6 Most Hospitable Towns In Victoria
Victoria, Australia, is lauded worldwide for its beautiful, diverse landscape, featuring the Victorian Alps, open plains, forests, and numerous rivers, such as the Ovens River. It's estimated that up to 75% of Victoria's population lives in the state's capital city, Melbourne, while the rest of the state lives in smaller cities and towns. So, if you are looking to visit Australia's "Garden State" but don't fancy city life, we have some recommendations for hospitable towns that will knock your socks off. Go snorkelling at Inverloch or explore the mining history at Maldon, and enjoy kayaking in the serene waters of the Kiewa River in Mount Beauty. These six Victoria towns are waiting to be unravelled.
Beechworth
Beautiful Beechworth is currently home to around 3,290 people who enjoy the town's great weather, incredible history, and laid-back vibes. While you're in town, you can learn about its history by visiting the Beechworth Telegraph Station. Built in 1851, this amazing piece of living history connects visitors to a time before telephones, when messages were sent using Morse code. From there, you can enjoy some of the town's beautiful weather by spending time at the awe-inspiring Woolshed Falls. If you are a bit of a daring sort, you can go take a Ghost Tour of the old Beechworth Asylum. The service offers daytime tours, and for those brave enough, the company also offers night tours. Provided you're able to sleep after taking one of these frightfully fun tours, you can stay at the Old Priory boutique hotel.
Mount Beauty
If there was ever a place that truly lives up to its name, it's Mount Beauty. All it takes is one look at this picturesque town to see why. While you're in Mount Beauty, you can go swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding on the Kiewa River. For a truly breathtaking experience that will provide you with a view like none other, you can take a trip in a glider at Air Flight Experiences. To be clear, these aren't hang gliders; the gliders used by Air Flight have enclosed cockpits so you can see the world around you and below through a clear canopy. Just make sure your camera is ready! Back on the ground, you can head to the links at the Mount Beauty Golf Club, where you spend time on a wonderfully maintained course, surrounded by the town's natural beauty. After you've played 18 holes, you can learn a bit more about the town's amazing history by visiting the Kiewa Valley Historical Society Museum, which is conveniently located in the town's visitor center. You may arrive as a visitor, but you'll no doubt feel like a local in no time.
Cowes
About two hours south of Victoria's capital of Melbourne, you'll find the quaint town of Cowes. Located on Phillip Island, this charming community is home to 6,593 people who enjoy all the town has to offer. While you're in Cowes, you can get your photo taken with the town's most famous resident: the Big Koala statue! If you are looking to get up close and personal with some real-life Australian wildlife, you can visit the Phillip Island Wildlife Park. The beautiful facility offers visitors the chance to interact with Koalas, emus, and other animals. When you've worked up an appetite, you can grab a bite at local favorite Pino's Trattoria. From there, you can work on your tan or go for a swim at Cowes Beach before you stop by the Phillip Island and District Historical Society. While you're in Cowes, you can stay at the charming North Pier Hotel. Their friendly staff are waiting to welcome you!
Maldon
Magnificent Maldon, Victoria, is known as "Australia's first notable town" for its former importance as a mining town. These days, Maldon's best natural resource remains its incredible people. With a population of 1,665, this charming community is the perfect place for a chilled-out weekend or day trip. While you're in Maldon, you can get an up-close look at the town's mining past when you visit the North British Mine ruins. One of the best parts about Maldon is its thriving artistic community. If you're an art lover, you will want to visit the Cascade Art Gallery to see all the wonderful works on display. During late October, you can visit the annual Maldon Folk Festival for fun, music, and delicious food. A short drive from Maldon is Mount Tarrengower. Imagine camping there and taking an early morning hike to watch the sunrise while getting a breathtaking view of Maldon down below. If there is a heaven, you'd swear you were looking right at it.
Trentham
You know the expression "variety is the spice of life"? In a way, that is an apt description of Trentham, since the town offers a variety of activities for visitors and locals alike. Sports fans will want to visit Trentham Football Netball Club to cheer on the Trentham Saints, an Australian rules Football team. For those unfamiliar with the sport, Australian rules football isn't soccer (also known as football), American Football, or even Canadian Football. Instead, the sport is closer to rugby, making for a fast-paced, hard-hitting, high-impact sport with no padding. After that adrenaline-pumping experience, you can cool down with a relaxing walk or hike to see the beautiful Trentham Falls. From there, you can pop into The Green Store to pick up gifts for those back home. A visit to the Trentham & District Historical Society is a great way to learn all about the history of this amazing community.
Inverloch
Just 143 kilometres (89 mi) southeast of Melbourne, you'll find the charming town of Inverloch. Just a hair over 6,500 people call this beautiful town home, and after strolling down one of its streets, you may get the urge to as well. While you're in Inverloch, you can go snorkeling and diving at the Bunurong Marine National Park, and you may even see some of the area's incredible wildlife while you're there! During your time in town, you can stay at the beautiful RACV Inverloch Resort. Australia has one of the world's most incredible and important ecosystems, which you can learn all about at the South Gippsland Conservation Society. Did you know that the first dinosaur bone discovered in Australia was found in Inverloch? It's true! If you've ever wanted to travel back, say, 126 million years but don't have a phone booth or a Delorean handy, you can spend time at the Dinosaur Dreaming Site, where you might be able to see actual footprints left by the beasts. Life, as they say, finds a way. When all of that adventuring makes you hungry, you can stop in for a bite to eat at the cozy Bluette on Bear cafe. Bon appetite, mate!
Final Thoughts
Almost no matter where you choose to go in Victoria, you are bound to find a town that is perfect for you. No matter if you are a sports nut, a budding historian, or just looking to lounge on the beach before eating a succulent meal, your options are virtually endless. One of the less lauded things that these towns all have in common is the drives to and from each town, when you will get to see Victoria's scenic beauty and natural wildlife on full display. Just remember, when visiting Australia, make sure you stock up on sunscreen. We can't wait to see the photos you take! Happy Travels!
