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
Unique? Interlude is unquestionably in a league all of its own. If there is one word that best describes dining here, it's "fascinating". Forget your traditional three course meal, the best way to experience the creations of celebrated chef/owner Robin Wickens is by degustation. Robi...
Thanh Nga Nine is conveniently located in Victoria St, Richmond and is close to the City and the MCG. Just a new establishment Thanh Nga Nine has a great atmosphere with friendly and welcoming staff. The food is fresh and served in a traditional Viet...
Gurkhas Brasserie is one of the first Nepalese restaurants in Melbourne. Conveniently located on Lygon St, the main objective of Gurkhas is to serve the Australian public with the authentic and unique taste of the Himalaya. Gurkhas has earned an excellent reputation...
On Auburn Parade you will find a bar which is sophisticated and elegant; a total hideaway from the hustle and bustle of Burke Road. Bar None is where New York style meets European Service. Quite simply Bar None is recognized as one of Melbourne's best cocktail bars. Just opened is ...
Situated in the bustling Lygon Street, Santino's provides the perfect location close to the city for either an intimate dinner, business lunch or your next formal event. Whether you are looking for a wedding reception, or stylish restaurant, Santinos co...
James Frangos bought the Belvedere Hotel in 1974 and, since then, he and his family have created an iconic Daylesford institution. Frangos & Frangos is the hotels signature restaurant, providing an ambience that is evocative of the local bohemian vibe. The menu features se...
Aireys Inlet Getaway is nestled in an unspoilt pocket of pristine coastline of Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road, halfway between Torquay and Lorne. Set on a backdrop of breathtaking native bushland, guests can escape and unwind in beautiful villas within walking dis...
The Woolshed is nestled in an unspoilt pocket of pristine coastline in Torquay, along the famous Great Ocean Road. The Woolshed offers rustic, boutique self contained accommodation & is bursting with character & charm. Offering the perfect escape, either for a romantic weekend or ...
The Glen Farm Cottages is nestled on a 700 acre working farm, in a breathtaking river valley with cattle, horses, bushland & an abundance of wildlife. Situated only 2km to the spectacular Great Ocean Road & its pristine coastline, shops & restaurants. This rustic fa...
It’s often been maintained that a Zebra can not change its stripes, well not so! Ocean Grove's first watering hole had to overcome an 1888 covenant banning alcohol before opening its doors in March 2006. Now the bustling tavern, located right in the centre of town is a local...
Namaste is a superb locally famed restaurant on King Street, only a short stroll from Southbank & Docklands & just a few minutes to the Telstra Dome; the perfect stop for a mouth-watering meal before or after the football. Embark on an authentic dining ...
Fat Cat Bar & Bistro is a charming establishment on High Street which immediately presents an uncontrived homeliness; a friendly, warm & family-like feeling once stepping inside, like meeting an old friend. Owners Carl & Trudi Jones offer their years of expertise from li...
Because Grand Ridge Brewery is so religious about beer it is affectionately referred to by the locals as the monastery on the mountain. This coveted title sits well with company founder Eric Walters, as it is a perfect acknowledgement of what he has achieved. With shee...
Yarra Valley just a short drive from Melbourne and even quicker with the opening of East Link. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Yarra Valley and escape in the picturesque splendour that Killara Estate Offers. Sit by the fire, sip on one of their finest wines and indulge...
Kara Kara Estate is a picturesque family operated Winery, Restaurant & Café, nestled in the magical splendour of the Pyrenees Wine Region of Victoria. The name 'Kara Kara Estate' Vineyard was named after an aboriginal term meaning "Gold Quartz" an...
The Sichuan Dining Room greets you with a rare and breathtaking, traditional Chinese elegance, befitting of the decadence within. The alluring ambience beckons you; golden adorned columns decorating the entrance subdued red and gold lanterns creating a unique intimacy and ...
Elmswood Estate is a boutique winery nestled on 20 acres in the Upper Yarra Valley with 180 degree views to die for! This hidden treasure is a must see! The Cellar Door, built in the old tractor sheds is open for tasting 7 days & café style meals are available on weekends &...
With a prime waterfront location right in the heart of the New Quay promenade, in Docklands, Melbourne, Bhoj boasts magnificent uninterrupted views. Add to this the expansive indoor and alfresco seating, rich aromas of herbs & spices and it quite simply makes for an ex...
Baranows is on the corner of Burwood and Glenferrie Roads in Hawthorn and was originally an old bank with beautiful high ceilings. As soon as you walk in you become immediately aware that you are in one of Melbourne’s most elegant and sophisticated lounges. With the leather lo...
Situated in Footscray, tucked in a quite often desolate Irving Street, amongst Hanoi's street-side cafes, is Thien An Vietnamese Restaurant; a hidden jewel which showcases supremely fresh, authentic dishes from Central Vietnam. The vibrant coloured décor is ref...
The Anchorage is an elegant restaurant boasting majestic views on the waters edge. Perfect for a business lunch, function or intimate candle-lit dinner. With its alluring ambience, renowned excellence in service & nautical memorabilia, you can unwind & completely ...
Romantic Vineyard is a charming & rustic boutique-style winery nestled on 20 beautiful acres of eucalyptus trees & grape vines, in the picturesque splendour of Amherst. At night you can see millions of stars twinkling out & into the universe. Dave Mitchell & Renee DeRobertis ...
Evelyn County Estate is a breathtakingly picturesque 40 acre estate only 35 mins from the CBD, nestled amongst an abundance of greenery at the Gateway to the Yarra Valley. Several varieties of grapes are grown onsite including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pi...
With over 30 years of success, Universal Pizza offers an inviting casual dining experience. Offering large servings of high quality meals at an affordable price, our creative chefs combine old-world charm with modern-day culinary masterpieces. The results are a comfortable atmo...
Blue Pyrenees Estate is located on the outskirts of the scenic town of Avoca, in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountain range in central Victoria; less than two hours drive from Melbourne & just 70 kilometres out of Ballarat. Established in 1963, Blue Pyrenees Estate was amo...