This is the bit where we step into the pages of our favourite romantasy books and discover a different side of our eclectic state.
From adorable cottages to enchanted forests and death defying walkways, you can close your eyes, take a deep breath and pretend you’ve been transported to a world of magic and wonder.
If you’re a fan of Throne of Glass…
Channel some heroine energy and walk the path of Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius at Billabong Ranch Adventure Park. Here, you can imagine you’re galloping through the red desert on horse back or train to become the King’s Champion with a round of archery.
Walk curated gardens like those of the glass palace with Nehemia at Rippon Lea Estate, or gorge yourself on decadent chocolates at Mork Chocolate. Keep the sweet treats coming with a high tea experience at Crown’s Conservatory or Mary Eats Cake in Brunswick.
Image: Mary Eats Cake
Share in Aelin’s love of music with a trip to the theatre. The Astor Theatre in St Kilda and the Regent Theatre in the heart of Melbourne have grand, heritage stages with regular theatre and music performances to rival Rifthold’s famous opera.
Image: The Regent Theatre
Fancy a spot of romance? Walk the halls of Overnewton Castle in search of your real-life prince or captain of the guard, or head to the State Library of Victoria, where you might find a handsome someone with their head buried in a book.
If you’re a Fourth Wing fan…
Strive to become a cadet at the deathly Basgiath War College by crossing the Victorian version of the parapet at Otway Treetop Adventures – a little less rocky and slippery, but just as high and adrenaline-fueling, the walkway will lead you across the forest canopy, providing beautiful views along the way.
Want to make it to presentation? You better be able to scale the gauntlet. Luckily for you, you can practice your moves on the ropes course at Live Wire Park in Lorne, or test your climbing skills at BlocHaus Bouldering Port Melbourne. The gym has over 100 boulders to practice on and specialised training and functional fitness zones so you can finesse your skills.
Image: Live Wire Park
Just want to sit down for a slice of chocolate cake with Xaden? You can find a decadent slice at Hopetoun Tea Rooms in Melbourne, who have been crafting sweet confections since 1892.
If you’re an ACOTAR fan…
Melbourne and Victoria might not be Prythian, but we definitely have a few beautiful spots where you can embark on an epic adventure of your own.
Let’s start by searching for the Suriel so they can spill the tea in the enchanting forests of the Great Otway National Park along the Great Ocean Road, or by crossing the swing bridge in Tarra Bulga National Park.
Image: The Great Otway National Park
Love the Spring Court, even if Tamlin isn’t the best? Head to a regional garden to frolic through fields of fragrant florals and while the day away with the bees pollinating the plants.
Image: Alowyn Gardens
Choose from wisteria draped arches at Alowyn Gardens & Nursery in the Yarra Valley, or Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm out near Daylesford, where you can see lavender, geese and dine on lavender-infused goods in the provincial café.
Image: Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm
Chase golden foliage in Jamieson or Bright from March through May for Autumn Court vibes, channel the Winter Court with a drink at IceBar Melbourne, or laze by a lake in the sunshine, followed by a cocktail on a rooftop or alfresco bar for the ultimate Summer Court feels.
If you’re just after general fantasy or mythical vibes…
If you’re in the city, head to Fitzroy Gardens and spend an afternoon marveling at the mini Tudor village and carved Fairies Tree, take in the historic architecture of Cook’s Cottage and wander through the conservatory, past myriad fountains and through shady, tree-lined walkways.
In the regions, Mornington Peninsula is home to Heronswood Gardens – a two-acre garden and gothic-inspired heritage home pulled straight from the pages of a tale of princesses and witches. Meanwhile, the Alfred Nicholas Gardens in the Dandenong Ranges gives huge mythical forest vibes with its rock walls, vibrant foliage and serene lake.
Image: Heronswood House and Gardens
Visit the Dandenong Ranges and take a ride from Belgrave to Emerald on Australia’s oldest steam train, Puffing Billy. Spend the journey marveling at the lush fern gullies and towering ash trees that whip by the open side carriages. Or, in the Yarra Valley, explore mudbrick cottages and grand buildings with vaulted halls, stained glass windows and gargoyles at Montsalvat.
Image: Montsalvat
If you’re bringing kids along, you can’t look past Kryal Castle, near Ballarat, where you can boil potions, cast spells or try your hand at archery and axe throwing.
