24 Aug 2021
It is an exciting time for anyone thinking about their next 'working holiday' adventure as soon as Australia's borders reopen - and Melbourne, Australia's events capital, is an all-rounder, fun-packed destination. With the recent UK-Australia trade deal announcement, travellers of up to 35 years old can stay in Australia for up to 3 years, without having to complete 'voluntary farm work'.
This fantastic news allows young travellers, and visitors alike, to fully immerse themselves in all the wonders that Victoria offers once the borders re-open. From iconic trips such as the Great Ocean Road and Wilsons Promontory, combine work with travel in creative spaces - HUB Melbourne - and discover new openings including indigenous restaurant, Big Esso.
BUCKET-LIST ACTIVITIES
The Australia Travel Experts
'Welcome To Travel' is the ultimate organisation for any youth traveller looking to start their unforgettable 'working holiday' escapade in Victoria. Whether it's looking to meet new people, experience the very best of the state through an exhilarating tour or in need of work and travel advice, Welcome To Travel knows how to do it best. One of the company's most popular experiences is “Welcome to Melbourne”, an eight-day fully guided tour, ideal for those new to the city and want to get to know it well – as well as making new friends along the way. Welcome To Travel also offers a four-night Great Ocean Road Trip to experience, first-hand, the fifth most visited place in Australia.
Stroll through Melbourne's city laneways
Victoria's vibrant capital, Melbourne, is the stomping ground to start any working holiday adventure in Victoria. Famed for its street art, sport, live music, culinary scene and world-class coffee, the city offers endless opportunities for first-timers. A highlight which attracts many to this perfect playground is the bustling, creative laneways which are never-ending full of surprises. Whether it's checking out the crafty murals off Hosier Lane, meandering along the mecca of fine diners, contemporary galleries and local fashion labels on Flinders Lane, to discovering hole-in-the-wall cafes and bars, a firm favourite being Bar Americano in Presgrave Place – Melbourne's awe-inspiring alleyways are a one-of-a-kind matchless maze, itching for travellers to unravel.
https://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/melbourne/destinations/laneways
Discover Victoria's iconic Great Ocean Road
Known as one of the world's most spectacular driving routes and the largest war memorial, Victoria's Great Ocean Road is a 243km breath-taking experience and an incredible symbolisation of the heroism that took place during WW1. Passing through quaint seaside towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne to spotting Australia's beloved kangaroos around Anglesea and koalas in their natural habitat on Kennett River - there's plenty of joyful moments along the scenic, bucket-list route. Whether it's a forest exploration in the Great Otway National Park to absorb the fascinating rock formations of The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, or catching some epic waves in Torquay, the home of surfing in Australia, with brands such as Rip Curl and Quicksilver known as true Torquay locals. Touring the Great Ocean Road is an all-rounder of unbelievable history, landscapes and wildlife, leaving travellers speechless and eager for discovery at every turn.
Explore the new Grampians Peaks Trail
Victoria's notable national park and one of most significant Indigenous sites, The Grampians has unveiled an incredible trail addition which is set to open next month. Grampians Peaks Trail will provide hiking enthusiasts, adventure seekers and nature lovers, a once-in-a-lifetime 13-day hike through the mountainous area, famed for its dramatic scenery and Aboriginal heritage. The 160-kilometre trail, located three hours west of Melbourne, will stretch the length of the Grampians National Park and feature an array of tour experiences and camping options, for visitors to enjoy. From rock climbing, abseiling and canoeing to being mesmerised by mountain peaks, rugged rocky outcrops and unforgettable panoramas. The trail also offers visitors a chance to immerse in a living cultural experience, by being able to witness ancient oven mounds, scatterings of stone left over from tool making, a wealth of rock art sites and creation stories handed down from one generation to the next. The region is home to the largest number of rock art sites in southern Australia and more than 80% of those found in Victoria. For any traveller looking to experience the very best of the Grampians Peaks Trail, whether it's a guided tour, thrilling activity or looking to hire equipment, experiential tour operator, based right in the heart of the Grampians – Absolute Outdoors, promises to provide an unforgettable adventure. www.absoluteoutdoors.com.au/gpt-guided-walks
Wine Taste in Yarra Valley
Less than an hour's drive from Melbourne lies Victoria's famed wine region, Yarra Valley. The pioneering region that kick-started Victoria's wine industry in 1838 has garnered a global reputation for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Boasting an unbeatable experience of life's great pleasures; spectacular sceneries, food, wine and inspiring arts, Yarra Valley has become a bucket-list destination for visitors to discover. Whether it's taking a sunrise hot air balloon flight for surreal sights, exploring one of the 70 incredible wineries around Healsville and beyond, visiting innovative cellar doors of stalwarts such as De Bortoli, to unwinding in one of its many tranquil retreats, Yarra Valley truly is a unique, enjoyable exploration. https://www.visityarravalley.com.au/
Unearth Victoria's largest coastal wilderness area, Wilsons Promontory
Known lovingly as 'The Prom', Wilsons Promontory is a nature lover's paradise. Located on a peninsula spread across 50,000 hectares in the famed Gippsland region, The Prom has become one of the state's best-loved national parks, due to its magnificent blend of rugged scenery, flourishing wildlife and an abundant trails for day-trippers, hikers and campers to unearth. Cruise alongside dolphins and encounter the seal colonies, camp amongst granite mountaintops and intimate coves, spot an array of native wildlife from wombats to kangaroos and hike the endless paths to remote corners and panoramic viewpoints such as Mount Obern – It's no wonder why everyone flocks to the southern-most tip of mainland Australia for a magical escapade of Victoria's landscapes. https://www.visitpromcountry.com.au/
Delve into the history of Aboriginal Victoria, Koorie Heritage Trust online
Located within Melbourne's acclaimed cultural venue, Federation Square, Koorie Heritage Trust is a respected organisation in highlighting the history and importance of the continuing journey of the Aboriginal culture, through an array of influential, educational and promotional awareness. Whilst the centre is currently closed, guests can continue to learn, view and explore Koorie Heritage Trust through a new interactive, digital programming space. Guests have the chance to listen to stories and interviews from the First Nations people; view an exhibition through the lens of indigenous photographers – 'Affirmation'; explore an interactive cultural map and walking trail to understand the diverse koorie culture and history, along with several other inspiring online projects which truly showcase the significance of Aboriginal Victoria.
www.koorieheritagetrust.com.au/whats-on/kht-online
ACCOMMODATION & CO-WORKING SPACES
Travellers starting point: Melbourne Central YHA
Conveniently located in the heart of Melbourne's, YHA's Melbourne Central is an ideal starting point when it's possible to plan the next Victorian adventure. This trendy traveller's hostel offers an array of sociable, modern rooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, communal, comfy lounge and a rooftop terrace with a barbecue, sun loungers and lofty skyline views. Whether it's a place to feel settled, meet new companions or easily access Melbourne's iconic sites, Melbourne Central is one to add to any traveller's accommodation list.
https://www.yha.com.au/hostels/vic/melbourne-hostels/melbourne-central-hostel/
Grampians enthusiasts: Halls Gap Eco YHA
Situated within the outskirts of Victoria's incredible Grampians National Park, YHA's stylish and comfortable, eco-certified hostel, is the ideal spot for any youth traveller looking for accommodation when they can next discover the states awe-inspiring beauty. Architecturally designed with the environment in mind, Halls Gap's Eco YHA enables guests to truly soak up the adventure that awaits them within The Grampians. Eco YHA also offers an array of welcoming features including; two guest lounges with wood-burning fires, two communal kitchens, a complimentary herb garden along with a BBQ and outdoor spaces for guests to relax in.
www.yha.com.au/hostels/vic/regional-victoria/grampians-halls-gap
Great Ocean Road base: Apollo Bay YHA
Positioned just one street away from Victoria's iconic Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay YHA provides the ultimate base for any youth traveller eager to explore the diverse region of rugged coastlines and rich scenery. This environmentally friendly hostel includes a selection of comfortable sleeping options, self-catering communal kitchens, BBQ facilities and a rooftop terrace for guests to socialise and enjoy. Apollo Bay YHA promises a comfortable stay, the perfect place to explore the open road and allow guests to do their part in helping the environment. www.yha.com.au/hostels/vic/great-ocean-road/apollo-bay
Flexible working space: HUB Australia - Melbourne
With several locations dotted around the city, HUB Melbourne is known as the largest co-working space in the capital. Catering for individuals or larger teams, HUB Melbourne offers world-class amenities including an in house café and kitchen, bike racks, podcasting and photography studios, shower facilities and more. Spaciously designed with an earthy feel, this co-working network is a creative urban oasis for combining work with travel in the heart of Victoria.
https://www.hubaustralia.com/locations/melbourne/
NEW TO DISCOVER
Indigenous Restaurant, Big Esso opens in the heart of Melbourne
Having only opened last month, Big Esso has taken by storm with its 130 seater all-day bar and kitchen in Melbourne's renowned Federation Square. Created by Torres Strait islander chef, Nornie Bero, Big Esso is all about bringing indigenous flavours and ingredients to mainstream dining, in a down to earth, communal, vibrant setting. Featuring Australia's first indigenous bar, expect to find a menu that is full of mouth-watering Indigenous flavours, as well as sustainably caught seafood from tropical painted crayfish, purple yams and Green Ant Gin. Big Esso meaning 'the biggest thank you', promises Melburnians and visitors alike, a unique, memorable dining experience. www.mabumabu.com.au/dining
Melbourne's Euro-inspired, Lillian Terrace bar and restaurant open
Located on Melbourne's famed Collins Street, the newly opened Lillian Terrace, which sits within the four-sectioned eatery, Society, offers guests to start the night with a touch of elegance and sophistication. Playing homage to the legendary Melburnian socialite, Lillian Wightman, this all-day Euro-centric restaurant and bar, explores inspired classics from oysters, charcoal-grilled Chateaubriand and Champagne, of course. An ever changing à la carte experience curated by widely regarded chef, Martin Benn, Lillian Terrace welcomes visitors into a lively ambience of natural warmth and effortless charm. www.societyrestaurant.com/lillian-terrace
