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Holiday Inn Darling Harbour 4

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You’ll find Holiday Inn Darling Harbour in the heart of Sydney’s lively Darling Harbour, close to the city centre. So there are lots of bars, shops and attractions on your doorstep.

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InterContinental Sydney 5

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You’d be hard pushed to find a better Sydney location. Situated in Circular Quay’s dress circle, InterContinental Sydney is opposite the Royal Botanic Gardens, around the corner from the Museum of Sydney, and just a stone’s throw from the Sydney Opera House.

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Crown Promenade Melbourne 4

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Crown Promenade Melbourne is located in the heart of the city’s Southbank area. It’s a sophisticated place to base yourself, with galleries, bars, restaurants, boutique shops and more on your doorstep.

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Majestic Roof Gardens 4

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Just around the corner from buzzing Rundle Street, Majestic Roof Gardens provides a tranquil escape in the centre of Adelaide.

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Pan Pacific Perth 5

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If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of central Perth while enjoying calming waterfront views, head to Pan Pacific Perth.

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Reef View Hamilton Island 4

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Part of the Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most desirable holiday destinations. Just a stone’s throw from the Great Barrier Reef, the island is fringed by bright coral reefs and surrounded by tropical fish.

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Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks 4

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You’ll find this modern hotel in The Rocks – a neighbourhood steeped in history, against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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Rydges Sydney Harbour 4

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Rydges Sydney Harbour lies between two of the city’s most famous landmarks. From the rooftop pool, you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

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Seashells Fremantle 4

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Seashells Fremantle provides a home away from home with its range of self-contained apartments. Rooms are bright and airy with large windows overlooking Perth, while plants and greenery bring the outdoors in.

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Villa San Michelle 4

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Villa San Michele serves up a slice of the Mediterranean in the centre of Port Douglas – a tropical town near the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

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Whitsunday Apartments, Hamilton Island 4

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Whitsundays Apartments is the ideal base for your Hamilton Island getaway. Wherever you wander, you’ll always have views across the turquoise Coral Sea and verdant Whitsunday Islands.

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