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Victoria’s
Crown Jewels
BY NG WEI CHIAN
With something for everyone, Victoria’s diverse regions are tailored to suit the palate of most discerning travellers.
Think Victoria in Australia, and your mind is bound to settle on the bright lights and bustle of Melbourne. While Melbourne certainly has much to offer, the rest of Victoria keeps up
its end of things admirably. From the soaring peaks of the High Country to the placid waters of the Murray River, Victoria is a horn of plenty for the holiday-maker. Barrel down the slopes of the Victorian Alps, take a drive on the Great Ocean Road, or set out on a leisurely houseboat cruise down the Murray River.
The Wild Southwest: Down the Great Ocean Road
Geelong
A remarkable combination of rugged natural beauty and old-world charm, the Great Ocean Road is dotted with laidback resort towns
and quaint seaside villages. If you are setting out from Melbourne, your journey will begin at Geelong, Victoria’s second-largest city.
Its foreshore is marked by wooden bollards sculpted to form whimsical figures which define
Geelong’s lively community. Dine on fresh, delicate seafood at Geelong’s restaurants or relax and breathe in the sea breeze at an al fresco café.
Central Geelong can satisfy even the most inveterate shopper, where chic fashions
and novel buys can be found. Housed in a splendid Neo-Classical building, the Geelong Art Gallery holds an excellent collection of Australian and international art, with a strong focus on regional artists.
Follow the leader: Penguin-watching on Phillip Island
A cornucopia of wonders for the nature lover, Phillip Island is home to a panoply of wildlife, which includes little penguins, koala bears
and fur seals. The Penguin Parade, as it has become known, takes place every night, with
an army of penguins making their way from
the sea to their sand burrows on the beach.
A southwestern cruise will bring you to Seal Rocks, which ranks among Australia’s largest fur seal colonies. Koalas and birds are also among the highlights on the island.
©Phillip Island Nature Park