15 fantastic things to do and see in Victoria this spring

From hot springs to blooming cacti and meerkat cuddles, these are the experiences you don’t want to miss across Victoria this spring.

Get ready to strike a pose in the lavender field at Sault Restaurant, Daylesford. Picture: Through Her Eyes Photography.

Warm weather and budding flowers mean this is the ideal time to explore Victoria.

Here are some fun ideas that will help make your spring bloomin’ amazing.

1. CUDDLE A CHEEKY MEERKAT

Feel the thrill of getting up close and personal with some of the animals at Halls Gap Zoo, in the Grampians.

Animal encounter experiences include feeding cute meerkats as they clamber and climb on you, feeding a red panda as it sits sweetly on your lap and scratching an imposing rhino.

Who’s hungry? Feed the cute meerkats at Halls Gap Zoo. Picture: Visit Victoria.

2. FEAST ON MUSSELS DURING A BOAT CRUISE

If you love seafood, why not be “shell-fish” this spring and book a mussel tour with Portarlington Mussel Tours?

As you cruise Port Phillip Bay on a beautifully restored Huon pine vessel, taste mussels, oysters and local produce, learn about mussel farming, watch cooking demonstrations and sip Bellarine wine.

3. TAKE AN OUTDOOR BATH IN NATURE

Watch the sunset, glass of local wine in hand, while submerged in the outdoor cast-iron tub at Nook On The Hill, a handcrafted tiny house in the foothills of the Grampians.

Have fun spotting wildlife, including kangaroos and emus, from your vantage point, and enjoy all the amenities and ambience the sustainable house has to offer, including furniture made from reclaimed hardwood, a fire pit and stunning mountain views.

This is the life! The bath comes with a view at Nook On The Hill. Picture: Visit Victoria.

4. WALK IN A LAVENDER FIELD

Start perfecting your Instagram poses.

At Sault Restaurant, in Daylesford, the stunning lavender field is open to the public (with an entry fee for non-diners) as soon as the flowers start blooming — keep an eye out from November.

Can’t get enough of the sight and scent of lavender?

Head to the Lavender Festival at Warratina Lavender Farm, Wandin North, from November 25-26, where you can admire the rows of floral beauty and enjoy live music, food, farm animals and a market.

5. UNWIND IN HOT SPRINGS

Feel your stresses melt away as you immerse yourself in stunning hot springs surrounded by nature.

Peninsula Hot Springs, in Fingal, has more than 70 globally inspired bathing and wellness experiences, including natural geothermal mineral springs and a day spa, all nestled harmoniously in the landscape.

Not keen to leave this Mornington Peninsula oasis?

Extend the pampering and pleasure with an overnight stay in a glamping tent.

Hello serenity: One of the enticing bathing options at Peninsula Hot Springs. Picture: Visit Victoria.

6. SOAK UP THE VIEWS FROM MT BULLER’S SUMMIT

Walk the 5.9km loop trail from Mt Buller village to the summit to take in the breathtaking 360-degree views of the High Country, admiring the buttercups and purple Hovea along the way.

Guided walks are also available, helping you identify plants, peaks and curious creatures in this spectacular part of the state.

7. GLAMP IN A LUXURY DOME BY THE BEACH

Swap busy streets for the soothing sights and sounds of the ocean when you book a stay at The Inverloch Glamping Co, in Inverloch.

Tap into your sense of adventure by staying in the geodesic dome, where inclusions such as stylish decor, a queen-sized bed and contemporary lighting treat you to an elevated camping experience.

Beach cabins and deluxe bell tents are other options at the eco stay, which features cosy wood fires and a camp kitchen ready for gourmet cooking.

Have a nature-infused adventure at The Inverloch Glamping Co. Picture: Supplied.

8. GO ON A GOURMET BIKE TOUR

Hop in the saddle and leisurely pedal past vineyards, breweries, cheesemakers and beautiful scenery with Cycling Vine Tours, tasting fresh local produce, food and wine as you go.

Tour choices include the Mornington Peninsula, Bellarine Peninsula and Yarra Valley, with guided and self-guided options available.

9. SEE CACTUSES IN BLOOM

Did you know Victoria is home to Australia’s largest cactus garden?

Did you even know cacti have flowers?

At Cactus Country, in Strathmerton, peak flowering season is October and November.

Wander the trails with a frozen margarita or cactus ice cream (yes, it’s a thing) in hand and admire the floral display.

Cactus Country is a dazzler in spring. Picture: Serena Jane Media.

10. GET OFF-GRID ON A LAVENDER AND OLIVE FARM

Chasney Estate, in Tresco, is an idyllic escape for anyone looking to get off-grid.

Stay in one of two tiny houses at the property, where lavender blooms and olive trees put on a show of white flowers in spring.

This is your chance to taste lavender gin — and gelato made from lavender, honey and extra virgin olive oil — which are available to buy at the farm shop.

11. PLUCK CHERRIES FROM THE TREE

Warmer weather means plump, juicy cherries!

Get your hands dirty (or red) at CherryHill Orchards, Coldstream and Wandin East, where you can pick your own cherries off the trees from around mid-November to mid-January.

Time your visit for a weekend, when you can also enjoy live music and food truck fare.

Ripe for the picking: Get your fill of cherries at CherryHill Orchards. Picture: Supplied.

12. CHECK OUT A STRIKING NEW NATIVE GARDEN

Plant lovers, follow the winding paths of the Chelsea Australian Garden to discover a huge waratah sculpture, cascading waterfall, tranquil billabong and more than 15,000 native plants from more than 400 Australian species.

The new garden is within the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, in Olinda, and is more than 20 times the size of the first Australian entry to win Gold and Best in Show at London’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show (in 2013).

13. VISIT A WINERY WITH FABULOUS VIEWS

Victorians are spoilt for choice when it comes to top-notch wineries in breathtaking settings.

Visit the Yarra Valley’s Oakridge Wines, in Coldstream, to try the superbly located estate’s specialties — pinot noir and chardonnay — during one of four premium tasting experiences.

Dine in the restaurant, which uses seasonal, sustainably farmed produce from the estate and region, as you take in the magnificent vistas of rolling hills and vineyards.

Combine top wine and food with a sensational view at Oakridge Wines. Picture: Visit Victoria.

14. ENJOY COMEDY AT A WINERY

Wine makes everything more enjoyable and it will only add to the fun at Australia’s newest comedy festival, Comedy in the Vines, at Hide & Seek Winery, Nagambie, from November 11-12.

The extraordinary line-up of international and Australian comedic talent includes Celia Pacquola, Tommy Little and Dave Hughes.

Besides the laughs, expect exquisite wine, gourmet food, roving performers and cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs.

15. RELAX IN A BARREL OF HOT WATER

Soak away your worries in a timber barrel of mineral-rich hot water at Metung Hot Springs, the new little sister of Peninsula Hot Springs.

Overlooking Gippsland Lakes, the site includes massaging geothermal showers, communal bathing experiences, a day spa, floating sauna, cold plunge pools and glamping tents.

Stay for the weekend to enjoy a round of golf, and dinner on the deck, at the Country Club.

Worries, what worries? Let it all go at Metung Hot Springs. Picture: Visit Victoria.

For more inspiration on fun things to see and do in Victoria, check out the spring edition of Space magazine, free inside your Sunday Herald Sun on October 8.