Province guides
Australia
Attractions
Victoria is packed with tourist attractions, with Melbourne offering an impressive range of urban highlights and the state's many national parks providing a varied playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
In Melbourne, top sights include Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market, the Eureka Skydeck, Melbourne Zoo, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and a wide selection of museums and galleries. The city's mix of culture, sport and architecture makes it one of Australia's most engaging urban destinations.
Victoria has around 45 national parks, along with many other protected reserves that showcase the state's natural beauty. These include cool-temperate rainforests, rugged mountains and long stretches of pristine coastline. Popular national parks include the Dandenong Ranges, the Grampians, Wilsons Promontory, the Mornington Peninsula, the Alpine National Park and Tarra Bulga.
The state is also known for its rich agricultural regions, which produce excellent wine, fresh produce and artisan goods. Food lovers will enjoy visiting the vineyards, restaurants and farm gates scattered throughout Victoria's countryside. History enthusiasts can explore the Gold Rush towns of Ballarat, Bendigo and Walhalla, where underground mine tours and heritage streetscapes offer a glimpse into the past.
Old Melbourne Gaol
Victoria's oldest surviving gaol offers a powerful insight into prison life in 19th-century Melbourne. Behind its thick bluestone walls, more than 130 men and women were executed, …
Old Melbourne Gaol
Victoria's oldest surviving gaol offers a powerful insight into prison life in 19th-century Melbourne. Behind its thick bluestone walls, more than 130 men and women were executed, including the notorious bushranger Ned Kelly in 1880. Visitors can see the Hangman's Box, the Particulars of Execution book and the eerie death masks once used in the study of phrenology. The Women in Prison exhibition reveals the stories of female inmates and their crimes. The gaol also runs guided and night tours that bring its grim history vividly to life, offering an unforgettable glimpse into a darker chapter of Victoria's past.
Website www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au
Eureka Tower
Eureka Tower is one of Melbourne's most recognisable landmarks, rising about 975 feet (297m) above the Southbank precinct. Its public observation level, the Melbourne Skydeck on th…
Eureka Tower
Eureka Tower is one of Melbourne's most recognisable landmarks, rising about 975 feet (297m) above the Southbank precinct. Its public observation level, the Melbourne Skydeck on the 88th floor, offers sweeping 360-degree views across the city and Port Phillip Bay. Visitors can use high-powered binoculars, informative displays and open-air terraces to appreciate the changing skyline. For those wanting an added thrill, The Edge provides a memorable experience. This glass cube extends about 10 feet (3m) out from the building and begins with frosted panels that gradually clear to reveal the height below. The Edge requires a separate ticket, but it remains a popular choice for anyone seeking an unforgettable perspective of Melbourne.
Website www.eurekaskydeck.com.au
Federation Square
Federation Square occupies roughly a full city block in Melbourne's CBD, opposite Flinders Street Station and adjacent to the Yarra River. This striking cultural precinct hosts aro…
Federation Square
Federation Square occupies roughly a full city block in Melbourne's CBD, opposite Flinders Street Station and adjacent to the Yarra River. This striking cultural precinct hosts around 2,000 public events annually in its outdoor spaces (St Paul's Court, The Square) and covered pavilion (The Atrium). Designed with a sharply angular geometry, the triangular forms reflect civic and federation themes and contribute to the square's bold character. Offering easy connection to the city and river, Federation Square is surrounded by notable institutions including the Ian Potter Centre (NGV Australia) and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), as well as cafés, shops, galleries and bars.
Website www.federationsquare.com.au