There's so much to see and do across Victoria. From stunning national parks to quaint seaside towns, we're truly spoilt for choice. But such is the diversity of our state that planning a getaway can sometimes feel a little overwhelming – do you go off the beaten track or journey to a known-and-loved holiday spot? Luckily for you, the Time Out Melbourne team visited a wide variety of destinations in 2024 and we'll happily share our recommendations. We asked our editors to choose their fave place they visited across the year, and it's a cracking list. There are beloved towns, little-known locales and some unexpected additions. So consider this your travel inspo for a holiday close to home in 2025. Check out the list of the Time Out team's favourite Victorian destinations in 2024 below.
Rutherglen, High Country
I’m a big fan of Victoria’s wine regions: Yarra Valley! Mornington Peninsula! King Valley! You name it, I’ve been there. But one that had slipped off my radar was Rutherglen, right on the Murray River border near New South Wales. Luckily for me, a wedding invitation meant I got to spend a wintery weekend exploring the area – and it’s safe to say I’m now obsessed. The wineries are obviously excellent (the region is best known for its robust reds and fortified varieties), but there are plenty of great spots to eat, too. My top picks are Kin at All Saints Estate for a fancy lunch, and Parker Pies for some of the best – you guessed it – pies and sausage rolls in regional Victoria
Leah Glynn, city editor
Johanna Beach, Great Ocean Road
This lesser-known spot on the Great Ocean Road has all the breathtaking views without the crowds. The hike along the beach to Castle Cove as part of the Great Ocean Walk is awesome. There’s a nice secluded campsite, or you can stay in one of the cute hilltop cottages at the farm next door. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quiet, remote getaway.
Liv Condous, lifestyle writer
Shepparton, Goulburn Valley
The secret’s out, Shepparton is actually quite a nice place to visit (I’ve been twice this year, and no, I wasn’t paid to do it). It might not be your first choice for a Victorian getaway, but you shouldn’t knock it until you try it. Start your morning with a walk around Park Lake and a coffee from Elsewhere at Sam, the Milkbar or Lemon Tree Café. Then for a bev you can’t look past good ol’ Shingos and Shepparton Brewery. Of course, you can’t miss my favourite part of Shep – the abundance of painted cow statues. Keep a special eye out for the Shrek cow.
Saskia Morrison-Thiagu, branded content writer
Lorne, Great Ocean Road
I’ve travelled down the Great Ocean Road twice this year, once for leisure and once for work, and both times I’ve really enjoyed myself! It’s not only a beautiful drive to Lorne, but the beachside town is buzzing with life, cafés, food and shops. I grew up on a surf beach, so it was super refreshing to hit the beach and get some actual waves.
Nigel Kippers, videographer
High Country
I have a very outdoors-y mate who’d been insisting we all go to the High Country in Victoria. I was a bit nervous because I’d heard tales of an infamous ‘button man’ bloke who roams this remote region with buttons in his ears, and I also wasn’t sure how I’d go in the back of a 4WD on bumpy territory. But I’m so glad I went! This pristine and utterly unique slice of Victoria was the perfect setting for a proper three-day digital detox. I did cold exposure therapy in pristine streams, saw people on horseback, improved my fire-making skills, enjoyed wine under the stars with dear friends and visited all the famous mountain huts used by cattlemen in the 1800s. Revving up the iconic Billy Goat’s Bluff track was a highlight.
Lauren Dinse, food and drink writer
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