12 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In Victoria
Victoria may be Australia’s second-smallest state, yet it’s a state that easily lends itself to big adventures. Home to Australia’s second most populous city, Melbourne, it’s second to none in terms of natural beauty. Once you head out to explore Victoria’s small towns, you will find everything from Gold Rush mining heritage in the Australian Alps to a posh wine country wonderland that’s home to some of the country’s most prestigious winemakers. And, of course, you can also hit the open road to discover many incredible beaches. For some truly memorable experiences across much of Australia’s most beautiful countryside, here are 12 of Victoria's most captivating small towns.
Olinda
The village of Olinda may only be about 41 kilometers (or 25 miles) from Melbourne, yet it feels a world away, high in the Dandenong Ranges. Around town, you can enjoy relaxing journeys at lush and expansive gardens like R.J. Hamer Arboretum, Cloudehill Gardens, and Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. For some walks on the wilder side, head over to Dandenong Ranges National Park to take the trails to the stunning waterfalls at Olinda Falls Picnic Area. And if you’re down for some mountain biking, ride the Silvan Mountain Bike Trails for some epic excursions on two wheels.
Back in town, Olinda has a thriving arts scene, and galleries like Touchstone Craft Gallery and Emma Jennings Gallery are great spots to find special works by local artists. Olinda is also a hot spot for the perfect pot of tea, with restaurants like Olinda Tea House and Miss Marple’s Tea Room that specialize in hosting proper tea times. If you opt for a longer stay in Olinda, book a stay at Arcadia Cottages for well-appointed cottages in the forest that all have their own hot tubs.
Jamieson
Nestled in Victoria’s High Country, Jamieson is an idyllic town to get away from it all. If you want to get lost in nature, do the Jamieson Stroll for a 3.7-kilometer (or 2.3-mile) journey to find a picturesque forest that’s also great for birdwatching. For adventures on open water, go to the Jamieson Boat Ramp and set sail on the open waters of Lake Eildon. And for some great hiking, angling, and four-wheel driving in the wilderness, head out to Granny’s Flat Camping Reserve to the east of town.
When you can use a more relaxing day by the lake, pop over to Jamieson Brewery & Grill for some of the region’s best craft ales, fantastic chef-crafted cuisine, and the perfect spot (equipped with pay TV and Wifi internet) to watch your favorite football and cricket teams’ games. Once you’re ready to settle down, check into Jamieson Valley Retreat and enjoy your own charming cottage with panoramic mountain and valley views.
Mount Macedon
Located at the foot of the eponymous mountain, Mount Macedon is a lovely highland village at the edge of the Melbourne metro region. For a great wilderness escape, Macedon Regional Park is where you can reach the 1,001-meter (or 3,284-foot) summit, as well as do some rock climbing at Camel’s Hump, try a more leisurely walk at Sanatorium Lake, or go horseback riding at Old Scout Camp. If you’re looking for more ways to get active, go to Tony Clarke Reserve and take advantage of Macedon’s premier sports park with bowling greens, cricket nets, basketball courts, and an indoor stadium.
Thanks to Mount Macedon’s four-season climate, this is a good area to try some local wines, and Mount Macedon Winery and Mount Towrong Vineyard might make some of the best wines you’ll find this close to Melbourne. After a long day of wandering around town, head to Mistwood for a peaceful and scenic retreat sporting great forest views.
Mount Buller
Sitting high in the Australian Alps, Mount Buller is Victoria’s own winter sports and outdoor adventure paradise. At the Mount Buller Alpine Resort, discover over 80 kilometers (or about 50 miles) of ski and snowboard trails that reach as high as 1,780 meters (or about 5,840 feet) above sea level and offer up to 405 meters (or 1,329 feet) in vertical drop. During the summer season, Mount Buller opens up to hikers and bikers to explore its incredible trails. For even more of an adventure, try the Mount Buller to Mt. Stirling Trail to explore more of Victoria’s alpine wilderness.
If you prefer a more rustic camping experience out in the mountains, the nearby Upper Howqua Camping Area has campsites available. But if you’d rather have more creature comforts, Mount Buller Chalet offers luxurious accommodations and an on-site spa in the heart of the village near the ski area.
Portland
Located roughly halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide (South Australia), Portland showcases incredible coastal beauty alongside unique local heritage. In fact, Portland is considered “Victoria’s Birthplace” because European colonists established their first permanent settlement here in 1834. You can start diving into Portland’s past at the Portland Visitors Center, which also includes the Maritime Museum that features everything from one of the oldest surviving shore-based lifeboats in Australia (dating back to 1858) to a paper mache replica of a Great White Shark caught off the coast in 1982. Also, check out the impressive collection of vintage cars at the Powerhouse Vintage Car and Motor Museum, the Old Town Hall built in 1863 and now houses historic archives, and the vintage cable car trams still operating in town.
Just to the south of town, a vast expanse of ruggedly beautiful coastline awaits at Cape Nelson State Park and its trail network, revealing rare coastal ecosystems and rarer plant species (like the soap mallee) that only grow in southeastern Australia. A little farther south, the Cape Nelson Lighthouse has stood tall and guided ships to safety for nearly 150 years. And if you fancy a longer stay by the lighthouse, you can even book a cottage for a truly enlightening journey.
Colac
Along the southern shore of Lake Colac, the town of Colac provides a variety of special landscapes and close access to some of Victoria’s most beloved parks. Just to the south of Colac, the Otway Ranges feature some of Australia’s most mesmerizing temperate rainforest scenery, from the majestic waterfalls at Stevensons Falls all the way to the pristine beaches at Great Otway National Park.
Back in town, try a more relaxing stroll through the curated gardens and mature oak groves at Colac Botanic Gardens, and book a tee time to play up to 18 holes at Colac Golf Club. For a nice place to stay in the heart of town, book a room at the Otway Gate Motel, steps away from the botanic garden and lake.
Bright
With a name like Bright, it’s easy to envision a bright and sunny town with gorgeous natural scenery. Indeed, this town in northeastern Victoria’s Ovens Valley is incredibly beautiful. To the west of town, Mount Buffalo National Park has an abundance of places to stop and savor the views, including the over 200-meter (or over 650-foot) tall cliffs at the Gorge, the highest point in the park at The Horn (at 1,723 meters, or 5,653 feet, above sea level), and the stunning waterfalls at Ladies Bath and Eurobin Falls.
Meanwhile, Bright Pioneer Park has everything from a football oval to netball courts and a children’s playground to keep everyone active. Also, check out Bakers Gully for a series of trails tailor-made for more easy-going nature walks, and try Mystic Park for one of Victoria’s leading mountain bike parks with over 45 kilometers (or 28 miles) of thrilling bike trails. Just a few blocks away from Mystic Park, Mystic Mountain Lodge is perfect for families, larger groups, and anyone else wanting more room to roam and a house to themselves that’s within easy reach of the area’s parks and open spaces.
Maldon
About 143 kilometers (or 89 miles) northwest of Melbourne, Maldon looks and feels like a journey back in time. More specifically, the discovery of gold in these hills in 1853 brought Maldon into the Victorian Gold Rush, and the Maldon Historic Area Park includes various relics from the gold rush days (including shafts, tunnels, stone walls, and vintage machinery) along with well-preserved Box and Ironbark forests worth wandering. For even more glimpses into the past, head to Maldon Vintage Machinery & Museum and discover a treasure trove of artifacts that tell the story of the region’s development as a mining hub and then as a critical agricultural region.
Though Maldon’s heady gold mining days ended long ago, there are still plenty of treasures awaiting discovery. Dig into Maldon’s local arts scene and find some unique souvenirs at Cascade Art Gallery. Take a short field trip south (with a designated driver) to Panacea Estate for lovingly crafted wines and weekend vineyard tours.
Daylesford
For a different perspective on the Macedon Ranges, try a visit to the lovely spa town of Daylesford. With Australia’s greatest concentration of mineral springs, this is the ideal place to experience the soothing waters and healing vibes. For a truly historic trip, go to Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserve to enjoy scenic walks along the creek and experience the bathhouse and pavilion that have welcomed guests since 1865. If you want to get a little more active, walk around Jubilee Lake and discover their mineral spring nearby. You can also visit Lake Daylesford and take advantage of its larger network of walking trails, along with local springs like Wombat Flat and Central Spring.
When you can use a little break from the springs, head into The Convent Daylesford to tour a 19th-century convent and boarding school that was later converted into one of Australia’s most celebrated art galleries. Then, treat yourself to a slew of relaxing indulgences at the Lake House Daylesford, a beautiful hotel with luxurious accommodations, a full-service spa that uses small-batch and locally made bath and body products, and their restaurant that takes farm-to-table cuisine to new heights.
Beechworth
The village of Beechworth combines classic gold rush heritage and contemporary refined flavors. In 1852, the Victorian gold rush reached this northeastern corner of the state, and Beechworth Historic Park contains many remnants of the region’s former mines amidst a laid-back expanse of present-day dry forest. Heading into the heart of town, you can find more glimpses into the past at the Burke Museum, the site of Beechworth’s original 1857 athenaeum that now houses over 30,000 artifacts detailing everything from the region’s multicultural heritage to their natural history.
Like most other gold rush towns, mining is no longer Beechworth’s economic engine. Instead, this town has reinvented itself as a foodie hotspot, and local establishments like Provenance and Bridge Road Brewers go above and beyond to serve creative cuisine, fine local wines, and satisfying craft beers. For an extra sweet treat, stop at the Beechworth Honey shop to taste some of Australia’s most revered traditional, single varietal, and raw honey. To complete your ideal Beechworth trip, spend the night at the opulent Freeman on Ford bed and breakfast at the site of the town’s Victorian-era Oriental Bank.
Sorrento
Across Port Phillip Bay from Melbourne, the oceanfront town of Sorrento has long drawn visitors to the Mornington Peninsula with its natural beauty and historic charm. At the western end of the peninsula, Point Nepean National Park includes the original 1852 Quarantine Station where migrants spent their first days on Australian soil, along with Fort Nepean, which served as a critical military defense station from the 1880s until 1945. While here, make sure to visit the park’s gorgeous beaches that front Port Phillip and Bass Strait.
When you fancy some additional quality beach time, head over to Sorrento Ocean Beach for a fully accessible beach featuring great waves for surfing and a collection of pretty tidepools. Meanwhile, on the bay side, Sorrento Pier is nice for fishing, and the Port Phillip beaches have calm water that’s perfect for swimming. For a wonderfully historic stay in town, check into the Hotel Sorrento, which has welcomed guests since 1872.
Mallacoota
Last but certainly not least, there is the seaside village of Mallacoota by the New South Wales border. This town functions as the gateway to Croajingolong National Park, a true coastal wonderland chock full of white sand beaches, turquoise Pacific Ocean water, and magnificent highlands like Genoa Peak. Croajingolong National Park is also where you will find the Point Hicks Lighthouse near the point where British Captain James Cook first reached Australia in 1770.
If you prefer a more easygoing beach experience, visit Betka Beach for good surfing and swimming conditions, as well as prime areas for saltwater fishing. For some fascinating World War II history, go to the Mallacoota Bunker Museum to see the advanced operations base where the Australian military gathered intelligence and kept the nation’s sea lanes open during the war. Once it’s time to settle down after a long day of exploring, try a stay at The Wave Oasis for a lovely bed and breakfast surrounded by the beauty of the national park.
Look to These Small Towns for Great Local Spirit
Victoria might be best known for Melbourne’s legendary urban sophistication, yet there’s far more to explore well beyond Melbourne CBD. In towns like Olinda and Mount Macedon, it’s possible to experience the wonders of Victoria’s great outdoors without straying too far from the urban area. But if you feel like venturing farther out, you can discover the snowy slopes of Mount Buller, the delectable delights of Beechworth, and the breathtakingly beautiful beaches of Mallacoota. Whatever you aim to find, you might just find your new favorite paradise in the captivating small towns of Victoria.
