Did you know there are sand dunes only two and a bit hours south of Melbourne? Named the Big Drift, this extensive series of sand dunes is fairly hidden from the main tourist track. At the top, you’ll be greeted by a seemingly endless view of sand, punctuated by the occasional green treetop and ocean view. The sands are ever-changing thanks to the wind, so you can spend some time walking around the dunes and exploring the landscape.
Photograph: Lauren Bath
Located in north-west Victoria, about four hours from Melbourne, is Lake Tyrrell, Victoria’s largest inland salt lake. Covering approximately 208 square kilometres, the lake’s salt is controlled mostly by weather changes. The best time to visit is on a clear winter’s evening when shallow water covers the lake, producing amazing and vast reflections of the sky above. During particularly wet and warm times of year, the water at Lake Tyrrell even turns pink.
Photograph: Parks Victoria
Nestled in Halls Gap within the natural oasis that is Grampians, MacKenzie Falls is one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in Victoria. A steep trail leads to the base of the falls, where all year round water cascades over huge cliffs into a deep pool above an impressive gorge. In summer, you can swim there, while in winter, you may prefer to content yourself with filling your water bottle to taste some of the purest water imaginable.
There’s a series of waterfalls scattered around the main event, so it’s easy to spend a weekend or a whole week exploring the many trails and tracks.
Photography: Visit Victoria