Eastern Victoria
As you travel east of Melbourne, you will head into the beautiful Yarra Valley and Dandenong ranges, home to many of Australia's finest guest houses and gardens. Lovers of peace and tranquillity will find this part of Victoria restful and refreshing. Literally dozens of wineries are located along the valley floor with many Gold Medal wines being produced in the region. A wine tour, combined with great accommodation would be well advised. The area is also famous for the Healesville Nature reserve, one of Australia's leading wildlife reserves.
Just 30 minutes drive from the Yarra Valley, near the township of Marysville, there are hiking trails and mountain walks which provide fantastic scenery in the Mystic Mountains . This is pure outdoors delight. In the winter months, Lake Mountain turns into a ski resort with some 40 kilometres of ski trails during a good season, and is a perfect family ski vacation.
Heading south east from Melbourne you travel through many scenic areas. The peninsular and the Gippsland region are among some of the most beautiful sights in Victoria. The southernmost point in Australia, in the Wilsons Promontory National Park, has many hiking trails, camping sites and lodges. The park has some spectacular views, and native animals such as Kangaroos and Emus.
Before you reach Wilsons Promontory National Park, you may divert to
Philip Island. Access to the island is from San Remo, and the island
has many accommodation houses and restaurants if you want to spend some
time. There are plenty of things to see including the Penguins, for which
Philip Island is famous. Bushwalking, hiking, and some great surfing
along the coast, are just some of the activities .
Further east you may find yourself lost in the Highlands and Gippsland
region. National parks abound and is the hiking capital of the State.
its a diverse area and full of surprises. If you want to get off the
beaten track, a horse tour to the abandoned goldfields is a good idea.