The Wise Wanderer

Travel guide for Victoria

In early July 2024, we spontaneously decided to spend a couple of days in Victoria, a delightful last-minute getaway that we couldn’t resist. The picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and charming towns of Victoria beckoned us, making it the perfect destination for a quick escape.

As we began to plan our trip, we discovered that mid-August would be a particularly exciting time to be in the area, coinciding with the annual Ekka (Royal Queensland Show) festivities. This event is a beloved tradition that showcases local agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit. What made it even more appealing was that there would be a public holiday on the Wednesday of the Ekka, providing us with a fantastic opportunity to extend our trip.

Seizing the moment, we decided to take the Thursday and Friday off work, transforming a simple getaway into a long weekend adventure. With four days to explore, we could immerse ourselves in everything Victoria has to offer, from its stunning natural beauty to its rich history and culinary delights.

We began crafting our itinerary, excited to discover new experiences and make lasting memories during our extended stay. This spontaneous decision promised to be a fantastic blend of relaxation, exploration, and celebration, and we couldn’t wait to embark on this adventure!

Things to do in Victoria

As we prepared for our exciting trip to Victoria, we sat down and created a comprehensive list of must-see attractions and activities that we wanted to experience during our visit. With Brett being from Victoria, this trip was not only an opportunity for exploration but also a chance to reconnect with family and friends he hasn’t seen in a while. This added a personal touch to our adventure, making it even more special.

We brainstormed and curated an itinerary that included a variety of iconic destinations and hidden gems, ensuring our trip would be both memorable and fulfilling. Here are some of the highlights we planned to include:

Must-See Attractions in Victoria

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles: Famous for their breathtaking views, these stunning limestone stacks along the Great Ocean Road are a must-visit. We were eager to witness the dramatic coastline and capture the perfect sunset photo at this iconic landmark.

This drive is absolutely stunning, showcasing the breathtaking hues of the ocean and the Apostles. You can rent a car, just like we did, and travel at your leisure, making frequent stops to fully savour your road trip experience.

Highlights of the Twelve Apostles:

• Loch Ard Gorge
• The Grotto
• London Bridge (which collapsed in 1990)
• The Great Ocean Walk

Cape Otway National Park

Cape Otway National Park: With its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and scenic walking trails, this national park was high on our list. We were particularly excited to explore the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse and take in the stunning coastal views that the park has to offer.

Highlights of Cape Otway National Park:

• Beautiful trail walks
• Treetop walks and ziplines
• The beaches
• Cape Otway Lightstation

Ballarat

Ballarat: Rich in history, this city is famous for its gold rush heritage. We were looking forward to visiting Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum that brings the gold mining era to life. We could almost hear the sound of horses’ hooves and see the glimmer of gold nuggets as we imagined ourselves stepping back in time.

Highlights to see in Ballarat:

• Lake Wendouree
• Ballarat Botanical Gardens
• Sovereign Hill
• Ballarat Tram Muesum
• Art Gallery of Ballarat

Melbourne Cricket Ground

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): As sports enthusiasts, a visit to the MCG was a must. We planned to tour this iconic stadium, learn about its storied history, and perhaps catch a game if the schedule allowed. The atmosphere of this legendary venue is something we were eager to experience firsthand.

With our list in hand and a clear plan in place, we felt a growing excitement as our long weekend adventure in Victoria approached. Each destination promised unique experiences, stunning scenery, and opportunities to create cherished memories with each other and with Brett’s family. We couldn’t wait to embark on this journey and immerse ourselves in the beauty and culture of Victoria!

Choosing Locations

We chose these four locations because our last visit to the Twelve Apostles and Apollo Bay was around 15 years ago. We decided to include Cape Otway in our trip since it would be a first-time experience for us. Additionally, we planned to visit Ballarat to see family and catch up. As for the Melbourne Cricket Ground, that was related to a friendly rivalry between my husband and I over AFL! He’s a Collingwood supporter, while I cheer for the Brisbane Lions. We watched the two teams that were 2023’s grand finalists face off again. Unfortunately, the Lions lost by just one point, making it reminiscent of the grand final!

So, you might be wondering how we reached these destinations and where we stayed? I enjoy planning our trips, whether in Australia or abroad, but this time I let my husband take the lead on the how and where. It turned out beautifully!

Once the decision was made, we opted to hire a car, as it would be the easiest way to navigate the long distances. We chose Sixt as our car rental company, and we really love working with them. They make the process easy, and their customer service representatives are a pleasure to deal with.

Victorian itinerary

Day 1

We arrived in Melbourne on a lovely warm day, picked up our ‘mystery’ rental car from Sixt, and kicked off our holiday.

• The journey from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Cape Otway Lighthouse covers a total distance of 213 km. Although this route is 20 km shorter, it takes about an extra hour of driving since we opted to travel along the coastline.
• We made a lunch stop at Aireys Pub, which is situated in a beautiful and peaceful setting, away from the coast. The pizza and calamari were a hit with us; they were absolutely delicious!
• Next, we headed to our lodging at Cape Otway National Park. The drive through the park was stunning, surrounded by vibrant greenery. Staying in the lighthouse studio was an unforgettable experience. The entrance to the accommodation is situated on the ocean side of the building, directly facing the lighthouse. There’s a designated parking space for your vehicle. The area is peaceful, and while the internet and phone reception aren’t the best, it’s the perfect opportunity to disconnect, relax your mind, and engage in genuine conversations with your partner. You’ll also find an abundance of wildlife, including kangaroos, possums, and various bird species.
• Tip: There are no local shops or restaurants near the accommodation, so be sure to stop in the nearby towns before arriving to grab some dinner. They do provide a lovely continental breakfast for the morning.

Day 2

• We rose early, enjoyed a continental breakfast, and set off to drive the Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles before returning to Apollo Bay for the night. The journey took us through stunning rainforests, picturesque beaches, and charming farming regions.
• The Twelve Apostles are now only eight of the original Apostles remaining, despite there being 30 rock formations along this stretch of coastline. Due to ongoing erosion impacting the limestone stacks and cliffs, the number of rock formations is expected to continue changing. We saw four out of the eight, and these various sites are incredibly beautiful and impressive.
• We stayed at a lovely accommodation Rayville Boat House situated between two large beaches that you can easily stroll to without crossing the Great Ocean Road, this location is right next to the harbour and Apollo Bay’s picturesque golf course. It’s also within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
• We had a couple of drinks at Apollo Bay Hotel, located in the heart of the Great Ocean Road, surrounded by the magnificent Otways.

Day 3

• On our third day, we made our way to Ballarat to spend some quality time with family. We made a brief stop at Carisbrook Falls, eager to embark on a steep trek to witness the waterfall. The trail was invigorating, providing a bit of a challenge as we navigated the incline. Along the way, we enjoyed the surrounding natural beauty, with lush greenery and the soothing sounds of flowing water guiding us to our destination.
• After our walk we continued the journey to Ballarat, known for its rich history and vibrant community, offered us the perfect backdrop for a delightful family gathering.

Day 4

• After breakfast, we set off for Melbourne, where we checked into our accommodation at Quest East Melbourne. Once settled, we decided to explore the vibrant neighborhood of Richmond to pass the time before the AFL game. As we strolled through the streets, we were captivated by the lively atmosphere, with trendy cafes, boutique shops, and colorful street art surrounding us. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, tempting us to stop for a quick snack. We took our time wandering, soaking in the local culture and excitement, eagerly looking forward to the game ahead.
• We attended the AFL game featuring Brisbane versus Collingwood at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The atmosphere was electric, buzzing with excitement as fans from both teams filled the stands, proudly wearing their colors and chanting for their favourites. Despite Brisbane’s valiant efforts, they ultimately lost the match, but the spirit of the game remained high. Every play was met with roars and cheers, creating an exhilarating environment.

Day 5

• We caught an early flight home, filled with anticipation as we began to plan our next adventure. The excitement of travel always lingers, and during our journey, we eagerly discussed potential destinations and experiences we want to explore next. With a world full of possibilities ahead of us, we shared our dreams of new places, cultures, and activities, envisioning the memories we would create on our future trip.

What’s your next travel destination? Where are you headed, and do you like to plan your trips in advance? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments!