Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Victoria, Australia

This 190-mile scenic road winds its way through mountainous country, from Bairnsdale to Wangaratta.

Journey through a world of wildlife in the heart of Melbourne. Over 250 species from around the world can be found in the beautiful setting of Melbourne Zoo, just five minutes from the city centre. Stroll through the lush Asian and African rainforests, Australian bushland and even underwater! Walk where tigers roam and monkeys swing from tree to tree. See eye-to-eye with the Orang-utans in their special elevated exhibit, explore the Trail of Elephants and then head down the bush track to see unique Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wombats and emus. Submerge yourself in our underwater world to see Victoria's iconic Little Penguins, Australian Fur Seals and more! Meet the Keeper: Hear our expert keepers give daily talks about the animals in their care. Close-up Encounters: Book a close-up encounter with one of our animals for a great photo opportunity. Melbourne Zoo is also the proud winner of the Victoria Tourism Awards RACV People’s Choice category, voted by Victorians as their Favourite Metro Attraction in both 2015 and 2016!

Heritage-listed for its animal and plant life, Aboriginal heritage and stunning natural beauty, the Grampians National Park is one of Australia's most recognisable places. Explore the natural beauty of the Grampians from its world-famous hiking trails or by taking a scenic drive. Discover majestic waterfalls, dazzling spring wildflower displays and awe-inspiring mountain panoramas. Cross paths with kangaroos, wallabies, emus and native birds. Traditionally known as Gariwerd, this region is home to the largest number of significant and ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings and shelters in southern Australia. A visit to Brambuk – The National Park & Cultural Centre will help you get the most of your trip to these rock shelters.

Healesville Sanctuary, in the heart of the Yarra Valley, is world-renowned as the best place to see Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. Set in a beautiful natural environment, the Sanctuary offers a place for people and animals to reconnect with nature from creek to canopy, and plays a critical role in saving some of the world's most endangered animals. Explore the 70 acre bushland haven to experience close-up encounters with some of Australia's unique and endearing wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes, birds of prey and platypus. Visitors are also free to explore the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, a working vetinary hospital treating over 1500 orphaned, ill or injured wildlife every year. The expert team shares the journey of animal rescue, rehabilitation and release with the Sanctuary's visitors. Don't miss: Spirits of the Sky: A free flight presentation featuring Australian raptors such as the Wedge Tailed Eagle, and colourful parrot species. Tales from Platypus Creek: Come face-to-face with Healesville Sanctuary's most iconic species in a world-first interactive Platypus show. Observe Platypus as they interact with keepers, play in the water and even enjoy having their tummies tickled! Wade with the Platypus: In this world-first, hands-on experience it will be your turn to be the Platypus keeper. You will have the opportunity to step into the shallow water of the 'Platypus play pool' where it's normally the keeper's job to play, frolic, tickle and feed our little furry friends.

Mornington Peninsula National Park is a favourite of Melburnians looking to escape the nearby city. Experienced surfers flock to Gunamatta Beach, while rockpools at Sorrento Ocean Beach, close to town, are perfect for families. Dip into the excellent surf beaches of the Mornington Peninsula National Park. Tackle the waves of Gunnamatta, Flinders, Portsea and Rye ocean beaches. Step out on The Coastal Walk for spectacular coastal views. The two-day walk meanders along high clifftops, through coastal vegetation and past stunning ocean beaches. A haven for native wildlife such as kangaroos, Greens Bush is the largest fragment of native bushland remaining on the Mornington Peninsula.

Experience an African adventure just 30 minutes from Melbourne. You'll find an amazing array of animals living on 225 hectares of wide, open savannah. On the Pula Reserve Walking Trail, come face-to-face with amazing gorillas, a pride of lions, see monkeys and cheetahs at play and feel the sand between your toes at the new Hippo Beach! Included in your admission price is a 40 minute safari tour where you will find rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras and antelopes grazing together on the picturesque savannah. Don't miss: Wild Encounters: Feed a giraffe, stroke a serval, see amazing animals on the savannah from an open vehicle and, in the new Gorilla Behind the Scenes encounter, get up close and personal with three gorilla bachelors! Slumber Safari: Stay overnight in our luxury safari tents overlooking the savannah. Your stay includes amazing close-up animal encounters, drinks and dips at sunset, and a sumptuous African feast.