Ballarat is a city founded on the gold rush, one of the greatest the world has ever seen. The streets are lined with the profits of this, with grand Victorian buildings at every turn. The golden past of Ballarat casts light on a modern future for the third largest city in Victoria, with beautiful sights and delicious eats for today’s traveller. Located only 1.5 hours north-east of Melbourne, Ballarat is the perfect day trip or overnight getaway. SEE + DO…
Affectionately known as ‘Warby’, the identity of this little town is defined by the river. In the warmer months, it’s a place to cool down with picnics under the shaded shores and the gentle rapids attracting both swimmers and tubers alike. In the cooler months, the riverbank offers fresh air and beauty, for a brisk walk with a coffee in hand.
Where else in the world could you find yourself driving a car down a red dusty road behind a pair of sprinting emus? The Grampians offers wild surprises at every turn – whether it’s an incredible view from the top of a mountain peak, an inviting natural swimming hole, the awe of an ancient Indigenous rock art site, or some beloved Australian wildlife. This is a bushwalker’s paradise and one of my favourite Victorian getaways. Located 3.5 hrs from Melbourne,…
Echuca is brimming with charm and nostalgia, carefully preserving the history of its heyday, when paddlesteamers and trade were the lifeblood of Victoria. Echuca is an Aboriginal word from the Yorta Yorta people, meaning ‘the meeting of the waters’, because it is where the Murray, Goulburn and Darling Rivers all meet.
Wilson’s Prom is a slice of rugged wilderness, a contrasting world to the hustle of Melbourne city life only three hours away. Either out of affection or laziness, or maybe a bit of both, many simply refer to the southern-most tip of Australia as ‘The Prom’. The vastness and diversity of landscape here is a hiker’s dream and no doubt you’ll spend your time here threading your way through the many trails.
The Dandenong Ranges is at its very best, when the weather is at it’s very worst. It’s the kind of place where the rain adds atmosphere – everything is just a little bit greener, the mist hangs low amongst the trees and woodfire smoke tinges the fresh mountain air.
When writing about the Yarra Valley, it’s hard not to start with the wineries. The Yarra Valley was Victoria’s first wine region with the earliest vines planted there in 1838. Today it is a world renowned producer of cool climate wines, known for its sparkling, chardonnay and pinot noir. Another time we’ll cover off some of the lesser knowns, but this is all about the classics – an essential guide for the first timer.
The Mornington Peninsula has the best parts of a Victorian day trip, all bundled up into the one convenient archipelago. Within 90 minutes drive of Melbourne, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice with a scattering of seaside towns, coastal walks and cool climate wineries.
A typical day trip from Melbourne might take you to the Dandenong Ranges, the Yarra Valley or even Daylesford. Castlemaine probably isn’t one of the first destinations that come to mind, but I have a feeling that might change in the near future. Something is brewing over there.
