Hidden gems: 18 places to see in Victoria
EVERYONE knows the 12 Apostles, but what else does Victoria have to offer? We discover 18 of Victoria's hidden treasures.
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WHEN you think Victoria, you think the MCG, the Great Ocean Road or any number of our famous sights that thousands flock to see.
But how well do you really know our great state?
We brought you 18 ways to know you’re a Melburnian, now here's a chance to find out about some of the more obscure destinations and out-there activities that make Victoria amazing.
Tree surfing
Want to go out and hang 10, but don’t want risk getting bitten by a shark or getting sand stuck in all the wrong places?
A trip down the Mornington Peninsula to try your luck at tree surfing might be right up your alley.
The thrill of swinging through 50 different obstacles across a five-tiered course will make you feel like Tarzan - and might make you want to bellow at the top of your lungs.
Bay Of Islands
This coastal park just beyond the famous 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road has gorgeous ocean views and plenty of accessible beaches that are often deserted.
Cliffs and rock stacks dominate the bays, and beautiful spring wildflowers are on show, and if you're daring, you can try to back your boat into the water via this steep boat ramp.
Tower Hill
While you're checking out Bay of Islands, head to Tower Hill.
A violent volcanic eruption more than 30,000 years ago created a funnel-shaped crater that was later filled by a lake, creeks and islands and is now a stunning national park and home to over 200 kangaroos.
Situated just beyond the 12 Apostles, this tiny crater-bound ecosystem is also home to koalas, emus, echidnas and waterbirds.
Tram Sessions
Get bored on public transport and forgot your iPod?
No worries. Tram Sessions run a number of free gigs on various trams around the city to help you pass the time.
It’s also a great way to discover some local unearthed talent you may have never had the chance to experience.
Switchboard Cafe
Switchboard Cafe proves that sometimes bigger isn't always better by serving its brew out of a storage cupboard.
What this Collins St cafe in Melbourne’s CBD lacks in space, it makes up for in charm with seats in a shop window across the hall.
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Mailbox 141
While we’re on the topic of tiny treasures, Mailbox 141 on Flinders St is in the running for the title of Melbourne’s smallest gallery.
The exhibition space is a row of glass-fronted former letterboxes located in a building foyer. And don’t feel like you need to go only once, because the exhibitions change every few months.
Pine Mountain
Pine Mountain in Victoria's Murray Region is home to a gigantic monolith rock that is reputed to be one-and-a-half times the size of Uluru.
Don’t believe us? You can go see for yourself! It’s a remote and rugged area, but it’ all part of the reason this mountain attracts so many visitors.
Can you think of another one of Victoria’s hidden gems that we’ve forgotten? Tell us in the comments below, or on the Herald Sun Facebook page.
Squeaky Beach
If you like the feel of sand between your toes, then maybe you also like the sound of it too. The rounded grains of quartz make a squeaking sound when you walk in the white, dry sand at Squeaky Beach.
The rock formations at the north end of the beach create a maze of passages for exploring Wilsons Prom - which, if you’re an animal lover, is one of the best places in Australia to spot wombats in the wild.
Peninsula Hot Springs
Much like the thermal spa centres you might find in Europe and America, the Hot Springs in Rye is the only natural thermal mineral springs bathing and day spa facility in Australia.
After the discovery of an abundant source of naturally heated healing mineral waters 637m below Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula, it’s become the perfect place to go if you need to get away and relax.
Wade with platypus
Not everyone can say they've got up close and personal with one of their country’s beloved icons.
At Healesville Sanctuary, you can step into the shallow water of the platypus pool to frolic, tickle and feed one of the little furry friends.
Pop Up Patch
In the urban jungle of Melbourne’s Federation Square, a little bit of green has sprouted on the carpark rooftop.
No, it’s not the type of green that you should be calling the police about, the friendly people at Pop Up Patch have transformed the rooftop into a vibrant vegie garden.
It is made up of more than 140 do-it-yourself vegie plots, housed in individual recycled apple crates - most which are leased to the public.
No Lights No Lycra
Dance like no one's watching. It's a self-help cliché that's sweet in the saying but is undeniably good in the doing.
It's easy to be self-conscious on a dance floor, so once the lights are off, let your hair down and do any dance you like.
From humble beginnings in Melbourne in 2009, NLNL dance nights are now held around Australia and the world, including Berlin, Glasgow and London. NLNL events are held in various locations around Melbourne.
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Dumpling Discovery tour
Feel like sampling something delicious while getting a tour of the city? Walk Melbourne has handpicked four of their favourite venues that offer four different styles of dumplings, handmade on site from scratch.
It’s a different way to learn about Melbourne, and maybe a new way to impress your friends at your next dinner party when you whip up your own dumplings from scratch.
Mira Mira
Always dreamt of living in a fantasy land? Well, Gippsland is the spot where that dream could become a reality.
Mira Mira is home to a collection of self-contained, two bedroom fantasy retreats where guests have an opportunity to “Live in Art".
Silent Cinema
Like to have a night out at the movies, but can’t stand the noises of people whispering loudly or food wrapper scrunching?
At Southgate’s intimate 60-seat cinema, patrons are given individual headphones so they can enjoy the big screen entertainment while blocking out the other distractions.
Herring Island
Ahoy me hearties! Time to draw the anchor and set sail in the search o’ buried treasure on a deserted island.
OK, it’s not deserted, and there probably isn’t any treasure, but if you’re in the mood for a voyage, Herring Island is just 3km from the Melbourne in the Yarra River.
Nine Levels of Darkness
If an aquatic adventure isn’t your thing, maybe a journey to the centre of the earth is.
The award-winning Central Deborah Gold Mines give explorers the chance to trek 61m down into Australia's deepest underground mine tour and discover a real gold mine that operated during the Gold Rush era.
Little Desert National Park
Victoria's very own desert is located 375km west of Melbourne.
Little Desert National Park receives only 400-600mm of rainfall a year, and for those who want to rough it there are plenty of walking tracks which range from three-hour wanders to three-day exhausting hikes. Make sure you wear the right footwear!
Western Victorian Volcanic Plains
Did you know that Victoria is home to the third largest volcanic plains in the world? Well, now you do!
Falling only behind Deccan Plateau in India and the Snake River Plateau in the USA, the Western Victorian Volcanic Plains cover an area of 2.3 million hectares.
That’s more than 10 per cent of the state! Mount Buninyong is a large extinct volcano within this area.
Know another unusual place in Victoria’s that we might’ve missed? Tell us in the comments below, or on the Herald Sun Facebook page.
Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BrendoHeraldSun
Big thanks to Tourism Victoria for help compiling this list. You can find more great places to see in Victoria on their website: http://www.visitvictoria.com
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