Things to do
Living in Victoria gives you the best Australia has to offer. In summer, swim or surf at an ocean beach. In winter, ski down a snowy mountain slope. All year round, there’s something exciting to enjoy.
Victoria is one of Australia's smallest states. So wherever you live in Victoria, nothing is too far away. And living in Melbourne you’re in the centre of the state.
Whether you choose to study and live in Melbourne or regional Victoria, there’s so much to do in your spare time. Make new friends, explore new interests and even connect with home.
City style
If you’re after fun, young fashion, Melbourne’s the best place in Australia to be. Make up your own style from Melbourne’s laneway boutiques, recycled clothing shops or one of the many fashion shopping strips and centres.
Discover tiny cafes, hidden designer shops and urban art in Melbourne’s laneways. Jump on a tram and uncover the secret treasures of the city the old-fashioned way.
Great food
Melbourne is the restaurant capital of Australia. With so many cultures coming together you’re sure to find the food you love. Try:
- Chinatown in the heart of the city for real regional Chinese food
- Richmond for cheap and colourful Vietnamese fare
- Carlton for classic Italian
- just about anywhere for authentic Thai.
Cute and amazing animals
See Australia’s unique animals in their natural settings. Visit Victoria’s popular wildlife parks and zoos and say hello to a koala, meet a kangaroo and listen to the lyrebird. Admire the popular penguin parade at Phillip Island or wonder at the whales near Warrnambool.
Passion for sport
Australia is world famous for sport and in Melbourne there’s always something on:
- Aussie rules or cricket at our famous Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Springtime racing action with the Melbourne Cup
- F1 motor racing at Albert Park.
Your school, local area or country town is sure to have a team in your favourite sport. Join up and make friends.
Living history and culture
Tour Melbourne’s heritage buildings and landmarks and discover the variety of settlers who are part of our culture. You may find a connection to your home town, or even an ancestor who made their way to Australia many years ago.
Visit the villages of Victoria and experience our colourful past and our wonderful local fresh food and produce. From gold and bushrangers to wineries, seafood and spas, there’s something for everyone.
Beach fun
Living in Victoria means you’re never far from the coast. Swim, sail or fish in the bays around Melbourne or learn to surf at the ocean beaches close by.
Outdoor adventure
If you like wide open spaces and the great outdoors, then you'll love regional Victoria. But you don’t have to go far from Melbourne to find nature reserves such as the Dandenong Ranges. There are always walking and cycling trails close to home.
Everything from mountains and rivers to goldfields and the sea is here in Victoria. Choose your adventure with a day trip or weekend away with your homestay family or local relatives. Join a school trip with teachers and friends.
Gateway to Australia
The icons of Australia are never too far away. Melbourne airport is a key transport hub for access to the rest of Australia. Just a short plane journey and you could see:
- Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) in central Australia
- the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland
- Sydney’s Opera House and famous beaches.
Your school may even organise a trip during your studies.
See Tourism Victoria for loads more great ideas.
