Victoria Travel Guide

 Melbourne

Sitting on the Yarra River at Port Phillip Bay, this stylish, vibrant city is a maze of narrow, hidden streets, opulent bars, exclusive restaurants and off-the-beaten-path boutiques. Visit Federation Square, the city's landmark cultural space, and enjoy a sunset beer on the St. Kilda promenade. Shop till you drop on funky Brunswick Street or upmarket Chapel Street. Wander Southbank's cafés, bistros and bars and get a world tour of cuisines in Carlton, Richmond and Fitzroy. Take an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens and cheer with the crowds at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

 Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

Stay in Yarra Glen, the heart of the food and wine region, and tour the acclaimed wineries of the Yarra Valley. Trek through the tall forests of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. You can stop amidst the fairytale mists of Sherbrooke Forest or take the Puffing Billy Steam Railway through the villages of Belgrave, Gembrook and Emerald. Visit the famous Healesville wildlife sanctuary and wander the gardens, waterfalls and forest of Marysville, also a gateway to the Lake Mountain ski fields.

Next: See where to swim with dolphins, stroll through antique shops and view koalas in the wild