Explore Victoria 2013

Mallacoota is a popular holiday centre in far East Gippsland, offering excellent fishing, walking, boating and swimming. It is surrounded by the scenic Croajingolong National Park, which features Point Hicks, notable for being the first land on the east coast of Australia to be sighted by Europeans, as well as remote ocean beaches and estuarine waterways. There are spectacular surf beaches near the town, with Mallacoota Inlet offering great fishing. Boats can be hired in town.

WW II bunker and museum: restored and located at the airport. Information shed: a mural depicting Mallacoota’s history is painted on the external walls; Main Wharf. The Spotted Dog Gold Mine: established in 1894, this was the most successful goldmine in the Mallacoota district.

Holiday markets: Easter and Christmas. Bream Fishing Classic: Mar (round 1) and June (round 2). Tour of Gippsland Cycling Event: July/Aug. Flora and Fauna weekend: 1st weekend in Nov.

Lucy’s Noodles: authentic noodles with home-grown produce; 64 Maurice Ave; (03) 5158 0666. p A Wangralea Caravan Park: 78 Betka Rd; (03) 5158 0222. Mallacoota’s Shady Gully Caravan Park: Lot 5 Genoa Rd; (03) 5158 0362. Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park: Allan Dr; (03) 5158 0300. The Wave Oasis – Luxury: 36 Vista Dr; (03) 5158 0995.

Croajingolong National Park This park takes up a vast portion of what has been dubbed the Wilderness Coast. It protects remote beaches, tall forests, heathland, rainforest, estuaries and granite peaks, as well as creatures such as wallabies, possums, goannas and lyrebirds. Offshore, you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins, seals or southern right and humpback whales. Pt Hicks Lighthouse is a popular spot to visit, and Tamboon and Mallacoota inlets are good spots for canoeing. Access the park via a track west of town or various roads south of the Princes Hwy; contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963.

Surf beaches: Bastion Point, 2 km S; Bekta, 5 km S. Gabo Island Lightstation Reserve: take a scenic daytrip or stay in the Lightkeeper’s Residence; 11 km E (offshore). Gipsy Pt: a quiet holiday retreat overlooking the Genoa River; 16 km NW.

TOWNS NEARBY: Cann River 53 km, Eden (NSW) 57 km, Merimbula (NSW) 76 km, Bombala (NSW) 85 km, Tathra (NSW) 94 km

Mansfield is located in Victoria’s High Country at the junction of the Midland and Maroondah highways. It is within easy reach of Lake Eildon’s network of rivers, Alpine National Park and Mansfield State Forest. Activities ranging from hiking to horseriding to skiing make it an ideal destination for anyone with a love of outdoor adventure, no matter what the season.

Troopers’ Monument: monument to police officers shot by Ned Kelly at Stringybark Creek; Cnr High St and Midland Hwy. Mansfield Mullum Wetlands Walk: along reclaimed railway line; starts from behind the visitor centre. Self-guide town walk: take in many buildings of historical significance.

The High Country Autumn Festival and Merrijig Rodeo: Mar long weekend. High Country Spring Arts Festival: 24 Oct – 4 Nov.

Mansfield Hotel: pizza and DIY barbecue; 86 High St; (03) 5775 2101. Mansfield Regional Produce Store: popular local cafe, great coffee; 68 High St; (03) 5779 1404. The Magnolia Restaurant: modern Australian; 190 Mt Buller Rd; (03) 5779 1444. Jamieson Brewery: menu complements house-crafted ales; Eildon Rd, Jamieson; (03) 5777 0515.

High Country Holiday Park: 1 Ultimo St; (03) 5775 2705. Mansfield Holiday Park: Mt Buller Rd; (03) 5775 1383. Bluegum Ridge Cottages: 434 Buttercup Rd, Merrijig; (03) 5777 5015. Bonnie Doon Caravan Park: Arnot St, Bonnie Doon; (03) 5778 7254. Bonnie Doon’s Lakeside Leisure Resort: 240 Hutchinsons Rd, Bonnie Doon; (03) 5778 7252. Midland Holiday Park: 3028 Midland Hwy, Lima South; (03) 5768 2416. Rothesay Park: 108 Bromfield Dr, Tolmie; (03) 5776 2177. Willowlake: 16 Willowlake Dr, Macs Cove; (03) 5777 3814. Wombat Hills: 55 Lochiel Rd, Barwite; (03) 5776 9507.

Mt Buller Victoria’s largest and best alpine skiing resort is Mt Buller, whose summit stands 1804 m above sea level. The 24 lifts, including the 6-seater Holden chairlift (first of its kind in Australia), give access to 180 ha of ski trails, from gentle ‘family runs’ to heart-stopping double black diamond chutes. If you are a beginner, take on the friendly Bourke Street (Green Run) to find your ‘ski legs’, or join one of the ski schools there. There is also a half pipe at Boggy Creek and Terrain Park, or cross-country skiing at nearby Mt Stirling. Mt Buller Village offers resort accommodation, and the ski season runs between early June and late Sept. (03) 5777 6077; 47 km E.

Craig’s Hut The High Country is synonymous with courageous and hardy cattlemen, transformed into Australian legends by Banjo Paterson’s iconic ballad ‘The Man from Snowy River’. The men would build huts on the high plains for shelter during summer cattle drives. Craig’s Hut on Mt Stirling is a replica of one such shelter, used as a set on the 1983 film The Man from Snowy River. It burnt down in the 2006 bushfires, but was rebuilt and reopened in January 2008. The last 2 km of the track to the hut is 4WD or 1.5 km via a fairly steep walking track. 50 km E.

Delatite Winery: Stoneys Rd; 7 km SE. Mt Samaria State Park: scenic drives, camping and bushwalking; 14 km N. Lake Eildon: houseboat hire, fishing and sailing; 15 km S; see Eildon for further details. Lake Nillahcootie: popular for boating, fishing and watersports; 20 km NW. Jamieson: an old goldmining town on the Jamieson River with historic buildings; 37 km S. Alpine National Park: begins around 40 km SE (see Mount Beauty). Scenic drive: take the road over the mountains to Whitfield (62 km NE), in the King River Valley, passing through spectacular scenery, including Powers Lookout (48 km NE) for views over the valley. Lake William Hovell: for boating and fishing; 85 km NE. Mt Skene: great for bushwalking, with Wildflowers in summer; 85 km SE via Jamieson. Fishing: good spots include the Delatite, Howqua, Jamieson and Goulburn rivers. Horse trail-riding: a different way to explore the region, from 2 hr rides to 10-day treks; details from visitor centre. Mountain-biking: summer months reveal an expanding network of downhill and crosscountry trails at Mt Buller and Mt Stirling.

Maryborough is a small city set on the northern slopes of the Great Dividing Range. Its historic 19th-century buildings, particularly around the civic square, are a testament to the riches brought by the gold rush of the 1850s. Stroll through the streets to enjoy the cafes, craft shops and magnificent buildings, such as the National Trust–listed courthouse, post office and town hall.

Maryborough Railway Station So immense and impressive is this building that Mark Twain, on his visit to the town, remarked that Maryborough was ‘a station with a town attached’. Rumour has it that the building was actually intended for Maryborough in Queensland. The beautifully preserved station houses the visitor centre, the extensive Antique Emporium, the Woodworkers Gallery (open weekends only), and Twains Wood and Craft Gallery. Station St.

Pioneer Memorial Tower: Bristol Hill. Worsley Cottage: a historical museum featuring local relics; open Sun; Palmerston St. Central Goldfields Art Gallery: features an impressive collection of local artworks, housed in the old fire station; Neill St. Phillips Gardens: Alma St.

Highland Gathering: New Year’s Day. Energy Breakthrough: energy expo; Nov.

Maryborough Caravan Park: 7 Holyrood St; (03) 5460 4848. Crofter’s Cottage Stay: 376 Majorca Rd; (03) 5460 5683.

Paddys Ranges State Park This park offers the chance to enjoy red ironbark and grey box vegetation on a scenic walk or drive. The majority of walks start from the picnic area – see old goldmines and relics or keep an eye out for the rare painted honeyeater and other birdlife. There is also fossicking within the park, but in designated areas only. Access to the park is just south of Maryborough. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963.

Aboriginal wells: impressive rock wells; 4 km S. Carisbrook: holds a popular tourist market 1st Sun each month; 7 km E.

Marysville Rebuilding Advisory Centre and Community Facility, Murchison St; (03) 5963 4567; www.marysvilletourism.com

For 100 years, the beautiful subalpine village of Marysville was a much-frequented holiday destination for Melburnians. Providing access to the magnificent 84-metre Steavenson Falls nearby, the town charmed visitors with its cafes, galleries and popular guesthouses. Tragically, the town was almost totally destroyed by bushfire on 7 February 2009. With the help of the community, state and federal governments, this once idyllic township is slowly being rebuilt.

Uncle Fred & Aunty Val’s Lolly Shop & Produce Store: old-fashioned candy store; 8 Murchison St; (03) 5963 3644. Bruno’s Art & Sculpture Garden: gardens featuring sculptures by artist Bruno Torfs; open 10am–5pm daily; 51 Falls Rd; (03) 5963 3513.

Community Market: Murchison St; 2nd Sun each month. Farmers Market: Murchison St; 4th Sun each month. Taggerty 4 Seasons Market: Taggerty Hall; Jan, Easter, June, Nov.

Black Spur Inn: country-style restaurant; 436 Maroondah Hwy, Narbethong; (03) 5963 7121. Fraga’s Cafe: stop for lunch or a coffee; shop 1, 19 Murchison St; (03) 5963 3216. Marysville Country Bakery: country-style bakery and cafe; 17 Murchison St; (03) 5963 3477. My Chef, Mike: excellent pizza, light lunches, coffee and cakes; 49 Darwin St; (03) 5963 4512.

Delderfield Luxury B&B: 1 Darwin St; (03) 5963 4345. Marysville Caravan and Holiday Park: 1130 Buxton Rd; (03) 5963 3247.

Cathedral Range State Park The word ‘imposing’ does not do justice to the 7 km rocky ridge that forms the backbone of this park. Challenging hikes up the ridge to lookout points offer unparalleled views to the valley below. Walks can include overnight stays at the Farmyard, so named because lyrebirds imitate the noises of the domestic animals in the farmyards below. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; 15 km N.

Lake Mountain Renowned for first-rate cross-country skiing, the area is also great for tobogganing, snow tubing and sled rides. When the snow melts and the wildflowers bloom, hikers can take the Summit Walk (4 km return) over the mountain. Ski and walk brochure available from visitor centre.

Lady Talbot Forest Drive: this 46 km route begins east of town. Stop en route to enjoy picnic spots, walking tracks and lookouts.

Buxton Trout & Salmon Farm: drop a line in one of the wellstocked ponds, purchase smoked fish or enjoy a barbecue lunch; open 9am–5pm daily; 2118 Maroondah Hwy, Buxton; (03) 5774 7370; 12 km SE. Scenic walks: many tracks in the area, including a short walk to Steavenson Falls, from Falls Rd; 4 km loop walk in Cumberland Memorial Scenic Reserve, 16 km E; 4 km Beeches Walk through ancient beech and mountain ash forests (accessed via Lady Talbot Forest Dr). Big River State Forest: camping, fishing and gold fossicking; 30 km E.

Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre, 100 Murphy St, Wangaratta; 1800 801 065; www.visitwangaratta.com.au

Milawa is the perfect destination for lovers of fine food and wine. The Milawa gourmet region boasts over 13 wineries, including the renowned Brown Brothers vineyard. Other fresh localproduce outlets sell olives, honey, cheese, chocolates and berries.

Milawa Mustards: a wide range of locally produced mustards; set in attractive cottage gardens; Snow Rd. Milawa Cheese Company: sales and tastings of specialist, gourmet cheeses; Factory Rd. Milawa Muse Gallery: ever-changing collection of various art mediums complementing the fine quality of the region; Milawa Cheese Factory complex. Brown Brothers: cellar-door tastings and sales; Bobinawarrah Rd. EV Olives: working olive grove open for tastings and sales; Everton Rd, Markwood.

A Weekend Fit for a King: be treated like a king at the King Valley wineries festival; Queen’s Birthday weekend, June. Beat the Winter Blues and Jazz Festival: July. King Valley Shed Show: Oct. La Dolce Vita: wine and food festival at the Milawa/King Valley wineries; Nov.

The Epicurean Centre: rustic dishes to match wines; Brown Brothers Vineyard, 239 Milawa–Bobinawarrah Rd; (03) 5720 5540. Milawa Cheese Factory Restaurant: French-influenced menu; Milawa Cheese Company, 17 Milawa–Bobinawarrah Rd; (03) 5727 3589. Restaurant Merlot: contemporary Australian; Lindenwarrah Hotel, Milawa–Bobinawarrah Rd; (03) 5720 5777.

Milawa Muscat Retreat B&B: 1422 Glenrowan Myrtleford Rd; (03) 5727 3999. Gentle Annie Caravan & Camping Reserve: 98 Gentle Annie La, Whitfi eld; (03) 5729 8205. Valley View Caravan Park: 6 Valley View Dr, Whitfield; (03) 5729 8350.

King Valley wine region Given that this region is known for its cheese, make sure to enjoy its wines with a decadent cheese platter. Italian heritage is evident in many of the vineyards. Varieties such as sangiovese, nebbiolo and barbera rub shoulders with cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and merlot. Brown Brothers is the biggest name with the most established cellar door – a barn-like building featuring some enormous oak barrels of ageing wine. It also incorporates the Epicurean Centre restaurant, which is perfect for long, lazy lunches. To the west, Miranda King Valley is known for its chardonnay. Its cellar door also represents Symphonia Wines, producing some of the region’s more interesting varieties such as saperavi and tannat. Heading south are Pizzini, whose sangiovese is one of Australia’s best, and Dal Zotto.

Oxley: home to many wineries as well as the Blue Ox Blueberry Farm and King River Cafe; 4 km W.

Mildura Visitor Information and Booking Centre, 180–190 Deakin Ave; (03) 5018 8380 or 1800 039 043; www.visitmildura.com.au

Mildura offers a Riviera lifestyle, with the Murray River flowing by the town and sunny, mild weather throughout the year. It is one of Victoria’s major rural cities. Its development has been aided by the expansion of irrigation, which has allowed the city to become a premier fruit-growing region.

Mildura Arts Centre & Rio Vista The arts centre and theatre, reopening in late 2011 after a major redevelopment, houses an impressive permanent collection including Australia’s largest display of Orpen paintings, works by Brangwyn, frequent temporary exhibitions and performing arts. Outside, a delightful Sculpture Trail winds through the landscape gardens surrounding the centre. 199 Cureton Ave; (03) 5018 8330.

The Alfred Deakin Centre: interactive exhibitions and displays of the region; Deakin Ave. Harry Nanya tours: a tour with and an Indigenous Barkindji guide to Mungo National Park in NSW; tours run 2.30–10.30pm Nov–Mar, 8.30am–5pm Apr–Oct; bookings and information (08) 8234 8324 or from visitor centre. Mildura Brewery: produces natural and specialty beers inside the former Art Deco Astor Theatre; view the brewing process or eat at the Brewery Pub; 20 Langtree Ave; (03) 5021 5399. Langtree Hall: Mildura’s first public hall now contains antiques and memorabilia; open Tues–Sat; 79 Walnut Ave; (03) 5021 3090. Mildura Wharf: paddleboats departing here for river cruises include the steam-driven PS Melbourne; PV Rothbury for day trips to Trentham Winery on Thursday and Gol Gol Hotel on Tuesday; and PV Mundoo for a Thursday dinner cruise. Access from Hugh King Drive; bookings (03) 5023 2200. Aquacoaster waterslide: cnr Seventh St and Orange Ave.

Arts Festival: Mar. Cup Carnival: May. Writers Festival: July. Golf Week: July. Country Music Festival: Sept. Vintage Tractor Pull: Oct. Jazz Food and Wine Festival: Nov.

The Gol Gol Hotel: good pub dining; Sturt Hwy, Gol Gol, NSW; (03) 5024 8492. The new Spanish Bar and Grill: up-market steakhouse; Quality Hotel Mildura Grand, cnr Langtree Ave and Seventh St; (03) 5021 2377. Stefano’s: excellent Italian in historic hotel cellar, featuring the culinary skills of TV chef Stefano de Pieri; Quality Hotel Mildura Grand, Langtree Ave; (03) 5023 0511. Stefano’s Cafe Bakery: informal Italianstyle bakery; Deakin Ave; (03) 5021 3627. Trentham Estate Restaurant: modern Australian vineyard restaurant; Sturt Hwy, Trentham Cliffs, NSW; (03) 5024 8888.

All Seasons Holiday Park: 818 Fifteenth St (Calder Hwy); (03) 5023 3375. Apex RiverBeach Holiday Park: 435 Cureton Ave (western end); (03) 5023 6879. BIG4 Mildura Crossroads Holiday Park: 860 Fifteenth St; 1800 675 103. BIG4 Mildura Deakin Holiday Park: 472 Deakin Ave (Sturt Hwy); (03) 5023 0486. Calder Tourist Park: 775 Fifteenth St (Calder Hwy); (03) 5023 1310. Desert City Tourist and Holiday Park: 832 Fifteenth St; (03) 5022 1533. Golden River Holiday Park – Aspen Parks: 199–205 Flora Ave; (03) 5021 2299. Sun City Caravan Park: Cnr Benetook and Cureton aves; (03) 5023 2325. Lake Cullulleraine RSL Holiday Park: 5302 Sturt Hwy, Cullulleraine; (03) 5028 2226. The Palms Caravan Park: Cnr Cureton and Cowra aves, Mildura East; (03) 5023 1774. Red Cliffs Caravan Park: 8760 Calder Hwy, Red Cliffs; (03) 5024 2261.

Murray Darling wine region The Mediterranean-style climate mixed with irrigated lands has contributed to making this wine region Victoria’s largest. The region is well regarded for its varieties of chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. Among the large-scale wineries such as Lindemans Karadoc, smaller boutique wineries offer specialty wines for tastings and sales. Brochure available from visitor centre.

Orange World: tours of citrus-growing region; Silver City Hwy, Buronga; (03) 5023 5197; 6 km N. Australian Inland Botanic Gardens: unique semi-arid botanic gardens with tractor tour and lunch last Sat each month; open daily; River Rd, Buronga; (03) 5023 3612; 8km NE. Ornamental Lakes Park: farmers market held 1st and 3rd Sat each month; Hugh King Dr. Kings Billabong Wildlife Reserve: situated on the Murray River flood plain, home to river red gums and abundant birdlife. Attractions include Psyche Pump Station, Bruce’s Bend Marina and Kings Billabong Lookout; 8 km SE. Angus Park: dried fruits and confectionery; 10 km SE. Red Cliffs: an important area for the citrus and dried fruit industries. The town features the ‘Big Lizzie’ steam traction engine; 15 km S. Hattah–Kulkyne National Park: 70 km S; see Ouyen. Murray–Sunset National Park: attractions near Mildura include Lindsay Island, for boating, swimming and fishing. Access from Sturt Hwy, about 100 km W of Mildura. See Murrayville for further details on park. Mungo National Park: 104 km NE over NSW border (see Balranald, NSW).

TOWNS NEARBY: Wentworth (NSW) 24 km, Robinvale 71 km, Ouyen 99 km, Renmark (SA) 131 km, Balranald (NSW) 138 km

Latrobe Visitor Information Centre, The Old Church, Southside Central, Princes Hwy; 1800 621 409; www.visitlatrobevalley.com

Like many of the towns in this region, Moe is supported by the power industry, but it has managed to avoid becoming a grim industrial centre. Instead there is a small-town feel and a number of pretty gardens and public parks.

Gippsland Heritage Park Also known as Old Gippstown, this is a re-creation of a 19th-century community with over 30 restored buildings and a fine collection of fully restored horsedrawn carriages. Lloyd St; (03) 5127 8709.

Cinderella Dolls: Andrew St. Race track: picturesque country horse track with regular meetings; Waterloo Rd.

Old Gippstown Market: at Gippsland Heritage Park, with local crafts and produce; last Sat each month Sept–May. Fairies in the Park: Feb. Jazz Festival: Mar. Blue Rock Classic: cross-country horserace; Mar. Moe Cup: horserace; Oct.

Baw Baw National Park The landscape of Baw Baw ranges from densely forested river valleys to alpine plateaus and the activities on offer are equally varied – from canoeing river rapids and fishing for trout to skiing, horseriding and bushwalking. Wildflowers carpet the alpine areas in spring. Baw Baw Alpine Resort is located 90 km north of Moe, while the popular Aberfeldy picnic and camping area is accessed via a track north of Walhalla. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963.

Edward Hunter Heritage Bush Reserve: 3 km S via Coalville St. Trafalgar Lookout and Narracan Falls: near Trafalgar; 10 km W. Old Brown Coal Mine Museum: explore the history and memorabilia of the original township known as ‘Brown Coal Mine’ and the establishment of the power industry in the Latrobe Valley; Cnr Third St and Latrobe River Rd, Yallourn North; 10 km E. Blue Rock Dam: fishing, swimming and sailing; 20 km NW. Thorpdale: a town renowned for its potatoes. A bakery sells potato bread and a potato festival is held each Mar; 22 km SW. Walhalla Mountain River Trail: leads to the picturesque old mining township of Walhalla; Tourist Route 91; details from visitor centre. See Walhalla.

Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre, Point Nepean Rd, Dromana; (03) 5987 3078 or 1800 804 009; www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

Mornington was once the hub of the Mornington Peninsula, which is the reason this long arm of land was eventually given the same name. Today Melbourne’s urban sprawl has just about reached the town, and it has virtually become a suburb. It still retains a seaside village ambience, particularly with a historic courthouse and post office museum that provide a glimpse of the past. The Rocks restaurant on the harbour provides a stunning view over the famous yachts. In the distance, colourful bathing boxes line Mills Beach.

Historic Mornington Pier: built in the 1850s, the pier remains popular today for walks and fishing. Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery: print and drawing collection, including works by Dobell, Drysdale and Nolan; open Tues–Sat; Dunns Rd. World of Motorcycles Museum: Tyabb Rd. Old post Office: now home to a local history display; Cnr Main St and The Esplanade. Mornington Tourist Railway: 10 km journey on steam train; departs from cnr Yuilles and Watt rds; 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sun each month, with additional trips running on Thurs in Jan.

Street Market: Main St; each Wed. Mornington Racecourse Craft Market: 2nd Sun each month. RACV Vintage Car Rally: Jan. Mornington Food and Wine Festival: Oct.

Afghan Marcopolo: Afghan cuisine; 11 Main St; (03) 5975 5154. Brass Razu Wine Bar: modern European; 13 Main St; (03) 5975 0108. The Rocks: seafood with yachts; Mornington Yacht Club, 1 Schnapper Point Dr; (03) 5973 5599.

Mornington Bed & Breakfast: 16 Wilsons Rd; (03) 5975 6688. Mornington Country Cottages: 900 Moorooduc Hwy; (03) 5978 8887. Mornington Gardens Holiday Village: 98 Bungower Rd; (03) 5975 7373. Arthurs Superb Views &Luxury Accommodation: 10 Nestle Crt, Arthurs Seat; (03) 5981 8400. BIG4 Frankston Holiday Park: 2 Robinsons Rd, Frankston South; (03) 5971 2333. Club Pet: 55 Palm Beach Dr, Patterson Lakes; (03) 9773 2145. The Courtyard Mt Eliza: 25 Granya Gr, Mount Eliza; (03) 9787 7434. Discovery Holiday Parks – Carrum Downs: 1165 Frankston–Dandenong Rd, Carrum Downs; (03) 9782 1292. Discovery Holiday Parks – Chelsea: 100 Broadway, Bonbeach; (03) 9772 2485. Discovery Holiday Parks – Frankston: 1325 Frankston–Dandenong Rd, Carrum Downs; (03) 9786 8355. Dromana Holiday & Lifestyle Village: 131 Nepean Hwy, Dromana; (03) 5981 0333. Kangerong Holiday Park: 105 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana; (03) 5987 2080. Lakeside Villas At Crittenden Estate: 25 Harrisons Rd, Dromana; (03) 5987 3275. Marina View Van Village: 38 Salmon St, Hastings; (03) 5979 2322. Mount Martha Bed & Breakfast by the Sea: 539 Esplanade, Mount Martha; (03) 5974 1019. Peninsula Holiday Park: 10 Ponderosa Pl, Dromana; (03) 5987 2095. Seahaze B&B: 40 Seahaze St, Arthurs Seat; (03) 5987 2568. South East Holiday Village: 29 Wells Rd, Chelsea Heights; (03) 9772 8436. The Studio & The Barn: 190 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat; (03) 5989 6267. The TreeHouse on the Lake: 61 Bulldog Creek Rd, Merricks North; (03) 5989 7651.

Arthurs Seat State Park At 309 m, Arthurs Seat is the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula. The summit can be reached by foot or vehicle and offers panoramic views of the bay and surrounding bushland. Picnic facilities and a restaurant are on the summit. There are many short walks, plus the historic Seawinds Park with gardens and sculptures. The Enchanted Maze Garden is set in superb gardens, with a variety of mazes and the Maize Maze Festival in Feb–Apr. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; Arthurs Seat Rd, near Dromana; 16 km SW.

Mornington Peninsula wine region Featuring many boutique wineries, the peninsula’s signature styles are chardonnay and pinot noir, with shiraz, pinot gris and sauvignon blanc also grown here. Paringa Estate repeatedly receives gold medals for its pinot noir, while Stonier creates beautiful chardonnay. Plenty of the wineries also have excellent restaurants, pairing food and wine with great views. Red Hill Estate is one of the biggest wineries on the peninsula and features a much-applauded restaurant, Max’s at Red Hill Estate. Salix restaurant at Willow Creek offers a cosy dining room. At Montalto, the acclaimed restaurant is set in a large, light-filled piazza with beautiful views of the vineyard and modern sculpture displays. The latest restaurant to receive rave reviews is at Ten Minutes By Tractor, where both international and the winery’s own wines are matched to the wonderfully flavoursome dishes. For something different, you can tour the wineries by horseback (Spring Creek Farm, 356 Shands Rd, Main Ridge, (03) 5989 6119).

Mount Martha: here is The Briars with a signifi cant collection of Napoleonic artefacts and furniture. The town also features many gardens, plus wetlands great for birdwatching and bushland walks; 7 km S. Ballam Park: historic, French-farmhouse-style homestead built in 1845; open Sun; Cranbourne Rd, Frankston; 14 km NE. Mulberry Hill: former home of artist Sir Daryl Lindsay and author Joan Lindsay, who wrote Picnic at Hanging Rock; open Sun afternoons; Golf Links Rd, Baxter; 14 km NE. Tyabb Packing House Antique Centre: Australia’s largest collection of antiques and collectibles; Mornington–Tyabb Rd, Tyabb; 16 km E. Hastings: coastal town on Western Port with 2 km walking trail through wetlands and mangrove habitat; 21 km SE. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park: wildlife park featuring endangered native Australian animals; visit 11am–5pm or take an evening tour; night tour bookings on (03) 5978 7935; 550 Tyabb– Tooradin Rd, Pearcedale; 24 km E. Beaches: the stretch of coast between Mornington and Mount Martha features sheltered, sandy bays popular with holiday-makers.

Latrobe Visitor Information Centre, The Old Church, Southside Central, Princes Hwy, Traralgon; 1800 621 409; www.visitlatrobevalley.com

Morwell is primarily an industrial town and Victoria’s major producer of electricity. Nestled in the heart of the Latrobe Valley, it contains one of the world’s largest deposits of brown coal. Among all the heavy machinery is the impressive Centenary Rose Garden, featuring over 4000 rose bushes and regarded as one of the finest rose gardens in the Southern Hemisphere.

PowerWorks: dynamic displays on the electrical industries; tours of mines and power stations daily; Ridge Rd. Centenary Rose Garden: off Commercial Rd. Latrobe Regional Gallery: hosts outstanding works of contemporary Australian art by local and national artists; Commercial Rd. Gippsland Immigration Wall of Recognition: acknowledges all immigrants who contributed to the development of the Gippsland region.

Jumbuk Cottage Bed & Breakfast: 570 Jumbuk Rd, Yinnar South; (03) 5122 3344.

Morwell National Park This park protects some of the last remnant vegetation of the Strzelecki Ranges, including pockets of rainforest and fern gullies. The area was once occupied by the Woollum Woollum people, who hunted in the ranges. In the 1840s European settlers cleared much of the surrounding land. On the Fosters Gully Nature Walk, keep your eyes peeled for orchids (over 40 species are found here) and native animals. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; 16 km S.

Hazelwood Pondage: warm water ideal for year-round watersports; 5 km S. Arts Resource Collective: housed in an old butter factory; Yinnar; 12 km SW. Lake Narracan: fishing and waterskiing; 15 km NW. Narracan Falls: 27 km W. Scenic drives: routes along the Strzelecki Ranges and Baw Baw mountains offer impressive views over the Latrobe Valley.

At the foot of Mount Bogong, Victoria’s highest mountain at 1986 metres, Mount Beauty was originally an accommodation town for workers on the Kiewa Hydro-electric Scheme. Today, the town is regarded as an adventure mecca and a focal point for a variety of adventure activities, with mountain-biking, hang-gliding and bushwalking just a few on offer. The pairing of adventure with more leisuirely outdoor activities like golf, swimming and fishing makes Mount Beauty an ideal holiday destination.

Mt Beauty Pondage: for watersports and fishing; just north of Main St. Wineries: cool-climate vineyards at Annapurna Estate, Bogong Estate and Recline. Scenic walks: several scenic walking tracks; details from visitor centre.

Markets: Hollonds St; 1st Sat each month. Bogong Cup: Jan. MTBA National Series: mountain-biking championships; Jan. Music Muster: Apr. Mitta Mitta to Mount Beauty Mountain Bike Challenge: Oct.

Mongans Bridge Camping Park: 42 Bay Creek La, Mongans Bridge; (03) 5754 5226. Tawonga Caravan Park: 117 Mountain Creek Rd, Tawonga; (03) 5754 4428.

Alpine National Park Covering 646 000 ha in 4 sections, this is Victoria’s largest park, containing the highest mountains in the state. Most of Australia’s south-east rivers, including the mighty Murray, have their source here. The area is known for its outstanding snowfields during winter, and bushwalking and wildflowers in summer. Other activities include horseriding, canoeing, rafting and mountain-bike riding. 30 km SE.

Falls Creek Surrounded by Alpine National Park, Falls Creek is a winter playground for downhill and cross-country skiers. When the snow is falling, the ski resort caters for skiers and snowboarders with a variety of runs and terrain, including some to suit beginners. Novelty tours are also available, such as the Snowmobile Tours. Each Aug, Falls Creek hosts the Kangaroo Hoppet cross-country ski race. In spring and summer, take a walk on the Bogong High Plains or fly-fish in one of the lakes and rivers nearby; 30 km SE.

Tawonga Gap: features a lookout over valleys; 13 km NW. Bogong: scenic walks around Lake Guy and nearby Clover Arboretum for picnics; 15 km SE. Scenic drives: to Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains (not accessible in winter beyond Falls Creek); details from visitor centre.

Murrayville is a small town on the Mallee Highway near the South Australia border. It is near three major, remote national parks: Murray–Sunset National Park; Wyperfeld National Park; and Big Desert Wilderness Park, one of Victoria’s largest wilderness zones.

Historic buildings: include the restored railway station and the old courthouse. Walking tracks: several, including the Pine Hill Walking Trail in the town.

Murray–Sunset National Park Millions of years ago this area was submerged beneath the sea. When the sea retreated, large sand ridges and dunes were left. Now there is a variety of vegetation including grasslands, saltbush and mallee eucalypts. In spring, wildflowers abound; look out for Victoria’s largest flower, the Murray lily. Access roads to the park are off Mallee Hwy. The Pink Lakes saltwater lakes, with a distinctive, pinkish hue, are a key attraction and are especially remarkable at sunset. There are many good walking tracks near the lakes, as well as excellent camping facilities. Lakes access via Pink Lakes Rd (turn-off at Linga, 50 km E); contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963. For north section of park see Mildura.

Cowangie: a small, historic town with several 19th-century buildings, including Kow Plains Homestead; 19 km E. Big Desert Wilderness Park: a remote park with no access other than by foot. True to its name, this park has remained relatively untouched by Europeans and includes many reptile species and plants adapted to arid conditions; the track south of town takes you close to the park boundary. Wyperfeld National Park: access via Underbool or by 4WD track south of Murrayville; for further details see Hopetoun.

TOWNS NEARBY: Pinnaroo (SA) 25 km, Ouyen 106 km, Loxton (SA) 106 km, Hopetoun 119 km, Keith (SA) 119 km

Myrtleford is a pretty town in Victoria’s alpine High Country. Originally called Myrtle Creek Run in the early 1800s, it is a thriving agricultural district and gateway to Mount Hotham.

The Phoenix Tree: a sculpture created by Hans Knorr from the trunk of a red gum; Lions Park. The Big Tree: a huge old red gum; Smith St. Old School: the town’s original school, now fully restored; open Thurs, Sun or by appt; Albert St. Swing Bridge over Myrtle Creek: Standish St. Reform Hill Lookout: a scenic walking track from Elgin St leads to the lookout, which has great views across town; end of Halls Rd. Parks: Rotary Park in Myrtle St and Apex Park in Standish St are both delightful picnic spots. Michelini Wines: Great Alpine Rd. Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail: the cycle touring loop from Bright to Wangaratta runs through the town.

Market: local produce; Great Alpine Rd; each Sat Jan–Apr. Alpine Classic Bike Ride: to Bright; Jan. Myrtleford Festival: Mar. Golden Spurs Rodeo: Dec.

The Butter Factory: produce store/cafe; 15 Myrtle St (Great Alpine Rd); (03) 5752 2435.

Arderns Caravan Park: Willow Gr; (03) 5752 1394. Carawah Ridge Bed & Breakfast: 514 Buffalo Creek Rd; (03) 5752 2147. Myrtleford Caravan Park: 8 Lewis Ave; (03) 5752 1598.

Mt Buffalo National Park: 7 km S; see Bright. Wineries: several in the region, including Rosewhite Vineyards and Winery; open weekends, public holidays and throughout Jan; Happy Valley Rd; 8 km SE. Gapsted: home to the Victorian Alps Winery, offers tours and sales; 8 km NW. Eurobin: a number of farms near the town with sales of local produce, including Red Stag Deer Farm and Bright Berry Farm, offering homemade jams and berries Dec–Mar; 16 km SE. Fishing: in the Ovens and Buffalo rivers and Lake Buffalo (25 km S).

Nagambie is found between Seymour and Shepparton on the Goulburn Valley Highway. The town is on the shores of Lake Nagambie, which was created by the construction of the Goulburn Weir in 1891. Activities such as waterskiing, speedboating and especially rowing are popular on this manmade lake.

The Jetty: fine dining, lakeside apartments and spa; High St. The Grapevine by the Lake: sales of nuts and local produce; High St. Nagambie Lakes Entertainment Centre: renovated 1890s building with bars, gaming lounge and nonmotorised boat hire; High St.

Rowing Regatta: Jan–Mar. Head of the River: Mar. Nagambie On Water Festival: Mar long weekend. After Vintage Festival: May. Shiraz Challenge: a search for the best shiraz in the region; Nov. Fireworks over the Lake: New Year’s Eve.

Mitchelton Restaurant: regional-produce menu; Mitchelton Wines, Mitchells Town Rd; (03) 5794 2388. Tahbilk Cafe: casual cafe food; Tahbilk Winery, 254 O’Neils Rd, Tabilk; (03) 5794 2555. 3one7 on High Bar + Cafe: m odern Australian; The Jetty, 317 High St; (03) 5794 1964.

Nagambie wine region Tahbilk Winery has a small pocket of its original 1860 shiraz vines, which continue to produce wine that’s worth its weight in gold. The winery also makes stunning marsanne and cabernet franc. It is worth spending some time at Tahbilk to explore the winery’s wetland, wildlife reserve and 3-tiered chateau that is classified by the National Trust. You can then hop on a cruise along the Goulburn River to the other big name in the area, Mitchelton. This winery has excellent shiraz and shiraz viognier. Within the grounds is Mitchelton’s famous tower with views of the Goulburn River, a lovely art gallery and Mitchelton Restaurant. You can also buy a picnic hamper or pack your own for a lunch outing by the river.

Goulburn Weir The construction of this weir resulted in the creation of Lake Nagambie. It is the diversion weir on the Goulburn River for the Goulburn Valley Irrigation area and feeds water by channel and pipeline to Bendigo, among other places. A walkway runs across the weir offering views of the structure and lake. Picnic and barbecue facilities are available; 12 km N.

Natimuk is popular for its proximity to Mount Arapiles, a 369-metre sandstone monolith that has been described as ‘Victoria’s Ayers Rock’. The mountain was first climbed by Major Mitchell in 1836, and today is a popular rock-climbing destination with over 2000 marked climbing routes.

Arapiles Historical Society Museum: housed in the old courthouse; open by appt; Main St. Arapiles Craft Shop: features local arts and crafts; Main St. The Goat Gallery: showcases works of local and regional artists; Main St. Self-guide heritage trail: details from visitor centre.

Mt Arapiles–Tooan State Park This park is divided into 2 blocks, the larger Tooan block and the smaller Mt Arapiles block; Mt Arapiles offers rock climbing and is by far the most popular. Mitre Rock presents a smaller climbing challenge if required. Should you choose not to scale one of the various rock faces, great views are still available from the walking tracks, or you can drive to the summit. Nature study is another possibility – a huge 14 per cent of the state’s flora is represented in the Mt Arapiles section alone. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; access is from the Wimmera Hwy; 12 km SW.

The name of this town is derived from the Aboriginal word ‘nyell’, meaning ‘white mist on water’. Nhill is exactly halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, and claims to have the largest singlebin silo in the Southern Hemisphere. The town is a good starting point for tours of Little Desert National Park.

Historical Society Museum: open Thurs, Fri or by appt; McPherson St. Cottage of John Shaw Neilson (lyric poet): open by appt; Jaypex Park, Victoria St. Boardwalk: scenic walk from Jaypex Park to Nhill Lake. Lowana Craft Shop: local crafts; Victoria St. Self-guide historical walk: details from visitor centre.

Nhill Caravan Park: 93 Victoria St; (03) 5391 1683. Kaniva Caravan Park: Baker St, Kaniva; 0458 687 054.

Little Desert National Park: during spring, more than 600 varieties of wildflowers and over 40 types of ground orchids flourish in this 132 647 ha park. With nearly 600 kilometres of tracks, it is ideal for four-wheel driving, but perhaps the best way to appreciate the colourful spring display is on foot: for keen hikers, there is the 84 km Desert Discovery Walk. The Little Desert Lodge is in the central section of the park, south of Nhill, and is a departure point for day tours and a popular place to stay. There are walking trails in the central and western sections. 15 km s. See also Dimboola. Mallee Dam: lately dry, once offered fantastic birdwatching with bird hides provided; 20 km SW.

Geelong Visitor Information Centre, Stead Park, Princes Hwy, Corio; (03) 5275 5797 or 1800 620 888; www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au

Ocean Grove is a popular summer-holiday destination near the mouth of the Barwon River. The beaches around the town offer great surfing and safe swimming, with surf patrols operating during the summer months.

Ocean Grove Nature Reserve This reserve contains the only significant example of woodland on the Bellarine Peninsula, preserved virtually as it was prior to European settlement. A bird hide lets visitors look out for any number of the 130 different species that live here. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; Grubb Rd.

Ocean Grove Holiday Park: 90 Wallington Rd; (03) 5256 2233. Ocean Hideaway: 12 Woodlands Dr; (03) 5255 2192.

Riverview Family Caravan Park: Barwon Heads–Ocean Grove Rd; (03) 5256 1600. Arusha B&B: 50 Mirranda Crt, Wallington; (03) 5250 6200.

HMAS Canberra Dive Site Opened to the public in December 2009, this purposely sunken warship is Victoria’s first artificial site created specifically for diving. Divers can visit every area of the ship’s 138 m length, from the captain’s cabin to the galley. Bookings must be made with a charter boat operator or dive shop to be taken to the dive site. For details, call 0414 922 916. 4 km SE.

Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve: with mangrove swamps and great walks, the game reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including wallabies; 7 km N. Wallington: the town is home to A Maze’N Games, a timber maze with minigolf, picnic/barbecue facilities and a cafe, Koombahla Park Equestrian Centre, Adventure Park and Bellarine Adventure Golf. A strawberry fair is held in Wallington in Nov; 8 km N.

Dandenong Ranges Information Centre, 1211 Burwood Hwy, Upper Ferntree Gully; (03) 9758 7522; www.olindavillage.com.au

Olinda is in the centre of the Dandenong Ranges, a landscape of towering mountain ash forests, lush fern gullies, waterfalls, English gardens and picnic spots. The ranges have been a retreat for Melburnians since the 1800s. Olinda and nearby Sassafras are known for their many galleries and cafes, particularly the numerous tearooms serving traditional Devonshire teas.

Lady Hawke Cafe: Middle Eastern cafe; 1365–1367 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mount Dandenong; (03) 9751 1104. Miss Marple’s Tea Room: traditional tearoom fare; 382 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras; (03) 9755 1610. Ripe – Australian Produce: foodie cafe/produce store; 376–378 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras; (03) 9755 2100. Wild Oak Restaurant and Wine Bar: French-influenced modern Australian menu; Cnr Ridge and Mt Dandenong Tourist rds; (03) 9751 2033.

A Country House At Winstanley: 13 Warwick Farm Rd; (03) 9755 1783. Arcadia Cottages: 188–190 Falls Rd; (03) 9751 1017. Candlelight Cottages: 7–9 Monash Ave; (03) 9751 2464. Cambridge Cottages: Cnr Falls and Williams rds; (03) 9751 1178. Folly Farm Rural Retreat: 192 Falls Rd; (03) 9751 2544. Gracehill B&B: 28 Chalet Rd; (03) 9751 1019. Woolrich Retreat: 20 Woolrich Rd; (03) 9751 0154. Boronia on Albert: 128 Albert Ave, Boronia; (03) 9761 0408. Dalblair Bed & Breakfast: 65 Ducks La, Seville; (03) 5961 9041. Eagle Hammer Cottages: 440 Old Emerald Rd, Monbulk; (03) 9756 7700. Fleurbaix B & B: 286 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras; (03) 9755 1185. Garden Heights: 73 Lockwood Rd, Belgrave Heights; (03) 9754 5308. Goodwood B&B Cottage: 8 33 Mt Dandenong Rd, Montrose; 0419 875 699. Holly Gate House B&B: 1308 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Kalorama; (03) 9728 3218. Kalorama Holly Lodge: 7 Erith La, Kalorama; (03) 9728 6064. Lakeside Cottage: 11 Tereddan Dr, Kilsyth South; (03) 9761 9791. Mast Gully Gardens: 20 Dealbata Rd, Upwey; (03) 9752 5275. Springfields: 4 Springfield Ave, Camberwell; (03) 9809 1681. Tavlock Retreat B & B: Toorak Rd, Mount Dandenong; (03) 9751 2336. Tranquillity Cottage: 12 Eileen Ave, Kalorama; (03) 9751 1017. Wild Cattle Creek Estate: 473 Warburton Hwy, Seville; (03) 5964 4755.

Dandenong Ranges National Park This park offers great walking tracks and picnic facilities. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot an elusive lyrebird, a species renowned for its ability to mimic sounds – from other bird calls to human voices and even chainsaws. Most walking tracks leave from picnic grounds, such as the Thousand Steps Track from Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground (south-west via the Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd) and the walk to Sherbrooke Falls from the Sherbrooke Picnic Ground (via Sherbrooke Rd from the Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd). The park extends to the east and west of town. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; 2 km NE, 6 km SW.

William Ricketts Sanctuary William Ricketts was a well-known artist and conservationist whose intricate sculptures focus on Aboriginal people and the complexities of Australia’s native vegetation. Many sculptures are displayed in a bushland setting on the scenic Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; 3 km N.

National Rhododendron Gardens: the gardens begin just east of town and are something of a mecca for garden enthusiasts, with superb displays of rhododendrons and azaleas in season. R. J. Hamer Arboretum: good walking tracks through 100 ha of rare and exotic trees; Olinda–Monbulk Rd, shortly after turn-off to Rhododendron Gardens. Cloudehill Gardens: twilight concerts are held here in summer; south of R. J. Hamer Arboretum. Mt Dandenong Lookout: spectacular views over Melbourne; picnic/barbecue facilities; 3 km N. Alfred Nicholas Gardens: an ornamental lake with the original boathouse and the George Tindale Memorial Garden, with flowering plants beneath mountain ash trees. The original Nicholas family home (built 1920s) is here; Sherbrooke; 4 km SE. Kawarra Australian Plant Garden: an impressive collection of native plants; Kalorama; 4.5 km N. Markets: art, craft, plants and homemade goods; nearby markets include Kallista Market, 6 km S, 1st Sat each month, and Upper Ferntree Gully Market, 12 km SE, every Sat and Sun. Burrinja Gallery: a memorial to artist Lin Onus, with Aboriginal and Oceanic sculptures and paintings; Upwey; 10 km SW. Silvan: prominent flower-growing region with many tulip farms. The famous Tesselaar’s Tulip Farm hosts a popular festival each Sept–Oct with sales of flowers and bulbs, and traditional Dutch music and food; Monbulk Rd; 15 km NE. Silvan Dam: an area to the north of this major Melbourne water supply has walking tracks and picnic/barbecue facilities; turn-off after Silvan. Mont De Lancey: wonderfully preserved house, built in 1882 and set in landscaped gardens; includes a museum and a chapel; open 2nd Sat each month; Wandin North; 22 km NE via Mt Evelyn.

Omeo is an Aboriginal word meaning mountains – appropriate for this picturesque town in the Victorian Alps. Today Omeo is a peaceful farming community, but it wasn’t always so. During the 1800s gold rush, Omeo was an unruly frontier town, which early Australian novelist Rolf Boldrewood described as the roughest goldfield in Australia. Despite taking damage in the 1939 Black Friday bushfires, several historic buildings still remain.

A. M. Pearson Historical Park The park preserves a piece of Omeo’s rich history in a peaceful, bushland setting. Buildings on display include the old courthouse, which now houses a museum, a log gaol, stables and a blacksmith’s. Day Ave (Great Alpine Rd).

Historic buildings: many distinctive structures from the 19th century can be seen in town, including the post office, primary school and shire offices; Day Ave. Shops: several unique stores, including the German Cuckoo Clock Shop, Petersen’s Gallery, High Country Paintings and Octagon Bookshop; Day Ave.

High Country Calf Sales: Mar. Alpine Discovery Festival and Picnic Races: Mar. Rodeo, Easter Market and Easter Egg Hunt: Easter. Cobungra Polo Match: Apr.

The Golden Age Hotel Motel: up-market country fare; Cnr Day Ave (Great Alpine Rd) and Tongio Rd; (03) 5159 1344.

Oriental Claims The Claims was a major goldmining area, and remains the highest alluvial goldfield in Australia. French–Canadians, Americans and Europeans all worked alongside Australians and Chinese during the gold boom. The word ‘Oriental’ in the mine’s name may conjure an image of Chinese workers, but ‘Oriental Claims’ was actually the name of a European company. The Omeo Sluicing Company, however, was Chinese. There are a variety of walks around the site and visitors should look out for the flora, including wild orchids. High cliffs, left by the hydraulic sluicing process, offer impressive views across town, and signs throughout the Parks Victoria–managed site explain the history of the Claims. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; 1.5 km W on Great Alpine Rd.

Mt Hotham This popular downhill ski resort is suited to both budding and experienced skiers. Skiing areas range from the beginners’ Big D Playground through to the more advanced slopes around Mary’s Slide and the black diamond chutes of Heavenly Valley. In summer, the mountain is a popular hiking and mountain-bike-riding destination. (03) 5759 3550; 56 km W.

Livingstone Park and Creek: walking tracks and swimming area adjacent to the Oriental Claims. Mt Markey Winery: on the site of the old Cassilis Hotel, on the touring loop from Omeo to Swifts Creek; Cassilis Rd, Cassilis; 15 km S. Lake Omeo: scenic natural landscape, dry for most parts of the year; Benambra; 21 km NE. Benambra: gateway to the Alpine National Park; 24 km N. Anglers Rest: historic Blue Duck Inn, a good base for horseriding, whitewater rafting and fly-fishing; 29 km NW. Swifts Creek: this town situated at the junction of Swifts Creek and Tambo River has the Great Alpine Art Gallery; 40 km S. Taylors Crossing suspension bridge: part of the scenic Australian Alps Walking Track and also a great base for camping and fishing the Mitta Mitta River; off Tablelands Rd; 44 km NE. Dinner Plain: relaxed village surrounded by the Alpine National Park that offers many activities such as skiing, walking, horseriding and Australia’s 1st indoor–outdoor alpine spa; 46 km W.

Ensay: small but picturesque town that is home to the wellknown Ensay Winery; 70 km S. Great Alpine Rd: covers over 300 km from the High Country to Gippsland Lakes and offers 6 individual self-guide touring routes with a diverse combination of scenery; details from visitor centre. Note that some drives cross state forests or alpine areas, so be alert for timber trucks and check conditions in winter. Omeo is located on this road. Mitta Mitta and Cobungra rivers: great trout fishing, waterskiing and whitewater rafting (only available in spring); details from visitor centre. High Country tours: explore the high plains around Omeo – on horseback, by 4WD or, for keen hikers, on challenging bushwalks; details from visitor centre.

Situated on the banks of the legendary Snowy River, Orbost is on the Princes Highway and surrounded by spectacular coastal and mountain territory. For those who love arts and crafts, there are many shops in the area supplying and displaying local products.

Visitor information centre: display explains complex rainforest ecology; Slab Hut, 39 Nicholson St. Old Pump House: behind relocated 1872 slab hut; Forest Rd. Historical Museum: details local history with displays of artefacts; Ruskin St. Snowy River Country Craft: Forest Rd. Netherbyre Gemstone and Art Galley: Cnr Browning and Carlyle sts. Exhibition Centre: equipped with 2 galleries, one dedicated to the National Collection of Australian Wood Design, the other presenting monthly exhibitions; Nicholson St. Mirrawong Woolworks: sells wool and felt handmade items; 295 Nicholson St. Heritage walk: weaves its way through town with storyboards, fingerboards and plaques explaining the historic buildings; begins at Slab Hut.

A Lovely Little Lunch: local-produce cafe menu; 125A Nicholson St; (03) 5154 1303.

Orbost Caravan Park on the Snowy River: Lochiel St; (03) 5154 1097. Cape Conran Coastal Park: Yeerung Rd, Cape Conran; (03) 5154 8438. Snowy River Homestead Bed &Breakfast: 77 Grandview Rd, Newmerella; 0409 542 432.

Errinundra National Park The park is one of the largest remaining stands of cool temperate rainforest in Victoria, and features giant eucalypt forests. There is the rainforest boardwalk and for keen hikers there are walking tracks, as well as camping and picnic facilities. Enjoy superb views from Ellery View, Ocean View Lookout and the peak of Mt Morris. In winter, snow and rain can make access difficult. Errinundra Rd, off Princes Hwy; contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; 54 km NE.

Marlo: a popular fishing spot also known for its galleries and Bush Races in Jan; 14 km; also in Marlo cruise the Snowy River on the Paddle Steamer Curlip II; book on 0411 395 903 S. Cape Conran Coastal Park: rugged coastal scenery and excellent walks. Turn south after Cabbage Tree Creek (26 km E) or take the coastal route from Marlo. Cabbage Tree Palms Flora Reserve: 27 km E. Bemm River Scenic Reserve: a 1 km signposted rainforest walk and picnic facilities; off Princes Hwy; 40 km E. Snowy River National Park: in the south of the park is Raymond Creek Falls. A 40 min return walk leads to the falls, with a further 1 hr walk leading to the Snowy River; 42 km N; 2WD access, check road conditions. McKillops Bridge, 148 km N via Deddick, is one of the most accessible parts of this park; for more details see Buchan. Sydenham Inlet: a good spot for bream fishing; 58 km E. Tranquil Valley Tavern: on the banks of the Delegate River near the NSW border; about 115 km NE. Baldwin Spencer Trail: a 262 km scenic drive following the route of this explorer, taking in old mining sites and Errinundra National Park; details from visitor centre.

Ouyen was once little more than a station on the Melbourne– Mildura train route, but it has since grown to become an important service town. Ouyen is at the centre of the Mallee region, which was developed in the early 1900s – relatively late when compared with other regions of rural Victoria. This was mainly due to the difficulties in clearing the land as well as the harsh climate. The current success of agriculture in the region, in particular wheat-growing, is a testament to the hardiness of early farmers and settlers.

Roxy Theatre: newly restored and functioning tropicalstyle theatre, only one of its type in southern Australia; Oke St.

Hattah–Kulkyne National Park This park protects an area of 48 000 ha that includes typical mallee country with both low scrub and open native pine woodlands. The freshwater Hattah Lakes are seasonally filled by creeks connected to the Murray River, which brings the area to life with plants and waterbirds. Activities within the park include bushwalking, canoeing, fishing and scenic drives. There are picnic and camping facilities at Mournpall and Lake Hattah. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; off the Calder Hwy; 35 km N.

Paynesville is a popular tourist resort close to the rural city of Bairnsdale, on the McMillan Straits. The town is set on the Gippsland Lakes and the beaches of the Tasman Sea, making it a favourite destination for fishing and waterskiing.

St Peter-by-the-Lake Church: built in 1961, this unique structure incorporates seafaring images in its design; The Esplanade. Community Craft Centre: displays and sells local arts and crafts; The Esplanade.

Market: Gilsenan Reserve; 2nd Sun each month. Jazz Festival: Feb. Marlay Pt Paynesville Overnight Yacht Race: Mar long weekend.

Allawah Caravan & Boat Park: 79 Slip Rd; (03) 5156 7777. Resthaven Caravan Park: 4 –14 Gilsenan St; (03) 5156 6342. Bayview Loft: 2 Bay Rd, Eagle Point; (03) 5156 7132. Lake King Waterfront Caravan Park: 67 Bay Rd, Eagle Point; (03) 5156 6387.

Gippsland Lakes This area incorporates The Lakes National Park, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park and the famous Ninety Mile Beach – an incredible stretch of scenic coastline offering great swimming beaches. Lake cruises, boat charters and organised scenic tours of the region are all available; details from visitor centre.

Eagle Pt: a small fishing community set by Lake King. The Mitchell River empties here, where it forms curious silt jetties that stretch out into the distance. The town hosts the annual Australian Powerboat Racing Championships at Easter; 2 km NW. Raymond Island: Koala Reserve and Riviera Meadows, an animal farm that specialises in miniature breeds; the island is just east of Paynesville and can be accessed by a ferry that departs from the foreshore.

Port Albert is a tranquil port on the south-east coast. Looking at this peaceful village now, it is hard to believe that it was the first established port in Victoria, with ships from Europe and America once docking at its jetty. Ships from China arrived here during the gold rush, bringing thousands of prospectors to the Gippsland goldfields. Still a commercial fishing port, the sheltered waters of Port Albert are popular with anglers and boat owners, which sees its population swell considerably during summer.

Port Albert Hotel This attractive old building has wide verandahs, and offers genuine country hospitality and a glimpse into the area’s past. The hotel was first licensed in 1842, which makes it one of the oldest hotels in Victoria still operating. Wharf St.

Historic buildings: include original government offices and stores, and the Bank of Victoria, which now houses a maritime museum with photographs and relics from the town’s past. Georgian and Victorian architectural styles are evident in over 40 buildings; Tarraville Rd. Warren Curry Art: a gallery featuring country-town streetscapes; Tarraville Rd.

Wildfish: waterfront dining, freshest local seafood; 40 Wharf St; (03) 5183 2007.

Port Albert Bed & Breakfast: 27 Wharf St; (03) 5183 2525. Port Albert Seabank Caravan Park: 95 Old Port Rd; (03) 5183 2315.

Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park Surrounding Port Albert and comprising the waters and sand islands offshore, this marine park is a fishing enthusiast’s delight. Snapper, flathead and Australian salmon can be caught from the surf beaches or from a boat. The Aboriginal middens that dot the shorelines prove that fishing has been carried on here for many thousands of years. This park is an important reserve for migratory wading birds. Camping is allowed but permits must be obtained. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963.

Christ Church: built in 1856, this was the first church to be established in Gippsland; Tarraville; 5 km NE. Beaches: Manns, for swimming, 10 km NE; and Woodside, on Ninety Mile Beach, for good surfing, 34 km NE. Note that both beaches are patrolled during summer. St Margaret Island: a protected area featuring a wildlife sanctuary; 12 km E.

This peaceful seaside resort – the base of a small crayfishing industry – is in the centre of Port Campbell National Park on the Great Ocean Road. The Twelve Apostles, one of Victoria’s most famous attractions, can be found nearby.

Historical Museum: open Wed, Thurs and Sat; Lord St. Fishing: good from rocks and pier; boat charters available.

The Craypot Bistro: great-value food, seasonal crayfish; Port Campbell Hotel, 40 Lord St; (03) 5598 6320. Room Six Cafe Restaurant: traditional Greek fare; 28 Lord St; (03) 5598 6242. Timboon Railway Shed Distillery: local-produce-driven menu; The Railway Yard, Bailey St, Timboon; (03) 5598 3555.

Loch Ard Bed & Breakfast: 309 Yaruck Rd; (03) 5598 6456. Port Campbell Holiday Park: 1 Morris St; (03) 5598 6492. Great Ocean Road Tourist Park: Cnr Great Ocean Rd and Irvine St, Peterborough; (03) 5598 5477. Apostles Camping Park &Cabins: 32 Post Office Rd, Princetown; (03) 5598 8119.

Port Campbell National Park The park is a major attraction on the Great Ocean Rd, with magnificent rock formations jutting out into the ocean. Particularly impressive when viewed at dusk (when penguins can be seen) and dawn, the key coastal features are The Arch, 5 km W; London Bridge, 6 km W; Loch Ard Gorge, 7 km SE; and the world-famous Twelve Apostles, which begin 12 km SE of Port Campbell and stretch along the coast. These spectacular limestone stacks were part of the cliffs until wind and water left them stranded in wild surf off the shore. Other notable features are The Grotto, Bay of Islands and Bay of Martyrs. There are walking tracks throughout the park, and the Historic Shipwreck Trail marks 25 sites along the coast between Moonlight Head and Port Fairy (sites are also popular with divers – a charter company is based in Port Campbell; details from visitor centre). For the ultimate view of this coastline, take an ever-popular scenic flight (details from visitor centre).

Mutton Bird Island: attracts short-tailed shearwaters, best viewed at dawn and dusk Sept–Apr; just off coast. Great Ocean Walk: between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles. The 91 km walk offers stunning views; walkers must register to use campgrounds en route; information available at greatoceanwalk.com.au Timboon: a pretty town in the centre of a dairy district. Timboon Farmhouse Cheese offers tastings and sales of gourmet cheeses, while Timboon Railway Shed Distillery offers a variety of spirits. A scenic drive goes from Port Campbell to the town. It is also on one end of the Camperdown–Timboon (Crater to Coast) Rail Trail. Pick your own berries in season at nearby Berry World; 16 km N. Otway Deer and Wildlife Park: 19 km SE. Gourmet Food and Wine Loop: map from visitor centre.

Port Fairy was once a centre for the whaling industry and one of the largest ports in Australia. Today many visitors are attracted to it for its charming old-world feel, its legacy of historic bluestone buildings, the small fleet of fishing boats that line the old wharf, and its great beach and lively atmosphere in summer. The town truly comes alive in March, when the Port Fairy Folk Festival is held. International folk and blues acts play, and tickets are best booked well in advance.

History Centre: displays relating to local history housed in the old courthouse; Gipps St. Battery Hill: old fort and signal station at the river mouth; end of Griffith St. Port Fairy Wharf: sales of fish and crayfish when in season. Historic buildings: many are National Trust–classified, including the splendid timber home of Captain Mills, Gipps St; Mott’s Cottage, Sackville St; Caledonian Inn, Bank St; Seacombe House, Cox St; St John’s Church of England, Regent St; and the Gazette Office, Sackville St.

Folk Festival: Mar. Spring Music Festival: Oct. Moyneyana Festival: family entertainment; Dec.

L’Edera: authentic Italian; 20 Bank St; (03) 5568 3058. Merrijig Inn: contemporary Mediterranean; 1 Campbell St; (03) 5568 2324. Portofino on Bank: contemporary Mediterranean; 26 Bank St; (03) 5568 2251. time&tide High Tea by the High Sea: memorable high teas; 21 Thistle Pl; (03) 5568 2134.

Cherry Plum Cottages: Albert Rd; (03) 5568 2595. Clonmara Cottages: 106 Princes Hwy; (03) 5568 2595. Cottages for Couples – Wytonia: 27 Thistle Pl; (03) 5568 3425. Gardens By East Beach Caravan Park: 111 Griffith St; (03) 5568 1060. Gum Tree Caravan Park: 8 Amble La; (03) 5568 1462. Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel: 41B Gipps St; (03) 5568 3022. Southcombe by the Sea Caravan Park: James St; (03) 5568 2677. Killara Bed & Breakfast: 104 Survey La, Killarney; (03) 5568 7318. Codrington Settlement & Gardens: 4887 Princes Hwy, Yambuk; (03) 5568 4203.

Griffiths Island Connected to town by a causeway, this island is home to a large colony of short-tailed shearwaters. Each year they travel across the Pacific Ocean from North America to nest in the same burrows (Sept– Apr). Also on the island is a much-photographed lighthouse. The Crags: rugged coastal rock formations; 12 km W.

Yambuk: a small township centred on an old inn with Yambuk Lake, a popular recreation area, nearby; 17 km W. Lady Julia Percy Island: home to a fur seal colony; charters can be arranged from Port Fairy Wharf; 22 km off coast. Codrington Wind Farm: Victoria’s first wind-power station; 27 km W. Mahogany Walk to Warrnambool: a 6– 7 hr walk (one way, can return by bus) taking in a magnificent stretch of coastline; details from visitor centre. Historic Shipwreck Trail: between Port Fairy and Moonlight Head with 25 wreck sites signposted along the way.

Portland is the most westerly of Victoria’s major coastal towns and the only deep-water port between Melbourne and Adelaide. It was also the first permanent settlement in Victoria, founded in 1834 by the famous pastoralist Henty family. The township, which features many National Trust–classified buildings, overlooks Portland Bay. The Kerrup-Tjmara people, who once numbered in the thousands, were the original inhabitants of the district and referred to it as ‘Pulumbete’ meaning ‘Little Lake’ – a reference to the scenic lake now known as Fawthorp Lagoon.

Portland Maritime Discovery Centre The centre features a 13 m sperm whale skeleton, and the lifeboat used to rescue 19 survivors from the Admella shipwreck in 1859. Another wreck, the Regia, is displayed in 2 m of water. The centre shares the building with the information centre. Lee Breakwater Rd.

Botanical Gardens: established in 1857, with both native and exotic plant life. A restored 1850s bluestone worker’s cottage is within the grounds and open to the public; Cliff St. Historical buildings: more than 200 around town, many National Trust–classified. The best way to explore buildings such as the courthouse, Steam Packet Inn and Mac’s Hotel is to take either a guided or self-guide walk; details from visitor centre. History House: a historical museum and family research centre in the old town hall; Charles St. Burswood: a bluestone, regency-style mansion that was once the home of pioneer settler Edward Henty. The house is set amid 5 ha of gardens; Cape Nelson Rd. Fawthorp Lagoon: prolific birdlife; Glenelg St. Powerhouse Car Museum: Percy St. Watertower Lookout: displays of WW II memorabilia on the way up the 133 steps to magnificent 360-degree views across Portland and the ocean, where whales and dolphins can sometimes be spotted; Percy St. Another good spot for whale-watching is Battery Hill.

Anzac Day Floral Display: Apr. Bay Festival: Nov. 3 Bays Marathon: Nov.

Bridgewater Bay Beach Cafe: views and food worthy of detour; 1661 Bridgewater Rd, Cape Bridgewater; (03) 5526 7155. Fergie’s Cafe & Wine Bar: contemporary Australian; Cnr Cliff and Bentinck sts; (03) 5523 4777. The Lido Larder: contemporary cafe; 5 Julia St; (03) 5521 1741.

Clifftop Accommodation Portland: 13 Clifton Crt; (03) 5523 1126. Dutton Way Caravan Park: 215 Dutton Way; (03) 5523 1904. Henty Bay Beach Front Van & Cabin Park: 342 Dutton Way; (03) 5523 3716. Portland Bay Holiday Park: 184 Bentinck St; (03) 5523 1487. Seascape Accommodation: 271 Hanlon Pde; (03) 5523 3960. Whalers Cottage B & B: 12 Whalers Crt; (03) 5521 7522. Cape Bridgewater Sea View Lodge: 1636 Bridgewater Rd, Cape Bridgewater; (03) 5526 7276.

Cape Bridgewater This cape is home to a 650-strong colony of Australian fur seals. A 2 hr return walk leads to a viewing platform, or you can take a 45 min boat ride that leads into the mouth of a cave to see them up close (bookings essential, (03) 5526 7247). Across the cape towards Discovery Bay are the Petrified Forest and the Blowholes – spectacular during high seas. 21 km SW.

Lower Glenelg National Park The Glenelg River is a central feature of the park. It has cut an impressive 50 m deep gorge through a slab of limestone. Watch for platypus, water rats, moorhens and herons around the water’s edge. Bushwalking, camping, fishing and canoeing are all popular, and Jones Lookout and the Bulley Ranges offer great views. Also in the park are the Princess Margaret Rose Caves on the north side of the river – you can drive there via Nelson or Dartmoor. Alternatively, boat tours operate from Nelson. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; 44 km NW.

Cape Nelson: here a lighthouse perches on top of tall cliffs and lightstation tours are available; 11 km SW. Narrawong State Forest: a short walk leads to Whalers Pt, where Aboriginal people once watched for whales; 18 km NE. Discovery Bay Coastal Park: Cape Bridgewater is included in this park, though the majority of it is remote and relatively untouched. The Great South West Walk offers the best chance to take in the park’s scenery. Behind Cape Bridgewater are the Bridgewater Lakes (19 km W) – popular for waterskiing and fishing. A walking track leads from here to the beach. Mt Richmond National Park: a ‘mountain’ formed by an extinct volcano. The area has abundant spring wildflowers and native fauna, including the elusive potoroo; 25 km NW. Heywood: home to the Bower Birds Nest Museum, and the Wood, Wine and Roses Festival in Feb. Budj Bim National Heritage Landscape, the traditional lands of the Gunditjmara people, is located here also. Visitors can experience the aquaculture system including stone eel traps, permanent stone houses and smoking trees; Budj Bim Tours (03) 5527 1699; 28 km N. Nelson: a charming hamlet near the mouth of the Glenelg River. There is good waterskiing in the area; 70 km NW. Great South West Walk: this epic 250 km walking trail takes in the full range of local scenery – the Glenelg River, Discovery and Bridgewater bays and Cape Nelson are some of the highlights. It is possible to do just small sections of the walk; maps and details from visitor centre.

Loddon Visitor Information Centre, Wedderburn Community Centre, 24 Wilson St, Wedderburn; (03) 5494 3489; www.pyramidhill.net.au

Pyramid Hill’s namesake is an unusually shaped, 187-metrehigh hill. The town, which is located in a wheat-growing district about 30 kilometres from the New South Wales border, was a source of inspiration to notable Australian author Katherine Susannah Pritchard, who based a character in her book Child of the Hurricane on a woman she met while staying in Pyramid Hill during World War I.

Pyramid Hill A climb to the top of this eerily symmetrical hill reveals views of the surrounding irrigation and wheat district. There are abundant Wildflowers in spring.

Historical Museum: features local story displays; open Sun afternoons or by appt; McKay St.

Terrick Terrick National Park The park is a large Murray pine forest reserve with granite outcrops, including Mitiamo Rock. There is a variety of good walking tracks, and the park is a key nesting area for the distinctive brolga. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; access is via the Pyramid Hill–Kow Swamp Rd; 20 km SE.

Mt Hope: named by explorer Major Mitchell, who ‘hoped’ he would be able to spot the sea from the mountain’s peak. Now known for its Wildflowers; 16 km NE. Boort: nearby lakes provide a habitat for swans, ibis, pelicans and other waterbirds, and a place for watersports, fishing and picnics; 40 km W.

Queenscliff is a charming seaside town on the Bellarine Peninsula. It began life as a resort for wealthy Victorians in the 1800s, as testified by lavish buildings such as the Queenscliff Hotel, with its ornate lattice work and plush interiors. The town’s wide main street is lined with cafes and restaurants, plus an array of art galleries, and the nearby beaches become a playground for holiday-makers during summer. A ferry runs between Queenscliff and Sorrento, a resort town across Port Phillip Bay.

Queenscliff Maritime Museum The museum explores the town’s long association with ships and the sea through a collection of maritime memorabilia. It features a re-created fisherman’s cottage, a diving-technology display and an array of navigational equipment. Weeroona Pde; (03) 5258 3440.

Marine Discovery Centre This is a great family destination where visitors can learn all about the local marine life. It has a number of aquariums and touch-tanks. The centre also runs various tours, including boat cruises off Port Phillip and ‘rockpool rambles’. Adjacent to the Maritime Museum, Weeroona Pde; (03) 5258 3344.

The Blues Train An incredibly popular attraction that provides a unique dining and entertainment experience on board a steam train. Round trips provide 4 carriages, each with a different blues musician. Guests can change carriages at stops on the journey and purchase drinks from the mobile bar at each station platform. Operates Sat nights Oct–May. Departs from and returns to Queenscliff Railway Station; bookings at Ticketek on 132 849, or contact visitor centre for more information.

Fort Queenscliff: built during the Crimean War, it includes the unique ‘Black Lighthouse’. Tours of the fort run most days; details from visitor centre. Queenscliff Historical Museum: open daily 2–4pm; Hesse St. Bellarine Peninsula Railway: beautifully restored steam trains run between Queenscliff and Drysdale. There are many engines on display around the station. Trains run Sun, public holidays and other times during school holidays; Symonds St. Bellarine Rail Trail: 32.5 km track that extends from South Geelong to Queenscliff; on reaching Drysdale it runs along the Bellarine Peninsula Railway and ends in the town.

Market: with crafts and second-hand goods; Princes Park, Gellibrand St; last Sun each month except winter. Music Festival: major event attracting local and international music acts; Nov.

Athelstane House: contemporary Australian; 4 Hobson St; (03) 5258 1024. Vue Grand Hotel: classic menu, impressive dining room; 46 Hesse Street; (03) 5258 1544.

Queenscliffe Tourist Parks: 134 Hesse St; (03) 5258 1765. Lonsdale Views: 25 Gill Rd, Point Lonsdale; (03) 5258 2990.

Pt Lonsdale This peaceful holiday town offers gorgeous beaches suitable for either surfing or swimming. A lookout from the cliff-top provides a great view of the treacherous entrance to Port Phillip known as ‘The Rip’. A market is held here on the 2nd Sunday of each month. 6 km SW.

Lake Victoria: an important waterbird habitat; 7 km SW via Pt Lonsdale. Harold Holt Marine Reserve: incorporates Mud Island and coastal reserves. Guided boat tours can be arranged from the Marine Discovery Centre.

Robinvale is set on the New South Wales border by a pretty stretch of the Murray River. The Robinswood Homestead, built in 1926, was home to the town’s founder, Herbert Cuttle (you can find the homestead in River Road). Herbert’s son, Robin, was killed during World War I, so he named both the homestead and the town in Robin’s honour. As another form of remembrance, the town has a sister city in France, near where young Robin died.

Rural Life Museum: housed in the information centre, with locally grown almonds for sale; open by appt; Bromley Rd. Murray River: the beaches around Robinvale are popular for picnics and fishing, while in the river waterskiing and swimming are favourite summer pastimes.

Ski Race: Mar. Tennis Tournament: Easter. Almond Blossom Festival: Aug.

Robinvale Riverside Caravan Park: Riverside Dr; (03) 5026 4646. Weir Caravan Park Robinvale: Pethard Rd; (03) 5026 3415. Boundary Bend General Store and Caravan Park Murray River: 27 Murray Valley Hwy, Boundary Bend; (03) 5026 8201.

Euston Weir and Lock on Murray: created as an irrigation water store, it features a ‘fish ladder’ that enables fish to jump over the weir. Picnic and barbecue facilities are provided; Pethard Rd, south-west edge of town. Robinvale Organic and Bio-dynamic Wines: tastings and sales of these distinctive, preservative-free wines. Also a children’s playground; Sea Lake Rd; 5 km S. Olive oil: this region is renowned for its award-winning olive oil. Robinvale Estate offers farmgate sales and tastings; Tol Tol Rd; 8 km SE. There is also Boundary Bend Estate; Boundary Bend; Murray Valley Hwy; 1 km S of the Murray River. Robinvale Indigenous Arts and Crafts: learn about the local bush tucker; River Rd. Hattah–Kulkyne National Park: 66 km SW; see Ouyen.

TOWNS NEARBY: Ouyen 68 km, Mildura 71 km, Balranald (NSW) 73 km, Wentworth (NSW) 95 km, Swan Hill 110 km

On the Campaspe River, near Echuca, Rochester is the centre of a rich dairying and tomato-growing area. There are several lakes and waterways near town, making Rochester a popular destination for freshwater fishing.

The ‘Oppy’ Museum The museum details the history of Sir Hubert Opperman, affectionately known as Oppy, a champion cyclist who competed in the Tour de France. There is a collection of memorabilia related to Oppy’s career as a cyclist, as well as artefacts from the town’s past. A statue of Oppy is opposite the museum. Moore St.

Kyabram Fauna Park This park, owned by the Kyabram community, is home to over 140 animal species – everything from wombats to waterfowl. It has been built from the ground up on a piece of degraded farmland, and is now heavily involved in breeding programs for endangered species such as the eastern barred bandicoot. There is a walk-through aviary and Australia’s first energy-efficient reptile house. (03) 5852 2883; 35 km NE.

Campaspe Siphon: an impressive engineering feat, where the Waranga–Western Main irrigation channel was redirected under the Campaspe River; 5 km N. Fishing: nearby channels, rivers and lakes are popular with anglers for redfin and carp. Lakes include Greens Lake and Lake Cooper (14 km SE), also good for picnicking and watersports. Elmore: here is the Campaspe Run Rural Discovery Centre, which explains Koorie and colonial history and heritage. Elmore Field Days are held each Oct; 17 km S.

Situated in central Victoria off the Goulburn Valley Highway, this delightful little town was once a goldmining settlement. The original site of the township was known as Nuggetty owing to the numerous gold nuggets found during the 19th century. Rushworth has retained much of its original character, with wellpreserved early buildings lining the main street.

Historic buildings: many along High St are National Trust–classified, including the Church of England, the Band Rotunda, the former Imperial Hotel, the Glasgow Buildings and the Whistle Stop. Take the High St Heritage Walk to see these and others; map from visitor centre. History Museum: housed in the old mechanics institute with displays relating to the town’s goldmining heritage; Cnr High and Parker sts. Growlers Hill Lookout Tower: views of the town, Rushworth State Forest and the surrounding Goulburn Valley; Reed St.

Lake Waranga Caravan Park & Holiday Camp: 98 Waranga Basin Rd, Waranga Shores; (03) 5856 1243.

Rushworth State Forest The largest natural ironbark forest in the world, Rushworth State Forest is also renowned for the orchids and wildflowers that blossom here in spring. Picnics and bushwalks are popular activities in this attractive reserve where over 100 species of birds, along with echidnas and kangaroos, can be seen. Access via Whroo Rd; 3 km S.

Jones’s Eucalyptus Distillery: eucalyptus oil is extracted from blue mallee gum; Parramatta Gully Rd, just south of town. Waranga Basin: an artificial diversion of the Goulburn weir constructed in 1916, now a haven for boating, fishing, swimming and watersports; 6 km NE. Whroo Historic Reserve: Balaclava Hill, an open-cut goldmine, along with camping and picnic facilities, the Whroo cemetery and an Aboriginal waterhole; 7 km S. Murchison: a small town picturesquely set on the Goulburn River. Town attractions include the Italian war memorial and chapel; Meteorite Park, the site of a meteorite fall in 1969; Longleat Winery; and Campbell’s Bend Picnic Reserve; 19 km E. Days Mill: a flour mill with buildings dating from 1865; 39 km NE via Murchison. Town ruins: goldmining played a huge role in the development of this region, but not all towns survived the end of the gold rush. Ruins of Angustown, Bailieston and Graytown are all to the south of Rushworth.

Rutherglen is the centre of one of the most important winegrowing districts in Victoria, with a cluster of vineyards surrounding the town. Many of the local wineries are best known for their fortified wines. Rutherglen’s main street features preserved late-19th-century architecture.

Rutherglen Wine Experience: interpretive displays of Rutherglen’s wine history; visitor centre, Main St. Common School Museum: local history displays and a re-creation of a Victorian-era schoolroom; behind Main St. Historic tours: take a self-guide walk, bike ride or drive, following maps provided at the visitor centre. Lake King: originally constructed in 1874 as Rutherglen’s water storage, it is now a wildlife sanctuary and offers a scenic walk.

Tastes of Rutherglen: celebration of the region’s gourmet food and wine; Mar. Rutherglen and District Art Society Show: Mar. Easter in Rutherglen: Easter. Winery Walkabout: June. Country Fair: June. Wine Show: Sept. Tour de Rutherglen: cycling and wine event; Oct. Young Bloods and Bloody Legends: food and wine event; Oct.

Vintara Winery: contemporary menu matched to wines; 105 Fraser Rd; 0447 327 517. Pickled Sisters Cafe: local-produce cafe; Cofield Wines, Distillery Rd, Wahgunyah; (02) 6033 2377. Terrace Restaurant: regional vineyard menu; All Saints Estate, All Saints Rd, Wahgunyah; (02) 6035 2209.

Admurraya House: 16 Meehan St; (02) 6032 9747. Bank on Main: 80 Main St; (02) 6032 7000. Carlyle House Rutherglen: 147 High St; (02) 6032 8444. ‘Cuddle Doon’ Cottages B&B: 12 Hunter St; (02) 6032 7107. Ready Cottage: 92 High St; (02) 6032 7407. Rutherglen Caravan & Tourist Park: 72 Murray St; (02) 6032 8577.

Rutherglen wine region Winemaking in Rutherglen has been more or less continuous since 1839, and many of the wineries go back well beyond 100 years. Campbells, Jones, St Leonards and Warrabilla produce the bold reds – shiraz and durif – that the region is renowned for. But Rutherglen is even better known for its world-class fortified wines, mostly muscat and tokay. In this category, Chambers Rosewood and Morris lead the way. Look out for All Saints, with its historic building, and Pfeiffer, Chambers, Gehrig Estate and Campbells. The countryside of grassy paddocks and big old gum trees is dotted with many beautiful historic buildings, and some of the wineries are located on the banks of the Murray River. A popular Winery Walkabout is held every June.

Great Northern Mine: marked by mullock heaps associated with the first alluvial goldmine in the district. Historical details are provided on-site; Great Northern Rd, 5 km E. Lake Moodemere: found near the winery of the same name, the lake is popular for watersports and features ancient Aboriginal canoe trees by the shores; 8 km W. Old customs house: a relic from the time when a tax was payable on goods from NSW; 10 km NW.

A former goldmining town surrounded by forests and scenic hill country, St Arnaud is a service centre for the district’s farming community, yet retains a peaceful rural atmosphere. The main street is lined with well-preserved historic buildings, many of which feature impressive ornate lacework. Together, these buildings form a nationally recognised historic streetscape.

Self-guide historic tour: brochure available from visitor centre. Queen Mary Gardens: great spot for a picnic; Napier St. Old Post Office: now a B&B and restaurant; Napier St. Police lock-up: built in 1862; Jennings St.

St Arnaud Range National Park The park protects an oasis of dense box-ironbark forest and woodland surrounded by agricultural land. Over 270 different species of native flora have been recorded here and provide a glimpse of what the area would have looked like before the land-clearing that occurred during and after the gold rush. Within the park are the Teddington Reservoirs, popular for brown trout and redfin fishing. The rugged terrain throughout provides a great opportunity for keen bushwalkers or 4WD enthusiasts. Wedge-tailed eagles can be seen soaring above the steep, forested ranges. Contact Parks Victoria on 131 963. Sunraysia Hwy; 15 km S.

Great Grape Rd: wine-themed circuit through Stawell and Ballarat; details from visitor centre.

Wellington Visitors Information Centre, Princes Hwy; (03) 5144 1108 or 1800 677 520; www.tourismwellington.com.au

Situated by the Thomson River near the Latrobe River junction, Sale grew on the back of the gold rush and became Gippsland’s first city in 1950. Although largely considered an industrial town, with the nearby Bass Strait oilfields providing a large part of the town’s economy, Sale has a lot more to offer. The Port of Sale is being redeveloped and there are many good cafes and restaurants, and a number of fine-art galleries and craft outlets. The lakes near Sale are home to the unique Australian black swan – the bird that has become a symbol for the town.

Gippsland Arts Gallery The gallery promotes the work of artists and craftspeople in central Gippsland. Works range from traditional landscapes to visual statements on environmental and cultural issues, and may be in any medium from painting and photography to film and video. Foster St; (03) 5142 3372.

Lake Guthridge Parklands This major recreational area within Sale comprises the Lake Guthridge and Lake Guyatt precincts, the Sale Botanic Gardens and the Regional Aquatic Complex. The precinct showcases over 35 ha of historically significant botanic gardens, walking trails, Indigenous artworks and a contemporary fauna park. It also provides sensory gardens, abundant seating, an adventure playground for children and tennis courts. Foster St.

Historical Museum: local history memorabilia; Foster St. Ramahyuck Aboriginal Corporation: offers local arts and crafts and is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail, which takes in sites of Aboriginal significance in the region; Foster St. Historical buildings: include Our Lady of Sion Convent in York St; Magistrates Court and Supreme Court, Foster St; St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral featuring fine stained-glass windows, Cunninghame St; St Mary’s Cathedral, Foster St. Bicentennial clock tower in the mall utilises the original bluestone base, ironwork and clock mechanisms; Raymond St. RAAF base: home of the famous Roulettes aerobatic team; Raglan St. Sale Common and State Game Refuge: protected wetland area with a boardwalk; south-east edge of town. Textile art: Sale is the home of internationally recognised textile artist Annemieke Mein. Her work is on permanent display in the foyer of the Port of Sale Civic Centre, ESSO BHP Billiton Wellington Entertainment Centre and St Mary’s Cathedral; Foster St.

Equus Cafe Bar: contemporary menu; 100 Foster St; (03) 5144 3388. Relish at the Gallery: modern cafe; Gippsland Art Gallery, 68–70 Foster St; (03) 5144 5044.

Minnies Bed and Breakfast: 202 Gibsons Rd; (03) 5144 3344. Sale Showground Caravan & Motorhome Park: 2 Maffra– Sale Rd; (03) 5144 6432. Sale Motor Village: Princes Hwy; (03) 5144 1366. 90 Mile Beach Holiday Retreat: Track 10 (via Longford–Loch Sport Rd), Loch Sport; (03) 5146 0320.

Holey Plains State Park The open eucalypt forests in this park are home to abundant wildlife, while swamps provide a habitat for many frog species. There is a good swimming lake, and a series of fascinating fossils can be seen nearby in a limestone quarry wall. Bushwalking, picnicking and camping are all popular activities, particularly around Harriers Swamp. Access from Princes Hwy; 14 km SW.

Fishing: good fishing for trout in the Avon River near Marlay Pt and also in the Macalister, Thomson and Latrobe rivers, especially at Swing Bridge; 5 km S. Marlay Pt: on the shores of Lake Wellington with boat-launching facilities provided. The yacht club here sponsors an overnight yacht race to Paynesville each Mar; 25 km E. Seaspray: a popular holiday spot on Ninety Mile Beach; offers excellent surfing and fishing; 32 km S. Golden and Paradise beaches: 2 more townships on Ninety Mile Beach with great surfing and fishing; 35 km SE. Loch Sport: set on Gippsland Lakes and popular for camping and fishing; 65 km SE. For details on Gippsland Lakes see Lakes Entrance and Paynesville. Howitt Bike Trail: 13-day round trip beginning and ending in Sale; details from visitor centre. Bataluk Cultural Trail: takes in sites of Indigenous significance from Sale to Cann River; brochure from visitor centre.

Seymour is a commercial, industrial and agricultural town on the Goulburn River. The area was recommended for a military base by Lord Kitchener during his visit in 1909. Nearby Puckapunyal became an important training place for troops during World War II, and remains a major army base today.

Royal Hotel: featured in Russell Drysdale’s famous 1941 painting Moody’s Pub; Emily St. Old Courthouse: built in 1864, it now houses local art; Emily St. Fine Art Gallery: in the old post office; Emily St. Goulburn River: a walking track goes by the river and the Old Goulburn Bridge has been preserved as a historic relic. Goulburn Park: for picnics and swimming; Cnr Progress and Guild sts. Seymour Railway Heritage Centre: restored steam engines and carriages; open by appt; Railway Pl. Australian Light Horse Memorial Park: Goulburn Valley Hwy.

Market: Kings Park; 3rd Sat each month. Alternative Farming Expo: Feb. Tastes of the Goulburn: food and wine festival; Oct. Seymour Cup: Oct.

Fowles Wine: local-produce-driven menu; Cnr Hume Fwy and Lambing Gully Rd, Avenel; (03) 5796 2150. The Shed Cafe: slick contemporary cafe; 8447 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Trawool; (03) 5799 1595.

Goulburn River Tourist Park: 30 Trevan St; (03) 5792 1530. Highlands Caravan Park: 33 Emily St; (03) 5792 2124.

Tallarook State Forest Tallarook is a popular destination for bushwalking, camping, rock climbing and horseriding. The key features are Mt Hickey, the highest point in the park and the location of a fire-lookout tower, and Falls Creek Reservoir, a scenic picnic spot. Warragul Rocks offers great views over the Goulburn River. 10 km S.

Travellers note: Lookout from Warragul Rocks can only be accessed via private property. The landowner requests that any visitor contact him first to arrange access: Ron Milanovic, 0413 402 744.

Wineries: several in the area, including Somerset Crossing Vineyards, 2 km S; Plunkett Fowles, 21 km NE; Tahbilk, 26 km N; Mitchelton, 28 km N. RAAC Memorial and Army Tank Museum: Puckapunyal army base; 10 km W.

Shepparton has recently become a popular destination for conferences and sporting events, and so has plenty of modern accommodation and good restaurants in town. Indeed, Shepparton is a thriving city and is considered the ‘capital’ of the Goulburn Valley. It is home to many orchards irrigated by the Goulburn Irrigation Scheme.

Art Gallery: features Australian paintings and ceramics; Welsford St. Bangerang Cultural Centre: displays and dioramas on local Aboriginal culture; Parkside Dr. Historical Museum: in the Historical Precinct; open even-dated Sun afternoons; High St. Emerald Bank Heritage Farm: displays of 1930s farming methods; Goulburn Valley Hwy. Victoria Park Lake: scenic picnic spot; Tom Collins Dr. Reedy Swamp Walk: prolific birdlife; at the end of Wanganui Rd. Moooving Art: mobile interactive public art of life-size 3-D cow sculptures; various parks in Shepparton including Monash Park, Queens Gardens and Murchison riverbank. Factory sales: Pental Soaps and Campbells Soups.

Trash and treasure market: Melbourne Rd; each Sun. Craft market: Queens Gardens, Wyndham St; 3rd Sun each month. International Dairy Week: Jan. Bush Market Day: Feb. Shepparton Fest: major local arts festival with family entertainment; Mar. Spring Car Nationals: car competitions; Nov.

Bohjass: contemporary with tapas; Level 1, 276B Wyndham St; (03) 5822 0237. Cellar 47 Restaurant & Wine Bar: top regional restaurant; 170 High St; (03) 5831 1882. Letizia’s Cafe Bar & Restaurant: contemporary cross-cultural menu; 67 Fryers St; (03) 5831 8822. The Teller Collective: modern Australian; 55 Fryers St; (03) 5822 4451.

Goulburn Valley Motor Village: 8049 Goulburn Valley Hwy; (03) 5823 1561. Strayleaves Caravan Park: Cnr Mitchell St and Old Dookie Rd; (03) 5821 1232. Victoria Lake Holiday Park: 536 Wyndham St (Goulburn Valley Hwy); (03) 5821 5431. Acacia Gardens Mooroopna Caravan Park: 6705 Midland Hwy, Mooroopna; (03) 5825 2793. BIG4 Shepparton Parklands: 7835 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla; (03) 5823 1576. Tatura Caravan Park: 23 Hastie St, Tatura; (03) 5824 2155.

SPC Ardmona KidsTown: a fun attraction with a maze, flying fox, enormous playground and miniature railway, and camel rides on the weekends; Midland Hwy; (03) 5831 4213; 3 km W. Mooroopna: a small town in the fruit-growing district. It hosts the Fruit Salad Day in Feb. SPC Ardmona also has a factory sales supermarket here; 5 km W. Kialla: Ross Patterson Gallery, with displays and sales of local artwork. Also here is Belstack Strawberry Farm, where you can pick your own berries; Goulburn Valley Hwy; 9 km S. Tatura: a museum with displays on local WW II internment camps. Taste of Tatura is held each Mar; 17 km SW. Wunghnu: the town (pronounced ‘one ewe’) is centred on the well-known Institute Tavern in the restored mechanics institute building. A tractor-pull festival is held each Easter; 32 km N.

Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre, Point Nepean Rd, Dromana; (03) 5987 3078 or 1800 804 009; www.virtualsorrento.com.au

Just inside Port Phillip Heads on the Mornington Peninsula, in 1803 Sorrento was the site of Victoria’s first European settlement. The town is close to historic Point Nepean and major surf and bayside beaches. Its population swells significantly over summer as visitors flock to soak up the holiday-resort atmosphere. A ferry links Sorrento to Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Collins Settlement Historic Site: marks the state’s first European settlement and includes early graves; on Sullivan Bay; contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963. Historic buildings: Sorrento Hotel on Hotham Rd and Continental Hotel on Ocean Beach Rd. Both are fine examples of early Victorian architecture, with the latter reputed to be the largest limestone building in the Southern Hemisphere. The visitor centre can give details of selfguide historical walks. Nepean Historical Society Museum and Heritage Gallery: a collection of local artefacts and memorabilia in the National Trust–classified mechanics institute. Adjacent is Watt’s Cottage and the Pioneer Memorial Garden; Melbourne Rd; (03) 5984 0255. Day spas: all types of relaxation therapies available at health and wellness centres; details from visitor centre.

World’s Longest Lunch Sorrento: 3 courses with Mornington Peninsula wines; Sorrento foreshore; bookings and information (03) 5984 1500; Mar. Taste of Sorrento: week-long gastronomic journey; bookings and information 0424 000 391; June. Sorrento Fiesta: Oct.

Acquolina: Italian trattoria; 26 Ocean Beach Rd; (03) 5984 0811. The Baths: iconic beachside eatery; 3278 Point Nepean Rd; (03) 5984 1500. Loquat Restaurant & Bar: modern Mediterranean; 3183 Point Nepean Rd; (03) 5984 4444. Smokehouse Sorrento: pizza and Mediterranean fare; 182 Ocean Beach Rd; (03) 5984 1246.

Carmel of Sorrento: 142 Ocean Beach Rd; (03) 5984 3512. Eastcliff Cottage: 881 Melbourne Rd; (03) 5984 0668. Amberlee Four Star Family Holidays: 306 Jetty Rd, Rosebud; (03) 5982 2122. Capel Sound Foreshore: Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud West; (03) 5986 4382. Four Winds B&B: 29 Ford St, Rye; (03) 5985 8939. Harmony B&B: 45 Placadena Rd, Fingal; (03) 5988 6375. Hilltonia Homestead: 282 Browns Rd, Rye; (03) 5985 2654. Plantation House Bed & Breakfast: 33 Maori St, Rye; (03) 5985 5926. Weeroona: 26 Creedmore Dr, Rye; (03) 5985 3946.

Mornington Peninsula National Park The park incorporates Sorrento, Rye and Portsea back beaches and stretches southeast to Cape Schanck and beyond (see Flinders). Walks, picnics and swimming are the main attractions, but there is also the unique rock formation of London Bridge, at Portsea. The rugged coastline offers good surfing. Point Nepean and historic Fort Nepean can be accessed by a daily transport service departing from Point Nepean Information Centre. You can also choose to walk the paths or cycle to the tip (bike hire is available). A former Quarantine Station on Point Nepean offers tours, which include a visit to the Army Health Services Museum, on Sundays and public holidays. Contact Parks Victoria on 131 963.

Portsea: an opulent holiday town with good, safe swimming beaches. It hosts the Portsea Swim Classic each Jan; 4 km NW. Blairgowrie: a boutique bayside village with easy access to sailing. Popes Eye Marine Reserve: an artificially created horseshoeshaped island and reef, now popular for diving. Gannets nest here. Cruises available; ask at visitor centre; 5 km offshore at Portsea. Rye: a beachside holiday spot; 8 km E. Peninsula Hot Springs: relaxing, outdoor, naturally heated pools. Private mineral pools, baths and massage therapies available; Springs La, Rye. Moonah Links Golf Course: two fantastic 18-hole golf courses, one designed specifically for the Australian Open; Peter Thompson Dr, Fingal. Rosebud: a bayside resort town with gorgeous, safe swimming beaches. Summer fishing trips depart from Rosebud pier. An international kite festival is held in Mar; 15 km E. McCrae Homestead: National Trust drop-slab property built in 1844; open Wed, Sat and Sun afternoons, group bookings by appt; McCrae; 17 km E.

Stawell and Grampians Visitor Information Centre, 6 Main St; (03) 5358 2314 or 1800 330 080; www.ngshire.vic.gov.au

Pastoral runs were established in the Stawell (rhymes with ball) region in the 1840s, but it was the discovery of gold in 1853 by a shepherd at nearby Pleasant Creek that was the catalyst for creating a town. Stawell remains a goldmining centre with Victoria’s largest mine. However, it is actually better known as the home of the Stawell Gift, Australia’s richest footrace, and is the gateway to the Grampians.

Stawell Gift Hall of Fame Museum In 1878 the Stawell Athletic Club was formed by local farmers and businessmen who were keen to have a sports day each Easter. The club put up the prize pool of £110, and the race was on. The annual Stawell Gift has run almost continuously since and is now one of the most prestigious races in the world. The race has been run at Central Park since 1898. Visit the museum to discover the glory and heartbreak of the race since its inception. Open 9–11am weekdays; Main St; (03) 5358 1326.

Big Hill Lookout and Stawell Gold Mine viewing area: the Pioneers Lookout at the summit of this local landmark presents magnificent 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Continue down Reefs Rd to Stawell Gold Mine viewing area to hear about the daily operations of Victoria’s largest gold-producing mine. Casper’s Mini World: miniature tourist park with working models of famous world attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and including dioramas and commentaries; London Rd. Fraser Park: displays of mining equipment; Main St. Pleasant Creek Court House Museum: local history memorabilia; Western Hwy. Stawell Ironbark Forest: spring wildflowers, including rare orchids; northern outskirts of town, off Newington Rd.

SES Market: Drill Hall, Sloane St; 1st Sun each month. Farmer’s Market: Harness Racing Club, Patrick St; last Sun each month. Stawell Gift: Easter.

Stawell’s Grampians Gate Caravan Park: 2 Burgh St; 1800 301 183. Bellellen Homestead: 17 Bellellen Rd, Black Range; (03) 5358 4800.

Bunjil’s Shelter This is Victoria’s most important Aboriginal rock-art site. It depicts the creator figure, Bunjil, sitting inside a small alcove with his 2 dingoes. Bunjil created the geographical features of the land, and then created people, before disappearing into the sky to look down on the earth as a star. The site is thought to have been used for ceremonies by the local Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali people. Off Pomonal Rd; 11 km S.

The Sisters Rocks: huge granite tors; beside Western Hwy; 3 km SE. Great Western: picturesque wine village with Seppelt Great Western Winery, est. 1865, featuring National Trust–classified underground tunnels of cellars and Champagne Picnic Races in Jan; 16 km SE. Tottington Woolshed: rare example of a 19thcentury woolshed; road to St Arnaud; 55 km NE. Great Grape Rd: circuit through Ballarat and St Arnaud, stopping at wineries, including Best’s and Garden Gully; details from visitor centre.

Swan Hill Region Information Centre, cnr McCrae and Curlewis sts; (03) 5032 3033 or 1800 625 373; www.swanhillonline.com

In 1836, explorer Thomas Mitchell named this spot Swan Hill because of the black swans that kept him awake all night. The town’s swans remain, but there are many other attractions in this pleasant city on the Murray Valley Highway.

Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement This museum re-creates the Murray and Mallee regions from the 1830s to the 1930s. There are barber shops and chemists, and rides available on the PS Pyap or horse-drawn carts. There is also the Sound and Light Tour; bookings required. An Aboriginal canoe tree can also be found in the park. End of Gray St on Little Murray River.

Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery: an impressive permanent collection plus touring exhibitions; opposite the Pioneer Settlement Museum.

Market: Curlewis St; 3rd Sun each month. Racing Cup Carnival: June. Australian Inland Wine Show: Oct.

Java Spice: South-East Asian; 17 Beveridge St; (03) 5033 0511. Quo Vadis: Italian restaurant and pizza parlour; 255–259 Campbell St; (03) 5032 4408. Yutaka Sawa: Japanese; 107 Campbell St; (03) 5032 3515.

BIG4 Riverside Swan Hill: 1 Monash Dr; (03) 5032 1494. BIG4 Swan Hill: 186 Murray Valley Hwy; (03) 5032 4372. Swan Hill Holiday Park: Murray Valley Hwy; (03) 5032 4112. Pental Island Caravan Park & Holiday Farm: 519 Pental Island Rd; (03) 5032 2071. Best’s Riverbed & Breakfast: 7 Kidman Reid Dr, Murray Downs; (03) 5032 2126. Burrabliss Farms: 169 Lakeside Dr, Lake Boga; (03) 5037 2527. Hill Top Resort: 659 Murray Valley Hwy, Tyntynder South; (03) 5033 1515.

Swan Hill wine region The region, which starts around Tresco to the south-east and ends around Piangil to the north-west, takes advantage of the Murray River and the Mediterranean-style climate. The first vines were planted here in 1930, but the proliferation of vineyards really began when Sicilian immigrants arrived on the Murray after WW II. Today cellar doors offer tastings and sales of predominantly shiraz, colombard and chardonnay varieties. Winery map from visitor centre.

Lake Boga The town has an interesting history as an RAAF flying-boat repair depot during WW II. The depot serviced over 400 flying boats, one of which can be seen at the Flying Boat Museum. The underground museum is in the original communications bunker in Willakool Dr. At Lake Boga, the water mass is popular for watersports, fishing and camping, and is home to a variety of bird species that can be seen on the various walks. A yachting regatta is held here each Easter. 17 km SE.

Lakeside Nursery and Gardens: over 300 varieties of roses; 10 km NW. Tyntyndyer Homestead: built in 1846; open Tues and Thurs 10am–4pm or by appt; Murray Valley Hwy; 20 km NW. Nyah: good market with local produce; 2nd Sat each month; 27 km NW. Tooleybuc: situated in NSW, it has a tranquil riverside feel and good fishing, picnicking and riverside walks. The Bridgekeepers Cottage has sales and displays of dolls and crafts; 46 km N.

TOWNS NEARBY: Kerang 55 km, Barham (NSW) 60 km, Balranald (NSW) 78 km, Cohuna 79 km, Wycheproof 87 km

When the old town of Tallangatta was going to be submerged in 1956 after the level of the Hume Weir was raised, the residents simply moved the entire township 8 kilometres west. Tallangatta now has an attractive lakeside location and sits directly north of Victoria’s beautiful alpine region.

The Hub: local art and craft, and Lord’s Hut, the only remaining slab hut in the district; Towong St.

Farm and Water Festival: Apr. Fifties Festival: Oct. Garage Sale Festival: Oct.

Tallangatta Lakelands Caravan Park: Queen Elizabeth Dr; (02) 6071 2457. Magorra Caravan Park: Mitta North Rd, Mitta Mitta; (02) 6072 3568. The Witches Garden – Cottage on the Creek: 608 Dartmouth Rd, Mitta Mitta; (02) 6072 3533.

Lake Hume Tallangatta is on the shores of this enormous and attractive lake, formed when the then largest weir in the Southern Hemisphere was constructed. It is now a picturesque spot for swimming, waterskiing, windsurfing and fishing. The foreshore reserves are perfect for barbecues.

Eskdale: craft shops, and trout fishing in the Mitta Mitta River; 33 km S. Lake Dartmouth: great for trout fishing and boating; hosts the Dartmouth Cup Fishing Competition over the June long weekend. Also here is The Witches Garden featuring unique medicinal plants; 58 km SE. Mitta Mitta: remnants of a large open-cut goldmine. Also a gallery, Butcher’s Hook Antiques and Bharatralia Jungle Camp. Hosts the Mitta Muster on Sun on the long weekend in Mar; 60 km S. Australian Alps Walking Track: passes over Mt Wills; 108 km S via Mitta Mitta. Scenic drives: to Cravensville, to Mitta Mitta along Omeo Hwy and to Tawonga and Mount Beauty.

Terang is in a fertile dairy-farming district. It is a well-laid-out town with grand avenues of deciduous trees, and is known throughout the state for its horseracing carnivals.

Cottage Crafts Shop: in the old courthouse on High St. District Historical Museum: old railway station and memorabilia; open 3rd Sun each month; Princes Hwy. Lions Walking Track: 4.8 km, beside dry lake beds and majestic old trees; begins behind Civic Centre on High St. Historic buildings: many examples of early-20th-century commercial architecture. A Gothic-style Presbyterian church is in High St.

Demo Dairy: demonstrates dairy-farming practices; Princes Hwy, 4 km W. Lake Keilambete: 2.5 times saltier than the sea and reputed to have therapeutic properties; must obtain permission to visit as it is surrounded by private land; 4 km NW. Modelbarn Australia: collection of model cars, boats and planes; open by appt; 6209 Princes Hwy; (03) 5592 1592 or 0407 052 227; 5 km E. Noorat: birthplace of Alan Marshall, author of I Can Jump Puddles. The Alan Marshall Walking Track here involves a gentle climb to the summit of Mt Noorat, an extinct volcano, with excellent views of the crater, the surrounding district and the Grampians; 6 km N.

Surfworld Australia, Surf City Plaza, cnr Surfcoast Hwy and Beach Rd; (03) 5261 4219 or 1300 614 219; www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au

Torquay was one of the first resort towns on Victoria’s coast, and remains one of the most popular today. It was named in honour of the famous English resort, but its heritage is very different. Not only does Torquay and its coast have some of the best surf beaches in the world, it was also the birthplace of world leaders in surfboards, wetsuits and other apparel, including Rip Curl and Quiksilver, founded here in the 1960s and 70s.

Surf City Plaza This modern plaza houses some of the biggest names in surfing retail alongside smaller outlets. The complex boasts the world’s biggest surfing museum, Surfworld. See how board technology has developed over the last century, find out exactly what makes a good wave, and learn about the history of surfing at Bells Beach. A theatre here screens classic 1960s and 70s surf flicks and the latest surf videos. Beach Rd.

Fishermans Beach: good spot for fishing, with a sheltered swimming beach and a large sundial on the foreshore. Tiger Moth World: theme park based around the 1930s Tiger Moth biplane. Joy-flights available; Blackgate Rd. Surf schools: programs available to suit all abilities, with many courses run during summer school holidays; details from visitor centre.

Cowrie Community Market: foreshore; 3rd Sun each month Sept–Apr. Danger 1000 Ocean Swim: Jan. Surf for Life surfing Contest: Jan. Kustom Jetty Surf Pro: Jan. Rip Curl Pro: Easter. Hightide Festival: fireworks display; Dec.

Growlers: cafe/bar and restaurant; 23 The Esplanade; (03) 5264 8455. Scorched: modern Australian; 17 The Esplanade; (03) 5261 6142. The Surf Rider: modern fusion menu; 26 Bell St; (03) 5261 6477. Sunnybrae Restaurant and Cooking School: regionally inspired weekend lunches; Cnr Cape Otway and Lorne rds, Birregurra; (03) 5236 2276.

South Beach Haven: 1040 Horseshoe Bend Rd; (03) 5261 5669. Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park: 35 Bell St; (03) 5261 2496. Whitesbeach Torquay: 1212 Horseshoe Bend Rd; (03) 5264 8875. Breamlea Caravan Park: Horwood Dr, Breamlea; (03) 5264 1352. Geelong Surfcoast Holiday Park: 621 Torquay Rd (Surfcoast Hwy), Mount Duneed; (03) 5264 1243.

Surf coast It is no wonder the coast that runs from Torquay through to Eastern View (past Anglesea) has dubbed itself the Surf Coast. Submerged reefs cause huge waves that are a surfer’s paradise. Most famous is Bells Beach, around 5 km SW of Torquay. The clay cliffs provide a natural amphitheatre for one of the best surf beaches in the world and the longest running surf competition, the Rip Curl Pro, which started in 1973 and attracts top competitors. Other good surf beaches include Jan Juc, Anglesea and Fairhaven. To see the coast on foot, take the 30 km Surf Coast Walk, starting at Torquay and travelling south to Moggs Creek.

Hinterland: delightful towns like Bellbrae, Deans Marsh and Birregurra are dotted along the vista of the Surf Coast hinterland; starts 8 km W. Bicycle lane: runs along Surfcoast Hwy from Grovedale to Anglesea.

Latrobe Visitor Information Centre, The Old Church, Southside Central, Princes Hwy; 1800 621 409; www.visitlatrobevalley.com

Traralgon is one of the Latrobe Valley’s largest towns; a commerical hub located on the main Gippsland rail and road routes. Primarily a service centre for neighbouring agricultural communities, timber and electricity production, it also retains a certain village atmosphere with historic buildings in its wide streets and attractive public gardens.

Historic buildings: include the old post office and courthouse; Cnr Franklin and Kay sts. Victory Park: a great spot for picnics. Also here is a band rotunda and miniature railway; Princes Hwy.

Farmers market: 4th Sat each month. International Junior Tennis Championships: Jan. Traralgon Cup: Nov.

Cafe Aura Deli: cafe-deli-cum-restaurant; Shop 3, 19–25 Seymour St; (03) 5174 1517. Iimis Cafe: good Mediterranean/Greek; 28 Seymour St; (03) 5174 4577. Neilsons: contemporary Australian; 13 Seymour St; (03) 5175 0100. Terrace Cafe: modern fare; Century Inn, cnr Princes Hwy and Airfield Rd; (03) 5173 9400.

Walhalla Mountain Rivers Trail: this scenic drive (Tourist Route 91) winds through pretty hills to the north of town. Loy Yang power station: tours available; 5 km S. Toongabbie: a small town that hosts the Festival of Roses each Nov; 19 km NE.

Hazelwood Cooling Pond: year-round warm water makes this a popular swimming spot; outskirts of Churchill; 20 km SW. Tarra– Bulga National Park: temperate rainforest; 30 km S.

Latrobe Visitor Information Centre, The Old Church, Southside Central, Princes Hwy, Traralgon; 1800 621 409.

This tiny goldmining town is tucked away in dense mountain country in Gippsland – in a steep, narrow valley with sides so sheer that some cemetery graves were dug lengthways into the hillside. The town has a tiny population and is a relic from a longgone era – it was only connected to electricity in 1998.

Long Tunnel Gold Mine One of the most prosperous goldmines in the state during the 19th century with over 13 tonnes of gold extracted here. Guided tours take visitors through sites such as Cohen’s reef and the original machinery chamber 150 m below the ground. Tours operate daily at 1.30pm; Main St.

Historic buildings and goldmining remains: include the old post office, bakery and Windsor House, now a B&B. Walks: excellent walks in the town area, including one to a cricket ground on top of a 200 m hill. Another walk leads to a historic cemetery with graves of early miners; details from visitor centre. Old Fire Station: with hand-operated fire engines and firefighting memorabilia; open weekends and public holidays. Museum and Corner Store: local history displays plus goldmining artefacts; Main St. Walhalla Goldfields Railway: wonderfully restored old steam engine; departs from Thomson Station on Wed, Sat, Sun and public holidays. Gold panning: try your luck along pretty Stringers Creek, which runs through town. Ghost tours: spook yourself with a night-time guided ghost tour of Walhalla using old-fashioned lanterns; details from visitor centre.

Parker’s Restaurant: contemporary hotel dining room; Walhalla’s Star Hotel, Main Rd; (03) 5165 6262.

Deloraine Gardens: terraced gardens; just north of town. Thomson River: excellent fishing and canoeing; 4 km S. Rawson: a town built to accommodate those who helped construct the nearby Thomson Dam. Mountain trail-rides are available; 8 km SW. Erica: visit this small timber town to see a timber-industry display at the Erica Hotel. The King of the Mountain Woodchop is held in town each Jan; 12 km SW. Baw Baw National Park: park areas accessible from Walhalla include the Aberfeldy River picnic and camping area; 12 km N. See Moe. Moondarra State Park: great for walks and picnics. Moondarra Reservoir is nearby; 30 km S. 4WD tours: to gold-era ‘suburbs’ such as Coopers Creek and Erica. Tours can be organised through Mountain Top Experience, (03) 5134 6876. Australian Alps Walking Track: starts at Walhalla and goes for an incredible 655 km. It can be done in sections; details from visitor centre.

Wangaratta lies in a rich agricultural district in north-eastern Victoria that produces a diverse range of crops including kiwifruit, wine grapes, walnuts and wheat. An entry for both the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail and the Great Alpine Road, it offers the services of a rural city while retaining a country-town warmth. A short drive in any direction will lead to world-class wineries, gourmet food and some spectacular views.

Self-guide historical walk: historic sites and buildings, such as the majestic Holy Trinity cathedral, Vine Hotel Cellar Museum and the Wangaratta Historical Museum; details from visitor centre. Wangaratta Cemetery: headless body of infamous bushranger Daniel ‘Mad Dog’ Morgan is buried here; Tone Rd. Wangaratta Exhibitions Gallery: changing exhibitions by national and regional artists; Ovens St. Brucks Textile Factory: a factory outlet for Sheridan sheets; Sicily Ave. Australian Country Spinners: an outlet for local wool products; Textile Ave.

Trash and Treasure Market: Olympic Swimming Pool carpark, Swan St; each Sun. Stitched Up Festival: textile displays; June/July. Wangaratta Show: agricultural show; Oct. Festival of Jazz: well-known jazz festival; Oct/Nov.

Atrium Restaurant: imaginative dining room; Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway, 29–37 Ryley St; (03) 5721 8399. Rinaldo’s Casa Cucina: Italian; 8–10 Tone Rd; (03) 5721 8800.

Painters Island Caravan Park: 2 Pinkerton Cres; (03) 5721 3380. Wangaratta Caravan & Tourist Park: 79 Parfitt Rd; (03) 5721 3368. B IG4 Wangaratta North Cedars Holiday Park: Parfitt Rd, Wangaratta North; (03) 5721 5230. Mount Pleasant Homestead: 181 Wightons Rd, East Wangaratta; (03) 5722 2616.

Warby Range State Park The steep ranges of the ‘Warbys’, as they are known locally, provide excellent viewing points, especially from Ryan’s Lookout. Other lookouts include the Pangarang Lookout, near Pine Gully Picnic Area, and Mt Glenrowan Lookout, the highest point of the Warbys at 513 m. There are well-marked tracks for bushwalkers and a variety of pleasant picnic spots amid open forests and woodlands, with wildflowers blossoming during the warmer months. 12 km W.

Eldorado Eldorado is a fascinating old goldmining township named after the mythical city of gold. The main relic of the gold era is a huge dredge, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, which was built in 1936. There is a walking track with information boards around the lake where the dredge now sits. The Eldorado Museum provides details of the town’s mining past, alongside WW II relics and a gemstone collection. 20 km NE.

Wombi Toys: old-fashioned, handmade toys for sale; Whorouly; 25 km SE. Reids Creek: popular with anglers, gem fossickers and gold panners; near Beechworth; 28 km E. Newton’s Prickle Berry Farm: pick your own blackberries and buy organic berry jams; Whitfi eld; 45 km S. Scenic drives: one goes for 307 km along the Great Alpine Rd through the alps to Bairnsdale. The road south leads through the beautiful King Valley and to Paradise Falls. A network of minor roads allows you to fully explore the area, including a number of tiny, unspoiled townships such as Whitfi eld, Cheshunt and Carboor. Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail: following historical railway lines with 94 km of bitumen sealed track, the trail ventures into pine forests, natural bushland and open valleys. It links several townships. Suitable for both cycling and walking; a gentle gradient makes the track appropriate for all ages and levels of fitness.

Water Wheel Visitor and Information Centre, 3400 Warburton Hwy; (03) 5966 9600; www.warburtononline.com

Warburton was established when gold was discovered in the 1880s, but its picturesque location and proximity to Melbourne meant it quickly became a popular tourist town, with many guesthouses built over the years. There are fine cafes and antique and craft shops in town.

Information centre: local history display and an old-style, operating water wheel, 6 m in diameter. A wood-fire bakery is adjacent to the centre; Warburton Hwy. River Walk: 9 km return walk, following a pretty stretch of the Yarra River; starts at Signs Bridge on Warburton Hwy. Upper Yarra Arts Centre: cinema with regular screenings and a variety of live performances held during the year; Warburton Hwy. Warburton Golf Course: with great views across the river valley; Dammans Rd. O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail: good walking and cycling track that follows the historic open channelled aqueduct; details from visitor centre.

Film Festival: Upper Yarra Arts Centre; June. Winterfest: wood festival; July.

Wild Thyme: bohemian cafe for music lovers; 3391 Warburton Hwy; (03) 5966 5050. Bulong Estate Winery, Cellar Door and Restaurant: modern French menu; 70 Summerhill Rd, Yarra Junction; (03) 5967 1358.

Charnwood Cottages at Warburton: 2 Wellington Rd; (03) 5966 2526. Casa Valeri: 2 6 Brett Rd; (03) 5966 5821. Warburton Caravan & Camping Park: 30 Woods Point Rd; (03) 5966 2277. Hoddles Highland: 380 Jameson Rd, Hoddles Creek; (03) 5967 4240. 3 Kings B&B: 2480 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction; 0409 678 046.

Yarra Ranges National Park Here, tall mountain ash trees give way to pockets of cool temperate rainforest. Mt Donna Buang, a popular daytrip destination – especially during winter, when it is often snow-covered – is 17 km NW of Warburton. The Rainforest Gallery on the southern slopes of the mountain features a treetop viewing platform and walkway. Night-walk tours here reveal some of Victoria’s unique nocturnal creatures. Acheron Way is a scenic 37 km drive north through the park to Marysville. Along the way are views of Mt Victoria and Ben Cairn. Drive starts 1 km E of town.

Yarra Centre: indoor sports and swimming; Yarra Junction, Warburton Hwy; 9 km SW. Yarra Junction Historical Museum: local history displays; open 1–5pm Sun or by appt; Warburton Hwy; 10 km SW. Upper Yarra Reservoir: picnic and camping facilities; 23 km NE. Walk into History: takes in the goldmining and timber region from Warburton East to Powelltown (25 km S); details from visitor centre. Ada Tree: a giant mountain ash over 300 years old; access from Powelltown. Yellingbo State Fauna Reserve: good for nature spotting. Home to the helmeted honeyeater, a state emblem; 25 km SW. Vineyards: several in the region, many with tastings and sales. They include the Yarra Burn Winery, the Five Oaks Vineyard and the Brahams Creek Winery. Rail trails: former railway tracks now used for walking, bikeriding or horseriding, the main one being the Lilydale to Warburton trail; details from visitor centre.

The town’s Aboriginal name means ‘the place of the big red gums shading the watercourse’, a name that is both beautifully descriptive and accurate, especially for the part of town around Yarriambiack Creek. Warracknabeal is a major service town at the centre of a wheat-growing district.

Historical Centre: includes a pharmaceutical collection, clocks, and antique furnishings of child’s nursery; open afternoons; Scott St. Black Arrow Tour: a self-guide driving tour of historic buildings. Walks: including the Yarriambiack Creek Walk; details from visitor centre. National Trust–classified buildings: include the post office, the Warracknabeal Hotel and the original log-built town lock-up. Lions Park: by the pleasant Yarriambiack Creek with picnic spots and a flora and fauna park; Craig Ave.

North Western Agricultural Machinery Museum: displays of farm machinery from the last 100 years; Henty Hwy; 3 km S.

Warragul is a thriving rural town with a growing commuter population, being the dairying centre that supplies much of Melbourne’s milk. An excellent base to explore the delightful countryside including the Baw Baw snowfields and ‘Gippsland Gourmet Country’, the town itself showcases 19th-century architecture, especially in the ornate facades and arched windows of Queen St.

West Gippsland Arts Centre Part of the town’s fantastic, architect-designed civic centre complex, the centre is a mecca for art lovers from across the state. It houses a good permanent collection of contemporary visual arts and is known for the variety of theatre productions and events held here throughout the year. Ask inside for a full program of events. Civic Pl; (03) 5624 2456.

The Grange Cafe & Deli: local-produce menu; 15 Palmerston St; (03) 5623 6698. The Outpost Retreat: modern regional fare; 38 Loch Valley Rd, Noojee; (03) 5628 9669. Sticcado Cafe: features local Gippsland beef; Shop 6, The Village Walk, Yarragon; (03) 5634 2101.

Southside Bed and Breakfast: 20 Korumburra Rd; (03) 5623 6885. Warragul Gardens Holiday Park: 44 Burke St; (03) 5623 2707. El Paso Caravan Park: 262 Princes Way, Drouin; (03) 5625 1710. Glen Cromie Caravan Park: 850 Main Neerim Rd, Drouin West; (03) 5626 8212. Janalli: 285 Wagner Rd, Neerim South; (03) 5628 1476. Neerim South Caravan Park: 410 Neerim East Rd, Neerim South; (03) 5628 1248. Springbank Bed &Breakfast: 240 Williamsons Rd, Nilma North; (03) 5627 8060.

Mt Worth State Park This park protects a rich variety of native flora including the silver wattle and the Victorian Christmas bush. The Giant’s Circuit is a walk that takes in a massive old mountain ash that is 7 m in circumference. Other walks include the Moonlight Creek and MacDonalds tracks, both of which are easily accessible. No camping is permitted. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; access via Grand Ridge Rd; 22 km SE.

Yarragon Nestled in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges and with views of green rolling hills, Yarragon is a wonderful destination with an abundance of delightful shops and accommodation options. It boasts one of Gippsland’s leading antique stores and a unique gallery renowned for its quality original artwork, exquisite jewellery, beautiful handblown glass and much more. Sample local wines and gourmet produce, including award-winning cheeses from Tarago River and Jindi Cheese. 13 km SE.

Gippsland Gourmet Country: the renowned ‘Gippsland Gourmet Country’ takes in lush green pastures and state forests to reveal a diverse range of superb gourmet delights. Previously known as ‘Gourmet Deli Country’, Gippsland Gourmet encompasses some of the best food and wine producers in the region, including trout, venison, cheese, berries, potatoes, herbs and wine. Sure to tempt your tastebuds and tantalise the senses; details from visitor centre. Darnum Musical Village: a complex of buildings housing a collection of musical instruments dating back to the 1400s; Princes Hwy; 8 km E. Oakbank Angoras and Alpacas: sales of yarn and knitted goods; near Drouin, 8 km W. Waterfalls: Glen Cromie, Drouin West (10 km NW); Glen Nayook, south of Nayook; and Toorongo Falls, just north of Noojee. Neerim South: visit Tarago Cheese Company for tastings and sales of top-quality cheeses, or enjoy a picnic or barbecue at the pleasant reserve near the Tarago Reservoir. Scenic drives through mountain country start from town; 17 km N. Grand Ridge Road: 132 km drive that starts at Seaview, 17 km S, and traverses the Strzelecki Ranges to Tarra–Bulga National Park (see Yarram for park details). Nayook: good fresh produce, a fruit-and-berry farm, and the Country Farm Perennials Nursery and Gardens; 29 km N. Childers: Sunny Creek Fruit and Berry Farm, and Windrush Cottage; 31 km SE. Noojee: a mountain town featuring a historic trestle bridge and the Alpine Trout Farm; 39 km N.

Loddon Visitor Information Centre, Wedderburn Community Centre, 24 Wilson St; (03) 5494 3489; www.loddonalive.com.au

Wedderburn, part of the ‘Golden Triangle’, was once one of Victoria’s richest goldmining towns. Many large nuggets have been unearthed here in the past and – for some lucky people – continue to be discovered today. The town’s annual Detector Jamboree, with music, historical re-enactments and family entertainment, is growing every year and recognises the importance of gold in the development of so many towns.

Hard Hill Tourist Reserve Hard Hill is a fascinating former mining district with original gold diggings and Government Battery. There is a good walking track through the site, where old mining machinery can be seen. Hard Hill is in a pleasant bushland setting, and picnic facilities are provided. Nearby is a fully operational eucalyptus distillery offering tours and selling eucalyptus products. Northern outskirts of town.

Coach House Cafe and Museum: a 1910 building restored to its original appearance, with authentic, old-fashioned stock and coach-builders quarters; High St. Bakehouse Pottery: old bakery now used as a pottery, also home to gold pistachio nuts; High St. Nardoo Creek Walk: takes in the key historic buildings around town; map from visitor centre.

Detector Jamboree: gold festival; Mar long weekend. Historic Engine Exhibition: Sept.

Mt Korong: bushwalking; 16 km SE. Wychitella Forest Reserve: wildlife sanctuary set in mallee forest, home to mallee fowl; 16 km N. Kooyoora State Park: see Inglewood for details. Fossickers Drive: takes in goldmining sites, places of Aboriginal significance, local wineries and the Melville Caves; details from visitor centre. Dunolly: the Goldfields Historical and Arts Society, with replicas of impressive gold finds; 75 Broadway St. St Arnaud: boasts the beautiful Queen Mary Gardens and a number of old pubs and verandah-fronted shops.

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, 89 Merri St; (03) 5559 4620 or 1800 637 725; www.visitwarrnambool.com.au

Warrnambool lies at the end of the Great Ocean Road on a notorious section of coastline that has seen over 80 shipwrecks. The best known was the Loch Ard in 1878, which claimed the lives of all but two of those on board. While the wreck site itself is closer to Port Campbell, impressive relics from the ship are held at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in town. Warrnambool, as Victoria’s fifth-largest city, offers first-rate accommodation and dining as well as a fantastic swimming beach. Each year from June to September, southern right whales can be spotted from Warrnambool’s Logans Beach. There’s a purpose-built viewing platform at the beach (binoculars or a telescope are recommended), and the local visitor centre releases daily information on whale sightings.

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum This reconstructed 19th-century maritime village is complete with a bank, hotel, schoolhouse and surgery. There are also 2 operational lighthouses and an authentic keeper’s cottage, now housing the Shipwreck Museum, where relics retrieved from the Loch Ard – including the famous earthenware Loch Ard Peacock – are kept. On display is the Flagstaff Hill tapestry, an intricate work depicting themes of Aboriginal history, sealing, whaling, exploration, immigration and settlement. At night, visitors can watch the sound-and-light show ‘Shipwrecked’, which details the story of the Loch Ard. The local history museum, History House, is also now located here. Merri St; (03) 5559 4600.

Main beach: a safe swimming beach with a walkway along the foreshore from the Breakwater to near the mouth of the Hopkins River. Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground: a great spot for family picnics; opposite main beach, Pertobe Rd. Art Gallery: local artwork, plus European and avant-garde collections; Timor St. Customs House Gallery: open 11am–5pm Thurs–Sun; Gilles St; (03) 5564 8963. Botanic Gardens: pretty regional gardens designed by Guilfoyle (a curator of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens) in 1879; Cnr Queens Rd and Cockman St. Fletcher Jones Gardens/Mill Markets: award-winning landscaped gardens and market in front of former Fletcher Jones factory; Cnr Flaxman St and Raglan Pde. Portuguese Padrao: monument to early Portuguese explorers; Cannon Hill, southern end of Liebig St. Heritage walk: 3 km self-guide walk taking in the many historic buildings around town; details from visitor centre. Hopkins River: great for fishing and boating, with Blue Hole, at the river’s mouth, a popular spot for family swimming and rockpool exploration. Cruises are available; east of town. Proudfoots Boathouse: National Trust–classified boathouse on the Hopkins; Simpson St. Wollaston Bridge: an unusual bridge, built over 100 years ago; northern outskirts of town. Tours and charters: fishing, whale-watching and diving tours (including shipwreck sites); contact visitor centre for details.

Sunday market: showgrounds on Koroit St; each Sun. Hillside market: Flagstaff Hill; operates throughout summer. Wunta Fiesta: family entertainment, food stalls, music; Feb. Tarerer Festival: Indigenous culture and music; Mar. Racing Carnival: Grafton Rd; May. Fun 4 Kids: children’s festival; June. Melbourne–Warrnambool Cycling Classic: Oct. Flower shows: held in spring.

Donnelly’s Restaurant: contemporary regional fare; 78 Liebig St; (03) 5561 3188. Kermond’s Hamburgers: excellent old-fashioned hamburgers; 151 Lava St; (03) 5562 4854. Nonna Casalinga: up-market Italian; 69 Liebig St; (03) 5562 2051. Pippies by the Bay: contemporary food with a view; 91 Merri St; (03) 5561 2188.

Discovery Holiday Parks – Warrnambool: 25 Pertobe Rd; (03) 5561 1514. Fig Tree Holiday Village: 33 Lava St; (03) 5561 1233. Hopkins River Caravan Park: 125 Jubilee Park Rd; (03) 5565 1327. Merton Manor Exclusive Bed and Breakfast: 62 Ardlie St; (03) 5562 0720. Surfside Holiday Park – Warrnambool: Pertobe Rd; (03) 5559 4700. Warrnambool Holiday Park: Simpson St; (03) 5562 5031. Burnbrow Manor: 1 Hopetoun St (Princes Hwy), Allansford; (03) 5565 1380. Manor Gums: 170 Shadys La, Mailors Flat; (03) 5565 4410. The Olde Courthouse Inn: 100 Commercial Rd, Koroit; (03) 5565 8346.

Tower Hill State Game Reserve This is a beautiful piece of preserved bushland featuring an extinct volcano and a crater lake, with tiny islands. Nature walk starts at the Worn Gundidj Visitor Centre in the reserve. For further information contact (03) 5561 5315. 12 km NW, just after the turn-off to Koroit.

Logans Beach Each year in June, southern right wales return to the waters along the south coast of Australia to give birth, raise their young and start the breeding cycle again. Each female seems to have a favourite spot to give birth, which means that many familiar faces keep reappearing at Warrnambool’s Logans Beach. The beach features a purpose-built viewing platform above the sand dunes (binoculars or telescopes are recommended), and the local visitor centre releases information on whale sightings daily.

Allansford Cheeseworld: for cheese tastings and sales; 10 km E. Hopkins Falls: scenic picnic spot, particularly spectacular in winter after heavy rain. In spring hundreds of baby eels migrate up the falls, creating a most unusual sight; 16 km NE. Cudgee Creek Wildlife Park: deer, crocodiles and other native fauna, plus an aviary. Picnic and barbecue facilities are provided. Cudgee; 18 km E. Koroit: see National Trust–classified buildings, good local arts and crafts shops, botanic gardens, and an Irish festival in Apr; 19 km NW.

Welshpool is a small dairying community in South Gippsland. On the coast nearby, Port Welshpool is a deep-sea port servicing the local fishing and oil industries. Barry Beach Marine Terminal, a short distance west of Port Welshpool, services the offshore oil rigs in Bass Strait.

Port Welshpool This popular coastal town has all the natural attractions that a seaside village could want. It is frequented by families who enjoy the safe beaches and fabulous coastal walks, and has fantastic views across to Wilsons Promontory. Fishing enthusiasts should drop a line from the historic jetty, or try from a boat. The port’s long link with the sea is detailed in the Port Welshpool and District Maritime Museum, which exhibits shipping relics and local history displays as well. 2 km S.

Franklin River Reserve: great bushwalking with well-marked tracks; near Toora; 11 km W. Agnes Falls: the highest single-span falls in the state, spectacular after heavy rain; 19 km NW. Scenic drive: head west to see magnificent views from Mt Fatigue; off South Gippsland Hwy. Fishing and boating: excellent along the coast.

This charming little town on the Barwon River west of Geelong was first developed with cattle runs in the 1830s. Many of the historic buildings that grew from this development can still be seen around town, the most impressive being the nearby Barwon Park Homestead – a mansion built by famous settlers of the district, Thomas and Elizabeth Austin. Winchelsea soon became a key stopover for travellers taking the road from Colac to Geelong, and it still serves that purpose for travellers on the Princes Highway.

Barwon Bridge: an impressive arched bridge, built from stone in 1867; Princes Hwy. Antiques and collectibles: many shops in town that outline its history; Main St and Princes Hwy. Winchelsea Historical Trail: map available from visitor information centre, or check township information boards. Barwon Hotel: known locally as the ‘bottom pub’ of the town, offers country style; Main St. Winchelsea Tavern: recently renovated Art Deco ‘top pub’; Princes Hwy. Old Shire Hall: beautifully restored bluestone building, now housing popular tearooms; Princes Hwy. Old Library: houses the visitor information centre; Princes Hwy. Marjorie Lawrence Trail: details the life of one of the world’s most adored dramatic sopranos from the 1900s; details from visitor centre.

Winchelsea Festival: wool shearing, dog trials, wool classing, children’s activities, local produce and market stall, plus more; Nov.

Barwon Park Homestead Only the greatest estate would satisfy Elizabeth Austin, and her husband, Thomas, acquiesced. Barwon Park, built in 1869, was the biggest mansion in the Western District. Featuring 42 rooms furnished largely with original pieces, the bluestone building is an impressive example of 19th-century design. The name Austin might be familiar: Thomas Austin reputedly imported the first of Australia’s devastating rabbit population and Elizabeth Austin contributed to major charities, and established the Austin Hospital in Melbourne. Open 11am–4pm Wed and Sun; Inverleigh Rd; (03) 5267 2209; 3 km N.

Country Dahlias Gardens: beautiful gardens, best viewed during spring, with sales of dahlia plants; open Feb–Apr; Mathison Rd; 5 km S. Killwarrie Cottage: rose garden display, home-grown vegetables; open Nov–Mar; 7 km SW.

Wodonga and its twin town, Albury (in New South Wales), sit astride the Murray River. There are many attractions around the Murray and nearby Lake Hume, making the region a popular holiday destination. These twin cities blend city style and country pace, history and contemporary attractions, art and adventure.

Gateway Village: includes woodwork shops and cafes. Also houses the visitor centre; Lincoln Causeway. The Bonegilla Migrant Experience: a rare example of post-war migrant accommodation camps, the first Australian home for some 300 000 post-war migrants from over 50 countries; visitor centre is open 10am–4pm Mon–Sat; 10 km E. The Bandiana Army Museum: located just out of Wondonga and is one of the largest army museums in Australia. Open to the public 9.30am–5pm, daily; Anderson Rd, South Bandiana. Arts Space Wodonga: shows works by North East Victorian artists. Its program includes exhibitions, performances, workshops, recitals and forums. Cnr Lawrence and Hovell sts; open 9.30am–6pm, Mon–Wed, and Fri. Huon Hill Lookout: maps from visitor centre. Sumsion Gardens at Belvoir Park: a pretty lakeside park with walking track, picnic and barbecue facilities; Church St. Tennis Centre: the largest grass court centre of its kind in Australia; Melrose Dr.

Craft Market: Woodland Gr; 1st Sat each month. Farmers market: Gateway Village; 2nd Sat each month. Wodonga Show: Mar. Todos Arte: a 2-week art festival leading up to Carnivale Wodonga, Mar. Carnivale Wodonga: with live music, workshops and a street market; during the long weekend, Mar; High Street. In My Backyard Festival: raises environmental awareness; Mar. Paws in the Park: an even for pet dogs and cats, Apr. Children’s Fair: Oct. Wine and Food Festival: Oct.

O’Maille’s Pub: hearty bistro fare; 34–36 High St; (02) 6024 1335. Steak Pit Restaurant: upmarket steakhouse; Elgin’s of Wodonga, 51–53 Elgin Boulevard; (02) 6024 1262. Zilch Food Store: friendly modern cafe; Shop 1, 8 Stanley St; (02) 6056 2400.

Wodonga Caravan & Cabin Park: 186 Melbourne Rd; (02) 6024 2598. Boathaven Holiday Park: 33 Boathaven Rd, Ebden; (02) 6020 6130.

Mt Granya State Park This landscape contrasts between steep, rocky slopes and open eucalypt forests. Bushwalking is a popular pastime and the display of Wildflowers in spring is magnificent. There is a pleasant picnic spot at Cottontree Creek, and a short walk leads to the Mt Granya summit, which offers spectacular views of the alps. Murray River Rd; 56 km E.

Military Museum: Bandiana; 4 km SE. Hume Weir: good spot for walks and picnics; 15 km E. Tours: winery and fishing tours, as well as scenic drives through the Upper Murray region, the mountain valleys of north-east Victoria and the Riverina; details from visitor centre.

Once the main supplier of coal to the Victorian Railways, Wonthaggi, near the beachside town of Cape Paterson, is South Gippsland’s largest town. There are good tourist facilities in town and a number of pretty beaches nearby.

Bass Coast Rail Trail: 16 km trail that runs between Wonthaggi and Anderson. Suitable for walking and cycling, it is the only coastal rail trail in Victoria with landscape that varies from flat farmland and bushland to rugged coastline.

Jongebloed’s Bed & Breakfast: 27 Berry’s Rd; (03) 5672 2028. Cape Paterson Foreshore Caravan Park: 1 Surf Beach Rd, Cape Paterson; (03) 5674 4507.

State Coal Mine The demand for black coal created a thriving industry in Wonthaggi from 1909 until 1968, and the mine site has been retained to show visitors the lifestyle and working conditions of the miners. Daily underground tours offer close-up views of the coalface, a short walk into the East Area Mine and a cable-hauled skip ride to the surface. Above ground, visit the museum for an introduction to the history of the mine and of Wonthaggi itself, or take a walk around the historic buildings. Inquiries (03) 5672 3053 or Parks Victoria on 13 1963; Cape Paterson Rd; 1.5 km S.

Cape Paterson: waters offshore are protected by Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park and are good for surfing, swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving; 8 km S. George Bass Coastal Walk: starts at Kilcunda; 11 km NW. Ask at visitor centre for details of other walks. Gippsland Gourmet Country: takes in central Gippsland’s gourmet food and wine producers; details from visitor centre.

During the gold rushes of the 1850s, travellers sought refuge from mud, bogs and bushrangers at the ‘wood’s end’ around Five Mile Creek, where a town eventually grew. In the late 19th century Woodend became a resort town, and its lovely gardens and proximity to spectacular natural sights, such as Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon, still make it a popular daytrip and weekend getaway for visitors from Melbourne.

Bluestone Bridge: built in 1862, the bridge crosses Five Mile Creek on the northern outskirts of town. Clock Tower: built as a WW I memorial; Calder Hwy. Courthouse: historic structure built in 1870; Forest St.

Craft market: 3rd Sun each month Sept–May. Winter Arts Festival: June. Macedon Ranges Budburst Festival: held throughout the wine district; Nov.

Campaspe Country House: lovely regional dining room; 29 Goldies La; (03) 5427 2273. Holgate Brewhouse: modern menu; 79 High St; (03) 5427 2510.

Auberge Woodend: 40 Plants La; 0408 599 066. Macedon Caravan Park: Cnr Blackforest Dr and McBean Ave, Macedon; (03) 5426 1528.

Hanging Rock A massive rock formation made famous by Picnic at Hanging Rock, the novel by Joan Lindsay that was later made into a film. The story, about schoolgirls who mysteriously vanished while on a picnic in the reserve, became something of a legend. There is certainly something eerie about Hanging Rock with its strange rock formations, created by the erosion of solidified lava, and narrow tracks through dense bushland. Hanging Rock is renowned for the annual races held at its base, especially the New Year’s Day and Australia Day races. Other events include a Vintage Car Rally and Harvest Picnic, both held in Feb. The reserve also has a discovery centre and cafe. Access from South Rock Rd, off Calder Hwy; 8 km NE.

Macedon Ranges wine region This is mainland Australia’s coolest wine region and, like Tasmania, it’s responsible for some very good sparkling wine. Most wineries are found east of the Calder Fwy around Romsey, Lancefield and Kyneton. Hanging Rock Winery achieves iconic status thanks to its position behind Hanging Rock, and its Non Vintage Macedon Cuvee sparkling wine is said to be one of the most complex sparkling wines in Australia. Also try the sauvignon blanc. Curly Flat is known for its excellent pinot noir and chardonnay, and Granite Hills for riesling and shiraz. Portree also produces chardonnay, and Virgin Hills is worth visiting for its blend of cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and merlot.

Macedon: a town at the foot of Mt Macedon. Home to the Church of the Resurrection, with stained-glass windows designed by Leonard French, and excellent plant nurseries; 8 km SE. Mt Macedon: a township located higher up the mountain, 2 km from Macedon, renowned for its beautiful gardens, many open to the public in autumn and spring. Macedon Regional Park: bushwalking and scenic drives. The Camels Hump marks the start of a signposted walk to the summit of the mountain where there stands a huge WW I memorial cross. Access via turn-off after Mt Macedon township. Gisborne: a variety of craft outlets. Gisborne Steam Park holds a steam-train rally each May; 16 km SE. Glen Erin at Romsey/Cope-Williams Winery: tastings and sales, surrounded by charming English-style gardens, tennis courts and a cricket green; Romsey; 19 km E. Lancefield: historic buildings and wineries. Mad Gallery and Bankart Gallery offer contemporary and fine art, respectively. The town is also home to a woodchopping competition in Mar and a farmers market, for local produce, 4th Sat each month; 25 km NE. Monegeetta: in town is the Mintaro Homestead, a smaller replica of Melbourne’s Government House, but not open to the public; 27 km E via Romsey.

Wycheproof Community Resource Centre, 280 Broadway; (03) 5493 7455; www.wycheproof.vic.au

Wycheproof is renowned for the long wheat trains that travel down the middle of the main street, towing up to 60 carriages behind them. There are many historic buildings in town, as well as rare, old peppercorn trees. Mount Wycheproof, at a mere 43 metres, has been named the smallest mountain in the world.

Mt Wycheproof A walking track leads up and around the mountain. Emus and kangaroos can be seen up close in a fauna park at the mountain’s base.

Willandra Museum: farm machinery, old buildings and historical memorabilia; open by appt; Calder Hwy. Centenary Park: aviaries, 2 log cabins and barbecue facilities; Calder Hwy.

Wycheproof Caravan Park: Calder Hwy; (03) 5493 7278. Charlton Travellers Rest Ensuite Caravan Park: 45 High St, Charlton; (03) 5491 1613.

Tchum Lakes: artificially created lakes, great for fishing and watersports dependent on water levels; 23 km W. Birchip: visitors to town are greeted by the town’s beloved ‘Big Red’ mallee bull in the main street. Also in town is the Soldiers Memorial Park with large, shady Moreton Bay fig trees, a great spot for a picnic; 31 km W.

Yackandandah, with its avenues of English trees and traditional buildings, is so rich with history that the entire town is National Trust–classified. It is situated south of Wodonga in the heart of the north-east goldfields region. In fact, many of the town’s creeks still yield alluvial gold.

Historic buildings: the post office, several banks and general stores, with the Bank of Victoria now preserved as a museum, open Sun and school holidays. Explore these and other buildings on a self-guide walk; details from visitor centre; High St. Ray Riddington’s Premier Store and Gallery: displays and sales of local art; High St. The Old Stone Bridge: a beautiful old structure, built in 1857; High St. Arts and crafts: many outlets in town, including Yackandandah Workshop, cnr Kars and Hammond sts, and Wildon Thyme, High St. Antiques: Finders Bric-a-Brac and Old Wares, High St; Frankly Speaking, High St; and Vintage Sounds Restoration, specialising in antique gramophones, radios and telephones, Windham St. Rosedale Garden and Tea Rooms: Devonshire teas; Kars St.

Folk Festival: 3rd weekend Mar. Spring Migration Festival: Sept. Flower Show: Oct.

Haig Room Restaurant: pub classics; Star Hotel, 30 High St; (02) 6027 1493. Sticky Tarts Cafe: charming casual cafe; 26 High St; (02) 6027 1853.

Kars Reef Goldmine: take a tour of this fascinating old goldmine, or try your hand at gold panning (licence required); details of tours from visitor centre; Kars St. Lavender Patch Plant Farm: sales of plants and lavender products; Beechworth Rd; 4 km W. Kirbys Flat Pottery and Gallery: Kirbys Flat Rd; open weekends or by appt; 4 km S. Indigo Valley: a picturesque area with a scenic drive leading along the valley floor to Barnawatha; 6 km NW. Allans Flat: a great destination for food lovers, with The Vienna Patisserie for coffee, ice-cream and delicious Austrian cakes (closed Tues). Also here are Parks Wines and Schmidt’s Strawberry Winery, both with tastings and sales; 10 km NE. Wombat Valley Tramways: a small-gauge railway; open Easter or by appt for groups; Leneva; 16 km NE.

Yarra Valley Visitor Information Centre, Old Courthouse, Harker St, Healesville; (03) 5962 2600; www.yarraglen.com.au

Yarra Glen is in the heart of the Yarra Valley wine region, nestled between the Yarra River and the Great Dividing Range. It is a gorgeous area featuring lush, vine-covered hills and fertile valleys, all within easy reach of Melbourne. Fine wines and top-quality local produce, fascinating antique, specialty gift and clothing shops, and restaurants are all in town to entice. For the more adventurous, Yarra Glen is home to hot-air ballooning, scenic helicopter flights over the valley and even skydiving at nearby Coldstream airfield. The bushfire of February 2009 came very close to the township of Yarra Glen, and some businesses and townsfolk were directly affected.

Yarra Glen Grand Hotel: imposing heritage-listed and National Trust–classified hotel, built in 1888 with a recently refurbished restaurant, stands like a sentinel in the main street; 19 Bell St; (03) 9730 1230. Hargreaves Hill Brewing Co: the old Colonial Bank building houses a fine-dining restaurant specialising in local produce and an extensive choice of Yarra Valley and European boutique beers; 25 Bell St; (03) 9730 1905. Den of Antiquities and Yarra Valley Antique Centre: boasts large collections of genuine antique furniture, china and glass, vintage radios and other collectibles; 25A Bell St; (03) 9730 2111. Yarra Glen Railway Station: old station on the 1888 Healesville– Lilydale railway line, rebuilt in 1915 and now being restored as part of the Yarra Valley Tourist Railway; King St.

Yarra Valley Farmers Market: historic barn at Yering Station; 3rd Sun each month. Shortest Lunch: midwinter fine food and wine at the smaller boutique wineries; June . Yarra Valley Food & Wine: regional produce and music throughout the year including the midsummer Twilight Cellar Door, Gumboot Season in the winter months and Shedfest in Oct; details from visitor centre.

Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company Restaurant: Mediterranean-style dishes; 25 Bell St; (03) 9730 1905. TarraWarra Estate Wine Bar Cafe: rustic European fare; 311 Healesville–Yarra Glen Rd; (03) 5957 3510. Eleonore’s Restaurant at Chateau Yering: elegant dining room; Chateau Yering, 42 Melba Hwy, Yering; (03) 9237 3333. Yering Station Wine Bar Restaurant: modern Australian; 38 Melba Hwy, Yering; (03) 9730 0100.

Araluen Villas: 603 Steels Creek Rd; (03) 5965 2013. Melba Lodge: 939 Melba Hwy; (03) 9730 1511. The Gatehouse at Villa Raedward: 26 Melba Hwy, Yering; (03) 9739 0822.

Yarra Valley wine region With over 50 cellar-door outlets and around 100 wineries, the Yarra Valley is home to some exceptional names. De Bortoli is Australia’s oldest familyowned winery and is well recognised throughout the country. Owned by the legendary Moet & Chandon, Domaine Chandon makes sophisticated sparkling wines that can be enjoyed in the glass-walled tasting room overlooking the vines. Yering Station produces excellent shiraz viognier as well as award-winning pinot noir. It is also the site of a produce store, a good restaurant, and the Yarra Valley Regional Farmers’ Market held in an old barn (3rd Sun of the month). To combine wine with art, head to TarraWarra Estate, well known for its chardonnay and pinot noir, and its modern gallery that holds exhibitions of work by Australian greats from Arthur Boyd to Peter Booth (also see Healesville). For a trendy wine experience, Giant Steps/ Innocent Bystander is a thoroughly modern cellar door near the town of Healesville with an excellent cafe/bakery (try their Portuguese tarts), bistro serving mouth-watering pizzas and cheese room.

Kinglake National Park Kinglake’s beautiful messmate forests, fern gullies, panoramic lookouts and bushwalking tracks were devastated by the bushfire of February 2009. Park access and camping have reopened after extensive restoration works. Phone Parks Victoria on 13 1963 for further information.

Gulf Station: this National Trust–owned pastoral property, preserved as it was during pioneering days and recently restored, features old-fashioned farming implements and early animal breeds; open Wed–Sun and public holidays; 2 km NE. Yarra Valley Dairy: a working dairy with sales of specialty cheeses, clotted cream and local produce; 4 km S. Ponyland Equestrian Centre: trail rides and riding lessons; 7 km W. Sugarloaf Reservoir Park: sailing, fishing and walking, with barbecue and picnic facilities available; 10 km W. Yarra Valley Regional Food Trail: a self-guide tour, taking in the many gourmet food outlets in the region; details from visitor centre.

Yarram is deep in the dairy country of South Gippsland, and at the heart of some of its most beautiful locales, from the splendour of Ninety Mile Beach to the refreshingly cool atmosphere of Tarra–Bulga National Park. Yarram was originally settled on a swamp, and its name is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘plenty of water’. In town are some notable examples of early architecture, including the recently restored Regent Theatre and the historic courthouse.

Regent Theatre: built in 1930, this theatre has been wonderfully restored. Cinemas operate on weekends and school holidays; Commercial Rd.

Tarra Valley Tourist Park ‘Fernholme’: 1906 Tarra Valley Rd, Tarra Valley; (03) 5186 1283. Woodside Beach Caravan Park: Woodside Beach Rd, Woodside Beach; (03) 5187 1214.

Tarra–Bulga National Park Tarra–Bulga is a tranquil park with spectacular river and mountain views. Fern Gully Walk, starting from the Bulga picnic ground, takes in the dense temperate rainforests of mountain ash, myrtle and sassafras. The walk leads across a suspension bridge high among the treetops. A walk to Cyathea or Tarra falls, surrounded by lush fern gullies, completes the rainforest experience. Keep an eye out for rosellas, lyrebirds and the occasional koala. The Tarra–Bulga Visitor Centre is on Grand Ridge Rd near Balook; from Yarram, access the park from Tarra Valley Rd; 20 km NW.

Won Wron Forest: great for walks, with wildflowers in spring; Hyland Hwy; 16 km N. Beaches: there are many attractive beaches in the region, including Manns, for fishing, 16 km SE; McLoughlins, 23 km E; and Woodside Beach, which is patrolled in summer; 29 km E. Tarra Valley: there are many great gardens, including Eilean Donan Gardens and Riverbank Nursery; located just north-west of Yarram. Scenic drive: a 46 km circuit goes from Yarram through Hiawatha and takes in Minnie Ha Ha Falls on Albert River, where picnic and camping facilities are provided.

Yarrawonga and its sister town Mulwala, across the New South Wales border, are separated by a pleasant stretch of the Murray River and the attractive Lake Mulwala. The 6000-hectare lake was created in 1939 during the building of the Yarrawonga Weir, which is central to irrigation in the Murray Valley. Yarrawonga’s proximity to such great water features has made it a popular holiday resort. The sandy beaches and calm waters are ideal for watersports, and are also home to abundant wildlife.

Yarrawonga and Mulwala foreshores: great locations for walks and picnics, with shady willows, water slides, barbecue facilities and boat ramps. Canning A.R.T.S Gallery: work by local artists; Belmore St. Tudor House Clock Museum: Lynch St. Cruises: daily cruises along the Murray on paddleboats Paradise Queen or Lady Murray; depart from Bank St.

Rotary Market: local crafts and second-hand goods; showgrounds; 3rd Sun each month. Powerboat Racing: May. Murray Marathon: Dec.

Paradise Queen Lake Cruises: lunch and dinner cruises on Lake Mulwala; 1 Bank St; (03) 5744 1989.

Fyffe Field Wines: tastings and sales; Murray Valley Hwy; 19 km W. Fishing: Murray River for Murray cod and yellow-belly. Guided tours: local wineries; book at visitor centre.

TOWNS NEARBY: Mulwala (NSW) 3 km, Cobram 34 km, Corowa (NSW) 35 km, Rutherglen 42 km, Tocumwal (NSW) 45 km

This town sits by the Yea River, a tributary of the Goulburn River. Hume and Hovell, the first explorers through the region, discovered this wonderfully fertile area – a discovery that led in part to the settlement of the rest of Victoria. Near the Yea– Tallarook Road there are beautiful gorges and fern gullies, a reminder of what Yea looked like thousands of years ago.

Historic buildings: Beaufort Manor, High St; General Store, now a restaurant, High St. Wetlands Walk: sightings of abundant birdlife and glider possums; eastern outskirts of town.

Market: local craft and produce; Main St; 1st Sat each month Sept–May. Autumn Fest: Mar.

Yea Family Caravan Park: 1 Court St; (03) 5797 2972. Molesworth Recreation Reserve: Reserve Rd, Molesworth; (03) 5797 6278. Strath Valley View B and B: 1204 King Parrot Creek Rd, Strath Creek; (03) 5784 9209.

Murrindindi Reserve: see the impressive Murrindindi Cascades and a variety of wildlife including wombats, platypus and lyrebirds; 11 km SE. Ibis Rookery: Kerrisdale; 17 km W. Flowerdale Winery: Whittlesea–Yea Rd; 23 km SW. Grotto: a beautiful old church set in the hillside; Caveat; 27 km N. Berry King Farm: pick your own fruit; Two Hills Rd, Glenburn; 28 km S. Wilhelmina Falls: spectacular falls and a great spot for walks and picnics; access via Melba Hwy; 32 km S. Kinglake National Park: 32 km S; see Yarra Glen. Mineral springs: Dropmore, off back road to Euroa; 47 km N. Scenic drives: many in the region. Best time is Aug–Sept when wattles are in bloom; maps from visitor centre.

Raspberry drops, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Delicious, old-fashioned lollies from the gold-rush days are still made and sold at Charles Spencer’s Confectionery Shop in Main Street and at the Sovereign Hill Gift Shop. See Ballarat

Replica of Melbourne tram, Best of Souvenirs, Melbourne Prince Christian of Denmark received a real tram on the occasion of his birth, but you can take home a smaller – and beautifully crafted – version of Melbourne’s distinctive transportation. Melbourne Visitor Centre, Federation Square, cnr Flinders and Swanston sts, Melbourne. See Federation Square

Football souvenirs, MCG, Richmond Scarves, beanies and jerseys with team colours and souvenirs from the home of Australian Rules Football. See MCG

Bread, pastries and provisions, Phillippa’s, Armadale, Brighton and Melbourne CBD A small business that produces delicious baked goods. Highly recommended are the chocolate brownie and caramel, date and walnut blondie. 1030 High St, Armadale; 608 Hampton St, Brighton; 15 Howey Pl, Melbourne. See Melbourne

Beach boxes souvenirs, the Esplanade Market St Kilda, Melbourne Victoria’s famous beach boxes are represented on fridge magnets, key holders, coasters and prints. See Markets

Stefano’s products, Mildura Dine at the acclaimed Stefano’s restaurant and then take home jams, chutneys, pasta and pasta sauces. See Mildura

Wine, Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula Fantastic chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling varieties from these two wineproducing regions. See Yarra Glen and Mornington

Red Hill muesli, Red Hill Market This popular muesli comes in different varieties including roast hazelnut, tropical and Wicked (with chocolate). See Flinders

Ned Kelly memorabilia, Glenrowan Victoria’s famous bushranger is remembered through everything from replicas of his head armour to belt buckles and T-shirts. See Glenrowan

Spa and skincare products, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs The heart of Victoria’s Spa Country offers a range of locally made beauty, spa and skincare products from shops and spa centres. See Daylesford