8 Most Welcoming Towns in Victoria
The southernmost state on the continent of Australia, Victoria makes for a truly epic travel destination. Famous for its scenic coastal drives and award-winning wineries (800 at last count), it’s also a region that’s becoming increasingly popular for roadtrippers wanting to explore the country’s rural areas.
With an excellent road network and plenty of good car rental deals, getting out of the bigger cities like Melbourne will introduce you to no end of small communities to explore, each ready to roll out the red carpet for visitors from overseas. Find out more with our list of eight of the most welcoming towns in Victoria.
Halls Gap
Halls Gap is located in the heart of Victoria’s Grampians National Park and serves as a gateway to what is one of the state’s top tourist attractions. This area of outstanding natural beauty is known for its unique sandstone mountain ranges which are crisscrossed by a network of walking trails catering to all fitness levels. Make your way to the Pinnacle, the Boroka Lookout, or the Reed Lookout for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Also check out the Mackenzie Falls, one of Victoria's largest waterfalls, and the Balconies, a renowned rock formation that also boasts great views.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Halls Gap Zoo, Victoria's largest regional zoo, is a must-visit. It houses over 160 species including exotic animals such as giraffes, red pandas, and cheetahs. Downtown Halls Gap itself is a charming place to explore with a variety of eateries and places to stay like the Kookaburra Hotel.
Queenscliff
Located just across Port Phillip Bay on the Bellarine Peninsula and within sight of Melbourne, historic Queenscliff is a splendid destination for those seeking an easy day trip or weekend getaway from the state capital. Founded in 1863 and boasting a large collection of charming 19th-century buildings, a highlight of a visit is Queenscliff Harbour, a lively area where you can eat fresh fish and chips while watching boats glide in and out of the bay. Grab a pint from the always-welcoming Queenscliff Brewhouse or, better still, book a night’s stay here to make it a truly memorable visit.
For a unique experience, take a ride on the Q Train, a fine dining restaurant on wheels that travels along the historic Geelong to Queenscliff railway line and boasts spectacular scenery, along with a gourmet meal. Other highlights include the Queenscliff Maritime Museum, which displays the town's rich seafaring history; and Bass Strait, a beautiful coastal area that boat charters can reach.
Daylesford
Daylesford is a 90-minute scenic drive northwest of Melbourne and is well-known for its natural mineral springs. Visitors can experience their therapeutic properties firsthand at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa in neighboring Hepburn Springs which offers a range of hydrotherapy treatments. Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens is another great place to visit, while Lake Daylesford itself provides a scenic backdrop for walks, picnics, and boating.
Daylesford's fertile soil and cool climate make it an ideal location for vineyards, and its wines are well-regarded. Fancy a sample? Popular options include Lyons Will Estate, Attwoods Wines, and Hanging Rock Winery, each of which offers tours. Indoor fun can be had at The Convent Daylesford, a former convent dating from the 1800s that’s now a mix of art galleries, café, gardens, and wedding venues.
Lorne
Lorne is the most southerly destination on our list of welcoming towns in Victoria and makes for a great weekend or overnight getaway. This picturesque seaside town is set along the famous Great Ocean Road, a spectacular 150-mile-long coastal route between the towns of Torquay and Allansford. Highlights within Lorne include Louttit Bay with its popular beach that’s ideal for swimming but also surfing. Lorne Pier is another popular attraction and provides a scenic spot for fishing and enjoying views over the Tasman Sea.
Picturesque Erskine Falls is a must-visit for those who enjoy hiking, while nearby Great Otway National Park features ancient rainforests, fern-filled gullies, and a diverse range of flora and fauna to experience as you enjoy a little of that Australian “bushwalking.” In need of a little cultural activity? Pay a visit to Lorne's Qdos Sculpture Park for its artworks and lush gardens.
Healesville
Healesville is located an hour’s drive east of Melbourne in the stunning Yarra Valley and is a great place to combine two of life’s greatest pleasures: exploring nature, and sampling great wine. Start your adventure at Healesville Sanctuary, a wildlife reserve where you can get up close with a variety of native Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and the elusive platypus (some animal encounters are available, including feedings).
Healesville also serves as the gateway to Victoria's premier wine region. Most local wineries and vineyards offer tastings and tours, with popular choices being Boat O’Craigo Wines and Nolan Boutique Vineyard. If you plan on making an overnight stay of it, check out the top-rated 4-star Healesville Hotel.
Port Fairy
Port Fairy is located on Victoria's South West Coast and is a welcoming old fishing village that’s popular for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Topping most lists of fun things to do in Port Fairy is exploring the historic wharf area on the Moyne River. Here you can enjoy walks or evenings do some fishing or charter a fishing boat to go for a bigger catch. You’ll also want to make your way to the nearby Griffiths Island Lighthouse, accessible via a scenic causeway and famous for its colony of shearwater birds.
The Port Fairy Museum and Archives provides insights into the town’s fascinating past, from its days as a whaling station to its growth as a port. You’ll also have a chance to mingle with friendly locals during the Port Fairy Folk Festival, held each March since the 1970s.
Dunkeld
Although one of the smallest towns on our list with a population of less than 700, Dunkeld is no less welcoming. Named after the equally small town of Dunkeld in the Highlands of Scotland, this quaint town is, like Halls Gap, a great base from which to explore Grampians National Park. One of the best parts of the park, the Piccaninny (Bainggug) is accessible from town and provides an excellent view of much of the Grampians.
Closer to town, the Dunkeld Arboretum is a peaceful spot for a picnic lunch or to simply take a stroll among a wide array of native Australian plants. Make a weekend of your visit to Dunkeld with a stay at the classy Royal Mail Hotel which is also popular among locals for its restaurant.
Portland
Located on the southwest coast of Victoria, Portland was founded in 1855 and is one of the oldest European settlements in the state and is home to many well-preserved 19th-century buildings. You can learn more about the town's past at the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre with insights into whaling, which played a significant role in its early development. Other attractions include the Portland Cable Trams which offer scenic tours along the waterfront and through Portland Botanical Gardens.
Nearby Cape Bridgewater is a must-visit for its beaches and the Bridgewater Bay petrified forest, as well as for its seal-watching tours which offer a chance to observe a large colony of Australian fur seals. If you’re a hiker, the Great South West Walk is a 155-mile loop that starts and ends in Portland.
The Final Word
Despite being Australia’s second-smallest state, Victoria has no shortage of friendly small towns worth exploring. From Halls Gap to Port Fairy, these charming tourist spots also happen to be home to some of the most welcoming townsfolk. Find out more with our list of the eight most welcoming towns in Victoria. For more details about this beautiful part of Australia, check out the Visit Victoria website.
