Things to see in Victoria

Historic Sites Victoria

There is a rich array of cities, towns and other historic sites across Australia. All reflecting events and population movements in the two centuries following European settlement and offers fascinating insights in the country’s history. Some historic sites can be found in National Parks which are protected by national park authorities. However, most are a within the nation’s cities or towns. Many of buildings are now in public ownership and are being used for various things like a museums. Others have been acquired by the National Trust to preserve the past and display to the public. And to conclude, the things to see in Victoria, like the historic site’s that can be found will please most tourists. Enjoy the things to see in the Victoria when you visit. 

Echuca, Victoria. (region: The Murray)

Named by the indigenous Yorta Yorta peoples as a place that means ‘meeting of the waters.’ Echuca is the spot where the Goulburn and the Campaspe rivers join the Murray. These stretches are great for independent exploring in a canoe. Or why not camp on the bank overnight with only the sounds of birds, frogs and splashing fish to break the tranquil silence. Visit an operating paddle-steamer fleet and restored wharf complex at what was once Australia’s largest inland port.

Ballarat, Victoria (region: The Goldfields)

The frenetic gold-rushes and the political upheaval of the Eureka Stockade. Can be relived at the sites and excellent museums. These days, Ballarat retains much of its gold rush past in the form of opulent buildings, fountains. Notable buildings include Ballarat’s Town Hall (built between 1870 and 1872), Her Majesty’s Theatre (1875) and Craig’s Hotel which was built in several stages between 1853 and 1891

Port Fairy, Victoria (region: Great Ocean Road)

The former sealing and whaling port retains historic inns, wharves, seafares cottages and a lighthouse. Many of Port Fairy’s buildings are from back in the 1800″ its days as a sealers and whalers port. Many of those buildings can be viewed in the town’s commercial centre along Bank Street and Sackville Street. Port Fairy is home to Victoria’s oldest licensed hotel, the Caledonian Inn, which dates back to 1844.

Aboriginal Victoria

Aboriginal settlement of Australia has been traced back mare than 500,000 years. The nations first people have left us a rich and diverse legacy.  Mainly taken the form of rock and cave paintings, carvings and engraving as well as a collection of artefacts. Interest in this cultural heritage has never been stronger. But their fragile nature dictates that the sites be carefully managed and presented so they can be preserved for the appreciation and education of future generations. Respect the custodianship of the descendants. And remember that all Aboriginal sites and artefacts are protected by law. Do not pick up or remove any objects you may come across on your visit – any damage or removal is a serious offence.

Yeddonba Aboriginal Art Site, Chiltern – Mount Pilot National Park, Victoria. (region: High Country )

Follow the boardwalk flanked by informative signs round this heritage site at the front of Mount Pilot. This outstanding art site is located in the Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park, which protects pockets of boxed-ironbark forests once widespread throughout Victoria. The centrepiece is a rare painting  of a Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) thought to be over 2000 years old.

Bambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Victoria (region: Grampians)

Situated within Grampians National Park, the cultural centre has aboriginal artefacts and offers cultural performances as well as tours of art sites. 

Wildlife Watching Victoria

Isolated for millions of years from other landmasses, the Flora and Fauna of Australia evolved into distinctive and often unique forms. Australia has giant saltwater crocodiles, forest-dwelling crustaceans, possums that fly, platypuses, echidnas, stinging trees and cycads. In short some of the most diverse and fascinating animals and plants on earth. Australia’s east coast rainforests are diverse in their formation. With the tropical northern rainforest with its strangler figs, giant tree ferns, vines and epiphytes. Then there is the sub tropical rainforest  with its palms and laurels. And also there is the southern temperate rainforest, mossy with mist-shrouded beech tree. All having their own diverse  creatures abounding them. These range from colourful parrots, rare insects, butterflies and tree dwelling kangaroos. 

Then there is central Australia. Far from being just barren wastelands, this arid land also process drought adapted plants. From mallee and mulga trees to the spectacular wildflower display after the heavy rains. Then their are the creatures who inhabit this land. you can find massive colonies of termites that build towering chambers, frogs that stay underground for long periods of time and of course emus and kangaroos. Along the coast you can catch migrating humpback and southern right whales and well as green turtles hatching or little fairy penguins returning nightly to there nest. A must do for all is to explore the unrivalled coral reefs and the colourful inhabitants of these reefs.

 Little Desert National Park, Victoria. (region: The Murray)

Approximately 375 kilometres (233 mi) west of Melbourne. And extends from the Wimmera River in the east to the South Australian border in the west near Naracoorte. A desert in name only, Little Desert National Park teems with wildlife including the mallee fowl and more than 670 species of wildflowers. The range of soil types in Little Desert National Park causes marked differences in vegetation. Many species of plants and animals have succeeded, on poor soils with little water, in creating a kind of arid landscape. Where survival depends on maintaining a delicate balance of natural forces.

Phillip Island, Victoria. (region: Phillip Island)

The nightly parade of little penguins waddling across the sand retiring to their burrows is a world famous spectacle. The western tip of the island, known as The Nobbies, are rocky islands just off the coast which can be viewed from the surrounding boardwalks. In addition here you will find the famous Seal Rocks which is home to the largest colony of fur seals in Australia. Cape Woolamai is at the south-eastern tip of the island and much of it is covered by a state fauna reserve with mutton bird rookeries and walking tracks along the coastal cliffs. The golden ocean beaches at Cape Woolamai is a popular surf beach.

Portland, Victoria (region: Great Ocean Road)

Once competeing with Melbourne as Victoria’s major centre (1840’s). Portland is a place of historic discovery with over 200 buildings within the town classified by the National Trust. Many of which are constructed out of bluestone. Subsequently, between May to October in Portland bay, Cape Nelson and Cape Bridgewater, Southern Right on their annual migration from the deep Southern Ocean, to the warm waters of southern Australia to mate and calve. Blue whales (earths largest mammal) are mostly spotted during November to May. There are many Whale-watching vantage points to watch from.

Wilson Promontory National Park, Victoria. (region: Gippsland)

Located in Gippsland ; The Prom, with its coastline of plunging cliffs and jutting granite headland interspersed with pale sandy beaches is a popular visitor destination. It has an abundant plant and animal life and is crisscrossed by more than 30 walking tracks, many of which lead to camp sites. Off-shore, the oxygen-rich cool waters support a colourful array of marine life and provides wonderful diving opportunities.

So why don’t you plan your visit to regions of Victoria. And enjoy the things to see in Victoria..