Southeast Australia
This temperate region, which mainly covers the State of Victoria, presents an endless variety with ‘four seasons in one day’ blowing in from the Southern Ocean. Drive the Great Ocean Road, tracking the dramatic coastline towards Adelaide. Though most people rush along this route, it is worth taking longer to explore the historic towns and national parks along the way.
This temperate region, which mainly covers the State of Victoria, presents an endless variety with ‘four seasons in one day’ blowing in from the Southern Ocean.
Melbourne is relaxed and civilised, with excellent restaurants, galleries and a cultural vibe. Drive out to discover excellent wildlife, with fairy penguins along the coast and an array of native wildflower species bursting into life each spring amongst the caves and rock art sites of the Grampians; this route can also take in the Yarra Valley vineyards, a selection of spas in Daylesford and the arts scene of the Mornington Peninsula.
Alternatively, head west along the Great Ocean Road, tracking the dramatic coastline towards Adelaide. Though most people rush along this route, it is worth taking longer to explore the historic towns and national parks along the way.
Adelaide is a friendly, bookish place ideally explored on foot, nearby Kangaroo Island is one of the country’s most significant wildlife reserves, while the coast is dotted with national parks including Coorong’s magnificent waterbird haven, the orchids, ferns, bandicoots and whales of the Fleurieu Peninsula, and the sealions, koalas, echidnas and platypus of Baird Bay.
Walhalla, Wilson’s Promontory and Lakes Entrance are among this region’s more secret highlights.
When to Go
Less humid than the other states, Victoria is hot and dry in the summer, fresh and beautiful in spring and autumn, and damp in winter.
Popular Places in this Region