Visit Victoria's hidden gem, the small town of Metung
Metung is a small town located in eastern Victoria, situated in the beautiful Gippsland Lakes region, at the confluence of lakes and rivers, surrounded by lush forests and tranquil waters.
The town of Olinda is also more than 40 kilometers away from Melbourne CBD. It is located in Mount Tanjung Nong, right next to Sassafras. Generally, when going to Mount Tanjung Nong, Olinda and Sassafras are always taken together. After all, the two towns are only 3 kilometers apart, and it only takes five or six minutes to get there. The town of Olinda looks similar to Sassafras, but has a larger population, with the 2021 count being 1,773 people. But even so, there are only 305 people per square kilometer, which means that each person occupies more than 3,000 square meters of land. How comfortable that is.
There are some small shops and many food restaurants in the town center of Olinda. The National Rhododendron Garden next door is most beautiful in April, May, September and October. In late autumn, the garden is full of bright red and yellow, and in early spring, it is full of colorful flowers.
A little further down the road after the Rhododendron Garden, there is the Olinda Tea House, which is a garden-style restaurant. I won’t comment on the meals and afternoon tea, but the environment and scenery are indeed nice.
Continue along the road for a few kilometers and you will see a sign on the right that says Pirianda Garden. Turn in and walk a short dirt road to the parking lot of this garden. The autumn colors of this garden are more beautiful than those of the azalea garden, and the red and yellow leaves are more beautiful.
Back to the center of Olinda town, turn right and walk along the main road for a few kilometers, there is a garden called William Ricketts Sanctuary. The garden is not big, but the plants are quite lush. There are many sculptures in it, with similar styles, all of which are old. They are hidden in the woods and bushes, and under the mottled light and shadow, it feels a little gloomy and heavy.
A small town in Victoria, a southeastern state of Australia
Dunkeld
Located at the southern end of the Grampians/Garryward Ranges, it is an ideal base for exploring the Grampians. There are beautiful trails and mountain views for those who want to hike or climb Sturgeon Mountain. The town also has a rich variety of delicious food. The Royal Mail Hotel and Wickens Restaurant are recommended.
Warrnambool
This seaside town has a rich history and a stunning coastline. Great for the whole family, you can see whales and penguins. Lake Pettobe and Cape Thunder Walk are highlights, and the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles are also nearby.
Ballarat
As Victoria's second oldest city, Ballarat has a rich gold rush history, and Sovereign Hill is a must-see historical attraction. The town’s 19th-century buildings and gold mining museum are worth a visit.
Halls Gap
As the gateway to the Grampians National Park, it's perfect for nature lovers. There are waterfalls, lookouts, and several hiking trails. Halls Gap Zoo and local wineries are also popular.
Bendigo
Once the epicenter of the gold rush, Bendigo's historic buildings and gold mining museums attract visitors. You can experience historical walks, as well as visit art galleries and botanical gardens.