Victoria,

Be inspired like many early Australian painters by picturesque Dunkeld and the imposing mounts Sturgeon and Abrupt, at the southern entrance to the Grampians. Take long walks through one of Australia's finest national parks and spot wildlife and flora. Dunkeld was settled after Major Thomas Mitchell issued glowing reports of the region following his 1836 visit. Nostalgic settlers named it after a Scottish town and early impressions can be found in paintings distributed throughout regional Victorian galleries. Follow one of the walking tracks to Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt to take in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside or take the Picaninny Walk for a brisk workout and alternative views of Mount Abrupt. For even more mountain views and award-winning food to boot, book a table at the Dunkeld Royal Mail Hotel. For more top quality food, stop off at the sheep dairy along the Glenelg Highway near Glenthompson and sample some of the delicious sheep milk yoghurts and cheeses. Head further into the Grampians National Park with a scenic drive along the Victoria Valley Road through the untouched southern section of the Park. Look out for emus, kangaroos and spring wildflowers. Dunkeld is 253 kilometres west of Melbourne

Victoria,

The High Country in north-east Victoria is a special place with scenic alpine landscapes, a host of outdoor activities, gourmet food and wine and a fascinating heritage of bushrangers, horsemen and gold. During the winter, the region is home to Victoria's best and most accessible snowfields, such as Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek. And when the snow disappears the area is popular for a host of outdoor activities, from four-wheel driving, mountain biking and horse riding to hiking on the high plains. After a day of altitude, head to the valleys and sample the delicious local produce. Enjoy the majestic tree-lined streets, riverside walks and cafe culture of Bright, visit one of the highly acclaimed wineries in Rutherglen or tour the famous cheese factory in Milawa. Discover the fascinating heritage of the region in historic towns and villages such as Beechworth where you can wander among the grand nineteenth century buildings that are a legacy of the heady gold rush days. Visit historical sites and attractions in Glenrowan where Australia's most famous bushranger, Ned Kelly, made his last stand, or discover the proud and enduring spirit of the cattlemen and rugged adventurers in Mansfield. The Great Alpine Road, on

Victoria,

Whether it’s a thriving regional centre you are seeking or a base for a whole host of nature based activities, Traralgon has plenty to offer. The Gippsland town was a resting place for drovers during the gold rush, and today has grown to service the surrounding energy, agricultural, pastoral, papermaking and timber industries. Visitors now find it the perfect base for exploring the nearby Strzelecki Ranges and cool temperate rainforests of the Tarra Bulga National Park. Another boon for visitors is Traralgon's standing as the entertainment capital of the Latrobe Valley. Enjoy alfresco dining and great shopping by day and excellent pubs and clubs by night. Sidewalk cafes, restaurants and shopping arcades mark the commercial centre of Traralgon and there is also a string of bars, pubs and clubs in the town hosting an array of live bands and entertainment. You can even take in a musical or comedy act at the Latrobe Performing Arts Centre. A favourite destination for picnickers is Victory Park with its marble sculpture Lars Compatalis, historic band rotunda and beautiful gardens. A stroll over the creek along the footbridge leads to Newman Park featuring a huge adventure playground including miniature train rides operating on the

Victoria,

Head to Bairnsdale at any time of year and be rewarded with a busy regional centre from which to explore the vast Gippsland Lakes and spectacular Ninety Mile Beach, or the alpine highlights of Omeo, Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham. The commercial centre for the local wool, dairy, agricultural and timber industries has plentiful accommodation and a wide range of shops and services. Wander around town on a self-guided heritage walk and explore local art galleries, museums, craft and antique shops. Visit the National Trust classified St Mary’s Catholic Church in Main Street with its unique murals and painted ceilings. Bairnsdale is the best spot to stock up on outdoor, surfing, camping and fishing equipment. When you’ve got your gear, fish on the Mitchell River or nearby lakes and rivers. Take a walk through the Mitchell River National Park and visit the Den of Nargun. According to Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, the Nargun was a half-stone, half-human female creature with the power to repel and turn back spears and stones. You can also tour the Bataluk Cultural Trail and discover elements of Koorie history and culture or visit the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place to view artefacts and history on the Gunai/Kurnai people of East Gippsla

Victoria,

A thriving modern city with a leisurely country style, Albury-Wodonga offers a charming mix of stately heritage buildings, established parks and gardens and tree-lined streets. The Murray River flows between the twin cities, winding through a magnificent unspoiled landscape of rolling valleys, hills and lush farmlands. Once a busy trade route for paddle steamers, the river is now very much a part of Albury-Wodonga's relaxed and attractive lifestyle. Albury-Wodonga is a place to discover museums and art galleries, fine food and wine, great sporting facilities and excellent freshwater fishing. The city’s rich history and pioneer heritage is reflected in the grand architecture of its buildings, most notably the restored Albury Railway Station. Originally completed in 1882, it remains one of the most imposing and significant country stations in Australia. Travel the Murray River by paddle steamer or canoe. Explore local museums and discover the region’s pioneering past and indigenous cultures. Visit the Albury Regional Art Gallery, home to an impressive permanent collection of works by Australian landscape painter Sir Russell Drysdale. Popular local events include the Festival of Sport from January to March, Long Lunch on the

Victoria,

Werribee and the greater region of Werribee Park offers visitors a wealth of activities and attractions that are easily accessible from Melbourne, including Victoria’s Open Range Zoo, Werribee Park Mansion, Shadowfax Winery and the State Rose Garden. The Chirnside family originally owned much of the Werribee Plains and built Werribee Park Mansion, the largest private residence in Victoria, in the late 1870s. Today the mansion has become one of Victoria's major tourist attractions after being bought by the State Government and restored to its original splendour. The 12 hectares of park include beautifully kept gardens and a farmyard area complete with authentic blacksmith facilities. Garden-lovers will be in heaven as they take in the sights and smells of the State Rose Garden, which boasts more than 4,500 plants in its collection. The best time to view the roses is between November and May, and the Garden Party held every March is not to be missed. Follow one of the many scenic trails winding their way through the You Yangs Regional Park through beautiful terrain. Watch migratory wading birds at the Point Cook Coastal Park during the summer months. For a truly wild experience, come face-to-face with giraffes, zebras, meerkats,

Victoria,

Bendigo is a charming and elegant regional city in central Victoria and an ideal base to explore Victoria's golden heritage. In the centre of town, gold era architecture nestles among century-old gardens, sidewalk cafés, art galleries and antique stores. Take a walk and explore the city's heritage buildings and sites, including the Alexandra Fountain, the magnificent former post office that now houses the Bendigo Visitor Information Centre, the law courts, and the ornate Shamrock Hotel. Take a break in Rosalind Park with its open air fernery, cascade waterfall and conservatory. Head up View Street and discover Bendigo's arts precinct. It's headlined by the Bendigo Art Gallery (1887) containing a collection of Australian art dating back to the 1850s. Also, check out the Performing Arts Centre (1873) and a host of smaller galleries and antique stores. Go underground at the restored Central Deborah Gold Mine, where visitors descend the equivalent of a thirty-storey building to explore the main vertical shaft. Take a ride on Bendigo's talking tram and explore the Chinese Dragon Museum, home to the world's oldest and longest imperial Chinese dragon, Sun Loong. Attend Bendigo's Easter Festival and see Sun Loong winding down the stre

Victoria,

Visit Horsham, the capital of the Wimmera district for the regional high life amid botanic gardens, art and cultural treasures, a renowned public golf course and sweeping sunsets. Horsham has a relaxed, country style atmosphere and pleasing climate and is an excellent base to explore the surrounding natural attractions including Mt Arapiles-Tooan State Park, Little Desert National Park (where you can spot the intriguing Mallee Fowl) and the northern Grampians. Be inspired by the rock climbers, as they test their skills on the world famous Mt Arapiles and capture the sunsets that can be seen on the vast flat plains of the Wimmera and the northern Grampians. Originally opened up for grazing, the Wimmera lands became better known for wheat production so Horsham quickly developed as a centre of economic activity for the surrounding region. Discover artistic and cultural treasures at the renowned Horsham Regional Art Gallery, tour the Wool Factory which produces some of the finest wool in Australia and relax in the picturesque botanic gardens on the banks of the Wimmera River. Tee off in style. Horsham is the region’s showcase greens course and is recognised as one of the best public courses in Victoria. Come for the Horsham Golf Cl

Victoria,

Phillip Island is a great destination for a family getaway. Under two hours drive from Melbourne, it offers diverse accommodation to choose from, wildlife experiences, and plenty of opportunities to get into the water. San Remo is the last town before leaving the mainland and the gateway to Phillip Island. Drop into the famous local fishing co-op to pick up a fresh lobster and watch the local pelicans descend on the San Remo wharf for their 11.30am daily feed. The first town on the island is the small fishing village of Newhaven – a popular place for fishing from the pier, surfinf one of the best surf beaches in Victoria, walking along the beautiful Cape Woolamai or exploring nearby historic Churchill Island. On the south-east tip of the island is the quiet village of Rhyll. Wander through the nearby Koala Conservation Centre and Woodland to see koalas at close range or view birds as you walk through the famous wetlands at Rhyll Inlet. Cowes, the main commercial centre on Phillip Island, has a wealth of charming cafes and upmarket restaurants for visitors to enjoy. Take a wildlife cruise to the large fur seal colony on Seal Rocks or enjoy watching hundreds of Little Penguins returning to their burrows at the nightly Penguin

Victoria,

Visit South Melbourne, one of Melbourne's oldest suburbs and its beautifully restored public buildings, terrace houses and stately mansions to see how Melbourne's grand past embraces the present. Nearby Albert Park is a contained area worth a visit for its cafés, delis and scenic outdoor activities. Time your visit for mild March, when the area gets into gear for the Formula 1™ Australian Grand Prix. Running through the heart of South Melbourne is cosmopolitan Clarendon Street, featuring restored Victorian shopfronts housing fashion, food and coffee outlets. An eclectic range of independent retailers stretches toward the bay along Coventry, Dorcas, Bank and Park streets – you'll be rewarded for your time with items to covet. Stop for a refreshing drink at one of South Melbourne's impressive pubs. The lynchpin of South Melbourne is the South Melbourne Market, a fixture of the area since 1867. You'll find characters, charm and fresh produce galore at the market, as well as unusual homewares to take home. Sandwiched between South Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay is Albert Park, popular year-round for its cafés and delis and swag of leisure facilities along Bridport Street. Most popular is Albert Park Lake. Embark on the circuit arou