Discovering Victoria: Wine, Wildlife and Wow Moments on My First Trip to Australia

There are some trips that feel special before you even get on the plane, and this familiarisation to Victoria was one of them. It was my very first visit to Australia and, in just a few days, I fell hard for Melbourne’s laneways, wild coastlines, cool-climate vineyards and some seriously stylish places to stay.

If you love food and wine, culture, wildlife, spa time and luxury hotels, this corner of Australia is an absolute dream, especially for couples and friends travelling together.

Melbourne: laneways, galleries and a taste of Gippsland

We started in Melbourne, checking into Rydges Melbourne in the heart of the theatre district. The location is brilliant: step outside and you are moments from the city’s restaurants, bars and boutiques. For a first night in a new city, it felt easy and walkable, and a perfect base for exploring.

Dinner that evening set the tone for the entire trip. Farmer’s Daughters quickly became a personal must‑recommend. It is a beautiful, warm space and the menu showcases Gippsland produce in a way that feels both refined and genuinely from the farm. If you have clients who appreciate provenance and seasonal food, this is exactly the kind of “only in Victoria” restaurant experience they will remember long after they come home. I would highly recommend it.

The next day we dived into Melbourne properly with a Hidden Secrets Lanes and Arcades tour. Melbourne is famous for its laneways, but you really do need a local to peel back the layers. We discovered tiny cafés, independent designers and tucked‑away corners I would never have found by myself, and I came away with a much stronger sense of the city’s personality.

After a relaxed lunch at Melbourne Winery on Flinders Lane, we spent the afternoon at NGV International. Whether you are a regular gallery‑goer or not, it is worth making time for. The scale of the collection and the way the spaces are curated was a real surprise, and it gave a lovely cultural counterpoint to all the eating and drinking.

We finished the day on a private Melbourne hidden bar tour. Think tucked‑away doorways, creative cocktails and places that feel like “in the know” secrets rather than obvious tourist spots. It is a brilliant way for couples or a small group of friends to experience Melbourne’s nightlife without spending half the evening trying to decide where to go.

French Island & Phillip Island: wild and wonderful

Leaving the city behind, we headed for the Mornington Peninsula and caught the ferry across to French Island. This was where Victoria really showed off. I saw koalas in the wild, not in a sanctuary, and the island felt totally off grid: big skies, quiet roads and a sense of being far away from everything. We enjoyed the most amazing lunch at a local farmhouse, which really added to that feeling of proper country hospitality. It is the kind of day I would recommend to clients who want something authentic and a bit different from the usual tourist trail.

From there we continued to Phillip Island, checking into Phillip Island Apartments in Cowes. The apartments are spacious, well equipped and in a great location for exploring. With full kitchen and laundry facilities, including a washing machine and dryer, they are ideal for families or friends travelling together who want a bit more independence and room to spread out.

That afternoon we walked the Nobbies boardwalk, looking out over dramatic coastal scenery with waves crashing against the rocks below. It is a simple experience, but the views are spectacular and it makes a beautiful prelude to one of the absolute highlights of the trip: the Penguin Parade.

If you are visiting Phillip Island, I would always suggest booking the top‑tier viewing package. Watching the little penguins dash up the beach at dusk is genuinely magical, and from the premium viewing you feel so close to the action without disturbing the animals. No personal cameras or photos are allowed once the penguins start to arrive, which I actually think enhances the moment: everyone is simply present and watching. It was easily one of my standout memories from the whole itinerary.

We rounded the evening off with dinner at Beach HQ in Cowes, a relaxed spot with lovely water views, before heading back to our apartment.

Mornington Peninsula: wine, art and spa stops

The next day started with breakfast at The Store on Phillip Island, a laid‑back, local‑feeling café with great coffee and a focus on quality produce. It is exactly the sort of place I would point clients to for a “live like a local” breakfast.

From there we drove back towards the Mornington Peninsula, stopping at Moonlit Sanctuary for a guided visit. This is a great option for guests who want to meet Australian animals in a more controlled setting, and there are opportunities to feed kangaroos and wallabies and learn more about native species.

Lunch was at Pt Leo Estate and it is a show‑stopper in every sense. Dramatic coastal views, extraordinary sculptures dotted around the grounds, and excellent wine and food make it both a foodie and an art destination. I loved the contrast of wandering among large‑scale artworks between courses and tastings; it feels very grown‑up and special, perfect for couples or friends on a gourmet escape.

We also visited Peninsula Hot Springs for a site inspection. Although we did not bathe ourselves, it is easy to see why it is so popular. With multiple thermal pools, relaxation areas and a strong wellness focus, it is a fantastic stop if you are on a road trip around the peninsula and fancy a few hours of pure relaxation.

Jackalope & the Yarra Valley: design, steam trains and gin

Our overnight base on the Mornington Peninsula was Jackalope, and it lived up to the hype. Set among vineyards, it is visually stunning: a very cool design hotel with a luxurious, intimate feel. I loved the firepit at the back, the excellent cocktails in Flaggerdoot bar and the daily wine sampling, which makes you feel truly immersed in the wine country experience. Facilities are fabulous and I would happily send couples or groups of friends here for a stylish, indulgent stay.

The following morning we headed towards the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, where another highlight awaited: Puffing Billy steam railway. This heritage train ride through the forest feels a little nostalgic and a lot of fun. A tip from experience: when you board, try to sit on the right‑hand side of the train, as the views are even more spectacular. It works brilliantly for both families and adults who want to tap into their inner child for a couple of hours.

Lunch at Meletos offered more of that classic Yarra Valley combination: beautiful countryside, relaxed but polished food and a sense of time slowing down. We followed this with a tasting at Punt Road Wines, enjoying both their wines and ciders in a setting that manages to be professional yet very relaxed.

Later, at Four Pillars Gin in Healesville, we switched from grapes to juniper. It is a must‑do for gin lovers, with the chance to taste across the range and discover a new favourite or two. I would definitely suggest clients pre‑book tastings here, especially in peak times, as it is popular for good reason.

Our final night was at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley, a lovely mix of vineyard setting, comfortable accommodation and spa‑style relaxation. It feels like the kind of place you could easily stay an extra night or two, especially if you want a base to explore more cellar doors in the region and enjoy a slower pace.

And the balloon that got away…

Our itinerary did include a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Yarra Valley, but in true real‑travel fashion, the weather had other ideas and it was cancelled at the last minute. While we did not fly this time, it is absolutely something I would consider adding to a client’s trip, as the views over vineyards and countryside at dawn are meant to be spectacular when conditions allow.

Final thoughts

For a first visit to Australia, Victoria made an incredible impression. In a relatively short time we packed in city culture, coastlines, wildlife, wine regions, hot springs and some very memorable meals and hotels.

If you are dreaming of a trip that blends great food and wine with wildlife, culture, beautiful landscapes and a touch of luxury throughout, Victoria is a superb option for couples and friends. I would love to help you shape your own version of this itinerary, and tailor it to your pace, interests and budget.

Contact me to start planning your Australian adventure.