The Great Ocean Road

Just an hour from Melbourne, lies the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. Stretching 250 mi/400 km from the city of Geelong to the South Australian border, the road hugs the contours of Victoria's rugged southwest coast, providing one of Australia's - if not the world's - greatest and most inspiring coastal drives. From Torquay, near Geelong, to Nelson to the west, the road snakes past cliffs, scenic lookouts, waterfalls and rain forests. Along with dramatic ocean views, the region is home to laid-back seaside towns and maritime villages, such as Port Fairy and Portland, where visitors can sample seafaring village life, with the towns' fishing wharves, historic pubs and beautifully preserved colonial buildings. A number of ships from the 19th- and 20th centuries have foundered off the rugged coast, and their histories are recounted in many of the museums scattered throughout the region. 

The star attraction, however, is the coastline. Buffeted by wild seas and fierce winds, the striking shore has been sculpted over millions of years to form a series of arresting natural features. You can wander the boardwalks and paths to see the Twelve Apostles, breathtaking limestone rock stacks rising from the ocean, or stop to admire London Bridge, another ancient rock formation and one of Victoria's best-known landmarks. 46.5 mi/75 km southwest of Melbourne.

Melbourne

Melbourne doesn't immediately make its mark on you. Although Sydney is visually - and immediately - stunning, Melbourne's charms take some time to discover and appreciate: It has the best shopping and theater in Australia, a greenbelt of parks and boulevards with a distinctly European feel, an unrivaled festival calendar and a top-notch restaurant scene. 

A charming city on the banks of the Yarra River, Melbourne has a wonderful mix of Victorian architecture and world cultures. After you've been there a while, you'll see why it has been rated one of the world's most livable cities.

Sovereign Hill & Ballarat

Step back into time and see Australia's history begin with the discovery of gold in 1851. Walk down Main Street with folks dressed in costume of the period. Ride through the streets in a horse-drawn carriage and watch diggers mine for gold! There are shops, hotels, schools, and more!

Yarra Valley Wineries

Drive through beautiful gardens and forests of the Blue Oandenong Ranges. Visit Fern Gully & Sherbrooke Forest known for its lyre birds. Visit Fergusson, Oakridge Estate and Moet & Chandon's Wineries for wine tasting and great food.

Melbourne Planetarium

Visit the "living exhibition" which captures the beauty of Victoria's tall mountain forests in the Forest Gallery, Bunjilaka-the Aboriginal Center, Children's Museum, Royal Exhibition Building which displays the industrial and technological achievements of more than 25 nations, plus more.

Royal Botanic Gardens

The Gardens house more than 51,000 individual plants representing over 12,000 different species. Since its opening in 1846 the Gardens has become sanctuary for native wild life which includes black swans, bell birds, cockatoos and kookaburras.