Victoria’s mountain ranges, easily accessible from Melbourne, offer a wide array of natural environments, landscapes, activities and attractions. The great sights, tastes and adventures make them must visit destinations.
The Dandenongs
The Dandenong Ranges are a set of low mountains and hills, rising to 633 metres (at Mount Dandenong), 35 km east of Melbourne, Victoria. Picturesque towns, with their antique stores, cafes and restaurants, are scattered throughout the lush, temperate rainforest with its majestic Mountain Ash trees. The famous Puffing Billy Railway meanders through the ranges giving kids the experience of an old fashioned steam train.
The views and the terrain have made the Dandenong Ranges a favourite destination for walkers and hikers, and the 1,000 Step Trail is a popular endurance test. See and experience the best the Dandenongs has to offer with the Dandenong Ranges Tour.
The nearby Yarra Valley is Australia’s first wine growing region. In recent years it has become a premier food, wine and accommodation hub. In 2015 Four Pillars Gin, officially named the “world’s leading gin producer” (by the IWSC) for the last two years, set up shop in the Yarra Valley township of Healesville.
To make the most of the local hospitality, leave your car at home and enjoy our Yarra Valley Gourmet Wine, Lunch and Gin Tasting tour.
The Great Dividing Range
The Great Dividing Range runs the length of Eastern Australia parallel to the coastline, then continues west in Victoria to the Grampians. It is a series of ranges that, in unison, create the “Divide”.
In Victoria, the range encompasses most of the mountainous regions, including the ski fields and the state’s tallest mountain, Mt Bogong (1986m). A favourite with day trippers and serious skiers is Mt Buller. With 20 ski lifts and 85 runs, from beginner to advanced, the mountain has all your needs covered. There’s plenty to do if skiing or snowboarding is not your thing; cafes, the cinema, or a fireside drink with a book. Dining options range from “ski- in/ski-out” venues to hotels and fine dining. For a great day during the snow season, without the hassle of tyre chains and driving in the snow, book a Mt Buller Day Tour.
Outside of ski season, the area is great for hiking and experiencing Victoria’s famed “great outdoors”. See as much of the Great Dividing Range as you choose with our Private Customised Tour.
The Otway Ranges
The Otway Ranges are a low coastal mountain range north of the Great Ocean Road from Lorne to Lavers Hill. The ranges are also known as the Otway Cool Temperate Rainforest. The local flora is a drawcard, ranging from 140 million year old, dinosaur era, plant communities to the more recent (planted in 1939), but similarly impressive, 60 metre Californian Redwoods.
The most enjoyable way to see the forest is with Otways Fly Treetop Adventures; they offer treetop walks and a zip line tour. You can combine a treetop adventure with the most popular Great Ocean Road sights with a single day 12 Apostles and Otway Fly Adventure Tour.
The Great Ocean Road is a famous 243km stretch of coastal road between Torquay and Allensford. With the Otways to the north and the rugged coastline to the south, it is a must for Victorians and visitors alike. Eroded limestone cliffs almost encircle the gorgeous cove at Loch Ard Gorge, and they created what are known as the 12 Apostles – rock stacks that rise from the ocean – there are seven remaining. To take in all the sights, book an Ultimate 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour, or fit in more with the 3 Day Adventure Sunset Great Ocean Road Tour.
Do you have a favourite mountain excursion in Victoria? Share your tips with us.
Let us know some of your favourite places to enjoy the fresh mountain air in Victoria. Body: If you liked this article please share:
NewsLetter
Keep in touch. Subscribe to our blog for more Victorian travel stories
Tours From: $99.00
Recent Comments