Image Source

In 2000, King Valley vintner Otto Dal Zotto, inspired by nostalgic memories of his youth spent in the beautiful Valdobbiadene wine growing area of northern Italy, decided to plant the vines that put his home on the map. The climate and soil in King Valley were ideal for prosecco and Zotto’s neighbors soon added prosecco to their already extensive list of fine wines.

Australian prosecco became an immediate hit in Australia and so the winemakers got together and created the King Valley Prosecco Road in 2011. Some 385 miles from Sydney and only a little over 150 miles from Melbourne, that doesn’t stop equal numbers of wine lovers from pouring in to explore the wineries of King Valley and its magnificent surrounding countryside.

The Hume Highway is the main artery between Sydney and Melbourne. The small town of Wangaratta (pop. 17,000) is the regional centre of the rich surrounding agricultural regions and marks the turn-off point for the Prosecco Road. It’s not as if this area was off the tourist radar before the recent establishment of the Prosecco Road, though. As the gateway to some of the best ski country in Australia and home of the popular Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Wangaratta is well-known to Australian travelers.

Roughly 8 miles south of Wangaratta, your tour of the Prosecco Road may begin at the Brown Bros. winery in Milawa. You can do this casually or make a real occasion of it by joining in on a helicopter ride to Brown Bros. Banksdale winery, where you will sample prosecco infused canapés and, of course, a glass or two of prosecco.

From Milawa, you can move on to the Sam Miranda vineyard in Oxley and from there to Dal Zotto’s vineyard in Whitfield for a game of bocce and, of course, another wine tasting. So far, you’ve only had a taste (or two) of what’s on offer in King Valley, so it’s probably time to retire to your Wangaratta or King Valley accommodation and rest up for another hard day of sightseeing, eating and wine tasting.

The next day, you may want to visit the Chrismont Winery and go for a tour of the vineyards and facilities with the resident winemaker or go to the Ciccone Estate and have a chauffeur driven tour. Then again, you may want to give wine tasting a break for awhile and rent a mountain bike and take one of the many wonderful bike routes that crisscross King Valley.

If you’ve ever longed to visit northern Italy or wish you could make a return visit, do as Italian migrants did in the 19^th century and go to the vineyards of King Valley. Everyone comments on how remarkably similar the areas are and some of the locals still speak their native language. For that matter, visit King Valley for its own sake: it’s a beautiful part of the world and the gateway to even more wonderful Australian scenic attractions in the Victorian Alps.

Bed and Breakfasts are amongst the most popular type of accommodation available in the wine touring regions of Australia. If you live around the Sydney area there is some great Hunter Valley Bed and Breakfast options to choose from for a romantic weekend away.

If you ask a Melbournian where their oldest settlement is, they will probably name a Melbourne suburb like St. Kilda. They will be surprised when you tell them that its actually Sorrento. Sorrento dates back to 1803, when Eastern Sister, on the southern end of Sorrento’s bay, became Victorias’ first permanent settlement.

The oversight can be forgiven, because Melbourne grew far more quickly than Sorrento after it was first settled. Sorrento grew at a slow and gradual pace. Many of its original hotels are still standing and are as beautiful today as they were when they were first built. Among these, the Hotel Sorrento, built in 1871 and the larger, limestone Continental Hotel, which was completed in 1875 are outstanding examples of late Victorian architecture.

There is something gentile and perhaps a little old fashioned about Sorrento. A prosperous community, it takes pride in its appearance. The Sorrento foreshore is an example of this. Unlike so many beaches that are backed by highrise hotels or rows of houses and shops, the wide Sorrento foreshore is lined with grass and trees. Whether you go there to swim or to stroll, it is a pleasure to while away a day on the beach in Sorrento.

Sorrento is the perfect place to stay if you want to explore the Mornington Peninsula and beyond. Its central location makes reaching the other peninsula suburbs easy and you can take an enjoyable ferry ride across the bay to Queenscliff from the pier at Sorrento.

One of the biggest tourist drawcards in Sorrento is located offshore. Dolphins are plentiful in the waters off Sorrento and you can take a purpose-built dolphin watching tour that allows you to actually jump in the water and play with the dolphins if you like.

Even if you drive your own car to Sorrento, you may want to leave it at your accommodation and explore the Mornington Peninsula in a more unique and educational style. It’s easy to miss the best sights if you’re driving in your car, but you won’t miss a thing if you let an experienced local take you for a tour on his Harley.

Look on the map and you will see that one of the unique features of Sorrento and the other towns on the end of the Mornington Peninsula is that they are within a short distance of both the open sea of Bass Strait and the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay. Sorrento and its nearest neighbour, the tiny upmarket town of Portsea, have two beaches within walking distance of each other. On the Bass Strait side, the unbridled sea has created a stunningly picturesque landscape, while on the bay side, peace and tranquillity abide.

If you’re visiting Melbourne, you can take a day trip to Sorrento, but once you get there, you will want to stay. To avoid disappointment, book your Sorrento accommodation well in advance, especially if you are visiting over the Christmas holidays, when Melbournians flock there to get away from the city.

Lorne is no secret to Melbournians. It has been one of their preferred vacation spots for quite a long time. A few tourists to Lorne became so enchanted by the beautiful place, they simply never left. Instead, they put down roots in the city and opened up the many great al fresco cafes, restaurants, galleries and shops that you find throughout the town. Those alone will make you want to prolong your stay. Then you may just have to take a while to get your feet wet on the sheltered beach at Loutit Bay. After that, you will realize you don’t want to leave.

The next day, after a hearty breakfast in a sidewalk cafe, you may be ready to get back on the road. Secure in the knowledge that you can stay in Lorne another night on your return trip, you will then started out on what many consider to be the most magnificent and diverse leg of a Great Ocean Road vacation. Your next stop after taking in the sights in Apollo Bay is going to be Great Otway National Park. There you will stand beneath towering Giant Southern Beach trees, many of them hundreds of years old. You will learn that this very species has existed here nearly since the dawn of time.

Between Lorne and Cape Otway, at every bend in the road there is something new and amazing to see. You will go by wild, windswept coastline and then turn briefly inland to be surrounded by lush rain forests. You no doubt will have to stop and take a look around Wye River, the quaint town named after the river that spills out into the sea at its doorstep.

On your return trip to Melbourne, you can do as everybody else does and stop over at Lorne for another look around. This time you might decide to explore Lorne’s inland natural wonders. Lorne was the first spot in Victoria to be officially called a "place of special significance and Natural Beauty" over 100 years ago and it still retains that title. Take one or more scenic walks to the spectacular Kalimna, Sheoak or Phantom Falls or take on the more challenging walk to Cora Lynn Cascades. If you like driving, you might take the short 5 mile (8.5km) drive to Erskine Falls.

When you are finished with your day’s adventures, check into your Lorne accommodation for a well earned rest. Be warned, though: Lorne is such a popular destination that you are advised to book your room well ahead of time, especially over the peak vacation seasons. There are lots to choose from. You can take an apartment overlooking the sea, a cottage within the bush or anything in between. Make Lorne your base camp while explore the Great Ocean Road. You’ll love it.

Author Bio: Sidney writes about Interesting Australian destinations like the Great Ocean Road. Find a great range of Melbourne accommodation your starting point on the Great Ocean Road.

The ski season officially begins on the Queen’s Birthday weekend in early June and ends whenever the snow melts, usually in late September. Since residents of Melbourne can get to Mt. Buller in around 3 hours, that gives lucky Melburnians plenty of opportunities to get on the snow for 3 months out of the year. Sydneysiders aren’t so lucky. It takes 9 hours to traverse the 478 miles (770km) trip on the Hume Highway (the fastest route) to Mt. Buller, but that doesn’t stop thousands of them from making the trip.

Why is it worth going out of your way to drive to Mt. Buller when you have closer snowfields you can go to in New South Wales? One of the reasons is the size of the skiable terrain. There are over 740 acres (300 hectares) of slopes to choose from on Mt. Buller. These range from beginner’s slopes like Burnt Hunt Spur and Bourke Street to black runs for experts only like the back of Summit and Chamois. There’s a half pipe for snowboarders and a challenging ultra cross course and all the slopes are constantly being groomed to ensure they are in good condition.

For the children, Mt. Buller has two toboggan parks. One of them is located right in the village and has its own snow making machine. The other is conveniently located at Horse Hill Chairlift. Take the lift to the top and there is more family fun awaiting at the snowtubing park. For a fun and safe thrill, the kids can race down the slopes in an inner tube.

You don’t have to worry about where you will recharge your batteries at Mount Buller. There are over thirty restaurants, cafes and bars scattered throughout the village and on the slopes. Then there is the Breathtaker on High Alpine Spa, the first of its kind in Australia. With a range of treatments available to sooth sore muscles or sooth the spirit, Breathtaker takes the spa experience to new heights.

A very popular summer activity on Mt. Buller is mountain biking. There are two ways you can do this. You can simply head out from the base and explore the area or you can take a lift and get the thrill of a downhill ride without the agony of the uphill climb.

Mt. Buller is an affordable resort, with many discounts available for families and Mt. Buller accommodation and lift pass packages. Further discounts apply in the off season and in some cases, you can even get a "Snow Guarantee" package. Winter or summer, you’ll love the Mt. Buller and the Victorian high country, so put it on your list of places to see in Australia.

Melbourne got off to a slow start as a metropolis. The original European settlers came not directly from England or the continent, but by way of Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania). Its natural harbour was its main attraction at the time. That was in 1837, nearly 50 years after the first settlers arrived in Australia. As the largest city in Victoria, it was declared the capital of the State in 1851.

Later in the 1850s, gold was discovered in Victoria and the Gold Rush began. The pace of life in Melbourne picked up then and it became Australia’s and one of the world’s wealthiest cities. During the second half of the 19th century, many of Australia’s grandest mansions and public buildings were erected in Melbourne. Even today, they hold their own against the more modern skyscrapers that dominate the Central Business District (CBD) skyline.

Melbourne’s claim to being the cultural centre of Australia is not without merit. It is the birthplace of the Australian film industry and the world’s first feature film, The Story of the Kelly Gang, was produced in Melbourne in 1906. It is also the home of the world-renowned Australian Impressionist art movement and the birthplace of widely recognized Australian dance styles. On top of that, Melbourne is where many of Australia’s top traditional and contemporary musicians come from.

Melbourne has received many other accolades over the course of its history as well and continues to receive them. It has consistently been voted one of the world’s top three most livable cities since 2002 and one of the world’s top ten University towns since 2006. In 2006, UNESCO declared Melbourne a "city of literature." When you add it all up, it is little wonder why Melbourne can make the boast that it is Australia’s cultural capital.

The great thing about Melbourne is that both high culture and popular culture mingle freely in this cosmopolitan city. The Palais Theatre, one of Melbourne’s top venues for international acts, is located in the bohemian district of St Kilda. It is a "fair dinkum" Australian city that despite its rich heritage and cultural achievements neither encourages nor tolerates the snobbishness so often seen in other major world cities.

Most overseas visitors to Australia make Sydney their first stop. If you are one of them, be sure to put Melbourne next on your list of "must see" Australian destinations. Thanks to its having the world’s largest tram system, it is an easy city to explore, even if you don’t have a car. Don’t take the Sydney-Melbourne rivalry seriously: it’s "all in good fun," as Australians say. Find a Melbourne accommodation and expect to stay awhile. There is so much to see and do in Melbourne, you won’t want to leave.

If just reading about the Australian cattlemen or watching the Australian classic film, The Man from Snowy River isn’t enough for you and you want to have a taste of the lives they led in person, then put Mansfield first on your list of places to visit in Australia. Day or even multi-day horseback excursions can be arranged, guided by legendary horsemen. They’ll take you to the Bogong High Plains, where you can visit cattlemen’s huts built in the 1850s or even take part in a summer muster – if you can "muster" the courage and stamina needed to tackle this arduous job. If you’re a novice rider or just want a quiet day of riding surrounded by beautiful scenery, there is plenty of it in Mansfield.

While Mansfield is best known as a horse lover’s paradise, it is really a paradise for all lovers of the outdoors. Mountain bike enthusiasts come to Mansfield in droves to ride on the same trails the pack horses take. Mansfield and its surrounds also serve as training grounds for Olympic level road cyclists, who take on the challenges of the steep grades and hair pin turns of the back roads to Mt. Buller and other high country peaks. In fact, these roads have such stature among cyclists that they have inspired the 7 Peaks Alpine Ascent Challenge. Riders who successfully complete 4 of the 7 designated classic climbs are in the running to win an all-expense paid trip to France for the Tour de France.

Those who come to Mansfield for a more relaxing day of cycling take the Bright to Wangaratta "Rail Trail." This 60 mile (94km), 6 hour ride is suitable for riders of all ages and levels of fitness, taking you on an almost level ride on a sealed road for cyclists and walkers only. Along the way, you will pass through pine forests and bushland, stop off at local wineries if you like and explore some relics of old Australia.

No discussion of Mansfield would be complete without mentioning that it is an important part of the Ned Kelly Trail. Ned Kelly, revered by many as a rebel and reviled by others as just a cold blooded killer, is a big part of Australian folklore. While he and his gang were on the run, the police were tipped off that they were hiding out near Mansfield. In a confrontation with the police, Ned and his gang killed three of them. This incident changed Kelly from a wanted horse thief to Australia’s most wanted criminal. A plaque on an enormous tree dubbed "The Kelly Tree" in Mansfield marks the spot believed to be where the shootings took place.

History, adventure, magnificent scenery and relaxation: What else could you want? Mansfield, a town of just 4000 on the edge of the Victorian Alps has all of these things and more. Whether you love camping out, staying in historic B&Bs or in more traditional lodgings, you can find a Mansfield accommodation to suit you and your budget. If possible, give yourself a few extra days. Once you’ve discovered Mansfield, you won’t want to leave.

Devotees of rock climbing throughout the world know about the Grampians, though and have been spreading the word. Most climbers from outside Australia have stumbled across them almost by accident. Thousands of rock climbers come to Australia every year for only one reason: to climb the world famous climber’s mecca of Mt. Arapiles, near Horsham, one of the gateways to the Grampians. While sitting around their campfires in the evening, they hear stories about the even more amazing rock formations in the Grampians. Intrigued, they travel the short distance it takes to see them for themselves. When they return home to Europe, the United States or elsewhere around the globe, they share their photographs and videos with their friends and families and gradually, the Grampians are becoming a "can’t miss" Australian sight.

While Australians of European descent discovered the Grampians less than 200 years ago, they have been known and revered by the indigenous population for over 20,000 years. Today, the local aboriginal communities display their cultural heritage in the Brambuc National Park and Cultural Centre in Hall’s Gap. Throughout the Grampians, evidence of their remarkable history can be found in ancient aboriginal rock art.

Hall’s Gap is where you will likely go to first when you visit the Grampians. Tucked between the towering peaks of the Mount William and Wonderland ranges, this beautiful community is an ideal setting for introducing newcomers to the region. The valley puts on a spectacular floral display during the month of October which the locals celebrate with the annual Grampians Wildflower Show. October and November are great months to visit the area. The streams and lakes are full and the waterfalls flowing, making Springtime in the Grampians simply spectacular.

If you visit the Grampians over the Christmas season, you won’t be disappointed, either. December and January are the months when the serious rock climbers and hikers come to visit. On their first visit, climbing enthusiasts often make the Mt. Stapylton camping grounds their home and do their climbing at the easily accessible and only moderately difficult climbs in the appropriately named Summer Day Valley. More experienced and adventurous climbers stay in Mt. Stapylton, too, but take on the extreme challenges presented by the sheer cliff faces of the famed Taipan Wall and other cliffs, many of which are as challenging to get to as they are to climb.

As busy as the Grampians get, finding a Halls Gap accommodation is easy. Aside from the many wonderful campgrounds in the vicinity, there are quaint B&Bs, cozy lodges, hotels and motels and other Grampians accommodation to choose from. If you do stay indoors, though, make sure you spent your days outdoors, soaking up the magnificent grandeur of the Grampians.

The idea for the road was first supported in the 1880′s. It was not until after the First World War that the construction began. The returning soldiers were employed to build the road to be sure they had jobs when coming home. It was also to be a monument to them. The road was completed in the year 1932. At Eastern View a memorial was built for those soldiers that did not make it home.

One must stop landmark is the Twelve Apostles. It started out as limestone cliffs. Over 2 million years the cliffs were eroded by the sea. Caves were formed first, then over time they were worn to arches and now they are stand alone formations as tall as 45 meters. They are not connected to the shore and come right up out of the ocean.

There are two well known wine regions, each at one end of the road. One named after the first family that settled in Victoria. That is the Henty wine region. Here you can find seafood, lamb, and beef along with great wine. Then there is the Geelong wine region. This region has tea rooms, cafes and restaurants to enjoy along with the wine tasting.

As it is called the Great Ocean Road you would expect to find many beaches, and you will. Some notable beaches are Bells Beach where the Rip Curl is held each year. This is a professional surfing competition. Both 13th Beach and Ocean Grove are also known for surfing. Point Roadknight has kite surfing and sailing. For family fun try Eastern Beach that has a playground, swimming pool and park. During holidays there are usually lifeguards on duty. They place red and yellow flags in the safe areas and this is where you want to swim.

For those interested in wildlife you will find plenty along your drive. Stop at Melba Gully to see the glow worms. In reality they are fly larva but are said to look like many points of light like the sky. You will of course have to go at night and bring a flashlight. At Phillip Island Nature Park you can see penguins. In the Geelong region you can see over 350 species of birds. You can whale watch at Logans Beach.

Port Phillips Bay has dolphins you can swim with. Go on a tour at Lake Elizabeth to see the platypus. See a tree that is over 300 years old and measures around at 88 feet. Stop at a game reserve and see koalas, emus, kangaroos and more. Fauna Australia offers you the chance to view and feed wildlife at night.

Touring the Great Ocean Road provides something for the whole family. There is a good range of Great Ocean Road accommodation available in the many towns along the road. There are places for fun and entertainment and areas for quiet contemplation.  There are different events all year long. No matter what time of year you go you will find something special. It may be a music or arts festival, a swim event, or a fishing, golfing or surfing competition and so much more.

Water ski, canoe and kayak along the rivers and lakes around Bright. These include the Ovens and Buckland rivers where instructors will guide you as to how one safely navigates the waters. Fish for trout in Lake Buffalo. Bring your own boat or go with a guide.

Keep your feet on terra firma if you prefer. Gold fever may be over, but there is still gold in them hills. You could find some for yourself by panning, though only a little. Tours take prospectors through popular panning areas while local museums tell how the gold rush affected the area and its people.

If you came with your own bike, all you might want is a map of cycle trails and the name of a good place for accessories and service. Visitors can also rent bikes suitable for all ages. There will be one for your independent rider, child tandems plus infant trailers to attach to an adult bike. Choose something for mountain or road then consult the map for the best route to take for your ability and how far you want to go.

In the sky overhead you may see them: thrill seekers, risk takers. If their bravery inspires awe, then follow their example. Head for the skies in a microlight, hang glider or paraglider. Mystic Hill marks a popular starting point for flights. You could even see the sky full of men and women on the wing during a competition, unless you are among their number.

Thrills are one thing, but sometimes small wonders are enough. Parks and forests like Buckland Valley State Forest, Mount Buffalo National Park and Alpine National Park offer opportunities to get close to Australian soil at your own pace. Then again, Mount Buffalo also boasts its share of adrenaline junkies. Abseiling and climbing are often enjoyed and even taught here. Join a class or just watch one if getting close to nature is a bit slow for your liking.

With so much activity on your holiday list of things to do, Bright accommodation and food will be a priority. Satisfy your hunger at one of many restaurants serving Asian, Iberia, Australian and other cuisines. Poplars makes a popular choice for fine dining. Stop in at Edelweiss Bakery for a quick cup of java, a sandwich or something sweet.

Food plus sport equals fatigue, so think about booking a room at one of the many facilities in and around Bright. Stay in a self-catering to make your own schedule and enjoy privacy, or to find space for a large crew of fellow travellers. Caravan parks, bed and breakfast plus hotels and motels wait to offer varying degrees of comfort and luxury. Try Ovens Valley Motor Inn if for nothing else than to see how an environmentally friendly Inn is run. Curiosity satisfied, you will likely want to stay for the perks like pool, spa and sauna.

The beach is one of the biggest draws for tourists and much of the recent development around Torquay sets the beach apart from the older, more historic part of town. Besides the beach this is a world renowned area for surfing. Bells beach and Juan Juc are 2 world renowned surfing beaches near the town. Each year the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music festival is held at Torquay as long as conditions are suitable for surfing.

The town is separated into several sections or districts. The Ocean Views area of town is on the southern side. This area is now residential but originally started out as grazing land for sheep and cattle. Other districts of Torquay include Zeally Bay, Church Estate, Wombah Park and Illawong estate.

Besides surfing there are beautiful coastal walks that will take you through the different types of nature and scenery in this area of Victoria. In particular the surf coast walk brings you to spots on high cliffs, the ability to view native birds, walking through the dense forests and enjoying the stunning ocean views.

This area of Australia is home to many endangered and rare animals. While the entire surf coast walk stretches for 35 kms different sections can easily be done as day hikes. In particular the walks around Bells beach and Point Addis are popular.

Some other popular walks in the area allow you to explore an old jarosite mine on the Jarosite track, which is 5 kms. If you are interested in the native plants and how they are used medicinally then follow the Koori walk. A short spur of the surf coast track is the ironbark track that passes through the dense forests and eventually leads to some great lookouts of Point Addis.

There are also many limestone reefs off the coast and an area for some excellent snorkelling is at the Point Danger marine sanctuary. The snorkelling and scuba diving is a great way to view the native ocean life up close and personal. Besides water activity the marine sanctuary has many walks that detail the history of the area.

Of course if you are in Torquay then you should not miss one of the world’s great motoring or touring routes. This runs from Melbourne to Adelaide and contains Mount Gambier’s Blue Lakes, Bells Beach, the Coonawarra wine region, the twelve apostles, the surf coast and the Otways rainforest. It is possible to rent kayaks, bikes and surfing equipment to stop off for some relaxation or adventure during the drive. In particular the Southern Exposure Company offers many activities and equipment.

If you are planning your next vacation, find Great Ocean Road accommodation, attractions and other travel related information about the Great Ocean Road. Or find out more about other local towns like Port Campbell on our hub.