Features
Sea change
It's time to get out and about: set your sights to the south and find freedom with a coastal Victorian escape.
Port Fairy, Great Ocean Road
Take a windswept wander along expansive beaches, through pristine rainforest canopy and follow paths atop rugged sea cliffs. Keep an eye out for Southern Right whales and dolphins making their way along the coast. Swim, surf, fish or stroll on the pier, and follow historic village trails.
Beachside accommodation is part of the fun. Wake to misty winter mornings or the pale golden light in your cosy accommodation by the sea. Set the fireplace going, late in the afternoon, and put your feet up, or draw a warm bath and take a soak, with amazing ocean views.
Cook up a meal with local produce and open the day's wine finds – or pop out to the local eatery. Some of the smallest villages host big names in hospitality. Expect local ingredients, fresh seafood and warm welcomes. Stay close and go further on your coastal winter escape.
Beachside accommodation is part of the fun. Wake to misty winter mornings or the pale golden light in your cosy accommodation by the sea. Set the fireplace going, late in the afternoon, and put your feet up, or draw a warm bath and take a soak, with amazing ocean views.
Cook up a meal with local produce and open the day's wine finds – or pop out to the local eatery. Some of the smallest villages host big names in hospitality. Expect local ingredients, fresh seafood and warm welcomes. Stay close and go further on your coastal winter escape.
Port Fairy
Meander the Shipwreck Coast to historic 19th-century fishing village Port Fairy, where wild nature is at its best.
In winter look out for Southern Right whales breaching right off the coast and at nearby Logans Beach in Warrnambool. Spot seals, birds, koalas, emus and plenty more wildlife on a visit to Tower Hill Reserve, a tour to Lady Julia Percy Island or on an exhilarating beach walk all the way to Warrnambool's Thunder Point. Make it a relaxed afternoon following an art trail or historic walking tour around the village. At night, draw up for a cosy meal – sample the season menu at Merrijig Kitchen – and bed down in boutique accommodation for an easy breezy escape.Top tips
- 283 kilometres (3.5 hours) out of Melbourne (inland route)
- Bring your binoculars for whale-watching
Bed & breakfasts
Drift House
Opened in December 2013, Drift House is one of the latest additions to the Australian boutique hotel landscape. Located right in the heart of the beautiful...
Restaurants
Merrijig Kitchen
Book for a memorable experience with outstanding local wines and a daily-changing menu of seasonal produce that's locally sourced and French inspired.
Walking & hiking
Mahogany Walking Track
Walk from Warrnambool to Port Fairy past the last known resting place of the elusive Mahogany Ship and spot echidnas, bird life and whales on the way.
Caravan & holiday parks
Port Fairy Glamping
Glamping is camping in luxury and Port Fairy Glamping is committed to providing you with a truly special experience, adding style and luxury your holiday...
Apartments
Tides Port Fairy
Architecturally designed to take advantage of the ocean views, Tides Port Fairy caters for couples or families and provides the perfect location for a...
Bed & breakfasts
Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel
Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel features seven individually decorated, luxuriously appointed, king-size bedrooms all with generous ensuite, television...
Cafes
Time and Tide Tearoom
A few minutes drive out of the historic seaside town of Port Fairy you will find Time and Tide Tearoom perched in a cracking spot overlooking the Southern...
Wineries
Basalt Wines
Basalt Vineyard is located along the Great Ocean Road, only minutes from Port Fairy and Warrnambool. Basalt is the only local cellar door open daily, offering...
National parks & reserves
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Meet koalas, emus, kangaroos and many species of waterbirds roaming freely in Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, which sits inside an extinct volcano.
Art galleries
Port Fairy Art Map
The Port Fairy Art Map is a collection of galleries and studios open to the public in an easy walking distance in Port Fairy. Spend some time strolling...
Tours
Boat Tour to Lady Julia Percy Island
Southern Coast Charters operates tours out of Port Fairy from the WHARF to Lady Julia Percy Island, when there are sufficient numbers of people interested...
San Remo
Make a quick getaway from Melbourne to the seaside village of San Remo, gateway to Phillip Island.
Take time out on the island's pristine beaches: head south for Southern Ocean surf and north for gentle Port Phillip bay waters. Walk along the pretty sands and dig sand castles with the kids. Look out for a pelican or two. Explore dramatic blowholes and rock formations, and take your board for a surf – the waves are outstanding here. There's angling to be done, cycling trails to free-wheel and tasty seafood to be savoured. At night the famed parade of adorable waddling penguins is guaranteed to steal your heart.Top tips
- 125 kilometres (1.5 hours) out of Melbourne
- Bring your surfboard to catch some waves
Cycling
San Remo to Cowes Cycling Track
Starting at the bridge onto Phillip Island and ending at Cowes jetty, this flat ride is great for families and passes many island attractions.
Resorts
Silverwater Resort
The stunning Silverwater Resort is the region's newest family-friendly, four and a half star lifestyle resort - unlike anything else seen in Victoria...
Walking & hiking
George Bass Coastal Walk
Walk in historic footsteps along the cliffs from San Remo towards Kilcunda, taking detours to deserted beaches accessible only by foot or boat.
Beaches & coastlines
Cape Woolamai
Catch a wave against the backdrop of ancient pink granite at Cape Woolamai, one of Victoria's most popular surfing beaches and bird-spotting mecca.
Restaurants
San Remo Fisherman's Co-op
Established in 1948, San Remo Fisherman's Co-op sources the freshest seafood from their own boats, with sustainably harvested species including lobster,...
Restaurants
The Cape Kitchen
Cape Kitchen dishes up carefully prepared regional produce, famous Victorian wines and unique dining experiences alongside breathtaking ocean views.
Beaches & coastlines
The Nobbies
Take in a myriad of stunning sights and curious creatures at The Nobbies, a magnificent headland on the south-western tip of Phillip Island.
Local produce
Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
Develop a delicious addiction, with chocolates to taste, try and buy, at this wondrous factory, cafe and art gallery celebrating all things chocolate.
Walking & hiking
Bush to Bay Trail
Trek along the mangroves from the Koala Conservation Centre to Rhyll and spot rare migratory wading birds and other wildlife.
Sorrento
Follow the curving Mornington Peninsula to Sorrento, where creature comforts fit snugly with waterside adventures.
Dine along the waterfront, sleep in historic hotels, tee off on the golf course and browse designer boutiques. The pier is your launching pad for afternoon fishing or a whale-watching tour out on the water. Hop on the ferry over to historic Queenscliff to explore the Bellarine Peninsula. This picturesque stretch of coast between Sorrento and neighbouring Portsea has inspired numerous artists – discover which sights have been captured on canvas on a stunning bay beach walk, then relax with a soak at the renowned hot springs a short distance from the village.Top tips
- 108 kilometres (1.5 hours) out of Melbourne
- Bring your fishing rod for pier-side angling
Hotels
Hotel Sorrento
Standing proudly on the Sorrento clifftops overlooking the sparkling waters of Port Philip Bay, Hotel Sorrento combines modern luxury with old-world charm...
National parks & reserves
Mornington Peninsula National Park
This narrow strip of coast and bushland offers a wonderful blend of natural scenery and fascinating historic features.The park is popular for swimming,...
Booking services
Beach House Rentals
Beach House Rentals are owner managed to ensure that the holiday rental properties are not only well managed but looked after in the best possible way...
Art, theatre & culture
Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail
Take a scenic walk along the coast taking in Sorrento Pier, Point King and St Pauls' Beach and discover the real-life scenes that made it to canvas.
Ferry
Searoad Ferries Sorrento
Searoad Ferries, Australia's favourite car and passenger ferry service, crosses the southern tip of Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay and connects the Great...
Beaches & coastlines
Shelley Beach
Shelley Beach, between Sorrento and Portsea, is a much loved sandy beach with private jetties, colourful boat sheds and bathing boxes nestled among the...
Cafes
Stringers Store
Established in 1896, a classic part of the Sorrento’s heritage, Stringers Store is the go-to grocery store for visitors and locals alike. The beautiful...
Cafes
The Vanilla Slice Cafe Sorrento
Nestled in main street Sorrento with a limestone façade and old-fashioned charm, the Vanilla Slice Café looks like it’s straight out of the Edwardian era...
Beaches & coastlines
Diamond Bay
Diamond Bay is an ocean beach surrounded by impressive sandstone cliffs. The site is a popular location for surf fishing as it has extensive rock platforms...
Spa & wellbeing
Peninsula Hot Springs
Pamper yourself at Victoria's first natural thermal mineral springs and day spa, located just over an hour from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula.
Inverloch
Shake off the working week with a visit to wee Inverloch, Gippsland's perfect hub for a nature escape.
Step out for a dose of salty Southern Ocean air on beaches and boardwalks, through marshlands and atop coastal cliffs, or pedal along magnificent rail trails. You're bound to spot plenty of birds and wildlife while you're out exploring. Water lovers can swim, surf or wakeboard, and pretty Anderson Inlet provides sheltered family fun beside turquoise waters. It's easy to add a side trip to world-famous Wilsons Promontory 75 minutes away, or simply stay put and savour the magnificent Bass Strait views from luxe coastal accommodation.Top tips
- 149 kilometres (2 hours) out of Melbourne
- Bring your wetsuit for a dip or surf
Beaches & coastlines
Anderson Inlet
Visit Anderson Inlet, a protected bay where the Tarwin River enters Bass Strait. Swim with the kids, cast a line or take a short walk to surf beaches.
Cycling
Bass Coast Rail Trail
Take a leisurely ride along this picturesque path, the only coastal rail trail in Victoria that travels through farmland to the Bass Strait coast.
Caravan & holiday parks
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Inverloch
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Inverloch is superbly situated on Anderson Inlet, close to the nearby attractions of Phillip Island and Wilson’s Promontory and an...
Wineries
Dirty Three Wines
Dirty Three Wines are named after the three ‘dirts’ (vineyards) that their vines are grown in, and accordingly, the three distinct flavours of Pinot Noir...
Resorts
RACV Inverloch Resort
A leisurely two hour drive from Melbourne, RACV Inverloch Resort is set on a 32 hectare site opposite the beach and boasts magnificent sweeping views of...
Walking & hiking
Screw Creek Nature Walk
An undulating walk over boardwalks, salt marsh and mangroves up to a lookout on Townsend Bluff with gorgeous views over Anderson Inlet.
Restaurants
Seasoned by Green Heart
At Seasoned by Green Heart they believe in what they serve and only serve what they believe in.They aim to deliver a dining experience rather than just...
Cafes
The Local Inverloch
The Local is Inverloch's first hole-in-the-wall cafe.They serve amazing Allpress Espresso coffee and delicious food. All of which is made easy for you...
Restaurants
Tomo Japanese Inverloch
Authentic and unpretentious, Tomo Japanese Inverloch is every local’s dinner recommendation.The menu is extensive, with miso and seaweed salad starters,...
Lorne
Nestled along the dramatic Great Ocean Road, Lorne combines the best of seaside relaxing, rainforest explorations and gourmet grazing.
Head down to the white-sand beach for a quick dip or stroll along the pier to meet the locals. Hike easy or more challenging trails through the Otway National Park, exploring lush fern undergrowth and ancient forest canopy, waterfalls and coastal lookout points. The bustling village has a bunch of enticing options for wining and dining next to the sea: enjoy Med-style tapas with a view at MoVida. Just down the road, Wye River is worth a coffee stop or a holiday house stay with a dreamy ocean outlook.Top tips
- 142 kilometres (2 hours) out of Melbourne
- Bring hiking boots for a rainforest jaunt
Holiday houses
L'Vista Lorne
L’Vista Lorne is the ideal holiday house for a group or large family, comfortably accommodating up to eight guests. Set on an elevated site with views...
Apartments
Lorne Beach Accom
The beautiful relaxed energy of Lorne Beach Accom apartments will have you breathing easy, and letting go. Feel at home with your friends and family. Enjoy...
Restaurants
MoVida Lorne
Set up in the Lorne Hotel, this iteration of MoVida is a celebration of the sea and surrounding landscape, complete with sweeping ocean views.
Apartments
Seadream Lorne
Relax at Seadream Lorne and enjoy the breathtaking and stunning panoramic views from Louttit Bay to the Airey's Lighthouse.Enjoy your own private 120 square...
Restaurants
Lorne Hotel
Situated in the main street of Lorne directly opposite the beach, the Lorne Hotel offers the perfect relaxed dining experience in the Ocean View Bistro,...
Holiday houses
Sea Ranch
Setting a new benchmark for luxury and architecture in Wye River. Sea Ranch is a uniquely designed four bedroom home offering breathtaking views of the...
Cafes
Wye General Store
Sitting proudly on the Great Ocean Road with mountain and ocean views, this beach cafe and general store offers an all day brunch menu and impressive selection...
National parks & reserves
Great Otway National Park
The Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay through to Princetown and up through the Otways hinterland towards Colac. The park features rugged...
Walking & hiking
Erskine River Track
Confident walkers will love the challenge of this river track, with its hike by natural amphitheatres and rapids, and frequent river crossings.
Road trips
Road trips & itineraries
Gippsland Coastal Discovery Touring Route
Experience the wilderness of Australia's southern coastline from Gippsland and Phillip Island.
Road trips & itineraries
Bays & Surf Coast Touring Route
Visit Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast.
Road trips & itineraries
Penguins to Prom
Journey between two of Victoria's most loved tourist attractions - the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Road trips & itineraries
Gippsland Wilderness Escape
Escape to Gippsland's spectacular wilderness on this five-day road trip taking in Croajingolong National Park, the Gippsland Lakes and Wilsons Promontory.
Road trips & itineraries
Around the Bay Touring Route
Take in everything from historic villages and beautiful beaches to stunning coastal scenery and local wildlife on a drive around Port Phillip Bay.
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Things to do
Nature and wildlife
Get outside and discover abundant nature and wildlife in Victoria's desert landscapes, rugged coastlines, lush alpine outlooks and inland waterways.
Food & wine
Local produce
Taste the best of Victoria's regions at farm gate stalls, markets and food festivals celebrating fresh, seasonal and local produce.
Things to do
Outdoor activities
Get the adrenaline pumping by going white-water rafting, stroll through forests, play golf, or set up camp for a longer stay in Victoria's outdoors.
Food & wine
Best regional restaurants
Some of Victoria's best dining is out of town. Hit the road and treat yourself to the top spots on Victoria's exceptional regional culinary landscape.