Reasons Why Melbourne & Its Surrounds Should Be The Top Choice For Your Next Vacation, From Epic Campervan Road Trips To The Great Outdoors

Travel is back with a vengeance and we’re all for it. Now that cross-border restrictions have eased considerably, it’s time to max out the annual leave you’ve accrued and go on that well-deserved vacay you’ve been dreaming about.

Speaking of which, Melbourne — dubbed Australia’s mecca for all things trendy and tasty — has always been a favourite holiday destination among Singaporeans. But did you know there’s so much more to explore just a little further out?

The diverse state of Victoria is perfect for vacationers who want it all — pristine national parks and coastlines, amazing wildlife, tantalising food and wine, and scenic road trips. And depending on the season, you may even get to experience seasonal highlights like whale watching and skiing.

Intrigued? Here are our top reasons why you should plan a trip to Victoria, stat.

#1: There are epic road trips awaiting.

Coastal drive, Great Ocean Road

Time to buckle up. Victoria has some of the most scenic touring routes like the Great Southern Touring Route and Go Beyond Melbourne Touring Route, boasting picturesque views of idyllic coastal towns and vineyard vistas — see if you can spot famous landmarks like the 12 Apostles along the way.

Big 4 Park Lane glamping tents, Yarra Valley

And for a fully immersive experience, take a break from the usual hotel stays and go glamping at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park instead. Yup, we’re talking five-star living in remote wilderness where you’ll get to wind down for the day under the stars, and rise early to take in the stunning landscapes.

Campervan road trip, Great Ocean Road

Alternatively, venture off the beaten path and try out an escorted campervan tour for a road trip like no other — the unique home-on-wheels experience will keep you comfy and toasty as you explore all that Victoria has to offer.

Tesselaar Tulip Festival, the Dandenong Ranges

#2: Explore the great outdoors.

Walking trails, Grampians

Love the rugged life? Good, because Victoria has more than 2,000 trails for you to explore by foot or wheels. Leave the city behind and luxuriate in sweeping views of the Grampians from the Pinnacle — you’ll want to visit in spring for the spectacular wildflower display.

Or lace your hiking boots up and go on one of the day hikes near Melbourne, like the Bushrangers Bay Trail or George Bass Coastal Walk. Further afield, there’s also the Point Nepean National Park in Mornington Peninsula, as well as several themed walking trails on Phillip Island.

For a novel holiday experience, take on the Great Victorian Rail Trail, spanning 134 kilometres from Tallarook to Mansfield. Cycle across the impressive 385-metre long bridge over Lake Eildon in Bonnie Doon, enjoy spectacular views from Merton Gap, zoom past Victoria’s longest rail trail tunnel and more.

Peninsula Hot Springs, Mornington Peninsula

#3: Farm, food and fun make for good family bonding time.

Authentic farm experience

Sure, some of us have spent more time with our loved ones during the pandemic, but it’s time to take family bonding time further with unique, fun and family-friendly activities.

Interact with animals during an authentic farm stay, observe chocolatiers at work at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, or load up on skin-loving antioxidants and pick your own cherries at CherryHill Orchards during the summer picking season. There are several other berry farms dotted around the region too.

You can even step back in time in the Dandenong Ranges with a ride on Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway, Puffing Billy. For the best views, sit by the carriage sills as the train travels through the fern tree gullies.

Alpine resort, Mount Buller

If icy cold fun is up your alley, join other holidaymakers and ski or snowboard down the gorgeous slopes of Mount Buller for an awesome alpine experience in winter. Advanced skiers will also appreciate the thrill of gliding down the steeper slopes at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek.

#4: Experience amazing wildlife.

Wilson’s Promontory Cruise, Gippsland

Victoria is home to some of Down Under’s most iconic wildlife. Snap photos of kangaroos, wombats and sleepy koalas taking a snooze on gum trees at Ballarat Wildlife Park, and feel the thrill as you watch wild penguins emerge from the sea on Phillip Island. And in Mornington Peninsula, you can even participate in eco adventures like snorkelling with sea dragons.

You’ll also want to visit the Wilsons Promontory National Park for stunning views and more wildlife encounters (thousands of Australian fur seals!) on the Skull Rock Cruise (pictured above). Depending on the season, you may even go whale-watching or interact with wild dolphins or catch the shearwater birds’ migration.

#5: Revisit the cultural — and coffee — capital.

Hosier Lane, Melbourne City

Brimming with creative energy, Melbourne has long been known as the country’s cultural capital — explore its iconic laneways and streets and you’ll see why. From its multicultural food precincts to its laneway bars and vibrant arts scene, there’s rarely a dull moment in the city.

ST. ALi cafe, South Melbourne

And then there’s its world-famous coffee culture. Aussies are serious about their coffee, and even more so in Melbourne. The city is probably one of the best places in the world to get a perfectly poured cup of Joe, and popular coffee houses include ST. ALi, Dukes Coffee Roasters and Market Lane Coffee.

#6: Live it up with an Insta-worthy beachfront stay.

Stays with ocean views, Great Ocean Road

The colourful Brighton bathing boxes at Port Phillip Bay’s Brighton Beach may be noteworthy, but a stay at a luxury beachfront home will certainly be even more memorable — imagine falling asleep in the fluffiest bed to the soothing sound of waves, and having spectacular sunrises greet you in the morning from the shoreline.

And what better way to experience living like an Aussie with a luxury holiday home stay along the Great Ocean Road, where you can have plenty of opportunities to get up close with wildlife on a guided tour at Wildlife Wonders, and choose from plenty of optional activities like surfing lessons, eco tours and ziplining at Live Wire Park or Otway Fly.

Travel your way

Excited to visit, but abhor the hassle of extensive planning and multiple bookings? Chan Brothers Travel has you covered — simply pick a travel plan that suits your needs, or consult the travel experts to build an itinerary that’s uniquely yours. From immersive group tours and self-drive road trips to exclusive escorted campervan tours and more novel holiday offerings, view Chan Brothers Travel’s widest range of Melbourne and Victoria intineraries here.

Time to live your wanderlust now with Chan Brothers Travel at Travel Revival Bonanza, which will be held from 29 April to 8 May, 11am to 6pm at Chan Brothers Travel Powerhouse, Fook Hai Building level 1 & 7. There will be great deals galore such as 1-for-1 specials, 50% off 2nd pax offers and many more additional bonuses. Click here for more information.

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