9 spectacular summer holiday destinations in Victoria

Summer is in full swing which means it is time for sun rays, water slides, boating, and the occasional BBQ in the backyard. However, with so many holiday destinations in Victoria to choose from, where should you spend your summer holiday?

Victoria offers a variety of family holiday destinations for your next summer holiday in Victoria. There are numerous cool places to stay in Victoria in the summer, such as the iconic Great Ocean Road, the picturesque Yarra Valley, and the stunning Mornington Peninsula.

Brilliant summer holiday destinations in Victoria

It doesn’t matter if you want beach-filled days, activities in abundance or a quiet campsite beside a river, our amazing state of Victoria has some of the best summer holiday destinations in Australia.

We’ve tried to include as many good holiday destinations as we can. We always think of more as we see more, but here are the very best summer holiday destinations in Victoria right now.

Lakes Entrance

This cosy, sleepy seaside town comes alive in the summer months with visitors coming from everywhere to enjoy a beach holiday. Lakes Entrance is one of the best summer family holiday destinations in Victoria for everyone with its pristine beaches and water sports opportunities.

Lakes Entrance is located in East Gippsland and is a premier holiday destination in Victoria. Here you can find bush activities as well as water sports, fine food and beautiful villages. Located approximately 3 hours east of Melbourne via the M1 you will find the Gippsland Lakes system.

There are a few main towns to stay in like Paynesville, Loch Sport, Metung and Lakes Entrance. Most of these towns are equipped to host holidaymakers to the Gippsland area, with Lakes Entrance the largest on the Lakes.

The Gippsland Lakes is an area that covers more than 350 square kilometres and is mainly made up of lakes marshes and lagoons. The three main lakes that run into the lakes system are Lake Wellington, Lake King and Lake Victoria which are all fed by rivers starting in the Victorian High Country.

The Entrance is a man-made entrance to the Gippsland Lakes. The lake system is in most places separated by Bass Strait by sand dunes and you will find them teeming with wildlife which gives holidaymakers a plethora of things to do in Lakes Entrance and surrounds

Things to do in Lakes Entrance:

A trip to Lakes Entrance in summer is filled with activities for everyone. You will find so many things to do in Lakes Entrance.

Places of interest near Lakes Entrance:

For people who want to get out and explore the surroundings of their holiday destinations in Victoria, Lakes Entrance has some amazing short-day trips around.

Explore Victoria More: Read our post on 11 reasons you NEED to visit the Gippsland Lakes

Best Victorian Getaways – Dinner Plain

While people would see Dinner Plain as more of a winter holiday destination in Victoria there are still so many summer activities to do in Dinner Plain.

For people who love nature and hiking Dinner Plain near Mount Hotham in regional Victoria is the perfect place for your summer holiday destinations in Victoria. Many of the ski chalets are still able to be rented to visitors to Dinner Plain and some of the shops are still open for you to enjoy your time there. Hotels offer great deals in the area as it is quiet time.

Things to do in Dinner Plain:

While most people will pick this holiday destination in Victoria for relaxing you can still do some wonderful things when you visit Dinner Plain summer.

Places to visit near Dinner Plain:

The two places below are also premier holiday destinations in Victoria in their own right and are definitely worth a visit when you stay in Dinner Plain in summer.

Discover more: Explore the towns on the Great Alpine Road

Lake Hume – best holiday locations

Another magnificent summer holiday destination in Victoria, Lake Hume has an abundance of activities for all ages to enjoy. Lake Hume in regional Victoria is just a few kilometres from Albury Wodonga on the Victoria, New South Wales border.

The tourist parks and accommodations on the lake fill up in the summer months with those looking to enjoy water-based activities. Lake Hume is located 339 kilometres from Melbourne via the Hume Highway

Things to do at Lake Hume:

With caravan parks and Lake Hume accommodation right on the waterside, you have an abundance of water activities on your doorstep.

Places to visit near Lake Hume:

Tick off some more amazing holiday destinations in Victoria with some brilliant regional Victorian towns close by you can easily visit.

Be amazed: Follow 2 of the most epic Silo Art Trails in Victoria

Torquay – Victoria family holiday

Torquay is a coastal town on the Great Ocean Road and the spiritual home of Australian Surfing. Surfers from around the world flock here to surf at breaks such as Bells Beach and Jan Juc.

The world’s longest-running professional surfing event, The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach surfing Classic is on every year at Easter. Torquay is a popular destination for holidaymakers, with Melbourne being only a little over an hour away. Torquay has a small shopping centre, plenty of food options and a local brewery.

Things to do at Torquay:

One of the top holiday destinations in Victoria for beach lovers, Torquay has so many wonderful activities only a short drive from Geelong.

Places to visit near Torquay:

Finding more holiday destinations in Victoria for future travels in Victoria is easy when you stay in Torquay.

Echuca – holiday places in Victoria

Echuca is one of the largest inland cities in Victoria. This popular destination on the Murray River draws visitors in to explore its heritage history on Murray River. In its heyday, Echuca was once the busiest inland port in Australia.

Now you will find Echuca a holiday mecca for those wanting to step back in time, cruise the Murray River or just relax on the banks of the iconic Murray.

Things to do at Echuca:

There is something for everyone on your holiday in Echuca. You can find a plethora of activities for young and old.

Places to visit near Echuca:

Being one of the most popular holiday destinations in Victoria towns near Echuca is a great way to discover more in the area.

Need more Victorian holiday inspiration? 21 of the best places to visit in Victoria

Wilson’s Prom – nice places in Victoria

Wilsons Promontory is the southernmost point of mainland Australia, and it is the perfect holiday destination in Victoria if you love camping and nature. The park consists of 500 square kilometres of land situated on a coastal headland. Wilson Promontory National Park is home to many species of animals such as koalas, kangaroos, birdlife, and snakes.

The prom as it’s known locally is popular with bushwalkers who can do hikes ranging from a few hours to a few days. Tidal River is the focal point of the Prom with its general Store, Ranger’s Office, campgrounds and picnic areas for day-trippers.

There are only a few places to camp in Wilsons Promontory National Park, hence they do fill up fast in the summer months. For hikers for are camping areas at Sealer Cove, Refuge Cove, Oberon Bay and more. For something special, you can hire the Lighthouse keeper’s cottage for a unique experience

Things to do at Wilsons Promontory:

There are so many ways you can reconnect with nature at Wilsons Prom. If you like fishing, camping and starry nights then Wilsons Prom is one of the best holiday destinations in Victoria for you.

Places to visit near Wilson Prom

Places near Wilsons Prom are great to restock your supplies and get out to see more. If you are visiting Wilsons Prom on the weekend see if there is a local Gippsland Market on and stock up on some amazing local produce. The Prom is a great option for an overnight getaway.

Mornington Peninsula – a perfect weekend getaway

The Mornington Peninsula is an absolute playground and the premier holiday destination in Victoria for fun in the sun in Victoria. From picking your own produce to swimming with seals in Port Phillip Bay, there is an activity for everyone when they holiday on the Mornington Peninsula.

You will find amazing wine and food everywhere, while attractions like Tree Surfing, Golf and Animal Parks await you on the Mornington Peninsula, and it is only an hour’s drive from Melbourne

Things to do on the Mornington Peninsula

You can pick plenty of activities on the Mornington Peninsula or you can use the time there to relax and unwind in the picturesque countryside. It makes a great location for a romantic getaway or family vacation. Here are some of the best things to do on the Mornington Peninsula

Places to visit near the Mornington Peninsula:

Being so close to Melbourne you will find some easy trips from Mornington Peninsula and some great hidden gems for you to add to your list of holiday destinations in Victoria.

Read More: 12 awesome things to do on the Mornington Peninsula

Phillip Island

For many tourists to Australia and visitors to Victoria, a trip to Phillip Island is a must. It is a world-renowned Island that packs a punch and would have to be the premier summer holiday destination in Victoria.

Things to do at Phillip Island:

There are attractions on Phillip Island for everyone, of every age and every budget. From free nature walks to watching adorable penguins waddle ashore every night, the list of epic Phillip Island activities is endless and has to be on your summer holiday destinations in Victoria’s list.

Places to visit near Phillip Island:

While many people find their days filled to the brim with things to do on Phillip Island, there are some wonderful places to visit near Phillip Island.

The Grampians National Park – The Great Outdoors

Welcome to Grampians National Park, a breathtaking natural wonder in Western Victoria, Australia. Here, you’ll discover rugged mountain landscapes, ancient rock formations, and an abundance of wildlife. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering rock climbing, bushwalking, and wildlife spotting opportunities. The Grampians are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, with something for everyone.

Things to do at the Grampians National Park

Here, you’ll discover rugged mountain landscapes, ancient rock formations, and an abundance of wildlife. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering rock climbing, bushwalking, and wildlife spotting opportunities. It is a weekend trip with breathtaking views. Halls Gap, the main town in the Grampians, is 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne. Here are some of the best things to do nearby:

There are so many places to visit in Victoria. National Parks such as the Dandenong Ranges National Park, Port Campbell National Park, and Murray Sunset National Park have the Twelve Apostles, ancient forests, jaw-dropping views, and native animals.

Places like Kryal Castle, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, the Eureka Stockade, Sovereign Hill, and the Melbourne CBD are ideal spots and popular destinations’ year-round for family activities.

You can take a road trip to the best places, such as boutique wineries in the Yarra Valley, a day spa, secret gardens, sandy beaches, a picturesque lake, or historic buildings in Victoria.

We hope this article from us here at Explore Victoria has inspired you to get out of your comfort zone and find some new summer vacation destinations in Victoria. If you have an idea, attraction, or top spot to visit in Victoria, feel free to leave us a comment or email us at contact@explorevictoriaaustralia.com.

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