Victoria's top attractions
It’s not easy to see all that Victoria has to offer, so we’ve put together a list of the state’s top attractions – striking public spaces, state-of-the-art museums, unique wildlife, heritage sites, glorious examples of goldrush architecture, and more. Because of Victoria’s compact size, each attraction is also within easy reach of each other.
All you have to do is choose which one to see first:
|
Put on a hard hat and head underground for a fascinating tour of the restored Central Deborah Mine to discover Bendigo's 19th century gold rush history.
|
|
Home to international fashion boutiques, the glittering Crown Casino, the 5-star luxury accommodation of Crown Towers, 22 restaurants and great views of the Yarra and city skyline, Crown has something for everyone.
|
|
Try as you might, it's going to be very hard to prepare yourself for the view from level 88 of the world's tallest residential building. It is truly spectacular.
|
|
Head to the new heart of Melbourne. The size of a city block, Federation Square hosts events and festivals and brings together contemporary architecture, restaurants and cafes, as well as bold new galleries.
|
|
Discover the history of Victoria's southern coast, which has claimed 160 ships, at this re-created 19th-century coastal port. See historic lighthouses and relics recovered from wrecks, and explore historic vessels moored in the harbour.
|
|
Meaning 'hill of gold', the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre tells the story of the Chinese miners coming to the Victorian goldfields in the 19th century.
|
|
See Australia's unique native birds, mammals and reptiles in their natural habitats. Walk through enclosures that are home to kangaroos, emus and wallabies, catch a glimpse of a platypus and meet the keepers.
|
|
See Phar Lap, a living rainforest, the kitchen set from the Neighbours TV show and learn about local Aboriginal history and culture at the largest museum complex in the Southern Hemisphere.
|
|
Offering spectacular 360 degree views from the top of the renowned Rialto building, right in the very heart of the city, this Melbourne landmark is a must see experience.
|
|
Go underwater without getting wet. See thousands of creatures that live in the Southern Ocean and look through glass tunnels into tanks filled with sharks, stingrays and sea turtles at this 2.2-million-litre oceanarium.
|
|
Take a tour of the 'super stage' of Australian sport and entertainment. The MCG is one of the two most important cricket grounds in the world, and will be a Commonwealth Games venue in 2006.
|
|
Australia's oldest zoo is home to more than 350 animal species from around the world. Highlights include the African and Asian rainforest displaying gorillas and pygmy hippopotamus and the steamy Butterfly House.
|
|
Discover Melbourne from the water. Join a cruise along the Yarra River past Melbournes parks and gardens, Herring Island, and the MCG, discover Melbourne's port and Docklands precinct, or head to historic Williamstown.
|
|
The National Gallery of Victoria's collection contains more than 70,000 items housed in two homes within easy walking distance of each other in the one magnificent arts precinct.
|
|
The Old Melbourne Gaol is Victoria's oldest surviving prison and housed 'lunatics' and the most hardened criminals. It's also where the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly finally met his match.
|
|
See what the birds see and sway with the branches when you take a walk high in the rainforest canopy in the heart of the ancient Otways.
|
|
Each day Australia's most popular wildlife event is staged when little penguins emerge from the surf to waddle to their burrows. The island is also home to koalas and a colony of fur seals.
|
|
Board an authentic paddle steamer and explore the Murray River. The fleet of steamers docks at the historic Port of Echuca, a fully operational steam port.
|
|
All aboard for a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's oldest surviving steam railway. The 25-kilometre journey takes you through thick forests and lush fern-filled gullies, and offers first-class travel and dining experiences.
|
|
Head to the oldest and largest market in the Southern Hemisphere to see buskers, or find a unique souvenir, a new outfit, gourmet goods, fresh fish and organic produce.
|
|
Travel through space and time, discover how your heart and lungs work, and challenge Cathy Freeman to a ten-metre sprint at the Scienceworks Museum and Melbourne Planetarium.
|
|
Pan for gold, ride in a horsedrawn carriage, or go underground into a mine at Sovereign Hill, a living museum that re-creates life in Ballarat in the 1850s.
|
|
A focal point of Melbourne's Southbank entertainment precinct and crowned by a 160-metre spire, the Arts Centre hosts many of Australia's premier performing arts companies, as well as international touring performances.
|
|
Tour the largest private residence in Victoria. Wander around the Mansion's magnificent grounds, including the grotto and lake, and see 4,500 rose varieties in the adjoining Victoria State Rose Garden.
|
|
Join a wildlife safari and explore the African savanna south-west of Melbourne. See rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and, monkeys as they roam freely through the extensive grounds of the zoo.
|
