Victoria, Australia’s second-most populous state, has always attracted both domestic and international tourists in part due to the exceptional natural attractions of its various regions. For lovers of the great outdoors a visit to Victoria (and indeed its capital city, Melbourne) will provide ample opportunity to experience just what makes it such a fascinating destination.

Not a lot of people know about some of the places that are great to see in regional Victoria and they often get overshadowed by the major tourist spots in Melbourne. So if you are planning a trip or know someone who is, then be sure to check out some of these less known destinations to truly experience Victoria. Here’s some stunning photography of regional Victoria in a video:

Now, of course the time of year matters a lot and will make quite a difference as to what your experience is going to be like. You may have heard that weather in Victoria is very unpredictable. But your best bet is to visit during Spring between October and December. Some regional parts of Victoria can get very hot in the Summer and that is why you want to visit at a time when the weather is just starting to get warm.

Let’s dive into the top 3 places you MUST see if you are visiting Victoria

Mornington Peninsula

picture of mornington peninsula at dusk
Between Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay the Mornington Peninsula has been one of Australia’s favorite summer destination ever since the late 19th century. Visitors to the area will soon realize why it remains popular in the 21st century. Rolling fields of vineyards, wine tasting and exceptional cuisine combined with pristine beaches and the amazing natural attractions of the Mornington Peninsula National Park are only some of the sights and experiences that draw in hordes of visitors each year.

The Great Ocean Road

picture of great ocean road

Recognized as one of the greatest ocean side roads in the world the exceptional natural vistas available to drivers who want to take in some of the most unspoiled scenery in Australia make this the perfect setting for a road trip. Take in the fresh salt air of the Southern Ocean and some excellent roadside attractions, as well as sheer limestone cliffs to escape the stresses of modern life.

Depending on where your accommodation is, there are several buses that can take you to Great Ocean Road if you are not driving. And if you want to take it to the next level, there are some great ocean-facing hotels that will really make your experience beachy!

The Yarra Valley

yarra valley

For foodies and lovers of world class wine the vineyards of the Yarra Valley are simply the best place to visit while in Victoria. foodies are spoiled for choice with over 80 wineries and exceptional cuisine on offer from an exceptional variety of restaurants. Combine this with crisp, clean air and you have the perfect setting for a memorable day in one of Australia’s most attractive regions.

Victoria has so many attractions of interest to a wide variety of travelers it’s no wonder that it has stood the test of time as one of Australia’s premier tourist destinations.