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Victoria’s national parks and forests teem with wildlife. The ‘high country’ offers wineries, mountains and skiing, while the coast offers spectacular drives and beaches, including the famous Bells Beach surf break.

Phillip Island

Fairy penguins, koalas, migrating birds, diving, and spectacular coastal cliffs are just some of the reasons to visit Phillip Island, an easy day trip from Melbourne.

As dusk falls, you can watch penguins from a special boardwalk as they surf in on a wave and waddle up the beach in groups. Phillip Island is also home to the country’s largest colony of Australian fur seals, numbering 12,000 to 18,000.

Phillip Island has several outstanding dive sites, including the Pinnacle – a granite rock swarming with fish life – and Collins Cave, with towering vertical walls and swim-throughs.

Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs

Just under an hour from Melbourne are the rolling hills and vineyards of the Yarra Valley, popular for cellar-door tastings, good food and peaceful scenery.

Nestled among the Dandenong Ranges’ rugged beauty you can ride a steam-train that takes you through forests and fern gullies, and there are antique and craft shops, gardens, and tea houses.

High Country

With its national parks, crisp air, clear skies and magnificent views, Victoria’s high country offers bushwalking, abseiling, whitewater rafting and trout fishing – as well as being famous for its wines. From June to October, there is downhill and cross-country skiing. Or take to the saddle across the Bogong High Plains on a short trot or a multi-day adventure, camping under the stars. For spectacular mountain scenery, tour the Great Alpine Road, a photographer’s dream location.

 

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