Weekend in Victoria - State of Victoria Travel Forum

Weekend in Victoria
Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 07:56 AM UTC

Hi all,

It's my dad's birthday next month. My folks have been in Aus for about 2 years and they've barely seen any part of Victoria and we stay in Melbourne. So we thought we'd celebrate my dad's birthday over the weekend somewhere in Victoria. When he goes places, he likes to know about the culture, eat at a local diner and take in the sites. We've been to Healsville, Marysville and to the snow last year. I need help to think of some places that we can do over the weekend and be interesting to 7 people including my dad.

So if you know of a place which is scenic, has culture, laid back, not too touristy (so great ocean road is definitely out of the question), please let me know.

I've heard of the boat trip down the echuca, is that good?

Many thanks for your time

Lisa.

lisa_aruliah

9 replies

[Reply]

Re: Weekend in Victoria
Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 10:56 AM UTC

Yes Echuca was good and had a lot of australian history, did a two hour paddlesteamer ship on the river which was enjoyable but would not want to do much longer than that.

Bendigo and Ballarat and surrounds spring to mind for Australian history (Sovereign Hill would be good for history)

I really like Beachworth for its history and very scenic surroundings (lots of good drives from there) plus stops on the way there and back.

Consider Phillip Island. The Grampians are scenic but quite a long drive.

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mgmarcus

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Re: Weekend in Victoria
Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 11:18 AM UTC

Hi Lisa,

I was in the middle of writing this when the previous answer was posted, so I apologies if it seems to be a repeat .....

Take a look at a couple of the old gold rush towns - Ballarat and Bendigo. Suprisingly there's lots to see in both places.
Here are a few ideas/places for you to google.

Ballarat :-

Sovereign Hill

Eureka Stockade - find out about the uprising against British forces against taxes on miners - and the birth of the Eureka Flag.

Ballarat Cemetery where some people who fought the British are laid to rest.

Parks and gardens - look at trees planted when settlers first came to look for gold etc.

Bendigo :-

Take in the lavish opulent buildings that were built in the short time of this town being the richest gold-bearing place in the world.

Chinese Temple and museum where the world's longest ceremonial dragon is housed.

Talking tram.

Gold Mine Tours.

A visit to the beautiful Bendigo cathedral is recommended.

Chinese graveyard, Bendigo gold was a big draw to thousands of chinese prospectors.

Just a couple of ideas for you.

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grumpybum

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Re: Weekend in Victoria
Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 11:21 AM UTC

You did a much better job John. quality takes time.

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mgmarcus

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Re: Weekend in Victoria
Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 11:52 AM UTC

It really is surprising what there is to see and discover in some places out there in the sticks, where history was made - names and events that shaped this nation are all out there. They just need looking for because they are not obvious at first glance and - they are not all that well advertised.
The Paddle steamer trips are good too :-)

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grumpybum

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Re: Weekend in Victoria
Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 12:13 PM UTC

One of my favorite places for a weekend break is the Mornington Peninsula. Its a scenic drive, a leisurely hour or so. I usually stay at a lovely country hotel called Lindenderry at Red Hill.

www.lindenderry.com.au if you are interested. They sometimes have quite reasonable weekend specials although it is a bit of an indulgence.

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swissfondue

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Re: Weekend in Victoria
Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 03:22 PM UTC

All the places mentioned by previous posters are great and worth doing, however if you havnt done the GOR it should be on the list - so spectacular and is a weekend trip. It is one of the best 3 ocean drives in the world (depending on who you speak to - Big Sur in California, France to Italy around Monaco and GOR on your doorstep in Victoria). June is very quiet on the GOR, so you don't need to be worried about crowds.

Maybe birthday dinner at the Apollo Bay hotel?????

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sirgaw

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Re: Weekend in Victoria
Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 09:04 PM UTC

Daylesford/Hepburn Springs is another town that has lots to offer the visitor.There are many lovely places where you can stay.
It is cold in winter, but so is everywhere else in Victoria:)
Check out my pages of Hepburn and Daylesford, this may help you.

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Anne12

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Re: Weekend in Victoria
Posted: Mon June 2, 2008 06:08 AM UTC

Hehehe... Thank you Grumpybum... Your reply was super... Half of us have done Ballarat, the stockade, soverign hill however we missed the cemetary and we've also been to bendigo but we completely missed the cathedral which after coming back I was told that it is spectacular....well that's what happens when you don't plan!

I think yea, I'm leaning towards Echuca-Moama...was just doing some research on visitvictoria.com. As one of you'll mentioned they have short trips on the steamer and it's not expensive at max about 27$, that's including a tour. Also I'm hoping that a farmer's market or similar will be open.

Will keep you'll posted of how I go.

Thanks again.

Lisa.

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lisa_aruliah

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Re: Weekend in Victoria
Posted: Mon June 2, 2008 06:15 AM UTC

oops...I just read through my previous post and realised that I would be amiss if I don't mention that everyone's reply was super :D.

Another place close to Echuca is famous for it's milkshakes and have a number of dairy farms around.

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