2 weeks in VIC
2-Week Itinerary for Exploring Victoria, Australia
Victoria, Australia is a stunning region that offers a mix of vibrant cities, picturesque coastlines, rugged mountain ranges, and charming rural towns. Whether you’re a nature lover, culture seeker, or foodie, this 2-week itinerary will guide you through some of the best spots in Victoria. From the bustling city of Melbourne to the serene beauty of the Great Ocean Road, you’ll get a taste of everything this state has to offer.
Day 1-3: Melbourne – The Cultural Heart of Victoria
Day 1: Arrival in Melbourne
Arrive in Melbourne: The vibrant capital of Victoria and Australia’s cultural capital. After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens to unwind.
Explore Federation Square: A hub for art and culture with galleries, cafes, and museums. Be sure to visit the National Gallery of Victoria or the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.
Evening: Dinner at one of Melbourne’s laneway restaurants and enjoy the nightlife in Fitzroy or Collingwood, famous for its bars and live music.
Day 2: Melbourne City & Laneways
Queen Victoria Market: Start your day with a visit to the market for fresh produce, artisan goods, and food stalls.
Flinders Lane & Hosier Lane: Wander through the city’s iconic laneways, known for street art, quirky cafes, and boutique shopping.
Eureka Skydeck: Get panoramic views of the city from the top of the Eureka Tower.
Evening: Head to St. Kilda for dinner by the beach and a walk along the pier.
Day 3: Day Trip to Phillip Island
Morning: Depart Melbourne early for a 2-hour drive to Phillip Island. Visit the Koala Conservation Centre to get close to koalas and other wildlife.
Afternoon: Visit Churchill Island Heritage Farm, a working farm that offers insights into the island’s history.
Evening: End the day at the Penguin Parade, where you’ll watch hundreds of little penguins waddle back to their burrows at sunset.
Day 4-6: The Great Ocean Road
Day 4: Melbourne to Torquay (Great Ocean Road)
Morning: Depart Melbourne and head towards the start of the Great Ocean Road. Your first stop is Torquay, known for its surfing culture.
Afternoon: Explore Bells Beach and the Surfworld Museum. If you love surfing, rent a board and hit the waves!
Evening: Head to Lorne, a charming coastal town, for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Lorne to Apollo Bay
Morning: Drive along the scenic coast and stop at Erskine Falls for a short hike to this stunning waterfall.
Afternoon: Continue towards Apollo Bay, where you can enjoy a coastal walk or relax by the beach.
Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of Apollo Bay’s top restaurants.
Day 6: Apollo Bay to Twelve Apostles
Morning: Start early to catch the sunrise at Twelve Apostles, one of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks. Spend time at the Loch Ard Gorge and The Arch nearby.
Afternoon: Continue exploring Port Campbell National Park before heading to the nearby town of Port Campbell for an overnight stay.
Day 7-8: Grampians National Park
Day 7: Port Campbell to The Grampians
Morning: After breakfast, drive towards the Grampians National Park (around 3.5 hours). The Grampians are known for their rugged mountain ranges, abundant wildlife, and picturesque views.
Afternoon: Head to Halls Gap and check into your accommodation. Explore nearby trails like The Pinnacle Walk or MacKenzie Falls.
Evening: Dinner in Halls Gap, where you can enjoy local produce and wines.
Day 8: Explore Grampians National Park
Morning: Hike to Boroka Lookout for sweeping views of the valley and mountain ranges.
Afternoon: Visit The Balconies and Reed Lookout for some of the best panoramic vistas in the Grampians.
Evening: Return to Halls Gap for a relaxing evening or join a guided wildlife tour.
Day 9-11: High Country & Alpine Region
Day 9: Grampians to Bright
Morning: Head towards Bright (about a 3-hour drive). This picturesque town is located at the foot of the Alps and is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.
Afternoon: Explore Bright’s local shops, cafes, and the nearby Ovens River Walk.
Evening: Dinner in one of the town’s cozy restaurants.
Day 10: Mount Hotham or Falls Creek
Morning: Take a day trip to Mount Hotham or Falls Creek, both famous alpine resorts. Depending on the season, you can ski in winter or hike and enjoy scenic views in the warmer months.
Afternoon: Visit Mount Buffalo National Park for stunning alpine landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking.
Evening: Return to Bright for a relaxed evening.
Day 11: Bright to Milawa
Morning: Take a scenic drive to Milawa, a small town in Victoria’s food and wine region. Explore the Milawa Gourmet Region and visit local cheese and wine producers.
Afternoon: Enjoy wine-tasting at Brown Brothers Winery or take a cooking class at the Milawa Cheese Factory.
Evening: Stay overnight in Milawa or nearby.
Day 12-14: The Mornington Peninsula
Day 12: Bright to Mornington Peninsula
Morning: Depart for the Mornington Peninsula (around 4.5 hours). The peninsula is known for its beaches, vineyards, and natural hot springs.
Afternoon: Visit the Peninsula Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in mineral-rich thermal pools.
Evening: Head to Sorrento for dinner with ocean views, followed by a sunset stroll along the beach.
Day 13: Explore the Mornington Peninsula
Morning: Spend the morning exploring the Mornington Peninsula National Park and take a walk along the cliffs to Cape Schanck.
Afternoon: Visit the Ashcombe Maze or head to Portsea for a swim or a picnic on the beach.
Evening: Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the peninsula's renowned wineries, such as Montalto or Red Hill Estate.
Day 14: Final Day in Mornington Peninsula
Morning: Visit Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park for close encounters with koalas, kangaroos, and other native Australian animals.
Afternoon: Explore Mornington town for some shopping, or take a final stroll along the Mornington Pier.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner before heading back to Melbourne.
Victoria offers a diverse range of experiences that will appeal to any traveler, from the vibrant streets of Melbourne to the rugged beauty of the Grampians, the iconic Great Ocean Road, and the picturesque Mornington Peninsula. This 2-week itinerary is packed with breathtaking sights, fun activities, and the opportunity to indulge in great food and wine. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone who loves to unwind, Victoria will not disappoint.
Happy travels!