1. 2014 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 171
Discover the glorious hidden treasures of Victoria
V
ictoria is loaded with iconic destinations that deserve to take centre stage,
but look beyond the time-honoured holiday spots and there is a wealth of
treasure that’s every bit as deserving of your attention. The journey is just
as enjoyable as the destination – you will see stunning national parks, pristine
beaches, alluring vineyards and vibrant regional towns. Here are a few key spots
that should be marked on your itinerary, all within easy reach of Melbourne.
VISIT
VICTORIA
WORDS peter burchell
2014 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix170
Located on the spectacular Bellarine
Peninsula, Queenscliff evades the
glare of the tourist spotlight despite
amassing abundant gems.
A 1.5-hour drive southwest of
Melbourne – just beyond the state’s
biggest regional centre, Geelong – leads
to the Bellarine. Journey through this
emerging food and wine region to the
Where to eat
Centrally located
Vue Grand includes
both fine dining and
casual options, The Queenscliff
Inn emphasises local produce
and Charlie Noble is the place
to go for harbour views.
Queenscliff
historic seaside village of Queenscliff;
tucked away at Port Phillip Heads, it
enjoys an enviable position. Elegant,
Victorian-era hotels, stately churches and
quaint fishermen’s cottages are dotted
throughout. Its captivating past can be
retraced in many ways. The Queenscliffe
Historical Museum has thousands of
items to view and includes a fascinating
display of shipwreck relics.
The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
comprehensively explores the region’s
strong relationship with the sea, while
Fort Queenscliff traces the area’s military
past with indoor and outdoor displays.
If you like a stroll, take a self-guided
historic walk and admire a string of
heritage structures as the trail winds
its way along Hesse Street. Or, for a walk
with a creative angle, plant the feet along
the Arts Trail, a collection of information
boards are scattered around Queenscliff
and Point Lonsdale that reveal the works
of talented artists and photographers
who have visited the area. As a bonus,
the path affords glittering views of Port
Phillip Bay, Point Nepean and more.
Where to stay
Among the leaders
for accommodation
as well as dining are
Boutique-style Vue Grand and the
historic Queenscliff Inn. Number
35 Bed & Breakfast at Point
Lonsdale is a fine alternative.
Kyneton
While the high-pitched sounds of engines
rule Melbourne during the Formula One
Grand Prix, just an hour away is a region
in complete contrast. Head northwest and
embrace Kyneton, a charming town
nestled within a region where tranquillity,
relaxation and indulgence dominate.
Drive through Victoria’s spa country
and the towns of Daylesford and Hepburn
Springs to the heritage hotspot of
Kyneton. While it evades widespread
attention, Kyneton has quickly gathered
a strong reputation among foodies.
The main focus is Piper Street. This
enticing stretch has captured many an
admiring gaze owing to its cluster of
striking bluestone buildings – a legacy
of Kyneton’s vibrant gold-rush days.
Antique shops, boutiques and galleries
are scattered throughout.
In more recent times, tastebuds have
been the big winner here. First-rate
restaurants and cafés line Piper Street
– with a focus on using local produce –
earning the town a feast of accolades and
a reputation as one of the state’s top food
precincts. Renowned chef Annie Smithers
is often credited as the precinct’s pioneer.
Walk off the tasty treats with a visit to
the picturesque Kyneton Botanic Gardens.
Admire heritage-listed trees and follow the
Campaspe River walk, or try Black Hill
Reserve and stroll along its scenic paths.
Where to eat
For fine dining, you
can’t go wrong with
the French-inspired
Annie Smithers’ Bistrot, the
Royal George Hotel or Mr Carsisi. St.
Beans Provedore, Mrs. Smith’s and
Flouch’s are hot tips that are difficult
to pass up. For delicious craft beers
and modern cuisine, try Holgate
Brewhouse at nearby Woodend. It’s
important to check ahead for opening
hours, and bookings are advisable.
Annie Smithers'
Bistrot.
Kyneton Botanic Gardens.
Where to stay
Mollisons exudes luxury,
while Piper & Powlett
and Minerva House also
generate much appeal.
Royal George Hotel.

2. Walhalla shies away from the crowds, yet
charm is found by the truckload in this
historic town. Drive inland for 2.5 hours
east of the Victorian capital, through the
rolling green pastures of the Gippsland
region, past quaint towns, before
reaching this welcoming destination.
Nestled at the southern edge of
the Victorian Alps, Walhalla gives the
impression time has stood still, and is
home to just a handful of residents. But
it has not always evaded attention – in
the late 1800s, Walhalla joined Victoria’s
list of thriving gold towns, although its
mountainside setting defies the norm.
This location has helped create a
fascinating history that can be endlessly
explored. An underground tour of the Long
Tunnel Extended Gold Mine is essential.
Head 300m below ground and discover its
absorbing past. If you’re feeling lucky, pan
for gold at Stringers Creek, or check out
the historic Chinese Gardens.
A ride aboard the Walhalla Goldfields
Railway combines relaxation with
breathtaking views as you pass through
Stringers Creek Gorge. Or grab a lantern
and wander around town on a Saturday
evening. Join a Walhalla Ghost Tour and
discover a series of spine-tingling yarns.
A stroll around town presents a host of
immaculate heritage buildings; don’t miss
the Old Walhalla Post Office Museum.
Where to stay
Relax in a delightful
restored cottage at
Walhalla Mill House
or Windsor House Bed &
Breakfast. Walhalla’s Star Hotel
has plenty of character and is
located in the heart of town.
The Walhalla
Goldfields Railway.
Windsor House
Bed & Breakfast.
Walhalla
Where to eat
Walhalla Coffee
and The GreyHorse
Cafe have indoor
and outdoor settings
in beautiful surrounds.
VISIT
VICTORIA
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While it earns global
attention as host of the
Australian Motorcycle
Grand Prix, Phillip Island
warrants a year-round
focus. This bite-sized
destination is packed with sparkling natural
beauty, gripping wildlife encounters and an
assortment of first-class attractions.
Two hours south-east of Melbourne, Phillip
Island has long stretches of glittering coastline,
which is a magnet for surfers and swimmers.
Coastal walks generate huge appeal – Cape
Woolamai is a standout. The Penguin Parade
is a must; be thrilled at the sight of penguins
reaching shore every night at sunset. A cruise
Fabulous Phillip Island
Phillip Island
The Penguin Parade.
Phillip Island
Grand Prix Circuit.
AD
to Seal Rocks is engrossing as you watch a huge
colony of seals at play, or view the action on
big screens at the interactive Nobbies Centre.
Continue the wildlife wonders at the Koala
Conservation Centre where treetop boardwalks
allow easy viewing of these cuddly creatures.
If the GP has inspired you to experience your
own fast-paced thrills, head to the Grand Prix
Circuit. Take a hair-raising Hot Lap with an
experienced driver or fly around on a go-kart.

3. Clunes is another town with a golden
past and this spotlight-dodger makes
for a compelling visit. Travel less than
two hours through Victoria’s Goldfields
region and the popular and historic city
of Ballarat before reaching Clunes. This
is one of the most original and intact gold
towns in Australia, and an annual hub
for the country’s literary heavyweights.
North-west of Melbourne, Clunes is
the site of the state’s first gold discovery.
This past is preserved in its impressive
collection of 19th-century architecture
that ensures its heritage streetscape
is among the finest. A stroll along
Fraser Street perfectly encapsulates the
historic feel. Dozens of old buildings vie
for attention, while various gold-mining
relics can be spotted at Esmond Park,
overlooking the town centre. Pick up a
map from Clunes Visitor Information
Centre to guide you around.
Clunes has a love of literature, too.
Many bookshops can be spotted within
its boundaries – keep a look out for rare
finds – and the annual Clunes Booktown
Clunes
Where to eat
The Dukes B&B serves
a hearty breakfast, or
dine in a beautiful setting
at Lucky Strike Provincial
Kitchen, a coffee and wine lounge.
Where to stay
Keebles Country House
includes magnificent
gardens, and Ella’s Cottage
is a beautifully restored Victorian
cottage. Back towards Ballarat, the
Novotel Forest Resort Creswick is
home to eco-friendly accommodation
and a championship golf course.
VISIT
VICTORIA
Festival draws booksellers every May.
Clunes has even received the rare honour
of being named an International Booktown.
The town’s creative side is enhanced
by its art galleries, which are well
worth exploring, along with antique and
collectable shops. A quirky inclusion is
the Clunes Bottle Museum, displaying
thousands of rare and peculiar bottles.
Wine lovers take note: Clunes is within
easy reach of the Pyrenees wine region.
Explore dozens of wineries in towns
including Avoca, Moonambel and St Arnaud.
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Clunes Town Hall.