VICTORIA


VICTORIA STATE OF MIND


Cultural landmarks, scenic coastline and world-class vineyards ensure there’s always something new to learn in Australia’s Garden State


t’s not just Melbourne – Australia’s second most populous city – that brings visitors to Victoria. After exploring its historic buildings and world-class food scene, the wider state reveals a little bit of everything, from windswept peninsulas to hot springs and a vibrant wine region.


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City sights First-time visitors can tick off Melbourne’s landmarks on a walk or tram ride through the city, but to explore deeper, Hidden Secrets’ Melbourne Lanes and Arcades tour explores the art hubs and historic spots that have shaped the city. Led by knowledgeable guides, guests will get the chance to learn more about the gold rush period and visit small local businesses. An hour east, visitors of all ages will enjoy Puffing Billy, an exceptionally preserved steam train from the 1900s that winds through the Dandenong Ranges. “I loved seeing families and little ones on the historic Puffing Billy. We went through countryside with sweeping lawns and forest, and a vintage fair


where all the locals came out and waved to us,” recounted Suzanne Rowlands from Off Broadway Travel.


Grape escapes Near the crystal-clear bays of the Mornington Peninsula, Pt Leo Estate offers sweeping ocean vistas and is home to cascading vineyards where guests can stop by the cellar door for a wine tasting and explore Australia’s largest collection of privately owned sculptures. For more relaxation, visitors can head to the geothermal, mineral Peninsula Hot Springs featuring hilltop pools, a cave pool and an underground sauna, as well as more than 70 wellness experiences. And no visit to Victoria is complete without a stop in the Yarra Valley wine region, just a 50-minute drive from Melbourne, with wine tastings available at family winemakers deBortoli Wines. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a sunrise hot-air balloon trip with Global Ballooning will see passengers gently float over the mountains, vineyards and winding Yarra River.


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“The highlight of the trip for me was hot-air ballooning in the Yarra Valley. It was absolutely amazing – there were five other balloons in the sky and the area was beautiful and green, with more vineyards than I’ve ever seen in my life.”


Charlotte Arnold, Go Ben Travel


PICTURES: Tourism Australia/Two Palms /Harry Pope; Global Ballooning; Destination NSW; India-Jayne Trainor


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