Beyond Melbourne
Beyond the hustle and bustle of Melbourne’s iconic café culture, arts scene and sporting events, Victoria offers plenty to see and do.
From specious food and wine regions like the Yarra Valley to the spectacular coastal gems of Mornington and Bellarine Peninsula, we look to our neighbouring state to inspire future travel plans.
So, clip in those seatbelts and come for a drive with us through Victoria.
Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
1. Healesville Sanctuary
Following the Victorian bushfires in late 2019 and early 2020, the Healesville Sanctuary played an integral part in nursing many injured animals back to health. Now, they’re releasing many of them back to the wild.
You can visit the sanctuary just one hour from Melbourne and meet the vets and nurses who care for the sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.
Walk through the park and see koalas, platypus, dingoes, wombats and more. Watch the Spirits of the Sky Bird Show and be wowed by birds of prey and majestic parrots.
2. Puffing Billy
Jump aboard the historic Puffing Billy steam train and make your way through the heart of the Dandenong Ranges.
The open-side carriages offer beautiful views of the valley and forest as you travel from Belgrave to Gembrook Station.
Make your way through temperate rainforest, brushing past lush fern gullies and towering mountain ash trees.
If you’re looking for something a little different, try the Train, Museum and Morning Tea experience. The Puffing Billy leaves Belgrave and makes its way to Menzies Creek where you can visit the museum and enjoy morning tea.
3. Yarra Valley Dairy
The Yarra Valley is a world-famous wine region, but it also has a long history of dairy farming, making it the perfect destination for cheese lovers.
At Yarra Valley Dairy, you’ll find handmade French and Italian style soft cheeses. Discover the goat and cow cheeses on offer paired with local wines.
There’s so much variety, you won’t know where to start. Taste the chevre – a fresh goat milk cheese paired with dill. If you’re looking for something with a bit more of a kick, try the fresh cow milk cheese marinated in chilli.
Mornington Peninsula
4. TWØBAYS Brewing Co
Are you coeliac or gluten intolerant, but like a brew? Or maybe you’re just a craft beer aficionado.
TWØBAYS Brewing Co caters for everyone, with a range of gluten-free beers, including a pale ale and lager, made using ancient grains.
If you’re feeling a bit peckish, they also serve delicious gluten-free wood-fired pizzas.
5. Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens
Want a puzzle that’ll challenge the entire family? If you do, visit Australia’s oldest hedge maze.
Ashcombe Maze is made up of more than 100 cypress trees and thousands of metres of pathways.
With the hedges now more than 3m high and 2m thick, your whole family will have a blast weaving and winding their way through the maze.
After making your way out of the labyrinth of pathways, take a walk through the lavender garden or enjoy some scones and cream at the café.
Phillip Island
6. Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
Visit Phillip Island’s very own Wonka Chocolate Factory and see these mouth-watering sweets made right in front of your eyes.
Eat smooth, sweet chocolate, see how it’s made, and explore Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate.
Panny’s celebrates the confectionary through interactive displays, including a village made completely of chocolate and a choccie waterfall.
You can watch chocolatiers working their magic and even create your very own sweet creation.