Are you and your family not sure on how you are going to spend your hard earned days off over the summer period? We’ve made a list of 5 of Victoria’s favourite summer holiday locations, and they’re all located within a few hours of Melbourne’s CBD!
Echuca
The closest point on the majestic Murray River to Melbourne, Echuca is a location that thousands travel to over the summer months to try their hand at water-skiing and a host of other water sports. If you are new to the action on the water, Brett Sands Watersports across the bridge in Moama offers world class lessons that will have you out behind the boat in no time! The town has a number of attractions off the water too, including the Port of Echuca which is a step back in time to the 19th century when it was considered Australia’s largest inland port. The river is often busy over new years, so I recommend doing your research on finding the quieter camp spots.
Rye
One of Victoria’s most popular holiday destinations, the seaside town of Rye is located in between the towns of Blairgowrie and Rosebud. The small town is home to the beautifully clear and clean Rye Beach as well as a number of parks and walking tracks. Located nearby are the towns of Sorrento and Portsea, which offer a number of highly regarded restaurants, bars and cafes. For the golfers out there, there are a number of picturesque golf courses within a short distance, many of which are considered some of the best Victoria has to offer!
Phillip Island
Next we have the ever popular holiday destination of Phillip Island. Located only 140 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, Phillip Island is home to an assortment of great beaches, accommodation, bars and restaurants, making it a location that families all over the state swarm to over the christmas and new year period. Each year between Boxing Day and Australia Day, the Island Summer Carnival takes place in Cowes. Featuring adrenaline pumping rides, prize giveaways and freestyle motocross displays, the Island Summer Carnival is sure to have something to please everyone!
Great Ocean Road
Located over the other side of the bay, the Great Ocean Road is arguably Australia’s best road trip and is home to a number of awesome summer holiday destinations. Starting in Torquay, the Great Ocean Road weaves its way along the coast line through the tourist towns of Anglesea, Lorne, Wye River, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell before coming to an end in Allansford. All of the above offer plenty of accommodation options and make for great holidays on their own, although if time permits, a road trip along the length of the coastline stopping in at the major towns is a great way to spend a few weeks over the summer months!
Lake Eildon
Whether you’re heading to Bonnie Doon to experience firsthand the serenity it possesses, or you’re basing yourself a little closer to the town of Eildon, you are sure to find something that tickles your fancy at Lake Eildon. Experience activities such as fishing, bush walking, water-skiing and enjoy the lakes close proximity to the Victorian High Country’s critically acclaimed wineries. Although one of the best ways to see the lake is via houseboat, there are also a number of lower cost camping options around the lake, including the popular Jerusalem Creek Campground.
