The state of Victoria is not just all about Melbourne. Sure, the southern capital has an incredible amount of pleasures to tempt the visitor, but there are wonderful things to see and do outside of town.
That said, one of the highlights of the Aussie sporting and social calendar is the Melbourne Cup, so why not take in a combination of the two — visit the Victorian countryside and also hit the races at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November.
Day 1
The first Tuesday in November hosts Australia's most parochial sporting and social day — Melbourne Cup day. It's the day when Australia literally "stops" for the race at Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse. Keen punters study the racing guide for weeks prior to the event and people who never even think of punting have flutter on the nags. And as the day is a public holiday in Victoria, the whole town is abuzz with Cup parties and festivities.
At the Flemington track itself, just out of town, the atmosphere is incredible. Getting a ticket to the actual racetrack isn't easy, but by planning well in advance, you might be lucky. But, regardless, hordes of people who haven't even got a ticket to the track gather in all their finery — men in everything from tuxedos to any type of crazy outfit and women in their best dresses and hats — in the carpark outside and sip champagne … or beer, as the case may be.
But even if it's not Melbourne Cup time, the city of Melbourne offers many other attractions. The gastronomic capital of Australia has a range of fine and casual dining options and an abundance of contemporary bars. Tempt your tastebuds with a cocktail or two before seeking out a popular waterfront eatery or a laneway hideaway secret.
If it's fine dining you're after try the elegant, world-acclaimed Cantonese restaurant the Flower Drum in Market Lane. Devour the finest Peking duck you'll probably ever eat outside of China.
Day 2
After enjoying the sights of Melbourne, it's time to take in one of Australia's great drives — the Great Ocean Road. This remarkable road weaves and meanders for over 400km along the Victorian coastline.
Known as one of Australia's best driving experiences it certainly doesn't fail to live up to its reputation. The scenery makes it a cruise well worth your while, and if you're not pressed for time take a detour on the inland roads that are less congested and take you to some quaint towns.
But remember to take your time, jump out of the car to take breaks and don't rush the journey. The roads around here can be a bit tricky and it's a pleasure to breathe in the salty air and feel the spray of the waves hit your face.
Heading south-west of Melbourne, start your coastal adventure in Torquay, 95km away. Torquay is known to the surf world as one of Australia's much-applauded surf spots — so much so that it even has a surf museum in town. The museum is a unique collection of all things to do with surfing, including surfing videos of the world's best breaks, wave making tanks and historic memorabilia.
Nearby Bells Beach is home to a World Championship Tour event every Easter and the waves here are regularly close to perfection. Whilst the waves can be a little challenging for novices — and the water freezing — there are many surf schools in region that offer surfing classes and courses.
Day 3
After indulging your "inner surfie", hit the road again and head down towards Angelsea and further onward towards Apollo Bay and beyond. The scenery of this area is simply breathtaking and you'll see just why the road is renowned around the world as an essential driving experience.
Further along you will come eventually to the Twelve Apostles in the Port Campbell National Park. These rock formations sit dramatically just offshore and are the result of vicious erosion from the violent waves over the last 10 million years.
The sheer cliffs and wild ocean provide a dramatic backdrop and your camera will work overtime to catch all the magic, just as it will for much of your journey along this great road.
