Victoria’s Must-Visit Attractions: Bucket List Destinations Post-COVID

Victoria, Australia, has long been a dream destination for travelers seeking stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and unforgettable experiences. While iconic attractions like the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island Penguin Parade remain essential stops, travel trends have evolved since COVID, leading to new bucket-list favorites. From adventure tourism to wellness escapes, here’s your updated guide to Victoria’s must-visit destinations.

Classic Icons That Never Fade

The Great Ocean Road & The Twelve Apostles

This breathtaking coastal drive remains one of Australia’s most spectacular journeys. The towering limestone stacks of The Twelve Apostles are a sight to behold, especially at sunrise or sunset. Post-COVID, travelers have been seeking quieter coastal retreats along the route, exploring hidden gems like Loch Ard Gorge and Apollo Bay.

Phillip Island’s Famous Penguin Parade

Victoria’s beloved Penguin Parade is back in full swing, offering visitors the chance to watch adorable little penguins waddle ashore at dusk. The island has also embraced new eco-conscious tourism, with enhanced wildlife conservation programs drawing visitors eager for sustainable travel experiences.

Melbourne’s Laneways & Cultural Scene

Melbourne’s urban charm is alive and well, with its laneways buzzing once more. Since COVID, visitors have taken a renewed interest in live performances at the East End Theatre District, cultural festivals, and the thriving café culture—making Melbourne’s creative energy more vibrant than ever.

Yarra Valley Wine & The Dandenong Ranges

Victoria’s food and wine scene has flourished post-COVID, with travelers prioritizing immersive dining experiences and boutique vineyard stays in the Yarra Valley. The Puffing Billy Railway in the Dandenong Ranges continues to enchant visitors seeking a nostalgic journey through lush forests.

The Grampians National Park

Adventure seekers flock to The Grampians for its dramatic lookouts, waterfalls, and Indigenous heritage sites. Since COVID, new hiking trails—like the multi-day Grampians Peaks Trail—have gained popularity, offering a deeper exploration of the rugged landscape.

Emerging & Evolving Bucket-List Destinations

Peninsula Hot Springs & Wellness Escapes

With wellness tourism on the rise, the Peninsula Hot Springs has become a go-to destination for relaxation. Visitors post-COVID are prioritizing self-care, opting for immersive experiences like forest bathing, outdoor spa retreats, and guided mindfulness sessions.

Wilsons Promontory National Park & Coastal Adventures

Wilsons Prom remains a favorite, but travelers are now exploring lesser-known areas, such as Little Waterloo Bay and Sealers Cove. The emphasis on outdoor, low-impact travel has made this national park even more appealing.

Sovereign Hill & Ballarat’s Cultural Revival

Sovereign Hill

Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill offers a step back into the gold rush era, but the city itself has seen a post-COVID revival. New cultural festivals, rejuvenated heritage attractions, and expanded food and wine experiences are drawing visitors beyond the classic Goldfields narrative.

Hidden Gems: The Pink Lakes & Gippsland’s Lakes Wilderness

Victoria’s Pink Lakes Trail in Murray-Sunset National Park has gained attention for its surreal seasonal hues, while Gippsland Lakes is attracting those seeking tranquil escapes. Post-COVID, visitors are embracing nature-based tourism, with increased interest in wildlife conservation and ecotourism in Gippsland.

High Country & Adventure Tourism Boom

Victoria’s High Country is seeing a surge in adventure seekers. Skydiving over Bells Beach, hot air ballooning over the Yarra Valley, and winter sports at Mount Hotham are topping bucket lists. Travelers are leaning into immersive, adrenaline-fueled experiences more than ever.

Final Thoughts

Victoria’s tourism landscape has evolved since COVID, with classic attractions still shining while new experiences shape traveler preferences. Whether exploring Melbourne’s cultural heartbeat, indulging in wellness retreats, or tackling adventure-fueled escapes, Victoria’s bucket list destinations promise unforgettable experiences.

Location: Melbourne VIC, Australia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome—and thanks for dropping in

Image
Why I’m Starting This Blog—And Why Victoria’s Visitor Economy Needs It If you work in tourism, hospitality, local government, or any corner of the visitor economy here in Victoria, this blog was made with you in mind. From Gippsland to the Grampians, the High Country to the Great Ocean Road, our state is bursting with stories, opportunities, and character. But let’s face it—the landscape is shifting. Why This Space Exists  I’ve spent years collaborating with local councils, regional tourism boards, businesses, and community leaders across Victoria. Through that journey, one thing’s become clear: we need more spaces for grounded conversations and forward-thinking ideas. This blog will be a place where strategy meets storytelling—where we break down what’s working from around the world (and what’s not), explore what’s next, and learn from each other’s wins and missteps. What You’ll Find Here  Expect insights on destination planning, visitor servicing, placemaking, digital capabi...
Read more

From Standstill to Surge: How Tourism Bookings Have Transformed Since COVID

Image
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the global tourism industry to a screeching halt. Borders closed, flights were grounded, and once-bustling destinations fell silent. But in the years since, tourism has not only rebounded—it’s evolved. The Collapse and the Pivot In 2020, international tourist arrivals dropped by a staggering 74%, wiping out over a billion trips and triggering a $2 trillion economic hit . Travel companies, airlines, and hospitality businesses faced mass layoffs and closures. But amid the chaos, a new trend quietly emerged: domestic tourism . With international travel off the table, people began exploring their own backyards. In Australia, for example, domestic tourism spending bounced back quickly and even surpassed pre-pandemic levels . Local getaways, road trips, and nature-based travel surged in popularity, giving regional economies a much-needed boost. The Rise of the Cautious Traveler Health and safety became top priorities. Travelers now expect flexible booking polici...
Read more