10 Most Uderrated Offbeat Hidden Gems to Visit in Victoria

Victoria is a region that contrasts wildly from town to town, with the snowy, forested peaks of the Alps juxtaposed against the dry, rugged beauty of the goldfields.

So when it comes to planning your next day trip or holiday, it’s good to broaden your horizons and venture beyond Melbourne’s best-loved tourist destinations. Read more: day trip idea from Melbourne.

Editorial Picks

Here’s a look at some of the best small towns in Victoria that offer up some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes, fascinating histories and deliciously unique experiences.

• For a journey back to the gold rush days: Walhalla
• For those who love books and literature: Clunes
• For a glimpse into Victoria’s gold mining past and lively festivals: Maldon
• For handmade food and a beautiful rail trail experience: Timboon
• For top-notch Shiraz and beautiful outdoor activities: Heathcote

Walhalla

Walhalla is one of those rare places that’s beautiful no matter what you do there. Take a wander around the historical township, marvel at the natural beauty of the valley and visit the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine, all wrapped up in some breath-taking scenery. Read more: slightly different day trip from Melbourne; Walhalla.

Walhalla is a favourite for keen hikers too – the surrounding mountain range is home to an array of challenging and scenic walking tracks.

Walhalla is a great pick for stargazers too; get away from Melbourne’s bright city lights and gaze up at some of the clearest skies in the state.

• How far from CBD: Approximately 180 km east of Melbourne CBD
• Best time to visit: March to May for cool and comfortable weather
• Known for: Gold history and natural beauty
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/imTb7zkHQBxsntE28

Clunes

Known as the site of Victoria’s original gold rush, Clunes is an underrated day-trip option and an ideal place to soak up local history. Take a trip to Clunes during the aptly named Clunes Booktown Festival.

Or simply wander down its bustling main street, exploring the array of cafes and art galleries the area has to offer.

• How far from CBD: Roughly 140 km northwest of Melbourne CBD
• Best time to visit: May, during the Clunes Booktown Festival
• Known for: Gold rush history and literary culture
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/va4p8BHxaNimh3Pc7

Maldon

Take a trip back in time when you visit Maldon, which is the first of its kind, and this charming little town was the very first to be recognised as a ‘Notable Town’ in Australia by the National Trust. Enjoy a stroll around the historical town centre, grab yourself a bargain in one of the antique stores and take a ride on one of the area’s scenic steam trains.

Time your visit during its annual folk music festival for an extra-special experience.

• How far from CBD: About 135 km northwest of Melbourne CBD
• Best time to visit: October for the Maldon Folk Festival
• Known for: Historic streetscapes and vibrant festivals
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EYoCpFdQsFMZvMMd6

Yackandandah

More than just a historical hotspot though, Yack is the area’s hub for arts and culture. Wander around art galleries, soak up the music and watch the colours of its unique, deciduous street trees change in autumn.

Known simply as ‘Yack’ by locals, Yackandandah boasts a town centre classified by the National Trust and an array of immaculately preserved buildings dating back to the 1800s.

• How far from CBD: Approximately 285 km northeast of Melbourne CBD
• Best time to visit: Autumn for the stunning foliage or during the Yackandandah Folk Festival in March
• Known for: Artistic community, gold mining history, and vibrant autumn colors
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dxHkkzkVxc6GNyGV7

Loch

Roll into Loch’s bucolic main street for a bite at one of the local cafes or grab a local brew at Loch Brewery & Distillery, set up in a charming, century-old bank building.

Gentle, rolling green hills surround Loch.

• How far from CBD: Roughly 100 km southeast of Melbourne CBD
• Best time to visit: Anytime, but especially lovely in spring and autumn
• Known for: Historic main street, Loch Brewery & Distillery, and country charm
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pzUxcTsucKwNXkQ3A

Timboon

With a stroll through this charming country town you’re guaranteed to fall in love with Timboon. A visit to the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery is a must for whisky lovers, and you’ll leave happy to share the news that great Aussie-made whisky is being produced right here in Victoria. After a wee dram it’s worth popping into the Timboon Ice Creamery for a scoop of their famous, homemade artisanal ice creams.

Stargazers should ensure they make a visit during clear weather for optimal viewing of the night sky.

• How far from CBD: About 217 km southwest of Melbourne CBD
• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds
• Known for: Artisan food and beverages, scenic rail trail
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fjrXnPWTfd3soanh6

Heathcote

Heathcote has long been recognised as an award-winning region for its internationally-acclaimed shiraz, but there’s plenty happening in town too. The region’s wineries are known for their laid-back hospitality; take advantage of intimate tastings and glorious views across the vines.

When you’ve worked up an appetite there’s plenty of restaurants and cafes to satisfy your cravings. Nature-lovers can spend hours or days exploring Lake Eppalock, cycling the O’Keefe Rail Trail or pottering through Heathcote’s main street filled with cafes, restaurants and boutiques.

• How far from CBD: Roughly 110 km north of Melbourne CBD
• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for the wine harvest and vibrant foliage
• Known for: Shiraz wine, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/X2QndSR7Tr4dFUB28

Steiglitz

Take a stroll through time in Steiglitz, almost a ghost town and a relic from the gold rush era. This quiet little settlement offers a snapshot into life during the gold rush; see the courthouse and the sites of former pubs and other structures.

For a longer excursion try one of the tracks in Steiglitz Historic Park and take in the historical landscape. People still live here, so respect their privacy and stay out of private properties.

• How far from CBD: About 80 km west of Melbourne CBD
• Best time to visit: Autumn for cooler weather and fewer crowds
• Known for: Gold rush history and ghost town atmosphere
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vph2rJBBjsSczzfSA

Harrietville

Harrietville is a year-round gem that comes into its own during the snowsports season as a base for visiting Mount Hotham. If snowboarding isn’t your thing there are plenty of hiking and bushwalking options, including tracks to the top of Mount Feathertop.

Explore the village, stock up on local produce and settle into one of the cafes, take a picnic to one of the riverbank reserves or take a dip in the Tronoh Dredge Hole.

• How far from CBD: Approximately 320 km northeast of Melbourne CBD
• Best time to visit: Winter for snow sports and summer for hiking and outdoor activities
• Known for: Proximity to ski resorts, stunning Alpine scenery, and outdoor activities
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TFTvXsfFzCiRj1dE9

Dunolly

Dunolly has seen some of the biggest nuggets pulled from Victorian soil. Stroll through town along the wide, tree-lined streets and soak up the remnants of the gold rush in the many heritage-listed buildings.

Browse through antique and second-hand stores, enjoy a meal or drink in town and cycle the Dunolly Cycle Tracks.

• How far from CBD: About 175 km northwest of Melbourne CBD
• Best time to visit: Autumn for pleasant weather and local events
• Known for: Gold rush history and antique shopping
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uz38YzpJ5BLPEoXJ8

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Walhalla?

The best time to visit Walhalla is from March to May when the weather is cool and pleasant. If you’re keen to explore the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine make sure you check operating hours before travelling.

Are there any annual events in Clunes I should plan my visit around?

Each year the charming gold-rush town of Clunes is taken over by literature in the form of the Clunes Booktown Festival, a celebration of books, authors, culture, history, food, music, wine, nature and community. Immerse yourself in the world of words with authors’ talks and panels and book sales.

Can I visit Heathcote for its wineries without a car?

Getting to Heathcote can be a little tricky without a car because public transport is limited, so consider hiring a car or joining a wine tour.

What outdoor activities can I do in Timboon?

Walkers and cyclists will be spoilt for choice with options for routes along the Camperdown-Timboon rail trail through beautiful, lush bushland.