Victoria Is Opening Up! Visit Victoria for These 10 Attractions!


Victoria Is Opening Up! Visit Victoria for These 10 Attractions!

Published 14 October 2021 by Nightcap Hotels

According to the latest tourism report, Victoria attracts over 4 million overnight visitors every year. That's because this internationally acclaimed destination is awash with incredible sights and a host of things to do, regardless of your preferences.

As travel restrictions start to ease, now's a great time to visit Victoria and enjoy everything this beautiful province offers, before the crowds of international visitors return in 2022.

These are the top attractions to put on your list while you're planning your trip.

1. Australian National Aviation Museum

This fascinating showcase of Australia's aeronautical heritage features over 20 beautifully restored aeroplanes. Some of the prize exhibits at this museum include:

Among these fascinating interactive displays, you'll also discover uniforms, models, and knickknacks showcasing the history of flight in Australia.

The museum is open to visitors from 10 am to 4 pm daily and until 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. You'll find this interesting landmark just 6 km from the newly-refurbished Nightcap at Sandbelt Hotel. 

2. Box Hill Brick Works

The Box Hill Brick Works offers intriguing insights into times gone by just 4 km from Nightcap at Shopping Town Hotel. This heritage site produced bricks for almost 100 years until 1988 when it finally closed.

Today, the remaining machinery, kiln, and moulds are a playground for explorers who decide to defy the onsite security personnel. The site's earmarked for restoration, and once this refurbishment's complete, you'll better be able to view this fascinating place from closer up.

Until then, you'll need to console yourself with a virtual tour, views of the landmark smokestack, and distant glimpses of the treasures within. 

3. Crazy Climb, Noble Park

Crazy Climb Indoor Rock Climbing Centre is one of Melbourne's most exciting venues for adventurous kiddies and adults alike. The centre offers over 26 different challenges to tempt active guests of every ability level.

Here, you can clamber up and over obstacles seven days a week in an hour-long, fun-filled session. It's close to our newly renovated Sandown Park Hotel and right next door to Lollipops Playland where you can enjoy a bite to eat while the little ones burn off some energy. 

You can visit both outlets from 9:30 am by booking a session online before the time. 

4. Dandenong Markets

Nightcap at Keysborough Hotel is your go-to if you want to experience all the delights of Dandenong Market, one of Australia's most iconic craft and food destinations.

This bustling place brings over 150 nationalities together under one roof to showcase a wealth of delicacies and artistic creations.

Prepare to fill your shopping basket, or your belly, with some of the following when you visit Dandenong Markets:

There's always something happening at this happy, vibrant place, so don't miss a chance to explore it on your visit to Victoria.

5. Cherry Lake, Altona

If you prefer something a little more sedate, Cherry Lake, near the revamped Nightcap at Millers Inn is a top pick for you. This lovely watercourse is a haven for pelicans, swamp hens, swans, and other native birds, as well as a top cycling destination.

It's part of a lovely historical coastal wetland, modified into a lake that supports many wildlife species and recreational activities. Windsurfing and fishing are the most popular activities at Cherry Lake. 

You can also explore the area on foot, relax with a lakeside picnic or barbeque, or grab a gelato from the onsite store.

Cherry Lake offers the ultimate escape from the bustle of the city, with easy access from Queen Street.

On the first Sunday of every month, you can visit the Sunday Market on the Miller Street side of Cherry Lake where you'll find wonderful toys, homemade preserves, handmade goods, and clothing for sale.

6. Yarra Valley Trail

Are you looking for somewhere to stretch your legs during your visit to Victoria? The Yarra Valley Trail is just the thing.

This winding road is ever-evolving, with stage one already completed at the time of writing. The entire trail will be ready for action at the end of April 2022.

Ultimately, the 40 km track will create a Valley-wide loop, connecting Lilydale with Healesville and Yarra Glen, as well as the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail.

As you walk or pedal your way along this scenic path, you can stop off for a picnic at one of the designated areas, or pause at the bird-watching platform. Located close to the Yarra Valley Water sewerage ponds, this scenic area is home to over 120 species of birds. 

Check in to Nightcap at York on Lilydale to make the most of this outdoor experience.

7. Royal Botanic Gardens

Established in 1846, these beautiful stretches of green rank among the world's best botanical showcases. They sprawl over two locations, namely Cranbourne, and Melbourne, just south of the Yarra River.

The gardens contain over 10,000 plant species in 38 hectares, creating the ideal backdrop for walks and picnics on sunny days. Alternatively, you can tuck into something tasty at the tea house or one of the on-site restaurants.

You'll find the gardens about 36 km from Nightcap at York on Lilydale, and 25 km from Nightcap at Keysborough Hotel, so it's worth taking a day trip to explore these green spaces during your stay at these hotels. 

8. Gateway to the Great Ocean Rd

Great Ocean Road is a must-see route along the southern edge of Australia, and Nightcap at Gateway Hotel is a perfect place to start your journey. 

This iconic route traverses the coastline from Torquay to Warrnambool offering a host of both exciting and scenic delights along the way. Some highlights of a trip along Great Ocean Road include:

Before you head out on your epic adventure, spend some time lapping up the classic Aussie beach culture in Torquay.

Here, you can enjoy the Australian National Surfing Museum, or tackle the swells at beautiful Bells Beach, Torquay Front Beach, Jan Juc Beach, or Torquay Back Beach. 

9. Melbourne Zoo

No trip to Victoria is complete without exploring the Melbourne Zoo, close to Nightcap at Skyways Hotel. This haven for over 320 species is a world leader in conservation and education, offering a host of unique animal interactions. 

Some of the best ones involve going behind the scenes at the reptile house, giraffe, and elephant enclosures, or close up interactions with lemurs, seals, kangaroos, and otters.

You must pre-book tickets before visiting the zoo, but you can do this easily online in a few minutes. While you're there, you can explore at your leisure or follow one of the recommended itineraries based on how much time you have to spare.

Onsite eats include pre-packed lunches as well as plenty of choices from onsite restaurants like the Lakeside Café or Giraffe Lookout Café. If preferred, you can bring a picnic and relax on the lawns while you enjoy it. 

10. Bay Beaches

If you love beaches and fun activities along the seashore, a hotel stay at the Nightcap at The Cheeky Squire in Frankston is the perfect fit for you.  

Frankston Beach offers wide, safe, sandy stretches perfect for swimming and water sports. The beach offers excellent launch facilities for boating, lifeguards on duty, and a children's playground.

Mornington is a picturesque harbour offering yacht and boat mooring facilities, plenty of space for picnics and barbeques, and plenty of safe swimming beaches.

If you travel from there to Mt Eliza, you'll come across plenty of extra opportunities for secluded swimming at Half Moon Bay, Canadian Bay, Sunnyside, Davey's Bay, and Ranelagh.

St Kilda Beach is one of Port Phillip's most popular bay beaches offering opportunities for safe swimming, boating, kayak tours, and picnicking.  Nearby, you cycle, rollerblade, walk along the scenic promenade which boasts fabulous sunset and city views.

Brighton Beach is famous for its colourful bathing boxes and perfect for boating, yachting, and windsurfing. 

Where to Stay When You Visit Victoria

By now you've realised that Nightcap hotels are the obvious choice when you visit Victoria. All our hotels promise exceptional service, convenient check-in, and entertainment for the whole family. 

When you arrive, we'll greet you with a free drink to ease you into your stay, and you'll find plenty of excellent dining choices on-site, as well as buffet breakfasts, and your choice from our room service menu. Our spacious, contemporary rooms offer free Wi-Fi, plush King Koil beds, and plenty of space to relax in comfort. 

Take your pick from one of our superb hotels, sign up for our newsletter, or get in touch for assistance finding your ideal match.