Hugging the tip of the east coast is Australia's second-smallest state. Packed into such a compact area however is a wealth of diverse regional areas and attractions, from national parks and forests teeming with wildlife to wineries, lakes and mountains offering skiing, climbing and hiking. Victoria is a state of scenic contrasts; the red deserts of the far west, the gentle valleys of the northeast, the rugged coastline west of Port Phillip Bay, and the famous Great Ocean Road. Best of all, many of Victoria's unique and varied landscapes are easily accessible as day trips from Melbourne.
Melbourne's melting pot of cultures is reflected in its micro-cosmos of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars. Fashionable, eclectic and eccentric – Melbourne's dining spots offer a dizzying spread of the world's great cuisines, serving meals from the substantial and classic to the truly exotic. Renowned for its sense of style and elegance, Melbourne boasts glamorous festivals and events, great shopping, a lively passion for eating and drinking, and a flourishing interest in the arts. Beautiful vestiges of nineteenthcentury architecture, built following the discovery of gold, are heady reminders of a prosperous age, while meticulously tended parks and gardens present a therapeutic respite from the pace of city life.
Outside of Melbourne discover the diversity and beauty of Victoria's regions, rich in both human and natural history. From the world-class wineries of the Yarra Valley to the mineral springs of Macedon Ranges and Spa Country, the coastal villages of the peninsulas to alpine towns in the Victorian High Country. Many monuments remain; celebrating the ingenuity of the Aboriginal tribes in the form of cave paintings on rock walls, where nature has created its own great monuments, from the desolate sandhills of the Wimmera, the prehistoric gorges of the Central Highlands, to the volcanic plains of the Southwest and the coastline's spectacular cliffs. Much also remains of the settlers' past: the fine old colonial buildings and villages of Otway-Geelong, the goldfields with their memorial for bushrangers and Kelly Country, domain of the infamous Ned Kelly. Drive along the scenic Great Ocean Road, survey vineyards and farmland from a hot-air balloon, or pull on your walking boots and follow tracks and trails through the Grampians.
RECENT REVIEWS FOR VICTORIA
Maze Restaurant is set to open its doors on the 29th of March 2010. This is celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's latest project building on the success of its acclaimed UK namesake. Warm tones and natural material & finishes make for a chic and elegant dining room ...
Maze Grill, by Gordon Ramsay, is set to open its doors on the 29th of March 2010 alongside Maze Restaurant. More informal than Maze Restaurant, Maze Grill is modeled on the style of New York’s grill restaurants. Raw steel, rough cut slate, thickly glazed tiles and an open kitchen ...
The Vista is a chic & colourful restaurant with an inviting ambience. Owners Jack & Irene Spanidis pride themselves on impeccable service which is reflected by their friendly, attentive & experienced staff. The Vista is a funky café by day & converts to an elega...
Sure, dining at Mambo Italiano is a more rustic occasion than what you’ll experience at some more ostentatious Melbourne Italian Restaurants, but you are sure to leave with a smile on your face and a whole lot of authentic Sicilian fare in your belly. The down to earth menu may...
Mitsuno is a charming Japanese restaurant in the mecca of the vibrant dining precinct on Glenferrie Road in the pretty & historic village of Malvern. Showcasing traditional Japanese cuisine and creative contemporary meals. Hide, their talented chef uses subtle & uni...
Baffetti Ristorante’s motto is to provide exquisite Italian cuisine with fine dining service. The staff are immaculately dressed in crisp white shirts and black pants with aprons, adding a certain air of professionalism. Three highly experienced and qualified Italian...
It’s so easy to love this casual, but earthy Middle Eastern /
Mediterranean Style Eating House. Warm colourful surrounds, friendly informal service & a relaxed easy atmosphere encourage you to take your meal slow. Enjoy Smoked Duck Salad with Roasted Autumn Fruits, Tender Lamb, art...
If your visiting Victoria, no doubt The Mornington Peninsula is on your to do. For guidance & recommendations in the region visit the team at the Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre. No shortage of activities, restaurants & wineries i...
It’ll pay not to walk into just any Thai restaurant in Laverton! Despite its suburban shopping centre location, (opposite the Laverton Medical Centre) Nara Thai attracts a eager crowd of loyal locals, and it’s hardly surprising when you site down to southern spiced, full flavoured d...
Don’t be fooled by the comical name, as Mamma’s Boys is a very slick and professional establishment providing a refreshing addition to the suburban Kew dining scene. The décor would best be described as elegantly modern with staff being professionally attired in full uniform and apron...
Su:t means charcoal in Korean and as the name suggests this is most certainly not your average suburban restaurant. Conveniently located in Box Hill, Su:t offers a traditional Korean cuisine in a setting best described as ‘East meets West’. The a la carte menu is com...
The Social is the coolest and sexiest venue on the Peninsula and offers a cosy environment in the beautiful wine bar. With an extensive tapas menu, you can nibble and chat your way through the night with friends. The Social restaurant serves our signature tapas menu and some of t...
What do you get when you mix Parisian bohemia, Indian flavours and a New Orleans groove? Well…you get a Famous Blue Raincoat of course! Named after the song by Leonard Cohen, this funky lounge style bar has all the stress-free character of its namesake. Chill out with a co...