Unmissable natural wonders and outdoor adventures to enjoy in Victoria in winter
From spectacular salt lakes to sunset hikes through snow-covered forests, winter provides a wealth of natural wonders to explore in our state — and you may never have heard of some of them.
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From limestone caves to snowshoe treks and spas under the stars, Victoria’s great outdoors offer great wonders.
Nature’s beauty will leave you breathless in Victoria’s northwest, where stunning sunsets or starry night skies await at Lake Tyrrell.
To the southwest of the state lies Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, one of the oldest aquaculture systems in the world, or closer to Melbourne take a ferry across to French Island for orchid season.
Embrace the cold with a snowshoe to fondue experience by night at Mt Hotham, or soak in the nearby hot spas at Onsen Retreat in Dinner Plain.
A little further east, head underground and admire the limestone structures above and below with a guided tour of Buchan Caves.
Lake Tyrrell, Sea Lake
Situated in the heart of the Mallee district and 7km from Sea Lake, Victoria’s largest inland salt lake is a natural wonder.
During wet and warm periods, red pigment secreted by pink micro-algae red marine phytoplankton turns the 120,000-year-old lake stunning shades of pink.
Marvel at stunning sunsets and sunrises, which have to be seen to be believed.
By night, the endless skies provide a breathtaking backdrop for a light show put on by the constellations of the southern hemisphere.
Discover the unique landscape for yourself, or let an experienced tour guide show you the sights.
Snowshoe to Fondue, Mt Hotham
A sunset hike through the snow-covered forest becomes all the more magical with the promise of mulled wine and melted cheese at the end of it.
It is the ultimate alpine pairing, putting the apres in ski with a snowshoe trek to a hidden ecovillage, where you will be welcomed with a glass of gluhwein and learn the secret to making traditional French fondue.
Once you have had your fill, bed down for the evening in the village’s new igloos, which have been decked out with cosy bedding and a woodfire heater.
Buchan Caves, East Gippsland
The subterranean wonderland of limestone formations in Gippsland’s Buchan Caves was formed almost 400 million years ago by underground rivers cutting through layers of rock.
More than a century after European settlers discovered the caves and opened them to the public, these dazzling chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites and calcite-rimmed pools have to be seen to be believed.
Parks Victoria runs guided tours daily, alternating between the Royal Cave or Fairy Cave, which have walkways and lighting for easy access. Groups can also arrange tours of the wild unlit caves.
Budj Bim cultural landscape, Heywood
It may look like a windswept field but the rugged landscape surrounding Lake Condah is home to the remains of the Budj Bim cultural landscape, thought to be one of the oldest aquaculture systems in the world.
Stone eel traps and huts built by the Gunditjmara people reveal important details around how the ancient Aboriginal groups farmed and traded eels and fish more than 6600 years ago, making them older than the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Budj Bim Tours runs guided tours of the site exploring the culture and landscape of the various sites, which have been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Onsen Retreat + Spa, Dinner Plain
Watch the snowflakes fall on Mt Hotham while soaking ski-sore muscles in the Japanese-inspired onsen.
Relax in the 38-degree outdoor onsen, then restore your spirits with a remedial therapy massage, aromatic herbal body exfoliation, or organic facial.
The spa also runs a program of fitness classes through the winter season, with gym and bathing passes available for the full wellness package.
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Orchid season, French Island
September marks the beginning of orchid season on French Island, home to more than 100 native orchid species that flower from spring through to May.
Two thirds of Victoria’s largest coastal island is designated national parkland, creating a unique, unspoilt environment to see the rare native French Island spider-orchid poking through the grasslands or swathes of greenhood orchids carpeting the forest floors.
Take a guided nature walk with fourth generation islander Lois Airs to learn more about the island’s 580 indigenous plants and 230 species of birds.
Get more inspiration for great places to visit in regional and rural Victoria in the Your Happy Space magazine. The next issue is in the Sunday Herald Sun on October 13.