Things to do in Tidal River

Mount Oberon

Norman Beach

No. 12 of Best Things to Do in Victoria

Twelve Apostles

Twelve Apostles stand in Australia inthe Great Ocean Road-adjacent Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria), and are the product of the Southern Ocean's waves and strong winds eroding limestone cliffs over tens of millions of years. Seawater carved caves into the cliff face, the caves widened into arches, and when the arches collapsed, they formed isolated stacks that broke away from the coast, some reaching approx. 45 m in height. These stacks were named Twelve Apostles in the 1950s—although only nine remained at the time. The name comes from Jesus' twelve apostles in the Bible, but there were never actually twelve stacks. The waves erode the limestone at approx. 2 cm per year. Stacks collapsed under wave erosion in 2005 and 2009, and this geological process is ongoing. Wooden boardwalk viewing platforms run along the cliff, allowing visitors to walk out and overlook the stacks and the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean. At sunset, the setting sun turns the stacks golden, making it one of the classic scenes along theGreat Ocean Road.

2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Phillip Island

Phillip Island, also known as Penguin Island, is located at the entrance of Western Port Bay in southern Victoria, Australia. It is a true wildlife paradise where you can see koalas, kangaroos, penguins, seals, and many other wild animals. △ The Penguin Parade is one of the most popular attractions on Phillip Island. Here, you can hear the "huffing" sounds of the penguins up close and watch the little penguins waddle from the sea back to their burrows on land. △ Panny's Chocolate Factory is a fun and delicious attraction on Phillip Island, perfect for a family visit. You can watch the chocolate-making process and purchase them as souvenirs. △ Phillip Island Wildlife Park is home to many native species, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, and various birds. Visitors can observe these animals up close, feed kangaroos, and take photos with koalas.

No. 3 of Spring Outings in Australia

Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria)

Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria) is at the heart of the Shipwreck Coast. The park is named after Captain Alexander Campbell, who was active in this area in the 19th century. Steep limestone cliffs stretch along the coastline, where waves and wind have continuously eroded the soft rock layers for millions of years, leaving behind dense and spectacular coastal landforms such as sea stacks, arches, gorges, and sea caves. Twelve Apostles is the park's iconic landmark—a group of limestone stacks rising from the sea, displaying layered colors of golden yellow and gray-white under the sunrise and sunset. Not far away, Loch Ard Gorge is named after the 1878 shipwreck of the "Loch Ard," with towering gorge walls enclosing a hidden beach. To the west,London Archwas originally a double-arched stone bridge connected to the land, but later became an arch standing independently in the sea after the inner arch collapsed. Gibson Steps allow you to descend from the top of the cliff to the beach to admire the scale of the rock stacks from up close. The Grotto is a sea cave at the western end of the park; after the cave roof collapsed, it formed a natural skylight, with sunlight spilling into the water inside the cave.

No. 16 of Family-friendly Attractions in Australia

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is located on the Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne, about an hour's drive from the city. This bushland sanctuary focuses on conserving native Australian wildlife, and many travelers heading to Phillip Island to see penguins include it in their itinerary. The park is home to dozens of Australian species - koalas, kangaroos, emus, dingoes, wombats, the pitch-black Tasmanian devils (about the size of small dogs), cheerful kookaburras and adorable quokkas - all observable at close range. It also undertakes breeding programs for endangered species, with the orange-bellied parrot being one of its key conservation focuses. Day visitors can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, then join keeper talks and wildlife shows to learn about these animals' behaviors. The park's signature experience is its lantern-lit night tour: after dark, follow an experienced guide carrying lanterns through the bush as daytime-sleepy animals become active - wombats emerge to forage, endangered quolls dart through grass, owls widen their eyes, and feathertail gliders (no larger than mice with plume-like tails) glide between branches. With luck, you might hand-feed nectar to sugar gliders or have kangaroos and wallabies approach for treats. Night tours have limited spots requiring advance booking; remember to turn off camera flashes to avoid startling animals. Note that Victoria prohibits holding koalas, but you can snuggle close for photos - plan ahead for such interactive experiences.

No. 15 of Best Things to Do in Victoria

National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria is a historic and highly acclaimed public art museum in Australia, located in the heart of Melbourne and a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. Comprising the International and Australian galleries, it showcases artworks from around the world and local creations. The gallery houses over 70,000 pieces, spanning paintings, sculptures, photography, fashion, and decorative arts. Visitors can admire masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt and Picasso, as well as the unique styles of Australian Indigenous art. The National Gallery of Victoria regularly hosts major international and thematic exhibitions, offering rich cultural experiences. Additionally, it features interactive art workshops and educational programs suitable for all ages. The gallery's café and shop also provide excellent spots for relaxation and shopping. Whether you're an art lover or a casual visitor, the National Gallery of Victoria promises an inspiring artistic journey.

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Peninsula Hot Springs

Peninsula Hot Springs is a natural geothermal mineral spring destination on the Mornington Peninsula. The spring water gushes from deep underground and is rich in various minerals. Dozens of hot spring pools and various bathing facilities are scattered among the native shrubs, blending with the natural environment. Not to be missed is the hilltop hot spring pool; after climbing up, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of the rolling hills and fields of the Mornington Peninsula, and the vista is especially expansive at sunset. Passing through the forest bathing gully trail, visitors ascend past small pools such as the Moonlight Pool and the Lakeside Pool, finally reaching the hilltop hot spring pool, forming a richly layered touring route.

Glennie Lookout

Tidal Overlook viewpoint