Victoria and The Great Ocean Road

Melbourne enjoys a friendly rivalry with neighbouring Sydney but that’s where their similarities end. Australia’s sporting and cultural capital centres around its CBD, a buzzing city centre which is easily navigable on foot. Its beautiful South Bank overlooks the River Yarra, where you will find riverside dining, restaurants and night life. Explore the diverse suburbs and you will see the many different aspects that make up this sophisticated city. Chapel Street offers some of the best shopping in Melbourne, Lygon Street showcases the many stylish restaurants and cafes or take a tram to laidback St Kilda for some fresh air and seaside feels.

When gold was discovered in 1851, Ballarat boomed. What was once an outback settlement, became one of Australia’s wealthiest cities. Although the gold rush has passed its legacy lives on in this sophisticated city. Explore Australia’s oldest regional art gallery, pan for gold at Sovereign Hill living museum or take a historic tram through the beautiful botanical gardens. Ballarat is undoubtedly proud of its past, but also enjoys a thoroughly modern nightlife – there’s plenty of bars and restaurants in the CBD, along with some fantastic local distilleries.

For a short period in the 1850’s Bendigo was known as the richest town in the world. The discovery of gold, beneath this once forested settlement, attracted visitors from all over the globe. Many stayed on, investing their newfound wealth into building a city that reflected its global roots. Bendigo’s heritage buildings are as grand as ever, but what were once banks, town halls and courthouses are now theatres, bars and restaurants. Visit the fascinating Golden Dragon Museum and the serene Joss house temple to learn about the Chinese contribution to the gold rush. The easiest way to explore Bendigo is to ride its Vintage Talking Tram’ –not only will it drive you round the city but tell you stories from Bendigo’s past along the way.

Prepare to have your breath taken away as you dive headfirst into The Grampians National Park. Whether you are hiking, walking or enjoying a scenic drive, you can’t fail to be blown away by its beauty. Dramatic mountain ranges offer endless views over this spectacular landscape, which will be carpeted with wildflowers come Spring. Marvel at tumbling waterfalls or go in search of ancient Aboriginal rock paintings. The Grampians offer walks for all abilities, ranging from short strolls, to long distance hikes, as well as the chance to kayak or canoe on secluded lakes.

Depending on your direction of travel, Port Fairy will either be the start or end of your Great Ocean Road experience. Once home to whalers and merchant travellers, its tree lined streets are populated by whitewash cottages and historic churches. This cute fishing village is still a working port, so much so that you can enjoy fresh crayfish straight off the boat! If you want to take the water yourself, you can join a guided fishing tour, a seal spotting cruise, or take a paddleboard lesson. Landlubbers will appreciate Port Fairy’s vibrant arts scene, history walks and eclectic shopping. If you are town in March you will also be able to join in one of Australia’s best loved festivals – the Port Fairy Folk Festival.

Sandwiched between the lush rainforest and surf pounded beaches of Victoria’s coastline is the artsy village of Lorne. Lorne’s wide sandy beach is perfect for a picnic, or an invigorating swim! The town is just a short drive from some of the Otway’s most spectacular waterfalls. Hike through colossal trees and fern gullies as you bath in pristine rainforest. Check out the QDOS arts and sculpture park – set amongst the forest, this beautiful space hosts regular music and theatre events. A great selection of boutique shops and restaurants and galleries in the heart of town, make Lorne the perfect base to explore the wonders of Great Otway National Park, and The Great Ocean Road.

Its only a short drive back to Melbourne, where you will return your car today. There will be time to stop at Bells Beach on the way as you enjoy the last of The Great Ocean Road.