2025 Ventnor Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

🌟 Trip Highlights ✅ City Walk + Gold Rush History + Great Ocean Road Drive + Penguin Island + Shopping ✅ Includes attraction ticket prices & unique experiences ✅ Well-planned route covering must-visit Melbourne landmarks --- 📅 DAY1: Cultural City Walk Route: Queen Victoria Market → St. Paul's Cathedral → Hosier Lane → Flinders Street Station → NGV → State Library Queen Victoria Market: Melbourne's "community pantry" with fresh produce and must-try food trucks! St. Paul's Cathedral: Gothic architecture + graffiti streets = 💯 photo ops NGV: See authentic Picasso and Monet works for free! State Library: Visit the iconic domed reading room and channel your inner bookworm📚 --- 📅 DAY2: Steam Train & Penguin Island Day Trip Route: Brighton Bathing Boxes → Puffing Billy → Maru Koala Park → Nobbies Center → Penguin Parade Brighton Bathing Boxes: 82 colorful beach huts = perfect seaside photos🌈 Puffing Billy: Dangle your legs over the forest like Harry Potter! Maru Koala Park: Cuddle koalas and feed kangaroos! Penguin Parade: Watch thousands of penguins waddle ashore at dusk - pure magic! --- 📅 DAY3: Great Ocean Road Highlights Route: Geelong → Split Point Lighthouse → Apollo Bay → Twelve Apostles → Loch Ard Gorge Split Point Lighthouse: Fairytale red-and-white tower = insta-worthy📸 Twelve Apostles: Take a helicopter ride over this coastal wonder! Loch Ard Gorge: Hear shipwreck tales amid crashing waves🌊 🚗 Driving Tip: Grab a Flat White in Geelong to stay alert☕️ --- 📅 DAY4: Gold Rush History Tour Route: Sovereign Hill → Red Hill Mine → Ballarat Gold Town → Werribee Mansion Sovereign Hill: Time-travel to 1850s gold rush and pan for gold! Red Hill Mine: Roleplay as miners in immersive experience Werribee Mansion: 19th-century manor with adorable alpaca feeding🦙 --- 📅 DAY5: Shopping & Hidden Markets Route: CBD → Royal Arcade → South Melbourne Market → Fitzroy Market CBD Shopping: Myer, Emporium and Royal Arcade's vintage charm! South Melbourne Market: Locals' favorite for oysters and cheese🦪 Chadstone: Southern Hemisphere's largest mall with free shuttles🛍️ --- 📌 Pro Tips 1️⃣ Bring warm clothes for windy Penguin Island! 2️⃣ Choose right-side seats on Puffing Billy for best bridge photos🌉

#Sydney departure #Melbourne travel 🌟Melbourne family fun four days and three nights｜A wonderful trip with animals, Lego, steam trains and penguins 📍Day 1｜Fly over the city and countryside to welcome fun, first experience of Lego world Early in the morning, we took a flight from Sydney to Melbourne, which is full of European style and literary atmosphere. As soon as we got off the plane, we went straight to the car rental counter to pick up our travel companion's spacious and comfortable SUV. Self-driving not only allows flexible itinerary arrangements, but also makes our family of four's journey more relaxed and comfortable. After checking in at Artel Apartment Hotel, we decided to set off lightly and head to the long-awaited LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. This indoor park located in Chadstone Shopping Center is a paradise for children and a warehouse of childhood memories for adults. As soon as we walked in, we were immediately attracted by the colorful world of Lego blocks, and the children were so excited that they almost jumped up. From the mini Melbourne city model, to the interactive game area, to the exciting 4D Lego movie, every corner is full of laughter and surprises. After we were tired from shopping, we had dinner and shopping in Chadstone. This largest shopping mall in the Southern Hemisphere not only has a wide selection of food and drink, but also is extremely convenient for eating and drinking. While enjoying dinner, we recalled the excitement of Legoland, and our Melbourne trip started warmly. 🐾Day 2｜Sleep until you wake up naturally and get in close contact with wild animals The first night of the trip is always particularly tiring. Today we decided not to set an alarm clock and wake up naturally to welcome the new day. The well-slept children were full of energy. We drove to Werribee Open Range Zoo, a wildlife park modeled after the African grasslands, located in the west of Melbourne. The most anticipated experience in the park is the experience of taking the Safari off-road bus. We sat in an open sightseeing car and crossed the open grassland, seeing giraffes strolling gracefully and zebras grazing leisurely. When the rhino caught up with our car, the whole car exclaimed again and again. The feeling of both nervousness and excitement became the most unforgettable memory of the day. In the evening, we returned to the city and strolled in the center of Melbourne to feel the elegance and rhythm of this city. Then, we boarded the Eureka Skydeck 88 observation deck and overlooked the entire Melbourne city from the 88th floor. As night fell, thousands of lights flickered, as if a breathing city was quietly blooming under our feet. 🚂Day 3｜A steam train that travels through time, dancing with penguins on the romantic seaside Early in the morning of the third day, we went to Belgrave Station in the suburbs of Melbourne to take the classic Puffing Billy steam train. This historic train route passes through the Dandenong Ranges and is a well-known nostalgic journey for locals. We sat in an open carriage, and the children hung their feet out of the window (this is one of the features). Along the way, the trees were surrounded and the birds chirped, as if returning to an innocent age. After lunch, we drove to Brighton Beach to visit the famous Bathing Boxes. These colorful cabins are one of Melbourne's landmarks. Each one has a different design and story, and is a great spot for taking photos and checking in. The children were playing with sand castles on the beach, while the adults were enjoying the afternoon tranquility in the sea breeze. In the evening, we drove to Phillip Island to watch the famous Penguin Parade. As the sky darkened, little blue penguins staggered ashore from the waves, looking very cute. The children watched intently, and such a natural wonder was really worth the price. ✈️Day 4｜A journey to calm down, returning to Sydney with full memories On the morning of the last day, we had a simple breakfast in the hotel and started to pack our luggage. Although the journey was short, it was full of memories. We went to the airport early, checked in smoothly after returning the car, and spent the rest of the time in the airport to eat something leisurely and visit the duty-free shop, leaving the end of the journey to relaxation and peace. Watching the plane slowly take off, Melbourne outside the window gradually went away, and my heart was full of reluctance. This four-day, three-night parent-child trip not only allowed us to see the dual faces of Australia's nature and cities, but also made the family closer. Every photo and every video is a treasure that will be remembered forever. If you are also planning a parent-child trip in Melbourne, you may wish to refer to our route arrangement this time to make your family trip full of surprises and touching moments. I look forward to setting off again next time to explore more wonderful corners of Australia!

Melbourne is the kind of city that's beautifully understated yet full of exquisite details. Unfortunately, many tourists only realize after arriving: "If only I'd done some research beforehand!" 👇Here are 10 super practical Melbourne travel reminders—each could directly impact your trip, especially the last one. Ignorance could cost you a fine! 🎟️【Don’t Wing It at Popular Attractions!】 Puffing Billy Steam Train🚂 and Phillip Island Penguin Parade🐧 are extremely popular—you can’t just show up and expect entry. Book tickets online at least a week in advance, either through official sites or reputable platforms. 🌦️【Melbourne’s Weather Is Moody】 Blazing sun in the morning, sudden downpour at noon, and gusty winds by evening—Melbourne’s "four seasons in a day" is no joke! 👒🌂 Essentials: sunglasses + compact umbrella + light jacket. 🐧【Don’t Mess with Wildlife】 In protected areas like Phillip Island, flash photography is banned when viewing penguins. No touching penguins or feeding kangaroos🦘—respecting animals means protecting the ecosystem. 🔥【Indigenous Culture Etiquette】 At Aboriginal cultural sites: no photos, no touching, and stay within boundaries. Listen carefully to guides before taking action~ 🚦【Traffic Flows the Opposite Way!】 Australia drives on the left. Before crossing the street, look right first! If you’re used to right-side traffic, stay extra alert🧠. 🏖️【Beautiful Beaches, But Stay Safe!】 Watch for rip currents, undertows, and stinging marine life⚠️. Swim only in lifeguarded zones, and don’t push your limits if you’re not a strong swimmer—it’s dangerous! And don’t forget sunscreen—Australia’s UV rays are brutal. 🔥【Summer Fire Warnings Are Serious】 Melbourne summers are peak bushfire season. Before camping or picnicking in the wild, check local fire danger ratings. Download the 【VicEmergency】 app for official alerts. 🚋【Free Tram Zone—No Need to Tap!】 Trams within Melbourne’s CBD are free—no need to tap your card! Tapping will charge you unnecessarily, so don’t get fined by mistake~ 🚗【Beware of the "Hook Turn"⚠️】 Melbourne’s quirky Hook Turn rule means you can’t turn right directly at certain intersections. Instead, wait on the far left for the green light → then turn. Look for signage or use navigation if confused. 📸【Drone Users: Know the Rules】 Melbourne has many no-fly zones: airports, military areas, and dense urban spaces. Drone altitude, distance, and flight times are strictly regulated! Check CASA’s website or register for permits—fines are painfully high. 🧳 Finally, a "Melbourne Survival Checklist": ✅ Book tickets early—don’t wing it ✅ Always carry an umbrella + jacket ✅ Admire wildlife from a distance—no touching or feeding ✅ Switch to "left-side mode" for traffic ✅ Free trams = no tapping! 💬 Save + share with friends heading to Melbourne—it’s the ultimate "don’t-get-caught-out" guide! 😉 For more Melbourne tips, search "Melbourne Local Guide"~

Still torn between Australia and New Zealand? 🤔 Don't stress! This travel veteran gives you a 360° comparison to become "crystal clear" instantly! 👇 🌏 Landscape Showdown: Wild Adventures vs Magical Wonderlands 🇦🇺 Australia - Oceania's "Hardcore Nature Playground" ✅ Must-See Attractions: 1️⃣ Sydney Opera House + Harbour Bridge 👉 Iconic landmarks! Best shot at dawn/dusk when golden light paints the sails - instant Instagram fame! 📸 2️⃣ Great Barrier Reef (Heart Reef + Whitehaven Beach) 👉 Snorkel with Nemo! 🐠 Helicopter views boost proposal success by 200%💍 (⚠️ Coral bleaching alert - visit ASAP!) 3️⃣ Uluru (Northern Territory) 👉 Sacred indigenous site! Sunset turns the rock into glowing embers🔥. Starlit dinners + dot painting = unforgettable! 4️⃣ Great Ocean Road's Twelve Apostles 👉 Road trip essential! Watch waves smash limestone stacks🌊, spot napping koalas🐨 in eucalyptus trees 🇳🇿 New Zealand - God's Private "Middle-earth" ✅ Must-See Attractions: 1️⃣ Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu (Otago) 👉 Mirror-like alpine reflections! 🚡 Ride the gondola for legendary burgers - night views rival Van Gogh's Starry Night! 2️⃣ Lake Tekapo + Church of the Good Shepherd 👉 World's best stargazing! Milky Way visible to naked eye🌌 (⚠️ High chance of winter auroras!) 3️⃣ Milford Sound 👉 Waterfalls cascade from 1km cliffs onto cruise boats💦. Seals sunbathe on rocks - rainy days bring 1,000 waterfalls! 4️⃣ Hobbiton Movie Set 👉 44 Hobbit holes + Party Tree. Ride Gandalf's cart - LOTR fans will scream! 🧙♂️ ✨ Experience Faceoff: Thrills vs Chill 🇦🇺 Australia: ✔️ Shopping spree🛍️ (UGG boots, manuka honey!) ✔️ Family fun👶 (Cuddle koalas🐨, Gold Coast theme parks!) ✔️ Foodie paradise🍷 (Seafood brunches + wine tours!) 🇳🇿 New Zealand: ✔️ Extreme sports🤙 (Bungee jumping, glacier hiking - adrenaline rush!) ✔️ Astrophotography📸 (Southern Hemisphere's best Milky Way shots!) ✔️ Zen retreats🍃 (Lakeside lounging, hot springs - total relaxation) 🌟 Pro Tips: Cheat Sheet! 📅 Best Seasons: Australia: Dec-Feb (Summer🔥) → Beach time! New Zealand: Jun-Aug (Winter❄️) → Ski Queenstown! 💰 Budget Guide: Australia: ~$2,000-$2,800/person (Cities = higher costs) New Zealand: ~$1,700-$2,500/person (Nature-focused = better value) 👫 Ideal For: Families/elderly → Australia✅ (Modern amenities, direct flights) Couples/adventurers → New Zealand✅ (Romance + adventure combo!) 🎯 Final Answer: 👉 "I want both!" crew: Australia-NZ combo trip (12-13 days) - double the paradise! 👉 "Still undecided?" crew: Match the season! Summer=Australia, Winter=New Zealand - can't go wrong!

#springitinerary Looking for a **wild, windswept, and wonderfully relaxing** weekend getaway? **Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island** delivers with its rugged coastlines, epic surf, and adorable wildlife. Here’s my **3-day itinerary** for an unforgettable escape! **📍 Destination:** Phillip Island, Victoria (90min from Melbourne) **✨ Best For:** Nature lovers • Surfers • Wildlife enthusiasts • Couples ### **🌅 DAY 1: Coastal Vibes & Golden Sunsets** **🚗 9AM:** Scenic drive from Melbourne → Phillip Island **🏡 11AM:** Check into ocean-view Airbnb (try @CapeWoolamaiBeachShack) **🏄 1PM:** - **Surf lesson** @ Cape Woolamai Beach (gentle waves perfect for beginners!) - **Beach picnic** with local cheeses & Phillip Island wines **🥾 4PM:** - **Pinnacles Walk** (easy 2.2km return) for iconic rock formations - **Pro Tip:** Time your walk for golden hour photography! **🍽️ 7PM:** - Sunset cocktails @ Cape Woolamai Surf Club - Dinner @ The Cape Kitchen (book window seats for ocean views) --- ### **🐧 DAY 2: Wildlife Encounters & Coastal Hikes** **🐨 8AM:** - Breakfast @ Mad Cowes Cafe (best eggs benny on the island!) - Koala spotting @ Phillip Island Nature Park **🚶 11AM:** - **Full Cape Circuit Hike** (8.5km, 3hrs) - pack: - Water - Camera - Windbreaker (it gets breezy!) **🍦 3PM:** - Reward yourself @ Panny's Chocolate Factory - Quick swim @ sheltered Shelley Beach **🐧 6PM:** - **Penguin Parade VIP Experience** (arrive early for best viewing) - Post-penguin fish'n'chips @ Saltwater Phillip Island --- ### **☕ DAY 3: Leisurely Farewell** **🌊 7AM:** - Sunrise swim @ Smiths Beach - Coffee & acai bowls @ Island Whole Foods **🛍️ 10AM:** - Browse Cowes' boutiques: - Phillip Island General Store (local crafts) - The Foreshore Trading Co. (beach-chic homewares) **🚗 12PM:** Scenic drive back to Melbourne --- ### **📸 Top Photo Spots:** 1. Pinnacles at sunset 2. Penguin Parade boardwalk 3. Cape Woolamai lookout 4. The Nobbies blowhole **💡 Pro Tips:** - Pack layers - weather changes quickly! - Book Penguin Parade tickets in advance - Visit weekdays for fewer crowds **#PhillipIslandEscape #CapeWoolamaiAdventures #WildlifeWeekend #VictoriaRoadTrip** **🌿 Loved this guide? Save it for your next getaway!**

Berry's Beach in Phillip Island is worth a stop when visiting the island. Beautiful beach with nice hills, wallabies are often found on the hills feeding in the early morning. The beach has beautiful hills surrounding it on either side of the beach and there is a nice walking trail that joins up to Pyramid Rock to check out. for more experienced surfers there are good waves to be found here or on nearby beaches.💰Average Price per Person: free

Had an unforgettable adventure in Australia! From the historic Puffing Billy Railway to the breathtaking views of Pyramid Rock, and finishing with the adorable penguin parade at Phillip Island—every moment was pure magic! #australiatravel #puffingbilly #puffingbilly #penguin

#australiatrip of Victoria, is a family-friendly destination known for its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife experiences. The highlight is the Penguin Parade, where little penguins return to shore at sunset, delighting visitors of all ages. The island also offers opportunities to see koalas at the Koala Conservation Reserve and seals at Seal Rocks. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the beaches, hiking trails, and water sports. The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit attracts motor racing fans, while local cafés and wineries offer a taste of the region. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and relaxation.

#myhiddengems Pyramid Rock Lookout is a must-visit for anyone seeking spectacular views and a touch of natural wonder. Perched high above the landscape, this lookout offers panoramic vistas that stretch for miles, showcasing the rugged beauty of the surrounding terrain. Whether you're there for sunrise or sunset, the sight of the expansive views framed by the unique rock formations is sure to leave you in awe. It's an ideal spot for both photographers and nature enthusiasts looking to capture a piece of Australia's breathtaking scenery.

The last day of our trip to Melbourne features the most beautiful viewpoint on Phillip Island, located southeast of Melbourne. Here, we can encounter some of Australia's cutest native animals, including koalas, the world's smallest penguins, and even kangaroos. Besides the wildlife, the natural scenery here is incredibly stunning. The Nobbies is located at the far left end of the island. This area features a long boardwalk that offers views of small islands. Behind one of these islands is another island that is home to a colony of seals. Although we can't see that island from here, there are boat tours available to visit it. Unfortunately, due to time and budget constraints, we couldn't go. P.S. The last picture features wallabies, which live in the wild here and often come out to greet visitors before they encounter real kangaroos.

#australiatrip Definitely worth the walk, especially if you’re going to Pyramid Rock, which looks more like a pyramid from this lookout than at the Pyramid Rock Lookout itself. Red Bluff is to your right, with the Red Bluff Lookout up further along the pathways. A great place for sightseeing, picnic and travels with friends. Worth the visit in this place🙂 Love it!

#australiatrip Pyramid Rock Lookout is a stunning viewpoint located on Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the iconic Pyramid Rock formation. It's a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers, providing a perfect vantage point to admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're visiting during the day or catching a mesmerizing sunset, Pyramid Rock Lookout is definitely worth a visit.

Getting There - It is a 1.5-2 hour drive from victoria. Attractions - There’s a chocolate factory en-route to the island + other attractions (theres 2 lookouts that you can checkout around the area+ kola bears reserve) Hotels - Accommodation is pretty pricy due to it being a tourist attraction so you might want to make it a day trip there instead. Food & Restaurants - My family and i brought our own home make meals for lunch and stopped by some random restaurant on the island for dinner (it wasn’t very expensive— just local prices) Shopping- There isnt much luxury shopping around, just grocers and local shops around the island. We stopped by a local thrift store and got a good haul. The penguin parade was really cute especially when you see them swimming up to the shore and making their way to the burrow. Do take note: 1. It is insanely crowded especially in the general viewing ticket section. Kids & parents are fighting for the best views at the front. 2. Seating arrangement for general viewing is first-come-first-serve. So be there early to chope your place. 3. The park rangers are very strict on taking photos and flash. They would remove you immediately if you are caught with just having your phone out during the parade. 4. A trick we found during our trip is, midway through the parade, you can go to the walk ways and see the little penguins waiting for their parents. So don’t just sit there and watch from afar, go and walk around the planks and spot the babies waiting in the bushes and see the parents waddle their way. 5. Theres a season for the parade so do check it out when you plan your trip. 6. Theres a credit card charge if you pay by foreign card so if you can pay by cash. ps: there isnt much penguin photo due to rules and regulations but i was way too excited for them. [penguin photo was photoshopped from one penguin ]