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Things to Do in Victoria

Hiking, Water Sports & Adrenaline

Discover Victoria's stunning natural environments through various outdoor pursuits.

Hiking & Trekking

Easy Trails

Melbourne offers gentle walking paths in the Royal Botanic Gardens, along the Yarra River Trail, or near Albert Park Lake. Suitable for all fitness levels.

Moderate Hikes

The Dandenong Ranges (Kokoda Memorial Walk/1000 Steps) offers a challenging uphill climb. Parts of the Great Ocean Walk provide varied terrain for day hikes.

Challenging Treks

For experienced hikers, Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) offers rugged routes such as the Pinnacle Walk. Wilson's Promontory National Park features multi-day wilderness treks.

Water Sports & Adrenaline

  • Surfing: Victoria's coastline is famous for surf breaks, including Bells Beach. Torquay and Phillip Island have surf schools for those who are new.
  • Kayaking/Paddleboarding: Enjoy calm waters on the Yarra River or in sheltered bays along the Mornington Peninsula. Rentals are available.
  • Swimming: Popular public beaches include St Kilda Beach and Brighton Beach. Many coastal small towns have beautiful swimming spots.
  • Skydiving/Travel By Hot air balloon: Experience skydiving over St Kilda Beach (city views) or hot air balloon rides over Melbourne's skyline or the Yarra Valley vineyards.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Phillip Island Penguin Parade: Witness thousands of little penguins waddle ashore at dusk.
  • Healesville Sanctuary: Close-up encounters with native Australian animals.
  • Werribee Open Range Zoo: Safari experience with African and Australian animals.
  • Koala Conservation Centre (Phillip Island): See koalas in their natural habitat.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

  • Melbourne: Extensive network of shared paths along rivers and coastlines for leisure.
  • Mountain Biking: Trails in Lysterfield Park or Otway Ranges near Forrest for varied levels of difficulty.
  • Bike rentals are widely available.

Booking Activities

  • Book tickets for popular wildlife experiences in advance, especially for evening viewings.
  • For excursions and passes, consider GetYourGuide.
  • For camping, you might want to bring your own Camping gear.

Safety Tip for Outdoor Activities

Always check local weather conditions and park alerts before embarking on outdoor adventures, especially hiking or water sports.

Cultural Immersion & 9.3 Relaxation & Wellness

Connect with Victoria's culture and find moments of tranquility and rejuvenation.

Cultural Immersion

  • Workshops & Classes: Art/craft (painting, pottery), cooking classes (Australian, Vietnamese).
  • Cultural Performances: Arts Centre Melbourne hosts ballet, opera, theatre, concerts.
  • Look for ethical operators.
  • Cultural Festivals: Melbourne hosts multicultural festivals (Chinese New Year, Moomba Festival) celebrating diverse communities.

Relaxation & Wellness

Spa & Wellness Centers

Numerous day spas in Melbourne CBD and high-end suburbs offer treatments from massages to facials. Regional areas around mineral springs have excellent spas.

Hot Springs & Natural Therapy

Peninsula Hot Springs (Mornington Peninsula) offers geothermal mineral pools. Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa (Daylesford) is famous for its natural mineral springs.

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

Many retreats are available in scenic regional locations like Daylesford or the Yarra Valley, offering programs focused on mindfulness and holistic wellness.

Art Workshops

Engage in creative expression through painting, pottery, or textile workshops in various studios.

Hot Springs Getaway

Rejuvenate at Peninsula Hot Springs or Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa for an unique mineral bathing experience.

Spa Treatments

Indulge in different kinds of treatments from massages to facials at Melbourne's numerous day spas.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Melbourne's nightlife is diverse, ranging from live acts and theatre to bustling bars and clubs.

Live Performances & Clubs

  • Live Music Venues: Melbourne has a thriving live the local music scene. Iconic venues include Cherry Bar (rock and roll), the Corner Hotel (diverse acts), and the Forum Melbourne (historic venue).
  • Stages AND Auditoriums: Melbourne's East End Theatre District in the CBD hosts major international musicals and plays. Arts Centre Melbourne hosts classical music and dance.
  • Nightclubs & Dancing: Various clubs serve different music tastes, concentrated in the CBD, Southbank, and St Kilda.
  • Check Local Listings: Ask local event guides for upcoming shows and events.

Bars & Late Night Options

Laneway Bars CBD

Melbourne is celebrated for its hidden laneway bars, offering unique cocktail experiences in intimate settings. Discovering them is part of the fun.

Bar Districts

Fitzroy/Collingwood are known for trendy bars, classic pubs, and craft breweries, with a more local atmosphere. St Kilda features beachfront bars.

Late-Night Entertainment

Many restaurants and eateries are open late. Crown Melbourne, a large entertainment complex, includes a casino, multiple bars, and clubs open into the early hours.

Evening Planning Tips

Pre-Booking Shows

For major theater productions or popular concerts, it is advisable to book tickets well in advance.

Public Transport at Night

Melbourne's tram and train network operates late, especially on weekends, providing safe transport after an evening out.

Explore Laneways Safely

Keep to populated-lit and populated laneways, especially late at night. Solo travelers should exercise caution.

Shopping & Markets

From traditional markets to high-end boutiques, Victoria offers varied shopping experiences.

Markets & Artisan Crafts

  • Queen Victoria Market: Iconic for fresh produce, meats, cheeses, clothing, souvenirs, and artisan goods. A historical and cultural experience.
  • South Melbourne Market: Known for fresh food, seafood, famous Dim Sims, and local artisan goods.
  • Camberwell Sunday Market: Popular for second-hand goods, vintage items, clothing, and crafts.
  • Artisan Workshops & Crafts: Explore galleries and shops in Fitzroy, Collingwood, Brunswick for local art, handmade jewelry, ceramics.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Cbd

Collins A thoroughfare for international luxury brands (Louis Vuitton, Chanel). Bourke Street Mall for major department stores (Myer, David Jones).

Chapel Street South Yarra/Prahran

Known for its mix of fashion boutiques, vintage stores, and unique independent shops.

Support Local

Prioritize locally made items to support Victorian artists and producers.

Native & Wildlife

  • Aboriginal art and crafts (ensure ethical procurement).
  • Koala themed souvenirs.
  • Plush native animal toys.

Australian Classics

  • Ugg boots (sheepskin boots).
  • Merino wool products.
  • Vegemite (a classic Australian spread).

Gourmet & Local

  • Local Victorian wines.
  • Artisan food products (jams, honey, olive oil).
  • Hand-roasted coffee beans from Melbourne roasters.

Shopping Practicalities

Shipping & Customs
  • Major retailers can set up international shipping for larger purchases.
  • Be aware of your home country's customs regulations for food, alcohol, and animal products.
  • Check any duty or import taxes before purchasing.
Eco-Friendly Shopping
  • Bringing a Reusable shopping bag is practical for market visits.
  • Many Australian stores charge for plastic bags.
  • Back businesses that prioritize sustainable practices.

Souvenir Strategy

Look for unique, locally made items that reflect Victoria's culture and heritage.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor & Adventure

  • Choose hiking trails based on your fitness level, from easy walks in the city to challenging mountain treks.
  • Engage in marine sports such as surfing at Bells Beach or kayaking on the Yarra River.
  • Consider adrenaline activities like skydiving or hot air ballooning for different scenery.
  • Don't miss wildlife encounters, especially the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.

Culture & Leisure

  • Participate in local workshops or cooking classes for cultural immersion.
  • Relax and rejuvenate at health spas or natural hot springs.
  • Experience Melbourne's nightlife, from live music to laneway bars.
  • Explore diverse shopping options, from old-fashioned markets to luxury boutiques.