There are many places to visit while in Victoria, Canada. From Sovereign Hill and Airey’s Inlet to Butchart Gardens, you’re sure to find something to please your senses. In addition to these highlights, Victoria also has many other wonderful attractions and activities for visitors. You can read about these places in this article.
Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill is a living museum that features the history of the goldfields in Victoria. Visitors can see the tools used by goldfield painters and enjoy the history of the town. The area is filled with activities that will keep visitors busy. The area is just one minute from the city center. The museum features a large image library that includes over 80,000 postcards.
Nearby Sovereign Hill is the historic Sovereign Hill Hotel, which was built during the gold rush era. The property has hosted prime ministers, princes and grand Dames. Each of the hotel’s Superior Rooms comes with a corner spa en-suite and balcony.
You can also visit the nearby Macedon Regional Park, which is located on 1,000-meter-high Mount Macedon. The Wurundjeri people call the mountain Geburrh, and the park has a War Memorial Cross to honor all the wars that have impacted Australia. The park also has several bushwalking trails and scenic drives. You can also spot wildlife while hiking in the park.
The nearby Eureka Stockade Memorial Park has a pond, interpretive plaques, and a playground for children. You can also travel to Bendigo, Victoria’s largest regional town. This is 90 minutes from Ballarat and is home to several art galleries.
You can also visit the Eureka Centre, which is home to a museum dedicated to the history of the Eureka Stockade rebellion. This museum also features a restored Eureka Hotel flag and a museum dedicated to the life of gold miners.
The Floral Clock, Sensory Garden, and Lake Wendouree are a few of the attractions in the park. You can also take a walk through the Botanical Gardens. The Arboretum has impressive tree specimens, including 52 on the National Trust Significant Trees Register.
Airey’s Inlet
Located on the Great Ocean Road, Airey’s Inlet is a small seaside town that boasts many local attractions. It is also home to the famous Split Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1891. It stands 70 metres above sea level and is the subject of many maritime legends and local ghost stories. Visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about the local history and lore. While they’re here, they can also enjoy the beautiful views of Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary.
Airey’s Inlet is a great destination for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and hiking trails. Its beaches are protected from the prevailing winds and you can explore the rugged coastline on foot. The town also boasts a number of walking trails, many of which will take you into the Great Otways National Park. From the inlet, you can access the Surfcoast Walk, a world-class multi-use trail that will take you through rugged coastal bushland and ochre cliffs.
The area around Airey’s Inlet is known for its excellent wines. The oldest vineyard in Victoria is the Tahbilk, which features stunning architecture and a restaurant. Other attractions in the area include Goulburn Weir, Kirwans Bridge, and the local golf course. In addition to wine tastings, there are also several great dining options in the area.
The area is home to the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks that stand 150 feet high. The swells that break on Bells Beach are famous, and the surrounding area is home to a delicate kaleidoscope of wildflowers. The region also features some of the richest and most varied vegetation communities in Victoria.
Butchart Gardens
If you’re a flower lover, Butchart Gardens is a must-see attraction while visiting Victoria, British Columbia. This world-famous botanical garden is located in Brentwood Bay, just outside of Victoria on Vancouver Island. It’s a National Historic Site of Canada and draws over one million visitors each year.
You can spend the day enjoying the spectacular gardens and grounds, while enjoying a nice meal in a quaint cafe. The gardens are wheelchair accessible and allow dogs on leashes. Visitors who need a wheelchair can rent a wheelchair for $10 from the off-site rental service.
Visitors can also explore the sunken garden, which was originally a mine pit. Today, the sunken garden resembles a deep canyon with rock paving. The garden’s bottom level is covered in geometric flower beds, and a viewing platform has been built out of rocks.
Depending on the season, Butchart Gardens offers a wide range of activities. Visitors can view thousands of blooming flowers, as well as a number of shrubs and trees. There are also night illuminations, firework displays choreographed to music, and live entertainment on the Concert Lawn. The gardens also offer tours of the greenhouse.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or a family trip, Butchart Gardens is an excellent place to spend the day. It is conveniently located near the city center and close to other hot spots in Victoria. It is easy to reach from downtown, and is only a 25-minute drive away.
While Butchart Gardens is open year-round, the busiest hours are during the summer months between 11am and 3pm. Visitors are advised to avoid the peak hours because of crowds. However, if you can’t avoid the heat, you can also make a special trip for the gardens in the winter when the gardens transform into an outdoor ice skating rink.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie is one of Victoria’s most popular chocolate factories and features a full range of Belgian couverture chocolate products. Located in Yarra Glen, about 60 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, the chocolatery offers a variety of indulgent treats that are sure to please.
This place is perfect for chocolate lovers, as it is situated on a 16-hectare property that’s home to over 300 different chocolate varieties. The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie offers free chocolate tastings to visitors, and you can also purchase chocolate products.
You can also take a winery tour that takes you through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, as well as enjoy lunch in a vineyard. After lunch, you can stop by Yarra Yalley Chocolaterie for complimentary chocolate tastings. It’s also a great place to go for dairy and cheese shopping.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie is free to visit, and the facility is open all year round, except on Christmas Day. During your visit, you can sample some of the decadent treats at their cafe and can also sign up for hands-on workshops. You can book a private or public class and even arrange a party.
There are also many shops in the area, offering unique chocolates and treats. The cafe is also a great place to grab a cup of coffee. The cafe has a friendly atmosphere, and the children’s section is especially fun. Kids will love the cafe’s range of tempting sweets, and adults can also learn about the process of chocolate making.
The region is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls and lush forests. There are several walking trails in the area. One of the most popular of these is the Cumberland Walk, a four-kilometre trail that gives you a taste of the region’s history. The Big Tree, an 85-metre-high eucalypt, is another highlight. Nearby, Steavenson Falls is one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls.