Get set to rediscover Victoria! From urban laneways, glittering lakes and rivers, lush greenery, and unique wildlife, there’s plenty to do this summer across the state.
Here are 8 ways to inspire you to rediscover Victoria.
Get wild with real wildlife
Credit: Visit Victoria / Emily Godrey
Blessed with an incredible diversity of wildlife, it’s hard to say no to the chance to visit an authentic Australian wildlife park. The Koala Conservation Reserve on Phillip Island is one such park well worth a visit. Get to know the koalas in their natural habitat, take a walk through the woodlands, and enjoy the abundant birdlife, wallabies and echidnas.
Phillip Island is also home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world. The Penguin Parade lets you experience the magic of these amazing seabirds as they waddle home from the ocean any night of the year!.
Stay at NRMA Phillip Island Holiday Park
Visit a Brewery
Credit: Visit Victoria
What do you get when you mix fresh air, pure water and an entrepreneurial spirit? Some of the world’s best craft beers! Nagambie Lakes, or ‘Nagas’ as it’s also known, is more than just the birthplace of Black Caviar (the world's most successful thoroughbred), it also has superb fishing, amazing wine and great beer! At Nagambie Brewery and Distillery you’ll find it all. Also offering a spectacular view of Nagambie Lake, handmade brews, small-batch gins, and delicious food are never in short supply.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Nagambie Lakes or Porepunkah Pines Holiday Park
Hang with the Fairies
An outdoor park designed for the young and the young at heart, Fairy Park is where fantasies come true! Built-in 1959, Fairy Park is Australia’s first theme park and has since grown into a one-of-a-kind, place of magic dedicated to the art of bringing all of your favourite fairytales, myths, and legends to life!
Stay at Ingenia Holidays Torquay or Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
Relax on a River cruise
Credit: Visit Victoria
Life takes on a whole new perspective when you’re on the water! Why not explore the rivers and lakes of Victoria on your next holiday? The Goulburn Explorer in Nagambie Lakes lets you enjoy sunset views from the top deck while exploring the majesty of Australia’s native flora and fauna Want something different? A paddle steamer ride on the Murray will give you just that! Complete with foghorns, spinning wheels, and loads of history, a Echuca’s Murray River paddlesteamer cruise has something for the whole family.
Stay a Murray River Holiday Park or Discovery Parks - Echuca
Mine for Gold
Credit: Visit Victoria / Robert Blackburn
Relive the thrill of the Victorian gold rush era with a visit to some of Victoria’s former gold mines. Discover more about Bendigo’s golden past at Central Deborah Gold Mine, which was in full operation during the boom of the 1900s. Sovereign Hill in Ballarat is another destination where you can relive this golden past. Take a step into history at this living museum that presents life in Ballarat as it was in the 1850s.
Stay at Gold Nugget Tourist Park, Eureka Stockade Holiday Park
Get Arty
Credit: Visit Victoria / Robert Blackburn
With some of the best art galleries in the country, it’d be a shame not to see them! The Bendigo Art Gallery is the nation’s largest and oldest regional gallery. Explore and learn about 19th century European and Australian art here. The Ararat Gallery TAMA (Textile Art Museum Australia) is another public gallery in the Ararat region with collection that focuses on the 70s. Meanwhile, the National Gallery of Victoria needs no introduction - spend a day (or two!) in this architectural highlight and absorb its vast collection.
Stay at Stratford on the River Tourist Park, Discovery Parks - Melbourne, Crystal Brook Holiday Park
Saddle up on the Snowy River
Credit: Andrew Barnes
Known mostly as the birthplace of the now cult film, The Man from Snowy River, which was based on a poem by Australian bush poet, Banjo Paterson, whether you’re a fan of the film or not, you’ll love the Snowy River Museum. Gain insight into the life of the man who inspired the poem and learn about what happened behind the scenes of the film. Alternatively, get your history lesson on horseback with a trek that uncovers the breathtaking beauty of Australia’s legendary high country.
Stay at Colac Colac Caravan Park, Discovery Parks - Jindabyne
Go Glamping
Treat yourself to an entirely unique holiday experience - glamping! Leave the swag and tents at home, but sleep under the stars anyway - on plump cotton pillows, soft matresses and fresh linen! Glamping lets you enjoy a next-level outdoor experience while keeping the elements firmly at bay. Australia has dozens of amazing glamping experiences, with some setups including all of the amenities of home including kitchenettes and ensuite bathrooms!
Stay at Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park, Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park
