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Why Victoria should be on your Australian bucket list
Overall, Australia is a vast country filled with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and a rich, diverse culinary scene. When it comes to exploring this multifarious country, one destination that should not be missed is Victoria. Located in the southeastern corner of Australia, a road trip through this state reveals scenic coastlines, bustling Melbourne city life, tranquil vineyards, and abundant wildlife. From stunning natural wonders to bustling urban centres, Victoria has it all. But what truly sets Victoria apart is its unique food culture.
In short – Victoria is a food lover's paradise. From Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market (one of Australia’s best farmer’s markets!), filled with fresh produce and local delicacies, to the world-class wineries of Yarra Valley, coastal seafood on the Great Ocean Road, charming tea rooms in the Dandenong Ranges, and gourmet dining in the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria delivers an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Best of all, you can conveniently pick up your maui motorhome from the maui branch in Melbourne to explore all this incredible state has to offer. Combining these tantalising food experiences with the freedom of a campervan road trip, Victoria truly deserves a spot on any Australian bucket list.
Image: Visit Victoria
The top 10 foodie experiences in Victoria
Victoria serves up some truly delightful dining experiences. Here's a taste of ten of the best restaurants in Victoria that encapsulate the region's culinary excellence.
Attica, Ripponlea
At the forefront of Australia's fine dining scene, Attica in Ripponlea is the epitome of culinary innovation. With Chef Ben Shewry at the helm, Attica offers an ever-evolving menu that showcases the best of ingredients endemic to Australia. Renowned for its innovative and immersive dining experience, Attica is a Michelin-star restaurant and has been recognized as one of the world's best restaurants. From the emu's egg to a spread of First Nations finger food, the dishes here are both thoughtful and mouthwatering. The sleek, minimalist dining room sets the stage for a memorable food journey, balancing intimate warmth with an undercurrent of excitement.
Location: 74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea VIC 3185, Australia – 20 minutes from central Melbourne.
Supernormal Melbourne
Nestled in the heart of Melbourne, Supernormal is an Asian-inspired restaurant that takes you on an edible journey through the streets of Asia. With a menu featuring a range of small plates, including dumplings, bao buns, grilled meats, lobster rolls and Korean BBQ buns, this restaurant offers a unique and tantalising taste of the East. The contemporary, vibrant atmosphere, makes the dining experience even more authentic to the Tokyo, Seoul and Hong Kong restaurants it draws its inspiration from. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and indulge in their signature dishes that perfectly blend tradition and innovation.
Location: 180 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia – in the heart of Melbourne CBD.
Flower Drum, Melbourne
A Melbourne institution, Flower Drum delivers Cantonese cuisine at its finest. Taking the namesake of “flower drum” from the traditional and elegant dance in China, the entire experience is elegance embodied and the restaurant is adorned with traditional Chinese decor. Patrons can enjoy classic dishes executed with precision and artistry – and all ingredients are purchased daily, ensuring freshness with every bite. The Peking Duck and mud crab noodles are not to be missed and the a la carte menu features generous serving sizes that are perfect for sharing. It's not just a meal; it's a culinary performance that invites you to savour each bite that will transport you to the heart of Hong Kong.
Location: 17 Market Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia – in the heart of Melbourne CBD.
Movida, Melbourne
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Spanish culture at Movida, a Melbourne gem that has revolutionized the city's tapas scene and re-ignite passion for sharing plates. The restaurant's rustic and vibrant atmosphere perfectly complements the rich flavours of the dishes. The menu is filled with a hearty selection of tapas, including cured meats, seafood, and vegetable dishes. With its lively atmosphere and an array of mouthwatering tapas and Spanish wines, Movida is the perfect place to indulge in a shared dining experience with friends and family.
Location: 1 Hosier Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia – in the heart of Melbourne CBD.
Igni, Geelong
Venture outside Melbourne and head to Geelong, where wood-fired inspired delicacies await. Igni, Latin for fire, is the perfect destination for food enthusiasts seeking an unexpected dining experience. This intimate 50-seat restaurant is set around a wood-burning stove that inspires the daily rotating set menu (dictated by local produce). Chef Aaron Turner's passion for experimentation and creativity shines through in each carefully crafted dish. The minimalist, chic ambience focuses your attention where it should be – on the food. A visit to Igni is a culinary adventure, with the journey often as surprising as it is delicious.
Location: 2 Ryan Place South Rear of 205, 207 Moorabool St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia – an hour’s drive from Melbourne.
Lake House, Daylesford
Escape to the tranquil town of Daylesford and discover the four-course culinary journey that awaits at the Lake House. Set on the shores of Lake Daylesford, this award-winning restaurant offers a congruous blend of seasonal flavours and stunning views and relaxation. With many of its ingredients gathered from the kitchen garden and local producers, this restaurant is a testament to fresh, local ingredients. The menu, filled with contemporary Australian cuisine, is paired perfectly with wines from an award-winning list. All this, combined with a serene lake view, makes dining here a feast for all the senses.
Location: 4 King St, Daylesford VIC 3460, Australia – an hour and 20 minutes drive from Melbourne.
Image: Visit Victoria
Pt. Leo Estate, Mornington Peninsula
At Pt. Leo Estate, you'll find much more than just exquisite wine. The on-site restaurant celebrates the bountiful produce of the Mornington Peninsula, with an emphasis on seafood and wine. With sweeping views of the vineyards and the ocean ports of Phillip Island, Pt. Leo Estate offers a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Location: 3649 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Merricks VIC 3916, Australia – an hour’s drive south of Melbourne.
Oakridge Winery, Yarra Valley
Oakridge Winery isn't just about wine; it also boasts an award-winning restaurant. With floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of the vineyard and distant mountains, it's the perfect setting for a long lunch. Dishes highlight local, seasonal produce, that inspires the innovative and seasonal menu. What's more, their passion for making everything in-house, from cheeses to salads and ferments, showcases their commitment to local and ethically sourced produce. And, of course, every meal can be paired with their award-winning wines. Oakridge Winery is the ultimate sustainable foodie adventure complemented by picturesque vineyard views.
Location: 864 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream VIC 3770, Australia – an hour’s drive northeast of Melbourne.
Ezard, Levantine Hill Estate
Indulge in a blend of middle eastern and modern Australian flavours at Ezard, located in the stunning Levantine Hill Estate. Ezard brings together stunning vineyard views with its sleek, modern interiors and a menu that boasts sumptuous middle eastern dishes like wagyu beef and Turkish beef manti. Dining at Ezard is an experience of pure luxury.
Location: 882 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream VIC 3770, Australia – an hour’s drive northeast of Melbourne.
Montalto, Mornington Peninsula
Last, but certainly not least, is Montalto. This Mornington Peninsula winery is home to an impressive restaurant where the garden-to-table philosophy reigns supreme. With its own vineyard, orchard, and estate-grown heirloom produce, the menu showcases the region's finest produce, including fresh, locally sourced seafood and seasonal vegetables. Most unique of all, each course is specifically designed for sharing – bridging the connection between the gardens and patrons alike. The stunning setting, combined with an outstanding menu and award-winning wines, makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
Location: 33 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South VIC 3937, Australia – an hour and fifteen minutes south of Melbourne.
Image: Visit Victoria
Places to stay in Victoria
After indulging in Victoria's vibrant food scene, it's time to find a comfortable place to rest and recoup (and put on those comfy stretchy pants). Luckily, Victoria offers a range of excellent campervan accommodations, including caravan parks and holiday parks, where you can park your campervan and relax. Here are three top picks for where to park your travel van for the night:
BIG4 Anglesea Holiday Park, Anglesea
BIG4 Anglesea Holiday Park is tucked away in Anglesea on the Great Ocean Road, about 111 kilometres southwest of Melbourne. This is the ideal oceanside getaway – located close to the beach, with a host of great modern amenities on-site such as:
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Laundry
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Heated indoor swimming pool
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Barbecues
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Playground
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Jumping pillow
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Games room
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Camp kitchen
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Barbecue areas
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Convenience store
Price: The cost for a powered campsite is $70 per night.
NRMA Eastern Beach Holiday Park, Lakes Entrance
The NRMA Eastern Beach Holiday Park is another fantastic option for camping located in the Lakes Entrance region of Victoria – roughly 320 kilometres east of Melbourne. Enjoy waterfront views, outdoor activities, and convenient access to Lakes Entrance town centre, where you can explore local eateries and sample fresh seafood. What's more, this holiday park offers direct access to Ninety Mile Beach as well as top amenities, including:
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Camp kitchen and pizza oven
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Swimming pool
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Barbecue facilities
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Toilets
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Laundry facilities
Price: The cost for a powered campsite is $32 per night.
BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park, Apollo Bay
BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park is a slice of paradise, located on the edge of Apollo Bay along the Great Ocean Road, 189 kilometres southwest of Melbourne. Enjoy the beauty of Apollo Bay's pristine beaches, go hiking in the nearby rainforests, and savour delicious seafood at the town's renowned restaurants. With breathtaking ocean views, modern facilities, and a range of accommodation options, it's an excellent base for exploring the Great Ocean Road. It also features all the top campervan facilities, including:
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Adventure playground
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Toilets
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Laundry
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Camp kitchen
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Heated swimming pool
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TV lounge
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Exercise classes
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Basketball court
Price: The cost for a powered campsite is $69 per night.
Ready to explore the best places to eat in Victoria?
With its diverse and vibrant food scene, Victoria is a haven for food enthusiasts and campervan travellers alike. With its combination of stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and an exceptional food and wine scene, Victoria truly deserves a spot on your Australian bucket list. From the bustling streets of Melbourne to the tranquil countryside – Victoria's restaurants, food markets, and wineries are ready to tantalize your taste buds at every corner.
Ready to start your Victoria road trip and explore the best places to eat in Victoria? Book your maui motorhome online today, and then all that's left to do is to pick it up from your local maui branch before starting your journey. For more tips on what to pack, choosing the right motorhome, and essential tips for your upcoming motorhome holiday, head to the maui blog for more information.