Best Places To Visit In Victoria’s East

Venture east of and outside Melbourne you will discover some of the best places to visit in Victoria. Exploring anywhere in Victoria you will find incredible exhibits of nature and the eastern side of Victoria offers fabulous landscapes, natural wonders including beaches, lakes, caves, National Parks, rivers and so much more.

In this article we will give you some great Australian holiday ideas that may just take you off the main tourist trail to discover some remarkable holiday destinations in Victoria.

Mornington Peninsula

You may have heard of the Bellarine Peninsula at its wonderful Great Ocean Road to the west of Melbourne, but to the east is the equally beautiful Mornington Peninsula. The Peninsula is an easy 90-minute drive from central Melbourne and ends at the Point Nepean National Park.

The bay beaches of the eastern side of the peninsula are lined with small towns such as Mornington, Dromana, Rosebud, and Blairgowrie. The two best known and beautiful towns on the Mornington Peninsula are Sorrento and Portsea. The wild and beautiful western side of the Peninsula is where the towns such as Rye are located. Portsea manages to span both sides of the peninsula.

Between the two beach strips however are wineries, hot springs, hiking and sculpture trails. Mount Marta, Mount Elizabeth, Red Hill and Arthur’s Seat can be found here just by following your nose! On weekends the wineries fire up their pizza ovens and open their gourmet restaurants with local produce, many grown on the wineries alongside the grapes. Montalto and Point Leo Estates even have dedicated sculpture parks among the vines.

It is Portsea and Sorrento that tourists and Melburnians flock to. Millionaire’s Walk is a simple but truly stunning coastal walk along the gentle cliff edge behind the mansions of Portsea. It is part of a wider walk that has been created called the Artists’ Trail and along the walk you will see information plaques showing the paintings of some of Australia’s greatest artists painted of the landscape from that spot. Follow the Walk down to Sorrento and stop for coffee over the water at The Baths restaurant.

Written by Monique at Trip Anthropologist

Phillip Island

For a great getaway close to Melbourne, Phillip Island is a great choice. Located an easy two hour drive from the city centre, it’s perfect for either a quick break or a long stay with many things to do on this small island.

The list of things to do in Phillip Island is long. It is best known for its penguin parade held in the evenings when hundreds or even thousands of wild penguins waddle up the beach to sleep for the night. It is famous for a reason and this is a must visit. During the day, there are other natural attractions to check out like sea lions and seals along the rocky coastline at the Nobbies Centre. While at the Nobbies Centre, The Antarctic Journey is worth a stop. The interactive displays and exhibits help visitors learn more about this region of the world as well as giving them a taste of what it feels like to be in Antarctica with huge screen displays and a room with temperatures like those in Antarctica.

For a farm experience, Churchill Island Heritage Farm is recommended. There are experiences here like whip cracking and milking cows. Afterwards, visitors can head to the Koala Conservation Centre to spot koalas in their natural environment. Of course, being an island, there are also many beaches to enjoy.

There are many accommodation options in Phillip Island. A recommended option is the Ramada Resort which has many facilities and room types including spacious units. For a great meal and a cool beverage, try the Rusty Water Brewery in the centre of the island. For dessert, try a chocolate from the Panny’s Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. Also recommended is fresh seafood that visitors can catch themselves than have cooked at the Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm.

With all of these attractions, accommodation options and natural scenery and beaches, Phillip Island is the perfect choice for an eastern Victoria getaway.

Written by Sharon from Baby Journey

Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance is a sleepy seaside town in the cooler months but once the sun starts to beat down and the Aussie summer sets in it comes to life. Car loads of people, families, day-trippers and holiday makers flock to the area to bask in the sunshine, relax and hit the beach.

Nothing was different at the start of the 2019/2020 summer holidays but as many found out it changes quickly when a bush fire is threatening the tourist town. Lakes Entrance was evacuated in their busiest time.

For most visiting Lakes Entrance there is everything you need. Being one of the bigger towns on the Gippsland Lakes there is so much to do. You can play mini-golf with the family, sample a local craft beer while the kids play, visit the summer carnival, buy some fresh seafood off the boats, take the Entrance walk to look for seals on the rocks, laze on the 90-mile beach and if you wander far enough you may end up being the only person on the beach.

If you are looking for some good food you can visit the many cafes for a coffee and cake. Some of the bigger restaurants have local seafood on the menu as well as good pub grub that fills you up. 

There are so many accommodation options there too. From basic camping sites to fully equipped hotels, there is something for every budget in Lakes Entrance. You will find most of the caravan parks filled with families with kids eager to play and meet new friends on the summer holidays.

Written by Bec from Travels In Gippsland

Inverloch

Inverloch, located 143 kilometres south-east of Melbourne on the gorgeous Gippsland coastline, is the perfect destination for a post-isolation Victorian getaway.

Sitting on the picturesque and protected waters of Andersons Inlet, the beach boasts a shallow and crystal-clear bay that is perfect for small children and can be enjoyed year-round for swimming, walking, fishing and water sports.

Low tide is a great time to explore the western headland, nearby surf beaches and The Caves where the Inverloch Dinosaur Dreaming dig site is located.

The town’s main foreshore reserve, The Glade, is a lovely grassy area that extends from the local shops and Bunurong Environment Centre down to the beach with plenty of picnic areas and BBQs plus a great playground to keep the kids occupied.

The Inlet Hotel and Bayside Lady are located in the town centre and provide excellent varied menus with all-day dining and early seating times to suit families.

When considering Inverloch accommodation suitable for children, our recommendation is  either the RACV Resort or the BIG4 Inverloch Holiday Park. It is located within walking distance to the gorgeous Anderson Inlet and offers a wide range of accommodation options and recreational facilities. If you are looking for camping in Inverloch, the caravan and camping sites are well maintained and lush with great ensuite facilities and there are various options for self-contained villas spread across the park to suit single travellers, couples and families.  Plus, two super luxurious and cosy eco glamping tents with comfortable beds, kitchen facilities, plenty of room for the kids to play and great heating for a winter stay.

The BIG4 Inverloch Holiday Park features an indoor heated pool and splash park, well-equipped children’s playground, jumping pillow, arcade games and array of activities to suit both children and adults…you can be assured that the kids will never want to leave!

Written by Alison from muMEcations

Metung

Metung is located between Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance in East Gippsland, on a small peninsula on the Gippsland Lakes between Lake King and Bancroft Bay; there are so many wonderful things to do in Metung. Water lovers flock to Metung to explore the quaint waterside village, learn to sail or hire a boat and discover all that the Gippsland Lakes have to offer. With a boat take a trip to the Barrier Landing where you’ll have access to beautiful Ninety Mile Beach.

Metung is hard not to fall in love with at first sight. You’ll love taking morning walks along the Metung boardwalk, stopping in at one of the many cafes for a coffee or grabbing some freshly baked bread from the Metung Bakery. A highlight in the town is the Metung Farmer’s Market, which you will find on the Green on the second Saturday every month.

Golfer’s can enjoy a round of golf, families will love the protected waterways for great times at the beach and the playground in the village. At the front of the Metung Yacht Club, you’ll find Legend Rock which is also found along the Bataluk Cultural Trail; Legend Rock is a significant site for the Kurnai and Gunai people. You can see this detailed guide for more 

Metung is a lovely holiday destination in Victoria and there are endless accommodation options; here you’ll find a full guide on accommodation in Metung. McMillans of Metung Coastal Resort is a popular well resourced and located choice for couples and families.

Written by Geoff, from Go Camping Plus

Mallacoota

Mallacoota is one of Gippsland’s most beautiful escapes, nestled in among the Croajingolong National Park and sitting on the Mallacoota Inlet. This popular place to go in Victoria is not to be missed when exploring Victoria’s eastern regions. 

Mallacoota is a gorgeous coastal town and is a popular holiday destination in Victoria all year round, with it’s warmer than others winter climate and pleasant sea breeze throughout Summer. There is an endless list of things to do in Mallacoota, but if you’re there in Summer you should start by exploring the popular and patrolled Mallacoota beach, Betka Beach. If you like to snorkel, grab your beach gear and head to rugged Quarry Beach, or as it’s name says Secret Beach for a more peaceful experience. Don’t miss Top Lake, Bottom Lake and Gipsy Point, a beautiful inlet jutting into Top lake. In fact, all aspects of the Mallacoota waterside are remarkable and worthy of exploration.

If you’re looking to explore nature, Mallacoota is the place to go. You can enjoy some great self drive 4WD trips, discover the National Parks and Gabo Island. Be sure to spend some time exploring the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Croajingolong National Park – the pure white sands, granite peaks, extensive wildlife and plant species, will make it hard to leave this beautiful Victorian holiday destination.

Take your time exploring this magnificent part of Victoria. There is an extensive range of Mallacoota accommodation options, however we would recommend Blue Waters Holiday Cottages for couples or Mallacoota Beach Houses for families.

Written by Love To Travel, Stay-Eat-Do

Buchan

Buchan is a town found in a beautiful valley in East Gippsland. Known for the magnificent limestone Buchan Caves, Buchan is a popular holiday destination in Victoria for families and outdoor nature lovers. 

Buchan was one of Victoria’s earliest European settlements and was originally named Bukan-Mungie, meaning ‘the place of rocks with holes in them’. Aboriginal Heritage is rich in Buchan with 18,000 year old original artefacts still visible. Taking a tour at Buchan Caves is a great opportunity to hear stories of Aboriginal dreamtime while exploring this unique Victorian landmark.

The Snowy River National Park is also a great highlight of the area. If you like to 4WD, you will love to explore the high country. Meander through the tall forests throughout the Snowy River National Park – don’t miss Little River and the spectacular Little River Falls. If you are up for some exhilarating adventure you can also go white-water rafting down the Snowy River. Cycling through the region is also very popular.

Camping in Buchan is popular, however, if you’re looking for alternative Buchan accommodation we would recommend the two bedroom house, Cottage on Main.

Wilsons Promontory

The southernmost tip of mainland Australia is famous for its rugged, untouched and well protected wilderness. You can walk and camp with the only company being the local kangaroos, wombats and emus and the sound of waves lapping on the pristine secluded beaches. Wilsons Prom has so much to offer all travellers, see our guide on the great things to do in Wilsons Prom and ultimate guide to Wilsons Prom accommodation.

Tidal River is the starting point for most people’s Prom adventures. For day walkers it gives access to Norman Beach where you can swim and snorkel in Victoria’s largest Marine National Park. Popular walks in the area include: Tidal Overlook; Tidal River Board Walks; Lilly Pilly Gully; Norman Point; Mt Bishop; Whisky Bay; Pillar Point; Little Oberon Bay; and the famous Squeaky Beach. Walks in the north include: Vereker Outlook; Five Mile Beach; Big Drift; Cotters Beach; Millers Landing; and Darby River to Tongue Point. Southern walks include: Mt Oberon Summit; Wilsons Promontory Lightstation; Sealers Cove; Waterloo Bay; and the 3 Day Southern Prom Circuit.

Tidal River offers family friendly accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, starting with
camping, glamping, huts, cabins, units and lodges. For the completely secluded wilderness
experience there are plenty of remote campsites scattered throughout the Prom for those
wanting to hike overnight. There is also the Wilsons Promontory Lightstation for a unique stay
in an 1859 lighthouse keeper’s cottage. The Tarra Bulga Guesthouses accommodate groups and are not far away from Wilsons Promontory.