Janine Kelso samples city life, wineries and wildlife in the southeastern Australian state of Victoria
Hip travellers seeking culture and relaxation will love Victoria, situated in the southeast of the country. Teeming with spas, wineries, boutique hotels and surfing beaches, it’s ideal for a rejuvenating escape.
Things to see
Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital, with streets bustling with art galleries and historic theatres. The city has a gourmet reputation thanks to its 3,000 restaurants, bistros and cafes serving up 75 different ethnic flavours. Visitors can also tour the set of Neighbours – the soap opera is filmed in the city’s suburbs.
Wine enthusiasts should head to the Yarra Valley, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, to explore the region’s vineyards. The area is ideal for upmarket visitors seeking boutique retreats and top-notch restaurants. For a bird’s-eye view of the valley, take a hot-air balloon ride.
Hire a flashy ride and hit the scenic Great Ocean Road, which meanders through maritime villages along Victoria’s southwest coast. Look out for iconic sights
such as the Twelve Apostles and the rainforest scenery of the Otway Ranges.
Things to do
Hang out in Melbourne’s central Federation Square – the place to see and be seen – in one of its cosy cafes, hip galleries, chic bars or boutique shops. Eat out at Taxi Dining Room before knocking back a few drinks at Transit Cocktail Lounge.
Have a go at rock climbing or abseiling at the Grampians National Park, famed for its dramatic mountain scenery punctuated by waterfalls and striking rock formations. There are plenty of trails for hikers to attempt, all offering fantastic views. Spot wildlife such as wallabies, kangaroos and koalas along the way.
Feeling sore after all that exertion? Indulge in mineral springs around the spa towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Known since Aboriginal times as a place of healing, these towns are just 90 minutes from Melbourne.
Where to stay
Stay in one of Victoria’s many stylish boutique hotels, such as Captain’s at the Bay, in Apollo Bay, a hip bed and breakfast that sleeps 11 couples in cottage-style accommodation in a peaceful setting, just a short walk from the beach.
If you’re heading off to the region’s Spa Country, crash at The Lake House in Daylesford, a relaxing retreat with an award-winning spa offering a wide range of treatments, a top restaurant and a classic wine cellar.
If wine is your choice tipple, stay at Yering Gorge Cottages, situated on the Yarra River, surrounded by wineries, golf courses and good restaurants.
For an upmarket city stay, try The Lyall in Melbourne, which offers suite accommodation and provides guests with shopping incentives to help them make the most out of this chic part of town.
What’s new
The end of November sees the opening of Melbourne’s latest visitor attraction, the Southern Star Observation Wheel. Located in the Waterfront City development, the wheel, which stands 120 metres tall, will operate 365 days a year, offering views of up to 25 miles from its 21 air-conditioned glass cabins, which accommodate up to 20 people each. Journeys will last 25-30-minutes and tickets will cost £12 for adults and £7 for children.
Tourism Victoria has launched a free mobile-based application called The Insiders’ Guide to Melbourne. To download the Insider’s Guide, which gives visitors tips on top bars, restaurants and must-see sights and must-do activities, text the word ‘guide’ to 04488 48 433 (04488 GUIDE). A new version will launch each season.
Early 2009 will see the launch of the Hilton Group’s 20-storey, 396-room hotel on Melbourne’s Yarra River. Hilton also plans to open a 120-room wine resort and learning centre development in the Yarra Valley.
Victoria photos from flickr users
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Sample product
AAT Kings offers a three-night land-only tour of Melbourne, including accommodation and visits to Fitzroy Gardens, Captain Cook’s cottage, the Botanic Gardens, Warrook Cattle Farm, the Koala Conservation Centre, Phillip Island, the surfing beaches of Torquay and Bells Beach, plus the Twelve Apostles, for £304 per person, for departures until March 31 2009.
Australian Pacific Touring offers the five-day Melbourne and Great Ocean Road tour, for £485 per person, taking in the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge, including bed and breakfast and transfers. Prices valid until March 31 2009.
Victoria fact file
Gateways: Melbourne (Tullamarine) airport
Flying time: 21-22 hours
Climate: Victoria is warm and dry in the summer (December to February), mild in autumn (March to May), cold and damp in winter (June to August), and cool in spring (September to November). October is the wettest month.
GMT: +9 hours
Main Airlines
- Qantas
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Malaysia Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Thai Airways
Main Tour operators
- AAT Kings
- Abercrombie and Kent
- Audley Travel
- Austravel
- Carrier
- 1st Class Holidays
- Gold Medal
- ITC Classics
- Kuoni
- Latitude
- Qantas Holidays
- Thomas Cook
- Tradewinds
