Victoria attractions

Get up close and personal to hundreds of native Australian animals—and even have the chance to hand-feed kangaroos—at Ballarat Wildlife Park. The park focuses on conservation and education, and adults, school groups, and individuals all are welcome. Besides kangaroos, you can encounter koalas, emus, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and so many more native species.

See thousands of marine animals without leaving the city at the SEA LIFE Melbourne aquarium. Boasting more than 10 themed zones, the aquarium features penguins, sharks, rays, crocodiles, starfish, and much more. The ocean’s diversity and marine conservation efforts are the focus at this popular family attraction.

See what it was like to sail aboard the tall ship, Polly Woodside, whose historical mission was to haul coal and wheat/nitrate from South America to England. This wooden ship made that voyage an impressive 16 times and now rests in Melbourne. Visitors can climb aboard, steer the ship, and pretend to sail the seven seas.

Phillip Island isn’t only famous for its wildlife sightings, coastal hikes, and the nightly Penguin Parade—the Victorian island is also home to a legendary Grand Prix racing circuit. With a history dating back to 1928 and formerly the site of the Australian Grand Prix, the Phillip Island Circuit is known for its technical twists and turns and spectacular ocean views.

The Cape Schanck Lighthouse has stood in solitary splendor atop rugged cliffs since 1859—and its light still burns even now. The heart of the Mornington Peninsula’s Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve, it’s a starting point for a range of splendid walks, although the lighthouse itself is difficult to access.

Located amid the lush countryside of Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula, Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens are home to Australia’s oldest traditional hedge maze. As well as encompassing 25 acres (10 hectares) of gardens, the complex features a Lavender Labyrinth that flowers year-round and a Circular Rose maze made up of 1,200 roses.

Regent Theatre has been one of Melbourne’s most important performance venues since 1929. The lavishly designed 2,145-seat auditorium has hosted some of the city’s most popular plays and musicals over the years, including The Lion King, Wicked, We Will Rock You, and the world premiere of King Kong.

With its spas, natural springs, walking trails, and fresh air, the tranquil town of Daylesford provides the ultimate escape from city life. Within easy reach of central Melbourne, Daylesford offers a plethora of activities; swim or go kayaking around Daylesford Lake, climb to the top of Wombat Hill, or wander the gardens surrounding Convent Gallery.

A working wool mill, Creswick Woollen Mills makes products from fibers as diverse as alpaca, possum, merino sheep, cashmere, cotton, and bamboo. The mill, which dates back to 1947, hosts exhibits on history and manufacturing, as well as a shop, and offers a chance to meet the mill’s animals—including baby lambs and alpacas—on some days.

Set amid the rolling vineyards of Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula, Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm is a family-owned farm that also grows raspberries, cherries, and blueberries. The farmstead is also home to a cafe that serves decadent strawberry desserts and a gift shop where you can buy jam, ice cream, and freeze-dried fruit.

One of Victoria’s most popular ski resorts, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is a year-round recreation destination at Lake Mountain in Yarra Ranges National Park. Despite its name, there is no lake at Lake Mountain, but what you will find there are cross-country skiing trails, toboggan runs, a mountain bike track, and lots of wildflowers.

Set amid the natural wonders and wildlife reserves of Phillip Island, A Maze'N Things offers a fun alternative for a family day out. The small-scale theme park is packed with interactive exhibitions and activities, including mind-bending illusions, a gigantic maze, a minigolf course, and plenty of games, puzzles, and challenges to keep all ages entertained.

The Enchanted Adventure Garden is a family-friendly park on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. General entry includes access to hedge mazes, giant brain-teaser puzzles, a canopy walk, tube slides, and more. They also offer a “tree surfing” high ropes course, and ziplining. There are attractions here for all ages and abilities.

Take a step back in time with a visit to the medieval-themed Kryal Castle, where performers in full regalia are ready to put on a show for you. There’s fun for the entire family, from brewing potions, watching Arena shows, riding ponies, marveling at fire jousting, and much more. Every day is different at Kryal Castle, so no matter how often you return, you will have a fresh experience.

From music legends such as Paul McCartney, AC/DC, and Metallica to open-air concerts by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, to candlelit Christmas carols—the Sidney Myer Music Bowl offers something for audiences of all tastes. Set amid the grassy lawns of the Kings Domain Gardens, it’s Melbourne’s largest and most popular outdoor music venue.

With a maze of mine shafts and tunnels descending to depths of up to 748 feet (228 meters), the Central Deborah Gold Mine is Australia’s deepest underground mine tour. Visit the former gold mine to experience the below-ground world and to gain insight into Australia’s historic gold mining industry.

While Australia’s Phillip Island may be best known for its wildlife, this family-owned chocolate factory brings a tasty touch to the island, with handmade truffles and other treats crafted on-site. Cocoa-themed games and displays–like sculptures carved out of solid chocolate and a giant chocolate waterfall–hit the sweet spot for kids.

Named after the hilltop flagstaff that signaled ships into Melbourne port, Flagstaff Gardens is the city’s oldest park, having been established in 1862. Since it’s just north of the Central Business District (CBD), on a nice day you’ll see plenty of office workers lounging on the lawns during their lunch breaks. And given the park’s prime location next to Queen Victoria Market, it’s easy to have a picnic in one of the city’s favorite green spaces.

Perched along the wild and rocky south coast of the Wilsons Promontory National Park, this 19th-century lighthouse is a historic landmark and a beacon for ships crossing the Bass Strait. It’s also the southernmost settlement of mainland Australia. Accessible only on foot, you'll take an overnight hike to reach the remote Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse, where spectacular views await.

With sprawling grounds that include a lake, grotto, children’s garden, fernery, and orchard, the Rippon Lea Estate is a beautiful Victorian enclave, mansion, and farm created by the Sargood family. You can tour the elaborate home, stroll the gardens, have lunch in the tea room, and shop the nursery and gift shop.

Melbourne’s Scienceworks is a family-friendly attraction that offers hands-on science and technology activities and live demonstrations. Highlights include the Melbourne Planetarium and the Lightning Room, capable of generating 2 million volts of electricity.

Completed in 1997, the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) is one of the largest athletic centers in the southern hemisphere. Host of the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2007 FINA World Swimming Championships, the center caters to both serious swimmers and recreational users—it’s home to aquatic facilities ranging from indoor and outdoor Olympic swimming pools to a steam room and sauna, and has other sports facilities as well.

From Ozzy Osbourne to Madonna, Katy Perry to Oasis—the Forum has hosted bands and artists from all around the world. Dating back to 1929 and completely renovated in 2016, it remains one of Melbourne’s most legendary live music and festival venues, famous for its amphitheater-inspired architecture and atmospheric interiors.

Rising from the flat Werribee Plain, the You Yangs are a series of granite hills between Melbourne and Geelong, reaching an elevation of 1047 feet (319 meters) at Flinders Peak. You Yangs Regional Park is a protected area that covers the southern side of the range and falls within the traditional boundaries of Wadawurrung Country.

Stretching along the south bank of the Yarra River and encompassing more than 89 acres (36 hectares) of parklands, Kings Domain is one of Melbourne’s most popular green spaces. The tree-lined walkways, lengthy manicured lawns, and shady picnic areas offer plenty of scope to escape the city, dotted with monuments and memorials.

Referred to by locals as Little Italy, Lygon Street was once the epicenter of Melbourne’s cafe culture. The street is characterized by Victorian terraces, Italian restaurants with al fresco seating, and cafes serving cakes and gelato. Come for a coffee and to browse boutiques, and stay for a film at Melbourne’s largest arthouse cinema.

Known affectionately as Espy to locals, Hotel Esplanade is a performance venue in the seaside suburb of St. Kilda that’s been promoting live music since the 1800s. Almost all of Australia’s music legends have graced the stage at the Espy at some point in their career; in an average week the pub hosts more than 50 bands and DJs.

Built around the 19th-century Lady Bay lighthouses, the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village hosts spectacular shipwreck memorabilia amid recreations of 1870s shops. Evenings see the multimillion-dollar sound and light show Tales of the Shipwreck Coast. You might also meet Maremma dogs that protect nesting penguins from foxes.

Pentridge Prison is one of Melbourne’s most significant historical sites, offering a chilling glimpse into Australia’s penal history. Operating for nearly 150 years, this former maximum-security prison once held some of the nation’s most notorious criminals. Today, the site has been transformed into a museum where visitors can walk through the original cell blocks and explore the grim realities of prison life. It’s an immersive experience that provides a unique perspective on a dark chapter of the country’s past.

Station Pier cruise terminal serves as the gateway to Australia’s second-largest city and is located about 30 minutes from the center of Melbourne by car. But before you head straight to Melbourne CBD, spend a few hours on neighboring Melbourne Beach and explore the trendy suburb of St. Kilda.