We have listed our favorite places of interest

1. Melbourne
2. Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
3. The Great Ocean Road
4. Phillip Island
5. Mornington Peninsula

1. Melbourne

Capital of the state of Victoria, is attractively set on the shores of Port Philip Bay. Famous for its beautiful parks and gardens, mixed with fine Victorian architecture, elegant tree lined boulevards and modern skyscrapers. Explore the city by tram and absorb the atmosphere of Australia’s cultural capital in the many arts galleries and museums or take a cruise on the Yarra River. Visit the Victorian Arts Center and the National Gallery of Victoria. Also the sporting capital of Australia, Melbourne hosts major annual events such as the Australian Open Tennis, Australia Formula One Grand Prix, the AFL Grand Final and the Melbourne Cup. Dining out in Melbourne is a direct reflection of the city’s diverse ethnicity with an abundance of Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and Malaysian restaurants. Don’t miss Lygon Street with its abundance of Italian restaurants.

2. Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges region, an hour's drive east of Melbourne, where tall trees and ancient mountain ranges meet vineyards and world class wineries. The Yarra is a cool-climate, low-yielding wine region. The region’s cold winters and fertile soils help make Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and sparkling wines at home here. The region’s winemaking history dates to 1840, but the large plantings now producing great wines began in 1968 at the Yarra Yering, Yeringberg and Fergussons wineries. The French company Moet & Chandon, seeing the district’s potential for sparkling wines, established the Domaine Chandon winery here in 1985.

The Yarra Valley is now home to over 55 wineries, most of which offer cellar door tasting and sales. Many are as serious about food as they are about their harvest, matching the wine they make with local produce in restaurants located in beautiful vineyards.

The Yarra Valley has some of the most beautiful countryside in Victoria. Rolling hills strung with vines around Healesville and Yarra Glen meet towering trees, green valleys and pristine rivers around Marysville and Warburton.

For a different view of the countryside, take to the skies in a hot-air balloon before gently descending into a vineyard to enjoy a breakfast of local produce and sparkling wine. You can also get close to Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary, home to dingoes, kangaroos, wombats and the elusive platypus.

Parks, gardens, native fern forests and nature trails define the Dandenong Ranges. Climb aboard Australia's oldest steam train, Puffing Billy, and travel through thick forests and lush fern gullies. Dotted throughout the Dandenong Ranges are quaint villages such as Olinda, Gembrook, Belgrave, Emerald and Sassafras, home to some of Victoria's best gardens, and famous for craft shops and Devonshire teas.

3. The Great Ocean Road

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road offers spectacular vistas from start to finish, with lots of lookouts along the way. The road follows the contours of Victoria’s South-West coast from Geelong in the East to Nelson in the West and was built as a monument to those who lost their lives in World War I.

Discover the breath-taking coastline of south-west Victoria. Travel one of the world's most scenic roads through an extended area that includes the world-famous Twelve Apostles, the Otways rainforest, Bells Beach, on the Surf Coast, and the Great Ocean Road itself. Experience resort towns like Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay, the coastal cities of Geelong and Warrnambool, and the historic villages of Queenscliff, Port Campbell, Port Fairy and Portland.

A major highlight of the drive is the 12 Apostles. The mighty 12 Apostles are world-recognized icons of the Great Ocean Road. These giant rock stacks soar from the swirling waters of the Southern Ocean and are a central feature of the spectacular Port Campbell National Park that extends from Princetown to Peterborough. The dramatic and imposing limestone cliffs that are the backdrop to the Apostles tower up to 70 meters, while the tallest of the rock stacks is around 45 meters high.

Extensive boardwalks and viewing platforms ensure visitors experience sweeping, awe-inspiring vistas. While anytime of day provides great views, sunrise and sunset are particularly impressive for the blazing hues created.

4. Phillip Island

Phillip Island - nature island - situated in Western Port, is a place of natural beauty, sandy beaches, tranquil wetlands and unique wildlife experiences.

The Penguin Parade experience is sure to be the highlight. An encounter with these captivating sea birds is among Australia's most thrilling wildlife experiences. The little or fairy penguins, which stand about 30 centimeters tall and weigh about a kilogram. Found along the coasts of Australia, little penguins spend the day at sea and can often be seen when they return to their sandy burrows in the evening. To see the little penguins at close quarters, wear dark clothing and remain still and they will often walk right past you. As the sun fades in the sky, the little Penguins waddle up the beach to the safety of their homes in the sand dunes. Witness this magical procession – it is a treat never forgotten.

Stroll the Nobbies boardwalk to view the majestic rugged south coast and blowhole. See one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest fur seal colonies. Towering gums at the Koala Conservation Centre and woodlands of the Oswin Roberts Reserve provide a safe home for the island’s koala population. Koalas can be viewed at the close viewing area and tree-top boardwalk at the visitor Centre. Or a gentle stroll can be taken through the woodlands of the Oswin Roberts Reserve.

5. Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula, on the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay, feels like an island with a vast ocean to the south and bays and sheltered beaches on either side. Fertile hills roll down to pretty beaches or harbors and serene bay views abound.

Some of Australia's best sandy beaches can be found here and every kind of water activity is available, from sailing and surfing to fishing and dolphin swims. There are also majestic coastal walks past dunes, beaches, cliffs and lighthouses.

On the bay side of the peninsula, visit stylish Sorrento with its fine 19th century buildings and excellent eateries, boutiques and galleries. Stop off at Mornington and enjoy its cosmopolitan sidewalk cafes and picturesque harbour. On the other side of the peninsula visit the charming fishing hamlet of Flinders and take a trip to nearby Cape Schanck where you can enjoy superb views of Bass Strait.

Alternatively head inland and explore the abundance of vineyards and orchards tucked away among the rolling hills of Red Hill and Main Ridge. Wineries and restaurants overlook the blue waters of Port Phillip Bay to the west and Western Port Bay to the east and the peninsula's orchards sell fresh produce direct from the farmgate. The very cool marine climate, not unlike that of the Bordeaux region in France, produces clean wines with crisp acidity and is best suited to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling wines. Many of the winery structures are modern, state-of-the art complexes with their own restaurants, such as Dromana Estate and Red Hill Estate.

For anybody who has ever teed up, the Mornington Peninsula is golfing heaven. Take on the daunting Moonah Links, specifically designed for the prestigious Australian Open, or head to The Dunes, a Scottish-style links layout rated as one of the top 15 courses in Australia.

The region is also noted for its historic homes and gardens and has been a retreat for artists for more than a century. Visit some of the excellent galleries and craft markets at towns such as Red Hill and Mornington.