Victoria is one of Australia's smaller states and travel distances to and from the major holiday attractions are much less than in the larger states. Day trips out of Melbourne are a popular way of seeing many of the highlights of this diverse and easy-to-enjoy part of the world.

The state has miles of pristine beaches and spectacular coastlines, a history rich central region rising to the high country of the Victorian Alps in the north east and sweeping away to the mighty Murray River in the north west. 

Melbourne is the state capital city and is considered by many to be Australia's most cosmopolitan city and a mecca for food and fashion enthusiasts. Undoubtedly the sports capital of Australia, Melbourne hosts all the football codes, Formula One car racing, international tennis and the Melbourne Cup horse race to name just a few of the major sports events.

Victorian Holidays - Not To be Missed

Gippsland Lakes [south east]
One of the most outstanding holiday areas in Victoria

The Grampians [central]
Beautiful mountain scenery and spring wildflower displays

Lake Eildon [north east]
Sheltered waters ideal for water sports and houseboats

Paddlewheel Steamer at Echuca [Murray River]
Experience the mighty Murray River and a lifestyle of days gone by

Phillip Island Penguin Parade [Port Phillip]
A delightful spectacle each evening at sunset

Sovereign Hill [central]
Fascinating re-creation of the early days of a gold mining town

Daylesford & Hepburn Springs [central]
Twin mineral springs spa towns with great surrounding scenery

Great Ocean Road [west coast]
250 klms of breathtaking coastal scenery

Wilsons Promontory [south east coast]
An impressive coastal national park

Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges [Melbourne surrounds]
Great scenery and some of Australia's finest wineries.

Victorian Holidays - Things To Do

In addition to the highlights shown above, here are just a few ideas on getting the maximum enjoyment from your Victorian holiday.

Victorian Holidays - When Is The Best Time

The state can be considered a year round destination for holidays. There are no extremes of climate that prevent travel or shut down services. For activities in the snow fields, then winter is obviously the best time with the official season starting on the first week-end in June. The heaviest snow cover is usually later in the season.

While very high temperatures sometimes occur in summer, Victoria does not have the high humidity that happens in other areas of Australia. The summer weather is seldom oppressive for long periods.

Victorian weather is variable and noted for sudden changes. If a Melbourne weather report says "fine" the sky can be completely clouded over...but not actually raining! If the locals are carrying umbrellas and coats, follow their lead. It is often said of Melbourne that you can experience all four seasons in the same day.

Winter temperatures in the Victorian mountains and alpine regions can drop to around -5°C min. and 5°C max. In the inland regions of the state the winter temperature is usually around 0°C min. and 12°C max. A narrow strip on the west coast is influenced by the ocean and minimums seldom drop below 5°C.

Temperatures in summer in the mountains and alpine regions are usually around 5°C min. and 20°C max. The inland regions are usually around 12°C min. and 25°C max and the northern areas of the state often experience maximums above 30°C.

With a relatively high population and many popular holiday areas there is always an increased demand for bookings for the school holiday periods.

Also see Australian Bureau of Meteorology - official Australian weather web site

Victorian Holidays - Places To Stay

Holiday makers in Victoria will find a wide range of accommodation choices. Melbourne hotels range from luxury to budget along with a good selection of smaller boutique hotels. Serviced apartments cater to longer stay visitors who prefer the independence of self catering in a home away from home environment.

Much of rural Victoria is within easy reach of the major towns and this is where many of the personalised lodgings are located. Luxury bed and breakfasts, seaside beach retreats, country lodges, homely farm stays and historic guesthouses are typical of the rural areas. 

The ski fields region in north east Victoria has several ski resort towns where most of the the accommodation is self contained apartments and chalets plus hotel style accommodation in the ski resorts. The number of hotels declines in the country regions where roadside motels and motor inns are more prevalent. 

Also see Australian Hotel Accommodation Guide. 

Victorian Holidays - Transport

Self drive holidays are a great way to explore Victoria as the distances are quite short, there is an excellent road network featuring some of Australia's most spectacular drives and all types of accommodation is plentiful.

Driver information and route maps are available from the Royal Auto Club of Victoria (RACV) which has offices throughout the state.

For visitors who want to let someone else do the driving, there are many transport options available. VLine is a comprehensive train network system which links all the major towns. An extensive commuter train network serves Melbourne city and the outlying suburbs. Melbourne has developed its unique inner city tram system into a tourist attraction and many of the older bone rattlers still run the city routes.

Victoria has a comprehensive network of major highways and arterial roads and several bus transport companies operate throughout the state. All of the major Australian car rental companies have offices in the cities and major towns. Rental campervans and motor homes are a great way to see Victoria but pick-up and drop-off is limited to Melbourne.

The Princes Highway is the coastal route linking Melbourne and Sydney and most of the intermediate coastal towns. The inland route between the same two cities is the Hume Highway.

Visitors headed for Adelaide by road can take the coastal Princes Highway or the Hamilton Highway and the Western Highway for inland routes.