Sydney has the ‘wow factor’ for visitors. It’s intrinsically linked to Australian tourism and is undoubtably the first place that comes to mind, summoning images of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach.
The hippie origins of Byron Bay have been given a good buff – these days it’s a shinier, fancier version of its former self. The influx of mass tourism surely makes a local shudder, but there is no doubt there is many a gem to treasure.
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.
Whilst it’s difficult to pronounce Oaxaca, once you’ve mastered this, the only struggle you will have is leaving. Phonetically pronounced ‘wa-ha-ca’, this incredibly photogenic colonial city will have you admiring every colour saturated street corner.
There’s a little piece of this world that took my unsuspecting heart by surprise. Something about being surrounded by the imposing red, pink and white cliffs of Zion feels close to magic.
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.
Ella is set in the hill country of Sri Lanka, where the higher altitude means the air is noticeably cooler and offers immediate respite from the typical humidity. The lush green surrounds are made for hiking, so this is the ultimate place to put your sneakers on and explore as far as you can.
Macedonia is a land-locked country, but suffers nothing for lack of a beach. Ohrid, which is settled alongside one of the deepest and oldest lakes in Europe, has all the magnetism of a coastal city.
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.
