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10 places to visit in Victoria these holidays
The holidays are almost upon us and what a year it has been! With all the festive craziness fast-approaching, sometimes it’s nice to get away from it all and head to destinations that offer relaxation, adventure or whatever takes your fancy. Whether it’s Boxing Day at a waterfall or New Year’s Eve at a regional winery, there are so many options to explore in Victoria.
At Mantello Kia Roxburgh Park, we love taking our favourite four wheels out for a spin, putting on some road trip tunes and heading to places we’ve never been before. Wherever you choose to spend your time this festive season, we hope you have a jolly old time!
Here are our favourite places to visit in Victoria these holidays.
1. Phillip Island
Whether you take your Christmas hats or not, escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get some fresh sea air at Phillip Island. Blow away the Christmas cobwebs with a coastal walk along the George Bass Coastal walk or bring in the new year at a gorgeous winery. And don’t forget to wave hello to those cute little penguins!
2. Echuca
If you’re really looking to get away from it all this Christmas and New Year, why not head to Echuca and the Murray River? The quiet town of Echuca is 214 km from Melbourne and houses the country’s largest fleet of paddle steamers. Take a lunch cruise or a half-day adventure before heading to the Great Aussie Beer Shed.
3. Ballarat
Picture the scene: you’ve packed up your brand-new Kia Rio, you’ve got your road trip snacks at the ready and you hit the open road towards the beautiful Ballarat – a place that really comes alive in summer and is great for the whole family.
A famed gold rush boom town, Ballarat is now a bustling city with plenty on offer, The art gallery is a must-see and a stroll around the lake is a great way to unwind.
4. Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula in summer is heaven – especially during the summer holidays in Victoria when the sun is likely to come along for the ride too. Famed for its wineries, cherries, berries and other produce, it’s also a popular beach destination.
5. Healesville
Whether you’re after a day trip or a weekend away, Healesville is a great place to take your Kia for a spin. Check out Healesville Sanctuary and get up close and personal with kangaroos, emus, koalas and wombats – to name a few!
6. Gippsland
A little further afield for many, Gippsland offers cool canopied rainforests, rugged coastlines and enough amazing local produce to satisfy all your holiday eating and drinking needs. Visit Gippsland Lakes and marvel at its effortless beauty and dreamy sunsets or head to Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival for some exciting family fun.
7. Grampians
Whether you want to relax or find adventure, the Grampians has all the ingredients for your perfect festive holiday. It has scenic diversity, colourful flowers, jaw-dropping waterfalls and plenty of native birds to spot.
8. Geelong & the Bellarine
If you’re looking for a taste of coastal life this Christmas, Geelong & the Bellarine is a great option. Opt for Christmas Day on Geelong’s sensational waterfront or cool off in an art gallery with a little more culture. Alternatively, check out the Bellarine Taste Trail – with cool climate wine, casual cafes and elegant restaurants.
9. High Country
Summers here are full of local brews, unmatched scenery and alpine ambience. Nothing says summer like splashing around in High Country lakes and rivers, and when you match it with some seasonal wining and dining, it’ll be a holiday to remember.
10. Carlton Gardens
Fancy somewhere a little less adventurous over the festive season? A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Carlton Gardens incorporates the Royal Exhibition Building, an IMAX cinema and Melbourne Museum. The gardens themselves are biodiverse and a great example of traditional Victorian landscaping.
Where will you head over the holidays?
Whether you opt for wine and food, or natural scenery, Victoria has so much to offer. At Mantello Kia Roxburgh Park, we don’t mind where we are, as long as there’s good food, festive cheer and our loved ones near.