Emerge into a landscape reimagined in spring, as the winter frost melts and new growth takes over. Hit the open road and adventure through Victoria's regions. Explore by foot or on two wheels, unwind with a lakeside picnic or in a picturesque garden, play a round of golf, or tour a working farm.
1. Chase waterfalls
Image: Morwell River Falls, Gippsland
Follow the roar of white-water rapids to towering cliffs and secluded lagoons throughout Victoria. Let the state’s beautiful waterfalls captivate your imagination as they flow freely after heavy winter rains in scenic locations from the iconic Great Ocean Road to the bushy Macedon Ranges and everywhere in between.
Head to Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park just outside Beechworth for views of cascades at Woolshed Falls or deep into the tree fern gully of the Erskine River in the Otway National Park to see Erskine Falls plunging 30 metres to the raging river below.
Hidden within the rolling hills of the Strzelecki Ranges, the Agnes River flows from 59 metres high into a picturesque gorge and is the perfect spot for a picnic or spot of birdwatching, while Trentham Falls in Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges is one of the longest single drop waterfalls in Victoria, plunging 32 metres over ancient basalt columns making it a truly spectacular sight.
2. Frolic through pretty florals
Image: CherryHill Blossom Festival, Yarra Valley & the Dandenong Ranges
Come mid-to-late spring (October, November), parks and gardens across Victoria will burst into fields of colour as seasonal blooms spring to life. At the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges in the beautiful Yarra Valley, wander five-acres of fragrant lavender at Warratina Lavender Farm. Breathe in the floral, herbal scent of the fresh blooms and treat yourself to regional fare in the tea room. Walk through the manicured gardens at Red Hill Peony Estate to see, you guessed it, pretty peonies in brilliant pinks and creamy whites, or head to Rosalind Park in central Bendigo to see the spectacular tulip display that takes over the public garden every year.
While you're out and about, be sure to pop into one of the many flower festivals happening throughout spring.
3. Take a hiking trip
Image: Bushwalking in Gippsland
There are scenic tracks and epic mountain peaks to discover in every corner of Victoria. Take a lakeside stroll at Lake Wendouree. Take in the scenery and abundant birdlife on the six-kilometre trail, circling the lake which was once host to Olympic rowing events. For a burst of history, follow the path to the tip of the peninsula on the Fort Nepean walk and explore the gun tunnels, stores and bunkers that were built in 1882 and used until the end of World War II.
In Gippsland, visit Tarra Bulga National Park to see giant mountain ash trees, ancient myrtle beeches and even spot a lyrebird if you're lucky. The Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk is a popular, leisurely option. For something more strenuous with a vantage point only the High Country could provide, tackle the grueling 18.8 kilometre out and back Mount Buller to Mount Stirling trail. Trek through forests of alpine ash and snow gums to the summit, with a detour to Craig's Hut, which was used in the film, The Man from Snowy River.
4. Cycle regional Victoria
Image: Omeo, Gippsland
Much like hiking, Victoria is home to a plethora of scenic cycling trails. Fan favourites include the Bellarine Rail Trail, stretching for 35-kilometres between Geelong and Queenscliff, or the Bass Coast Rail Trail, which is 23-kilometres from Woolamai Racecourse on Phillip Island to Wonthaggi Railway Station in Gippsland. If you're up for the challenge, give your quads a workout on the 134-kilometre Great Victorian Rail Trail. As Victoria's longest rail trail, wind through the idyllic countryside between Tallarook and Mansfield in the foothills of the Victorian Alps.
5. Plan a picnic
Image: Emerald Lake, The Dandenong Ranges
Spread a blanket and share a bite with your favourite people in green spaces across Victoria. Snag a picnic table on the banks of Emerald Lake in the leafy Dandenong Ranges. Pack your own picnic or pick one up from a local provedore and while the day away with yummy treats, exploring 10-kilometres of walking trails or hire a paddleboat and hit the water.
In Geelong, head to the Geelong Botanic Gardens to explore 200 acres of lush green space with your picnic basket in hand, or sprawl out on the lawn at Cardinia Reservoir Park in Melbourne’s south-east.
Chasing some extra thrills? Dine with Bright Adventure Company suspended 300-metres in the air over the edge of Mount Buffalo with one of their Cliff Picnics.
6. Visit a farm
Image: Eden Wellness Farm, The Murray
Fluffy farm animals, farm to table produce and sprawling landscapes that are the perfect escape from the everyday, supporting local at a Victorian farm is the perfect way to spend a spring afternoon.
Support local farmers on the Mornington Peninsula at Binbarra Farm, where you can purchase hazelnuts and seasonal fruits from the orchard or fleeces from on-site English Leicester sheep. Enjoy a paddock to punnet experience at Morningswood Farm, a u-pick berry farm just seven minutes from Daylesford, or on the outskirts of Bairnsdale in Gippsland, you’ll find a small orchard packed with flavour at Picnic Point Farm. Pick up a bag of fresh apples, some vinegar or juice.
Gain insight into the hardiness of Australian farmers on a unique three hour tour with BCG Farm Tours in the Grampians region. See wide open spaces, diverse landscapes and resilient communities as you sit down with a Mallee farmer and learn more about what it takes to produce essential Australian goods. Conclude your tour with a paddock to plate lunch lovingly prepared by chef, Stefano de Pieri.
7. A spot of golf
Image: Cobram Barroga Golf Course, The Murray
Enjoy a day on the green at one of Victoria’s premier courses.
While there are countless award-winning, highly-ranked courses to choose from, you can’t look past The Eastern Golf Club in the heart of Victoria’s food and wine playground, the Yarra Valley. Play the 27-hole championship course and separate Par-3 9-hole to the backdrop of the native forest of Christmas Hills and the Dividing Ranges.
Up for a road trip? Blaze your way down the Great Ocean Road and five minutes outside of the quaint Port Fairy township is Port Fairy Golf Club, a natural links course that’s in a league of its own. Play a round among unspoilt sand dunes while soaking up breathtaking views of the southern ocean.
