Victoria Quick City Guide: A - H

Albury Wodonga

Located on the mighty Murray River, the twin cities of Albury Wodonga were once a busy gateway between New South Wales and Victoria. Today, most activities are still centred around the Murray and nearby Lake Hume, making it a popular holiday destination – a great place for freshwater fishing or hiring a houseboat. Offical Information Centre

Anglesea

Situated on the shores of the Anglesea River and on Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road, Anglesea is a quiet holiday town with beautiful beaches and  stunning nature. Anglesea is only a stone’s throw from the Angahook-Lorne State Park with its old forests, abundant wildlife and dramatic coastline. Visit Great Ocean Road

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay sits on the foot of the Otway Ranges on a protected bay, making it a great place for swimming and windsurfing. It is also the gateway to the Otway National Park featuring ancient rainforests and a thriving wildlife. The usually quiet holiday town gets very busy during summer holidays. Visit Great Ocean Road

Ararat

The peaceful town of Ararat owes its existence to a group of Chinese immigrants who incidentally discovered gold on the town’s site. Today, Ararat is a place to dig into the past: You can discover the town’s origin at the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre or visit the J Ward, a former prison for the criminally insane. Visitor Information Centre

Bairnsdale

Attractive and less touristy than nearby Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale offers a great starting point for discovering the lakes and wilderness region of East Gippsland. The land has a strong indigenous history, which is reflected in the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place, teaching visitors about the indigenous heritage and culture. East Gippsland Information 

Ballarat

Australia’s largest inland town has maintained its atmosphere of splendour and prosperity. Built on the wealth of the region’s goldfields, Ballarat offers grand historic buildings and tidy wide streets. Experience the olden days at Sovereign Hill, a replica of a gold mining town, where you can pan for your own gold. Visit Ballarat Information

Bendigo

Once sitting on the source of one of the world’s richest gold fields, Bendigo was never shy to display its excessive wealth to the world. Magnificent old buildings blend with modern restaurants and shopping centres. The Central Deborah Goldmine gives you a feel for life here during the old gold mining days. Bendigo Visitor Centre

Bright

Situated on the foothills of the Victorian Alps, Bright offers an attractive alternative to the accommodation on Mount Hotham and Mount Buffalo. The banks of the Ovens River that runs through town offer a great place for a walk or a picnic. The town gets very busy during the annual Bright Autumn Festival. Bright Information Centre

Castlemaine

Castlemaine came into life after one lucky shepherd found gold here back in 1851. The country town has since retained its gold rush charms and today is the proud home of a thriving artistic community. The Art Gallery & Historical Museum provides an insight into the towns history and achievements. Castlemaine and Madon Visitor Centre

Daylesford

If you’re looking for a get-away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, Daylesford is the place to go. This idyllic country town is all about recreation, the re-discovery of slowness and excellent coffee. Daylesford also has a strong taste for art, which you will discover on a stroll through picturesque Vincent Street. Visit Daylesford 

Echuca-Moama

Once Victoria’s most substantial inland river port, life in Echuca still revolves around the mighty Murray. Historic paddleboats cruise the river and families and couples can enjoy an abundance of water activities. The town displays its prosperous past at the impressive Port of Echuca, its beautifully restored wharf. Information Centre

Geelong

Originally a wool-processing centre, Geelong has long grown past its industrial image. It’s picturesque esplanade features public art, landscaped gardens and stylish restaurants and cafés. Victoria’s second largest city is also the gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road Information Be sure to check out The Bellarine Railway.

Halls Gap

Set in the heart of the Grampians National Park, Halls Gap is the perfect spot to start your discovery of these stunning mountain ranges. The town has a very relaxed atmosphere with some cosy cafés, shops and galleries. This is also the place to gather information on walks and the region’s indigenous history. Visitor Information Centre

Hamilton

Dubbed the ‘Wool Capital of the World’, Hamilton proudly showcases its prosperous history with grand old buildings and lush, well-maintained gardens. Lake Hamilton provides ample water activities as well as an idyllic spot for a picnic. Hamilton is a comfortable place to stretch your legs on your journey from the Great Ocean Road to the Grampians.

Horsham

Before the arrival of European settlers, the native inhabitants referred to the region as "Wopetbungundilar", meaning place of flowers. The naming becomes most obvious to visitors in spring-time, when the banks along the Wimmera River are patched with colourful wildflowers. Horsham prides itself on its picturesque gardens and tidy streets. Information centre

Photos Courtesy: Getty Images/Tourism Victoria