An odyssey designed for the senses unfolds in the Garden State &mdash; from Melbourne&rsquo;s urban epicentres and art districts to the immersive coastal escapes and heritage trails of the lush hinterland.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Victoria, a state extolled for its magnetic contrasts, proffers a tapestry of experiences that beckon the discerning traveller. From the rugged beauty of its coastlines and placid embrace of its hinterland to the pulsating heart of its cosmopolitan capital, Melbourne, Victoria is a destination that promises rejuvenation, indulgence and adventure.

MAGIC OF THE METROPOLIS
No visit to Victoria is complete without soaking yourself in the cosmopolitan energy of its capital, Melbourne &mdash; a city that consistently redefines cultural benchmarks while celebrating its beloved traditions. For an unparalleled perspective, take to the skies with <a href="https://www.globalballooning.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Ballooning </a>for an ethereal sunrise flight over the city. Melbourne remains one of the only major global cities where you can experience the magic of a hot air balloon ride directly over its iconic landmarks with breathtaking views of the Yarra River and the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Back on solid ground, the city&rsquo;s artistic pulse is palpable at the <a href="https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NGV International</a>. This summer (until April 19), it hosts the world-exclusive blockbuster exhibition, Westwood | Kawakubo, a stunning dialogue between two fashion titans, showcasing over 140 garments that redefined punk and avant-garde style. This exhibition is a testament to Melbourne&rsquo;s ability to attract and curate globally significant art and fashion events.&nbsp;

Melbourne&rsquo;s gastronomic scene, already legendary, reaches new heights with <a href="https://www.yiaga.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yiaga</a>. Tucked into the halcyon Fitzroy Gardens, this Hugh Allen (of Vue de Monde fame) venture is a $10 million &ldquo;Australian Zen&rdquo; pavilion, where a 12-course native- focused tasting menu unfurls in a space wrapped in 16,000 hand-formed terracotta tiles. A surprise emerges in the form of the luminous and meticulously crafted non-alcoholic pairing, designed daily by the kitchen, using indigenous infusions and rare teas to complement the nuanced flavours of dishes like the Retired Blackmore Wagyu and Foraged Wakame Dessert. An epicurean spark that is destined to get brighter, Yiaga is a culinary-meets-creative showcase of modern Australiana, embedded in storytelling, provenance and taste.

An enduring Melbourne legacy, the <a href="https://www.southmelbournemarket.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Melbourne Market</a>&nbsp;remains a dynamic hub. Join a Saturday morning <a href="https://flavourhoodtours.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flavourhood&nbsp;Foodie Tour</a> to try fresh sashimi and oysters, curated small-&nbsp;batch cheeses and artisanal produce, enjoying the authentic&nbsp;buzz of local life as the market undergoes its exciting &ldquo;Project&nbsp;Connect&rdquo; revitalisation.
For a serene and stylish retreat, <a href="https://www.1hotels.com/melbourne" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1 Hotel Melbourne</a>, part of the new Seafarers development on North Wharf, is the epitome of nature-led luxury. This stunning eco-conscious oasis, quietly integrated into its historic surrounds, features reclaimed materials, over 7,000 living plants and a dedication to sustainability that permeates every detail. With its signature restaurant, From Here by Mike, showcasing hyper-local Victorian produce, and the world-class Bamford Wellness Spa, a stay here perfectly balances urban worldliness with a deep respect for nature.

ENTER EXCURSION MODE
Victoria&rsquo;s appeal extends to unique day trips that mix natural &nbsp;beauty with fascinating history. Start with an exhilarating <a href="https://www.portarlingtonmusseltours.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Portarlington Mussel Tour</a>, where you can cruise the bay on a historic vessel, learning about sustainable aquaculture while indulging in fresh, succulent mussels straight from the sea. This authentic taste of the coast aligns with a true affinity for the region&rsquo;s maritime bounty.&nbsp;

To continue your Victorian odyssey, The <a href="https://theqtrain.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Q Train</a> offers a &ldquo;moving feast&rdquo; that is arguably the most unique dining experience in the country. Operating on the historic Bellarine Railway, this award-winning restaurant train travels between Drysdale and Queenscliff, serving a five-course degustation that changes with the seasons and showcases local food, wine, beer and cider with winsome views of Swan Bay and the Bellarine.
From Queenscliff, embark on a scenic <a href="https://www.searoad.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Searoad Ferries</a> ride to Sorrento, a refreshing 40-minute journey affording stunning coastal views and opportunities to spot dolphins. Once on the Mornington Peninsula, a visit to the <a href="https://www.redhilllavender.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Red Hill Lavender Farm</a> transports you to the tranquil fields of Provence, enveloped by fragrant respite among blooming lavender. Nearby, <a href="https://www.redhillcandleco.com.au/?srsltid=AfmBOorDMPIXS-zytK-ulnv3UND-x45kCUaX-2YG1Lc--rJNmWpAEaQz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Red Hill Candle Co. </a>allows for a creative pause, where you can blend your own signature scent in a hands-on candle-making workshop, crafting a personal memento of your trip.

Venturing inland, <a href="https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/explore-bendigo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bendigo</a> entices as Australia&rsquo;s first&nbsp;UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. This recognition&nbsp;honours its pioneering role in sustainable food systems&nbsp;and a thriving culinary scene, all set against a backdrop of&nbsp;magnificent gold-rush heritage. Dive deep into history at&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.central-deborah.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Central Deborah Gold Mine</a>, where you can descend&nbsp;into the earth to witness the conditions of 19th-century&nbsp;miners. Discover the city&rsquo;s grand Victorian architecture from&nbsp;a different angle aboard the quaint <a href="https://www.bendigotramways.com/tours/vintage-talking-tram-tour" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vintage Talking Tram</a>.
From gastronomy to heritage, Bendigo has plenty to propose: social enterprise <a href="https://www.peppergreenfarm.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PepperGreen Farm</a>, built around historic Chinese market gardens; <a href="https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/things-do/events-and-arts/bendigo-art-gallery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bendigo Art Gallery</a>, a regional art and culture powerhouse; tranquil Lake Weeroona with <a href="https://www.whitbybendigo.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Whitby Bendigo</a> (formerly The Boardwalk) for picturesque lakeside dining; Federation-era <a href="https://www.langleyestate.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Langley Estate</a> for Deluxe High Tea and pipe organ recitals. For the perfect night&rsquo;s rest, the <a href="https://hotelbendigo.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hotel Ernest Bendigo</a>&nbsp;provides a luxurious, art-filled stay, melding historical elegance with contemporary design that encapsulates Bendigo&rsquo;s creative spirit.

<h4 style="text-align: center;">Discover more on <a href="https://www.visitmelbourne.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">visitmelbourne.com</a>.</h4>

Beyond the city lights: Victoria reimagined

Tags

Related Articles

Arts, Culture & Lifestyle

NGV Summer Masterpieces: Westwood | Kawakubo exhibition opens in Melbourne

Arts, Culture & Lifestyle

Savour Hong Kong's gastronomy across time

Arts, Culture & Lifestyle

Heaven on Earth: Victoria's great escape

Recommended posts for you

Issues

Cover Story: Lingling Kwong is on her way feat. Cartier and Dior

Fashion

Levi’s® Blue Tab™ Fall/Winter 2026 collection has finally arrived in Malaysia

Runway

Louis Vuitton presents the future of fashion

Runway

LIVE: Louis Vuitton Women’s Spring/Summer 2027 Show

Runway

Chanel Spring/Summer 2027 finds Matthieu Blazy in reflective mode

Fashion

The Freestyle LO by Celine/Reebok sneakers are the latest addition to our shoe arsenal

Runway

LIVE: Chanel Spring/Summer 2027 show

Runway

Loewe Spring/Summer 2027 brings sporty ease to Spanish style