Home to stunning coastline, wild mountain scenery and Australia’s trendiest city, Victoria is a state unlike any other. Opportunities to discover Australia’s “Great Outdoors” are abundant, from cruising down the iconic Great Ocean Road to sampling local drops at the boutique wineries of the Yarra Valley.

A Murray River cruise is a great way to relax and unwind while soaking up the lovely coastal scenery of the Mornington Peninsula is a guaranteed way to slow down the pace. Visitors love to get up close and personal with fairy penguins on Phillip Island, while gold rush towns like Bendigo unlock access to Australia’s colonial past. For a walk on Victoria’s wild side, escaping to places like High Country and Grampians National Park is eternally popular with both locals and tourists alike.

Victoria is well connected by a network of roads and highways, which makes road-tripping the easiest and most exciting way to travel the state. In Melbourne, riding a tram is a rite of passage, though walking is by far one of the best ways to explore the hidden laneways, hole-in-the-wall cafes and stylish boutiques that pepper the city.

Fêted as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is a mecca for visitors in search of something beyond sun-kissed beaches. It serves up an inspired culinary scene, as well as what’s arguably Australia’s best artisan coffee. Visitors will also find world class shopping, featuring everything from independent boutiques to branded factory outlets.