Less than an hour north-east of Melbourne are the sleepy farms, boutique hotels, national parks and excellent wineries of the Yarra Valley.

Home to more wineries than any other state in Australia and producing the likes of chardonnay, pinot noir, and cabernet sauvignon, classy wineries have long been the Yarra Valley’s biggest claim to fame. To compliment the world-class wines, sample the region’s exceptional cuisine at one of the many award-winning restaurants.

Appreciate the valley in all its splendour and take to the skies in a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise, or explore the area’s natural beauty on foot, by bike, or on horseback. The region is also home to the Puffing Billy Steam Railway, Australia's most famous preserved steam railway, and Healesville Sanctuary where you’ll get closer than you ever thought possible to Australia’s unique wildlife.

Phillip Island Nature Park combines wildlife encounters, breathtaking land and seascapes as well as history and serenity, only 90 minutes from Melbourne. The most popular wildlife attraction in Australia, with over 600,000 people visiting the park each year, Phillip Island is home to the famous Penguin Parade. Every night of the year at Summerland Beach, the Little Penguins waddle out of the ocean and go into their burrows in the sand dunes at dusk.

Admire the golden sand dunes at Cape Woolamai, the highest point of Phillip Island, and visit Seal Rocks on the rugged western tip, home to Australia’s largest colony of fur seals. Up to 16,000 seals arrive there in breeding season from October to December. The island is also home to many koalas. The best place to spot these internationallly-loved mammals is by strolling the treetop boardwalk at the Koala Conservation Centre.

Quite simply the drive of your life. One of the most spectacular coastal routes in the world, the Great Ocean Road traverses a breathtaking array of natural treasures, all with the magnificence of the ocean as a backdrop.

The road follows the water’s edge, hugging rocky headlands through the Port Campbell National Park, which covers a stretch of coast that includes the world-famous Twelve Apostles, the London Bridge, and Loch Ard Gorge.

Along the way small seaside towns provide perfect stopping-off points, from Torquay where some of the world’s best surfers congregate at Bells Beach, to family-friendly Anglesea, then further along to the chic restaurants and bars at Lorne. Sample some of the locally caught seafood on offer along the route.

Inland, the magnificent rainforest of the Otway Ranges offers bushwalks to spectacular waterfalls such as Sabine Falls and Beauchamp Falls. Be sure to walk the Otway Fly – the highest and longest tree top walk in the world – providing a bird’s eye view of the rainforest.

An oasis of relaxation just an hour north-west of Melbourne, Victoria’s spa country is the place to get away from it all and indulge in one of the area’s holistic spas. Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, popular resorts since the 19^th century, account for 70 of the state’s 110 documented springs known for their healing and restorative qualities.

Rejuvenation options at the region’s spa facilities cater to all requirements from mud wraps and massages to facials and reflexology. Relax in a range of boutique accommodation, from heritage guesthouses and bed and breakfasts to country homes and lakeside properties.

Daylesford is also one of Victoria’s prettiest towns, combining restaurants, galleries, craft shops and parkland in an idyllic setting amongst rolling hills and native bushland.

A holiday favourite for Melburnians, The Mornington Peninsula has it all – sophisticated restaurants, beautiful beaches, rolling hills, rugged surf, dramatic seascapes and delightful towns - and all less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Stretching around the eastern sweep of Port Phillip Bay, The Mornington Peninsula provides one of Australia’s best winery and golfing experiences as well as excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Experience the magic of viewing, interacting and swimming with bottlenose dolphins at Port Phillip Bay.

Walk along the coast to Gunnamatta, one of the best surf beaches in Australia and take a ride on the scenic chairlift at Arthur’s Seat where you can gaze for miles in every direction. The stylish holiday towns of Sorrento and Portsea with their myriad speciality shops, historic hotels and top-shelf restaurants are well worth a visit.

There are more than 40 wineries to explore in the region from boutique vineyards like Red Hill Estate and T’Gallant to the acclaimed Dromana Estate. It’s easy to see why Melburnians visit time and time again.

An experience in a league of its own, The Grampians are simply magnificent. Formed about 50 million years ago by volcanic activity, these rugged ranges are home to over 970 species of native plants, 35 types of mammals and 200 species of birds. They are also one of Australia’s most significant locations in terms of indigenous culture.

This stunning area offers mountainous national parks, an array of luxury accommodation and Aboriginal art centres. Tour the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, dedicated to the interpretation of Koori culture in south-western Victoria through exhibitions, tours and live performances.

Great for bushwalking, with over 100 miles of walking trails, the Grampians are also a haven for adrenaline junkies with a range of outdoor activities including mountain bike trails and dozens of rock-climbs. Mt Arapiles is Australia’s best rock-climbing venue with more than 2,000 designated climbs.

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