Receiving nearly 40 million tourists a year, Melbourne is undeniably a popular hot-spot for national and international travelers alike. A country as culturally and historically interesting as Australia has far more to offer than what a single city can offer, though. Instead, a visitor can experience everything the Toorak region has to offer – and avoid the waves of tourists – with a well-planned road trip along the scenic roads of Victoria.
Great Otway National Park
Situated in the gorgeous Yarra Valley, Toorak is convenient to a plethora of beautiful vistas. Perhaps the most natural spot to appreciate the Victoria wilderness is the Great Otway National Park, a wildlife reserve just a 3-hour drive from central Toorak. The scenic route follows the Great Ocean Road, so travelers can expect to see the best of coastal Australia as they make the drive. Upon arrival, sites like Erskine Falls are just waiting to be experienced.
Wineries
Adults eager to travel further inland can still encounter the beautiful views of Victoria from one of the regions several wineries. Destinations such as Balgownie Estate and Soumah Yarra Valley offer tours of their picturesque wineries – accompanied, naturally, by the sweet scents and flavors of wine. With a decent supply of gas and a reliable car transmission, a tourist can drive to several breathtaking wineries and be back in Toorak by evening; or, if wine tasting is on the menu, an 8-hour bus tour is another great option.
Fun for the at Family Toorak Village
With hundreds of shops, restaurants, and an impressive art walk to enjoy, there’s something for everyone in the family friendly Toorak Village. Specific highlights for kids include the always-fun Brainy Munchkins toy store, stocked with educational games and toys, and Unlimited Gaming and Collectibles for those comic book lovers. There’s so much to explore, though, that the real fun is in discovering that next hidden gem.
Brighton Beach
No trip to Melbourne would be complete without a stop by the famous Brighton Beach. The Dendy Street Beach is a tourist destination everyone should visit at least once, and the soft, sandy beach provides the ideal spot to relax with the family. The water is calm and lifeguards are on site, making Brighton Beach a safe vacation spot for travelers of all ages. For those eager to experience the best beaches Australia has to offer, Brighton Beach is a must-do.
Where to Stay
A colorful conglomeration of modern and retro pop-punk, the Ovolo Hotel makes for a truly unique accommodation. With video games, yoga, and amenities galore, there’s no need to go bored once touring ends for the day. The convenient Toorak location is just the cherry on top, keeping guests central to the action of the city and close to unmissable shopping and dining,.
Meanwhile, though it’s a much more classic accommodation experience than the Ovolo, the Olsen Hotel is by no means inferior. Sleek modern design in and out of the room lets guests wind down after a busy day about town among the finest life has to offer. The interior pool, spa, and restaurant are convenient for those looking to de-stress on their vacation, while the Chapel Street location is ideal for experiencing all the culture and fashion Toorak has to offer.
Where To Eat
Fine French dining can be difficult to get right, but Bistro Thierry always impresses. The snails and scallops are a treat to be savored. The selection of wine is always fresh and flavorful. Though not a budget restaurant by any means, Bistro Thierry serves food well worth experiencing while celebrating any Toorak vacation.
For brunch in the city, Two Birds, One Stone cannot be beat. A serving of thick, fluffy pancakes – and a steaming cup of coffee on the side, of course – is just the boost of energy to get a family excited for a day of shopping and site-seeing. The cozy, comfortable atmosphere and classic brunch menu ring of nostalgia, ensuring even first-time visitors will feel at home as they dig into their impressive platter of pancakes.
Regardless of a road tripper’s age or tastes, Toorak is bound to have something to offer. In near proximity to both the bustling city and peaceful countryside, visitors can make the most of every moment of their vacation. It’s no wonder Melbourne has become such a popular destination for travelers – with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Toorak, every vacation is bound to be one for the history books.
