The Way to See Victoria

Suggested Getaways Going East and West
(One-Week Timetable)

Going West

Day 1:
Melbourne to Echuca.

To Do: Enjoy a few hours on a paddlesteamer down the Murray River from Echuca.

Day 2:
Echuca to Ballarat's Sovereign Hill.

To Do: Make an early start as you'll want to spend most of the day exploring the Sovereign Hill live museum, pan for gold and take a trip down old mines.

Day 3:
Ballarat to The Grampians.

To Do: Another early start will see you at The Grampians in plenty of time to do some exploring. Some of the walks are a bit strenuous, but the offered views are worth the perspiration.

Day 4:
The Grampians to Warrnambool.

To Do: It's a two-hour trip down to Warrnambool with plenty of nice countryside to pass through. In Warrnambool check out the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, which recreates an early Australian coastal town and includes the original lighthouse and defences. In season, go whale watching.

Day 5:
Warrnambool to Port Campbell.

To Do: You make a later start on this section as the drive to Port Campbell is not a lengthy one. You do, however, want to make sure you leave plenty of time to visit the various rock formations along the way or just sit and enjoy the scenery. The Apostles are a must and a few hours spent sun-baking in Loch Ard Gorge is time well spent.

Day 6:
Port Campbell to Queenscliff.

To Do: You can go the faster inland route via Colac, or take a leisurely and stunning drive along The Great Ocean Road. The extra hours are worthwhile as few places on earth can match the beauty of this coastline.

Day 7:
Queenscliff to Melbourne.

To Do: Have a bit of a sleep in and take a walk around the picturesque town before catching the car ferry to Sorrento and taking a pleasant drive back to Melbourne via the Mornington Peninsula. There are wineries along the way, a choice of bay or surf beaches and the historic homestead at The Briars with a major collection of items used by Napoleon Bonaparte on St Helena.

Suggested Getaways
(One-Week Timetable)

Going East

Day 1:
Melbourne to Phillip Island.

To Do: Visit the surf beaches, flora and fauna parks and, at night, see the Fairy Penguin Parade.

Day 2:
Phillip Island to Wilson's Promontory.

To Do: A myriad of bush and beach walks are available, take time to see Australian fauna up close or don snorkels, masks and flippers and explore an undersea wonderland.

Day 3:
Wilson's Promontory.

To Do: Take another day out and relax amid the gorgeous scenery.

Day 4:
Wilson's Promontory to the Gippsland Lakes.

To Do: The Gippsland Lakes are some of Australia's largest inland waterways and will appeal to those who like watersports, fishing or just relaxing in picturesque surroundings. Two major spots to stay are Metung and Lakes Entrance.

Day 5:
Gippsland Lakes.

To Do: For an excellent day trip you can visit the Buchan Caves.

Day 6:
Gippsland Lakes to Tarra-Bulga National Park.

To Do: Located south of the city of Traralgon, the park offers visitors bushwalks through lush rainforests and stands of giant mountain ash trees. An exceptional chance to spot a multitude of songbirds and lyrebirds.

Day 7:
Mornington Peninsula to Melbourne.

To Do: There are wineries along the way, a choice of bay or surf beaches and the historic homestead at The Briars with a major collection of items used by Napoleon Bonaparte on St Helena.

Others
Natural Wonders
Historic Sites
Wineries