There’s an expression in Australia that’s called ‘Go Bush,’ which means to get out of the city and relax.
Cate Blanchett
Don't we all feel that way, sometimes? 'Go Bush' is a simple phrase, whose 'other' English equivalent might be 'incognito mode', or 'going off-grid'. In Victoria, 'Going Bush' offers scenery and experiences for all tastes, from water-scapes to... Well, to bushlands.
Travellers have many places to visit near Melbourne - and, within Melbourne, for that matter. Still, for those times when you want or need to 'Go Bush', it's nice to have a list of destinations. This summary table of hidden places to visit in Victoria previews the full discovery guide below.
| 🌄destination | 📸type of scene | 🎒What to do there |
|---|---|---|
| Wilsons Promontory National Park | nature, water | hike, swim, photograph scenery |
| Lakes Entrance | nature, water | camp, fish, hike |
| Mallacoota | nature, water | sports, fishing, water recreation |
| Mount Dandenong | mountains | hike, climb, explore villages |
| Warburton | country town | hike, cycle, snow sports in winter |
| Cathedral Ranges State Park | mountain | hike, climb, photograph |
| Bright | town, foodie | enjoy unusual dishes, hike, cycle |
| Alpine National Park | 'high country' | climb, snow sports in winter |
| Great Ocean Road | scenic road | make stop-offs to photograph iconic sites |
| Mornington Peninsula | water | swim, enjoy the beach |
| Werribee Gorge State Park | bush | climb, hike |
| Macedon Ranges | nature, foodie | hike, shop, sample new dishes |
| Bendigo | historic | pan for gold, experience culture |
| Phillip Island | nature, water | spot penguins, play on the beach |
| The Grampians | mountains | hike, photograph, visit the zoo |
Wilsons Promontory National Park
Of all the places to visit in Victoria, this park tops all the lists. It offers travellers a bit of everything: sparkling beaches and enticing trails, and lots of wildlife - flora and fauna, to photograph.
Keep the good times coming with a camp-out on the beach, or choose one of the area's eclectic accommodations. Such range from a lighthouse cottage, to eco-tents.
How to Get There
by car
- drive A1 for roughly 170 kilometres (km)
- turn left onto Promontory Road
- drive 25km to park
by train
- V/Line from Southern Cross Station to Leongatha Station
- ride Bus Route 780 to Tidal River
- ride shuttle to the park
Best Time(s) to Go
You can access the park year-round. Choose your time based on what you wish to do and see while there.
Lakes Entrance
You likely guessed that this Victoria attraction relies on water, but that's not all Lakes has to offer. Sure, the intertwined lakes are engaging, but the camping is fine, too.
This attraction recalled for us of South Australia's top tourist spots to discover. It, too, offers a chance to sleep under the stars, albeit much further inland.
How to Get There
by car
- drive M1 eastbound
- exit onto Great Alpine Road
- drive through the Great Dividing Range
- follow signs to Lakes Entrance
by bus
- V/Line or Basset Coast bus
- trip take 5-6 hours
by train
- V/Line from Southern Cross Station
- exit Bairnsdale
- ride V/Line or Bass Coast bus to Lakes Entrance
Best Time(s) to Go
You can access Lakes Entrance year-round. However, to beat the crowds, plan for a Spring or Autumn visit.
Mallacoota
If you've been looking for hidden places to visit in Victoria, this is where you'll find it. Nestled close to Croanjingolong National Park, the whole area brims with natural spectacle and outdoorsy things to do. Water sports include boating, fishing, and swimming. On land, hikers, bikers and four-wheel drivers find their thrills.
How to Get There
If you're craving a road trip, this 517 km journey should suit you. If you'd rather leave the car at home, take the train from Melbourne to Bairnsdale, then catch the bus to Mallacoota. If you've the means, flying in is the quickest way to get there.
Best Time(s) to Go
January through March is this town's hottest season. After a mild Autumn, it becomes one of the top places to visit in Victoria in winter. Mallacoota is great to visit, year-round.
Mount Dandenong
She had a saying, that we were climbing a mountain. She never clarified whether it was Everest or the Dandenongs ...
Felix Cameron
During his Logies acceptance speech, our Boy Swallows Universe actor hinted that this mountain range is accessible and easy to enjoy. Thanks to our young star, the Dandenongs became one of Australia's top sites to explore on everyone's list, including ours.
This area is just one hour away, making it one of the best places to visit near Melbourne. Once there, choose your adventure: mountainside villages, stunning waterfalls, or riding the Puffing Billy steam train.
How to Get There
by car
- From Melbourne CBD, drive M3 towards Lilydale
- exit onto Mount Dandenong tourist road
by train and bus
- Lilydale Line to Upper Ferntree Gully station
- catch Warren bus line to Olinda
- exit at Mount Dandenong Village stop.
Best Time(s) to Go
Plan your visit around the adventure you seek. The Mountain is accessible year-round.
Warburton
Nature lovers and anyone who adores quaint towns, get set for adventure. Warburton isn't just a lovely country town near the Yarra's upper reaches, it's also an outdoors paradise.
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the Redwood Forest, so you don't have to cut your excursion short. Claim your rest in a rustic cottage, or in an eco-barn.
How to Get There
You can go by car, via the Warburton Highway. Make sure you top up on petrol, as you'll have no stations along the 76-km route.
Bus travel is also available, from Southern Cross Station. You'll get off at Lilydale Station, then transfer to Bus 683, which will take you into town.
Best Time(s) to Go
You can visit Warburton year-round.
Cathedral Ranges State Park
If you've spent your winter toning up and getting in shape, you can test yourself on this park's hiking trails. They're a bit more rigorous than any of Queensland's top attractions we've explored. Still, you'll enjoy handsome rewards, after creeping through Cathedral's crevasses and climbing on cliff-edges. The views from the top are amazing.
How to Get There
Drive the Maroonda Highway to Buxton, then continue for a further 9.5 km. Turn right on Cathedral Lane; the park lies 2.5 km from there.
Best Time(s) to Go
September to November is peak wildflower time. Otherwise, you may enjoy this park year-round.
Bright
This small town sits on the southeastern end of Ovens Valley. Perched high above sea level, it offers photographers a riot of colour to capture each Spring and Autumn. It's close to Alpine National Park, making it a great way-station for winter-sport enthusiasts keen to test the slopes.
How to Get There
by car
- M31 towards Albury
- exit onto Great Alpine Road
- look for Bright exit
by bus
- from Southern Cross Station
- ride V/Line or Bright Bus Lines
Best Time(s) to Go
The town is wonderful to visit year-round. However, consider the season if you have specific activities in mind.
Alpine National Park
If you've been looking for places to visit in Victoria in winter, congratulations: you've just found one. Alpine National Park is in High Country, complete with tall ridgelines, and lush valleys. Should you come during the winter, be sure to bring your snowboard and/or skis. But, it's just as welcoming in the summer, when everything turns green.
How to Get There
Driving is the only way, as no public transportation options exist. You might follow Bogong High Plains Road, or come in via Great Alpine Road.
Best Time(s) to Go
- June to October: best for winter sports and photography
- November to May: great for hiking, camping, and wildlife photography
Great Ocean Road
Just as one road delivers many of New South Wales' top attractions, our Great Ocean Road links some of Victoria's best sites.
This route stretches along Victoria's southwestern coast for 243 km, giving access to several of the best places to visit in Victoria. The most famous of them must be the Twelve Apostles, though they're fewer, today.
Where they stand, weather conditions are harsh. The wind and water erode the pillars, causing them to weaken over time, and collapse. The most recent instance came in 2005.
How to Get There
Though Greyhound and V/Line options exist, driving is the best way to make the most of this Victoria landmark. From Melbourne, head west on M1 to the A1, and follow it to Torquay. That town marks Great Ocean Road's start.
Best Time(s) to Go
This is a great getaway for most of the year. Try to avoid July-August excursions, as strong winds and heavy rain could dampen your experience.
Mornington Peninsula
Anyone with small children should consider this beach. With its calm waters and soft sand, it's the perfect haven for them to frolic safely.
You'll find plenty more to do in this area, like dipping into the Hot Springs, and exploring nearby Fort Nepean National Park.
How to Get There
by car
via the Peninsula Link
by public transport
- train from Melbourne CBD to Frankston
- Bus 781, 785, or 788 to Mornington
by ferry
from Melbourne CBD dock
Best Time(s) to Go
February to April delivers the best views and the most agreeable temperatures. If you can go during the week, you can avoid the weekend crowds.
Werribee Gorge State Park
This park is a fine example of 'Go Bush', even if it's not terribly far from Melbourne. It's a favourite destination for rock climbers and bushwalkers, but you'll also find visitor sites and picnic areas. For us, the stroll along the Lerderderg River (after emptying the picnic basket) made the trip complete.
How to Get There
Drive west on the Western Freeway (M1); exit at Morton's Road. Turn right, then left, onto Pentland Hills Road. Look for signs directing you to the park.
Best Time(s) to Go
- September to November: best for wildflower enthusiasts
- March to May: best for hiking
Macedon Ranges
This is one of the most beautiful places in Victoria to unwind and relax. You'll find stunning views atop Hanging Rock Reserve, and the climb will do wonders to reduce your stress. However, for us, it was all the foodie delights that kept calling us back. Not just the wine, but the many artisan offerings to sample.
How to Get There
by car
- M79 (Calder Freeway) north
- exit Woodend or Lancefield
- Alternate route: M31 north
- exit Kilmore or Romsey
by train
- V/Line from Southern Cross Station
- exit Woodend, Malmsbury, or Kyneton stations
- shuttle or taxi to destination.
by bus
- Greyhound Australia or V/Line coach
- from Melbourne Southern Cross Station
- exit Macedon Ranges
Best Time(s) to Go
- March to May: best time to capture autumn colours
- September to November: best time to greet the new flowers
- Weekends, year-round: best time to visit the farmer's market
Bendigo
It turns out, we don't have to go to Western Australia to discover our country's gold mining past. We can explore Australia's second-highest-producing gold field without leaving our state. We should go to Western Australia to discover its amazing sites, though. They differ from the gentle Victorian architecture you'll find in Bendigo.
Here, you'll also discover Bendigo's connection to Chinese culture. During the Gold Rush, many mine operators recruited Chinese labourers.
They brought their foods and culture with them. Today, many of Bendigo's Chinese inhabitants are descendants of those mining crews.
How to Get There
by car
drive the Calder Freeway west
for approximately 153 km
by train
aboard the Bendigo Line
Best Time(s) to Go
You can visit Bendigo year-round. The best times depend on the activities you want to pursue.
Phillip Island
The Victoria coastline is breathtaking in its ruggedness, and the insistence its waters lap at it. That alone makes a trip to the coast - or just off the coast, worthwhile. Now, add adorable, tiny penguins, hopping around.
Besides all the photogenic scenery and animals on this island, visitors enjoy a range of amenities. They might tour the Koala Conservation Centre for a bit of marsupial education.
Or learn the island's history and heritage while touring Churchill Island Farm. Surely, this island's history isn't as gruesome as Tasmania's top tourist sites.
How to Get There
by car (from Melbourne)
- M1 Monash Freeway
- take Cranbourne exit
- follow South Gippsland Highway to Bass Highway
- drive through Grantville and Bass
- turn onto Phillip Island Road to St Remo
- cross the bridge to the island
by ferry
- ride train from Melbourne to Stony Point
- board Western Port passenger ferry
- exit ferry at Cowes
by guided tour
- book your tour in Melbourne
- let your agent arrange transportation
Best Time(s) to Go
December to February: the best time to visit the penguins.
The Grampians
This National Park, near the state's border with South Australia, covers 170 000 hectares. Like other Australian parks, it offers visitors a blend of scenes: waterfalls, sweeping vistas, and tranquil landscapes.
Whether you wish to climb these rocks, prowl through the acres of forest or paddle a canoe across the lake, The Grampians stands ready to welcome you.
How to Get There
From Melbourne, drive the Western Highway through Ballarat and Ararat. Turn onto the C222, to Halls Gap.
Best Time(s) to Go
The park is accessible year-round, and has something to offer in each season. When you go depends on which activities you want to pursue. Follow the park's social media, and monitor its website, for the latest events and updates.
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