Victoria, Australia: A Dreamy Escape for Women Who Crave Adventure, Culture, and a Touch of Luxury

Victoria might be Australia's smallest mainland state, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character. From the crashing waves along the Great Ocean Road to the tranquil vineyards of the Yarra Valley, and from the rugged peaks of the Grampians to the artistic charm of Melbourne's laneways, Victoria offers something for every type of woman traveller, whether you're seeking a road trip with friends, a solo wellness escape, or a romantic retreat wrapped in nature.

Melbourne: Style, Art, and Urban Soul

Start your Victorian adventure in Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia. This city thrives on creativity; every corner bursts with street art, boutique fashion, and a café culture that rivals any in Europe. Begin your morning at Hardware Société or Higher Ground, where brunch is an art form. Then, wander through Melbourne's famous laneways, like Hosier Lane, where the graffiti changes daily, and Degraves Street, alive with the hum of coffee machines and clinking cutlery.

For fashion lovers, Emporium Melbourne and The Block Arcade combine luxury shopping with heritage charm. Don't miss the Queen Victoria Market, where you can browse handmade jewellery, local produce, and quirky souvenirs, perfect for picking up something uniquely Melburnian.

In the evening, head to Rooftop Bar for cocktails with skyline views, or enjoy an indulgent dinner at Chin Chin, a local favourite for its lively atmosphere and bold Asian fusion flavours. If you're a theatre fan, book a show at the Princess Theatre or enjoy live music in the Collingwood district. Melbourne's creative spirit never sleeps!

Where to Stay in Melbourne

Luxury: The Langham Melbourne – An elegant riverside escape with a spa and stunning city views.

Mid-Range: Adelphi Hotel – Chic and playful, known for its rooftop pool and dessert-inspired design.

Budget: Space Hotel – A stylish budget option close to the city's best attractions, perfect for solo travellers.

The Great Ocean Road: A Coastal Drive Like No Other

Few road trips in the world can match the Great Ocean Road, a breathtaking coastal route that winds past wild beaches, rainforests, and towering cliffs. Starting from Torquay, Australia's surf capital, the drive unfolds into postcard-perfect scenes at every turn.

Stop at Bells Beach, where you can watch the pros ride the waves, and continue through the charming seaside towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay for a relaxed lunch or a dip in the ocean. The highlight of the journey is, of course, the Twelve Apostles, majestic limestone stacks rising dramatically from the sea. For the best light and fewer crowds, visit at sunrise or sunset.

Nearby, Loch Ard Gorge tells a tale of shipwrecks and survival, while Gibson Steps offers a chance to feel the sheer scale of the cliffs from the beach below. For something different, wander through the ancient Otway Rainforest, home to waterfalls and treetop walks that bring you closer to nature.

Where to Stay Along the Great Ocean Road

Luxury: Alkina Lodge near Wattle Hill – A stunning eco-luxury stay perfect for a girls' weekend.

Mid-Range: Sandpiper Motel in Apollo Bay – Modern rooms with ocean views and warm hospitality.

Budget: Port Campbell Hostel – A friendly and clean stopover for backpackers and road-trippers.

Phillip Island: Wildlife, Beaches, and Natural Beauty

Just a two-hour drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a haven for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts. The island's biggest attraction is the Penguin Parade, where every evening at dusk, hundreds of little penguins waddle up the beach to their burrows. It's an unforgettable experience that melts hearts and reminds visitors of the beauty of the natural world.

Daytime brings plenty to explore. Stroll along Nobbies Boardwalk for views of rugged cliffs and seal colonies, or take a wildlife cruise to Seal Rocks to watch the playful sea lions basking in the sun. For something active, go surfing at Smiths Beach or cycling along the island's scenic trails.

Where to Stay on Phillip Island

Luxury: Clifftop Boutique Accommodation – Stunning ocean views and a cosy, romantic vibe.

Mid-Range: Genesta House Bed & Breakfast – A charming heritage stay near Cowes Beach.

Budget: The Island Accommodation – Modern, social, and affordable, great for group trips.

The Grampians: Where Adventure Meets Serenity

For women craving fresh air, hiking trails, and jaw-dropping scenery, the Grampians National Park is pure magic. Located about three hours from Melbourne, this mountain range is a wonderland of sandstone peaks, waterfalls, and wildflowers.

Start in Halls Gap, the heart of the park, and set out on hikes like The Pinnacle Walk, which rewards you with panoramic views of the valleys below. MacKenzie Falls is another highlight " one of Victoria's most spectacular waterfalls, perfect for cooling off after a long trek.

For something truly special, time your visit for sunrise or sunset at Boroka Lookout, where the colours over the ranges shift in mesmerising hues. Between hikes, you can indulge in local produce and regional wines in the Grampians' small-town eateries.

Where to Stay in the Grampians

Luxury: D'Altons Resort – Elegant self-contained cabins with mountain views and tranquillity.

Mid-Range: Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park – Great for groups, with glamping and cabins available.

Budget: Grampians Eco YHA – Sustainable and sweet, ideal for nature-loving travellers.

Yarra Valley: Wine, Wellness, and Relaxation

Just an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a dream for those who love wine, food, and scenic countryside. Rolling vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, with boutique wineries offering tastings and long, lazy lunches.

Sip world-class Chardonnay or Pinot Noir at Domaine Chandon, enjoy farm-to-table dining at Oakridge Wines, or take a hot air balloon ride at dawn for a breathtaking view of the valley below.

For something indulgent, spend the afternoon at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, a sweet paradise for dessert lovers. Or, if wellness is your focus, unwind with a spa treatment at Balgownie Estate, where luxury meets serenity.

Where to Stay in the Yarra Valley

Luxury: Chateau Yering Hotel – Elegant heritage hotel with a touch of old-world charm.

Mid-Range: Yarra Gables Motel – Stylish and snug, surrounded by vineyards.

Budget: Big4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park – Affordable cabins and glamping options.

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs: Spa Country Bliss

For women seeking rejuvenation and a little indulgence, the spa towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are heaven on earth. Known as Victoria's "Spa Country", this area is dotted with natural mineral springs, boutique retreats, and scrumptious cafés, perfect for a wellness weekend.

Start your day with a soak at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, where you can float in mineral-rich waters or book a luxurious massage. Then, wander the charming streets of Daylesford, browsing boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. Lunch at The Lake House is a must; this award-winning restaurant overlooks serene Lake Daylesford and serves farm-fresh, seasonal cuisine.

For something spiritual, explore the Convent Gallery, a former convent turned art space that combines history, creativity, and peaceful gardens.

Where to Stay in Daylesford

Luxury: Lake House Daylesford – Iconic luxury retreat offering fine dining and lakeside views.

Mid-Range: Hotel Frangos – Eclectic and stylish, right in the town centre.

Budget: Central Springs Inn – Affordable comfort with old-world charm.

The Dandenong Ranges: Forests, Villages, and Vintage Charm

An easy escape from Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges feel like stepping into a storybook. The region is lush, misty, and utterly enchanting, perfect for romantic getaways or girls' weekends filled with nature and nostalgia.

Take a ride on the Puffing Billy Railway, a century-old steam train that chugs through fern gullies and towering forests. Then, explore villages like Sassafras and Olinda, where you'll find dainty tearooms, boutique stores, and blooming gardens. Miss Marple's Tea Room is a must for afternoon tea and scones.

For nature lovers, the William Ricketts Sanctuary is a beautiful blend of sculpture and spirituality, while SkyHigh Mount Dandenong offers sweeping views across Melbourne.

Where to Stay in the Dandenongs

Luxury: Lochiel Luxury Accommodation – Elegant treehouse-style cottages with spa baths.

Mid-Range: Treetops Bed & Breakfast – Peaceful hideaway surrounded by gardens.

Budget: Emerald Star Cottages – Cosy and affordable stays close to hiking trails.

Beyond the Beaten Path: Wilsons Promontory and the High Country

If you're craving pure wilderness, Wilsons Promontory National Park, affectionately known as "The Prom," offers pristine beaches, granite peaks, and turquoise waters at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. Hike to Mount Oberon for breathtaking views, or relax on Squeaky Beach, famous for its white quartz sand that literally squeaks beneath your feet.

In contrast, Victoria's High Country beckons with alpine adventures. In winter, hit the slopes at Mount Hotham or Falls Creek, while in summer, explore wildflower-strewn trails and scenic drives like the Great Alpine Road. Towns like Bright and Beechworth combine outdoor charm with boutique shopping and gourmet dining, ideal for women who love both adventure and indulgence.

A Taste of History: The Goldfields and Silo Art Trail

Victoria's Gold Rush history comes alive along the Historic Goldfields Drive, where towns like Ballarat and Bendigo reveal stories of fortune and resilience. Step back in time at Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum in Ballarat where costumed characters, gold panning, and horse-drawn carriages recreate the 1850s. Bendigo, meanwhile, blends heritage with art; don't miss the Bendigo Art Gallery and the charming cafés that line its historic streets.

For something truly unique, take a detour along the Silo Art Trail, Australia's largest outdoor gallery. Massive murals painted on rural grain silos transform country towns into open-air canvases, a road trip highlight for photography lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

Victoria - a Place that Stays With You

Victoria is the kind of place that stays with you long after you've left. It's a state of contrasts " where rugged coastlines meet elegant vineyards, where mountain air feels crisp and pure, and where every town tells a story. For women travellers, it offers the freedom to choose your own rhythm: a luxurious spa escape, a nature-filled hike, or a sun-soaked beach drive.

Whether you're sipping wine in the Yarra Valley, exploring art in Melbourne, chasing waterfalls in the Grampians, or watching penguins at sunset, Victoria promises experiences that inspire, connect, and uplift. It's a destination made for women who crave beauty, culture, and adventure all in one unforgettable journey.

Image credit istock / superjoseph