Melbourne and Victoria’s best nature and wildlife experiences

Getting to know the wild side of the state of Victoria is an easy task. And joyful, too. This big and beautiful natural spot is ripe for exploration. From camping to climbing, swimming to hiking, all these experiences and encounters are on your doorstep, however you decide to explore the region. And from koalas to kangaroos and much, much more, it’s teeming with the charming critters that make Australia such an evocative destination for those looking to get up close to nature.

You don’t have to venture far from the city for the full-blown nature or wildlife experience. The Mornington Peninsula, for example, is an hour’s drive from Melbourne and is celebrated for its unique snorkelling tour where you can spot rare Weedy Sea Dragons as well as the impressive and varied marine life – from dolphins to fur seals – that make their homes around Port Phillip Bay.

A natural paradise at what feels like the end of the world, Wilson’s Promontory National Park – situated at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia – is as dramatic as it sounds. Choose to camp here for the full immersive experience in this Aboriginal cultural landscape or tackle the bushland trails that crisscross the terrain. You’re likely to see emus, kangaroos and wombats above sea level, or dip below with your snorkelling gear to glimpse the incredible inhabitants of Victoria’s largest marine national park.

Hiking in the High Country will take you from scenic lookouts to the highest peaks of the state. One of the most memorable routes, the Razorback, takes you through the Alpine National Park and across a high exposed ridge to Mount Feathertop, the second highest and most picturesque peak in Victoria.

Alternatively, head for Mount Buffalo to spot wildlife – think kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, possums and falcons – as you tread the well-kept walking tracks. It’s not all hardy hiking around here, make time for the epicurean detours to get to know local favourites in the form of family-run wineries and craft breweries or coffee roasters and local food producers, like the gourmet cheese companies that thrive here.

If a strenuous hike is what you’re after, the 13-day Grampians Peaks Trail in the west of the state covers over 160km of the Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural landscape, home to one of the richest indigenous rock art sites and shelters in south-eastern Australia. Visit the Cultural Centre before going in search of the sites, to discover the true representation behind the ancient depictions. While the trekking route crosses dramatic lofty peaks and comprises 11 walk-in campsites allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the journey and wake up to the calls of the native birdlife that enriches this landscape.

The Murray River region, meanwhile, centres around Australia’s longest river and is surrounded by the red gum forests, including the Barmah National Park, the oldest of its kind in the world, dating back over 500 years. Here you can marvel at the Pink Lakes in Murray Sunset National Park – the largest in Australia – where you’ll get to camp with an otherworldly backdrop of the four pink-hued lakes: Crosbie, Becking, Kenyon or Hardy.

Plan your trip to take in the state’s best experiences with Travelbag who can tailor your holiday to take in the highlights you dream of experiencing in Victoria, including a wildlife-rich dose of the great outdoors. As a proud member of the ABTA family, all bookings are ATOL protected.