Falling in Love with Victoria

She is fun, laid-back, and beautiful. Get acquainted with Australia’s second-smallest state beyond the capital and see how its regions are perfect for an unforgettable road trip.

There’s always something beguiling in Victoria. I’m visiting the Peninsula Hot Springs, the first natural geothermal mineral springs and day spa facility in the state. The rain has just stopped, and hence a mystical fog is now dancing in the air. The atmosphere feels serene, ethereal even, reminding me that this is no ordinary bath.

The cold weather naturally makes me long for some warmth. So, without wasting more time, I step into the pool and let the heat washes over me. My body gradually relaxes. A pure zen. And just like all great places in the world, time seems to stand still here as I slowly disconnect with the outside world.

Peninsula Hot Springs is a popular refuge for Melburnians and understandably so. This blissful sanctuary boasts a variety of thermal pools including one in a cave and one on a hilltop with a spectacular 360-degree views in tow, a Turkish hammam, an ice cave, two saunas, and a wellness centre offering a myriad of treatments – there are a lot to explore, so be prepared to spend at least a few hours here.

Yet as wonderful as it, these hot springs are just one of the many fascinating places that one should visit when in Victoria. The state brims with richly varied landscapes that are best explored possibly by taking a car.

So, here’s a list of some Victoria’s underrated, yet gorgeous regions that you could explore. Let’s rev up the engine and hit the road!

More In Mornington Peninsula

Located just an hour away from the capital city, Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula is a locals’ go-to destination for a quick weekend getaway especially during summertime. Many come for the day spas, but with over 15 equally spectacular golf courses to choose from, the region is also dubbed as Australia’s number one golf destination. But that’s not all, combine enchanting gardens with idyllic European coastal living, Mornington Peninsula is certainly punching above its weight.

Witness the million-dollar view along this trail

At the town of Sorrento, a winding 1.5-kilometre walking trail affords casual strollers a short walk with a unique twist. The trail which starts at the end of Lentell Avenue goes through the backyards of some of the most gorgeous clifftop houses in the area, while revealing a vista of sparkling waters that seem to stretch on forever.

You may feel as if you are trespassing at some points, but rest assured that the trail is absolutely legal, and the offlimit areas are clearly marked. So, stroll slowly and enjoy the soothing sounds of the crashing waves and the soaring seagulls. Trust me, it relaxes your soul. And while at it, you can also play pretend that you’re on a house hunt!

Soar into the sky with Arthurs Seat Eagle

Glide through the air in a comfortable gondola and see the stunning panoramic views unfold before you. The sparkling ocean and the lush greeneries of the Arthurs Seat State Park below create a mesmerising canvas that seems to stretch as far as the eye can see. The journey takes around 15 minutes from the base station to the highest point of Mornington Peninsula, and vice versa.

Melbourne

Melbourne – which is the second largest city in Australia after Sydney, as well as the capital of the state of Victoria – is creative, vibrant, and welcoming. As a travel destination, the city sparks wanderlust thanks to its dynamic melting pot, bubbling creative scene, Michelin-calibre gastronomy, and its insistence in sprucing up every corner with art. Seriously, the city is obsessed with street art (and I love it for that). Moreover, the coffee served in the city never disappoints. You could grab good cups of coffee anywhere in the city, wander around for a week, and still not see them all.

Seek out inspiration at the LUME Melbourne

Melbourne breathes on art, and one digital art gallery in particular, invites art lovers to appreciate it in the most exciting way.

THE LUME Melbourne recreates popular works by heavy hitters and transforms them into a multitude of cool displays and immersive installations across its massive 3,000-metre squared space. Imagine admiring high-definition digital paintings projected around and below you, all the while being accompanied by vivacious music from the Classical and Romantic eras. Purists may have doubts, but you have to admit that the experience in its entirety is unforgettable.

The theme changes every season, and currently the gallery is running the Monet and Friends Alive, an exhibition focusing on the French impressionist movement with works by the likes of Cezanne, Degas, Pissarro, Renoir, Sisley and of course, Monet. Spending a couple of hours here is certainly not out of the question.

Taste the fresh produce at the South Melbourne Market

The South Melbourne Market is 156 years old, making it the longestrunning market in the city. It is the ideal place for travellers to have a look at the city’s heritage along with its day-to-day life. Many Melburnians still come here for their daily essentials, while visitors can get their greedy paws on everything that ranges from clothes by rising local designers and local produce to homewares and secondhand books as souvenirs to bring home.

There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes on site to feed the hungry masses, including the popular chain Dim Sims that has been operating here for over 50 years. Don’t forget to also spare some time to visit the oyster bar where you can devour the freshest catch right there and then!

The Market is open every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am.

Understand the city’s sense of place via laneways and arcades tour

Ahh yes, we’ve reached to the part where we discover Melbourne’s street art. The city is world-famous for its kaleidoscopic laneways, gathering momentum since the 1980s and giving birth to many prolific street artists along the way. You can just walk anywhere in the city and find your favourite mural; otherwise, you can level up and join an insightful tour.

You are sure to soak it all up when you join the award-winning Melbourne Walks, whose personalised tour comes with really eye-opening and mindblowing insider info that further extends visitors’ knowledge way beyond where to find the best coffee and cheap eats. Melbourne Walks’ tour guide of the day, Courtney, shares about the controversial 1875 oil painting by Parisian Jules Joseph Lefebvre gracing the wall of Chloe’s Brasserie, one of the oldest pubs in the city, situated within the Young and Jackson building. The full-frontal nude painting of a female water nymph ruffled the feathers of the society of that time, and said to be so popular that some soldiers even wrote love letters to her from the front-line during World War I.

The tour also brings travellers around the city’s famous arcades such as the Block Arcade, the Royal Arcade, and The Strands where you can find a collection of specialty shops and vintage stores. My personal favourite is the 1932’s Manchester Unity Arcade that is housed within an Art Deco Gothic building built during the Great Depression, kitted with Melbourne’s first escalator and incredibly beautiful Art Deco lifts.

Strike a pose at the Brighton Bathing Boxes

These seaside gems are quite possibly one of the most recognised icons of Victoria, and understandably so. The vibrant colours are visually rewarding, and they amplify the already splendid beauty of Dendy Street Beach.

But more importantly, these boxes are also a fragment of the past, originally built during the Victorian era for ladies so that they could change into their swimwear in private. The ladies then would get into the bathing machines drawn by horses to the water’s edge where they could enjoy the sea away from prying eyes.

Of course, as the world progresses, the use of bathing machines are no longer deemed necessary while bathing boxes gradually become more of a lifestyle asset, a convenient shelter to admire the shoreline during the warmer months. These boxes are usually passed on within the owning families from one generation to the next, so if it were to come to the market, don’t be surprised to see the whopping price tags — some could even reach as high as A$200,000 each!

Today, there are over 80 bathing boxes that line the beach, each sporting a distinctive design while retaining its original Victorian architectural features. So go on, choose your favourite(s) and take as many pictures as you like! This is also a great spot for a swim, a walk by the waves, or just lounging on the sand.

Getting here: The easiest way to reach the suburb is by hopping on the Sandringham train line from the Flinders Street Station to the Brighton Beach Railway Station. The journey takes around 30 minutes, and once you’ve alighted the train, walk north for about 500 metres through a park to the beach. Alternatively, you can also catch the 600, 922 and 923 buses, serving Southland and St Kilda, from the CBD.

Phillip Island

Despite its size, Phillip Island has a lot to offer for everyone. It is best known for the Little Penguin parade and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, but do not sleep on the fantastic beaches meant for serious surfing. The island is, in fact, holds Victoria’s first National Surfing Reserve.

The Nobbies Boardwalk, on the other hand, is a great place to get a sense of the dramatic coastline. And if you choose to drive on the island, pay attention to the roadsides as you may spot native wildlife species such as Cape Barren Geese and Swamp Wallabies.

A pinch-me moment with Phillip Island Helicopters

Buckle in, this is probably one of the best ways to see Phillip Island! As you soar high above the shimmering ocean, the world below transforms into a mesmerising sight, revealing pristine beaches and patches of verdant fields that seem almost too bewitching to be real – luckily, there are.

The scenic flights take around 8 to 25 minutes per trip depending on the chosen route. Be sure to also ask the pilot on locals’ favourite places – who knows, you might end up learning a few hidden spots not mentioned in any travel guides!

Meet the cute Little Penguins

To visit Phillip Island without seeing the famous icons of the island almost feels like a crime. Meet the Little Penguins, the smallest of the 18 penguin species and native to Australia. At dusk, get ready to be swooned by these adorable creatures as they waddle to the shore after a tiring day (or weeks!) fishing in the Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay.

Some may stop for a quick catch-up with fellow ‘colleagues’ on the beach, while the introverted ones may just head straight to their burrows – either way, the sight of them moving in comical sync is nothing short of joyful.

There are various ways of enjoying the parade, including from general viewing grandstands or in an underground viewing room. For something more personalised, visitors can also opt for the Eco Tour which includes an indepth commentary by the guide.

Gippsland

Gippsland is known for its unspoiled natural wonders, making the two- to three-hour drive from the capital worthwhile. Besides, it boasts quintessential small towns filled with antiques stores and artisan grocers like those you see in Hallmark movies.

Majestic nature is on full display in The Prom

Nestled on the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, lies an aweinspiring Wilsons Promontory National Park or also known as ‘The Prom’. It is home to diverse jawdropping landscapes, ranging from pristine beaches, fragrant eucalypt forests, to jagged rocky mountaintops that pierce the sky. Hence, it is no surprise that this jewel of wilderness is beloved by so many.

There are a wealth of scenic trails in this 50,000-hectare reserve which are all properly signposted. For instance, go on the Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk to spot kangaroos, wallabies and emus roaming in the wild. Beach lovers, on the other hand, should not miss the Squeaky Beach. The evenly-sized quartz grains of sand here emit squeaky sound when you walk on them!

So, it doesn’t matter whether you are a seasoned hiker, a lover of great outdoors, or simply seeking a repose, the Prom is the perfect place to be.

Admire the rustic charm of Inverloch Glamping Co

Escape to a serene world of farmstyle glamping, where comfort and sustainability coexist in perfect harmony. The exquisite units here are thoughtfully decorated and offer a cosy stay. Besides, the site is just a stone’s throw away from the ocean’s calming presence.

Learn about cheese at Bassine Specialty Cheeses

There’s nothing quite like the indulgence of a cheese tasting experience, especially when there is an award-winning artisanal shop involved. The knowledgeable staff is always on site to guide you through various flavours and textures, from buttery camembert to sharp cheddar and everything in between. Take time to savour them all, and you’ll discover a newfound appreciation for the art of cheesemaking.

In this spread, clockwise from top, left: Visitors can shop for delicious gourmet cheeses at South Melbourne Market; Phillip Island is home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world (Image by Phillip Island Nature Parks); The Inverloch Glamping Co in Victoria, Australia, offers an uncompromised comfort amidst farmland; Safety briefing being conducted by the pilots before the ride with Phillip Island Helicopters; Taking in the breathtaking views across Port Phillip Bay on Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola ride.

Geelong And The Bellarine

Located around one-hour drive from Melbourne, Geelong and the Bellarine invites visitors to slow down. Take time to experience life at the locals pace, and expect no shortage of world-renowned wines while doing so. After all, the region is known as the largest grapegrowing area in Victoria. But if you do not drink, don’t worry. There are still plenty of other delicious offerings worth savouring like the freshest Australian Blue Mussels.

Take a stroll along the Geelong Waterfront

The waterfront could arguably be the heart of Geelong. This is where locals spend most of their evenings, walking the dogs, building sandcastles, or just picnicking by the beach on a good sunny day. But, they are not the only residents that you could meet; walk from the Limeburner’s Point to the Rippleside Park and you’ll bump into over 100 ‘quirky ambassadors’ of the city in the forms of bollards.

Designed by local artist Jan Mitchell, these bollards are made of old timbers and piles from a damaged pier. Each of them portrays a unique character that connects to the city’s heritage. You can consider downloading the Activate Geelong App to learn more about the stories behind these amazing artworks.

Then, head to The Mussel Boat for a quick lunch where fresh seafood and paella await. They are all cooked right on the boat so guests may enjoy them there and then.

Lunch at House of

Jack Rabbit

Dining in the renowned Jack Rabbit is more than having a meal – it’s a definitive epicurean experience. The high volume of reservations here have already attested to the draw of their hearty food. So, do book early when possible. Expect an extensive menu honouring the finest local ingredients including the region’s specialty, Portarlington mussels, perfect for a beautiful day.

The House of Jack Rabbit is open 7 days a week for brunch and lunch; Fridays and Saturdays for dinner.

Flying To Victoria With Airasia X

The long-haul low-cost airline AirAsia X offers non-stop flights from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne, three times a week. Experience friendly warm service by the flight attendants as soon as you step on board. Come meal time, passengers will be spoilt for choices.

Do try Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak if you haven’t – it is popular for a reason.

The economy seats for this flight are divided into two cabin sections: the normal economy and the Quiet Zone. I had the opportunity to experience the latter, and found it ideal for those who want to travel in peace. Yes, imagine no loud chats and crying babies. This cabin section also has softer lighting to help travellers in getting as much rest as possible. Besides, due to a slight price difference, some seats can be empty at times. So don’t be shy to ask the crew if you could stretch out or even lie across these empty seats.

For those with a bit of extra budget, on the other hand, may opt for a Premium Flatbed. Enjoy a comfortable seat that stretches out to 77” in full recline position, a complimentary 40kg baggage allowance, and personalised attention that will let travellers arrive at the destination feeling refreshed and absolutely ready to take on whatever adventures await.

Gaya Travel Magazine extends our heartfelt gratitude to Visit Victoria and AirAsia X for making our trip to the Victoria state a smooth journey.