Packed with honest reviews and inspiring travel stories, Australian Traveller is the most authoritative and trusted guide to travelling this great country. It's no wonder that it's Australia's best-selling travel magazine.
HAVING LIVED IN NEW SOUTH WALES all my life, I am well-versed in its inland nooks and coastal crannies. But for a time, Victoria’s regions remained an unfilled page in my travel journey. When I finally began venturing beyond the usual Melbourne/Naarm city stop, what I found in this stunning wedge of the east coast was a true revelation. From oceanside hamlets misted by Southern Ocean salt spray to ancient places of deep cultural significance, hillsides ribboned with vines and idyllic country towns that are fodder for tree-change fantasies, Victoria’s regional destinations are diverse and all-encompassing escape hatches from modern life – as Craig Tansley discovered in the Grampians (page 138). The beaches along the Great Ocean Road (which happens to be the birthplace of Aussie surf culture, page 59),…
1. MELBOURNE For interstaters, Melbourne/Naarm is your launchpad for discovery of Victoria’s diverse regions. Head out of the city limits and begin exploring. 2. MORNINGTON PENINSULA A region for all indulgences, here you’ll find vineyards, golf, incredible dining, natural springs and coastal enclaves. 3. PHILLIP ISLAND Parading penguins might lure you across to the island, but rugged coastal scenery, big waves and little villages will keep you here. 4. GEELONG & THE BELLARINE PENINSULA A beachside city, Geelong is a vibrant summer hub. Beyond, find nature trails, cellar doors and coastal gems. 5. YARRA VALLEY & DANDENONG RANGES With more than 80 cellar doors, great restaurants and stunning countryside, this is what weekend dreams are made of. 6. GREAT OCEAN ROAD More than the iconic coastal road trip, this region…
“TRAIL OF LIGHTS is a silent installation,” says Bruce Munro of his meditative work on an island in the Murray River. “It requires nothing other than yourself.” The artist behind the landmark Field of Light at Ulur− u unveiled a new light installation in Mildura in April 2025, inviting visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in a twinkling display of 12,500 gently glowing ‘fireflies’, 22 Gone Fishing sculptures, and the natural surroundings of Lock Island as night falls. For ticket information, visit mildura.com…
Hotel Ernest, Bendigo Settle into this artful lodging in the city centre for a boutique stay with heritage roots dating back to 1864. Each of the 10 suites in this former bank is elegantly styled and furnished with covetable works by Australian artists. Ernest is also home to the much-lauded Euro-style Restaurant Terrae, so be sure to book into the two-level diner during your visit. hotelbendigo.com.au NORSU CABIN, MACEDON Country cabin dreams come to life under the sweet timber A-frame of Norsu. Sleeping eight guests, this Scandi-inspired abode is so meticulously styled it’s received knowing nods from The Design Files and is everything a modern log cabin should be, including cosy fireplace, fire pit, modern appliances and French linens. Perfect for logging out of daily life for a moment. norsucabin.com.au…
Le Foyer Brassiere, Bendigo From the owners behind Bendigo’s beloved The Woodhouse comes this newly opened elegant French bistro. It’s all about welcoming warmth at this city fine diner, after all Le Foyer, translates to ‘the hearth’ in French. A place to linger in the chic, Parisian-style salon, the menu unfurls in the classics, from beef bourguignon to steak frites and mille-feuille. Riverbank Moama, Murray River If you’re journeying on or beside the Murray, it’s only fitting that you dine by its banks. This nature-nestled restaurant by the river is idyllic for a long, sun-filled lunch. The menu is an unfussy playlist of the hits served with a seasonal spin – and the mood is as gently flowing as the nearby water. FELIX, GEELONG Soft brown banquettes, walnut hues and…
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle. Murray River A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches. Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon. After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/ Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the…
