Dreaming of meeting kangaroos, koalas and platypuses? There are a ton of reasons why a road trip through the temperate state of Victoria is the best way to achieve your Aussie wildlife goals. Here are two of them. First, you get to start from the very cool state capital of Melbourne. It's an arty, photogenic city famous for its food scene, cultural credibility and laneways of pint-sized bars, boutiques and galleries. Second, it's (relatively) more compact than other Australian states yet incredibly diverse, which means you can chase rainforest waterfalls, laze on golden beaches and climb mountains all within a few hours' travelling.
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Visit a menagerie of Aussie animals at Healesville sanctuary
Once you've spent a few days getting to know Melbourne, take a scenic trip through the Yarra Valley (which just happens to be a world-famous wine region) until you reach Healesville Sanctuary. Here in this leafy slice of bushland, you'll meet all the furry faves (roos, wallabies, koalas, dingos and wombats) plus spiky echidnas, curious emus and majestic wedge-tailed eagles - even the elusive duck-billed platypus.
Encounter koalas, platypuses and whales on the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's awe-inspiring coastal drives, and there are plenty of stops along the way where you can meet cute creatures in their native habitat. Stop off at Kennett River and spot sleepy, eucalyptus-munching marsupials on the Koala Walk; head to the historic town of Warnambool to see breaching humpback whales; and walk the lush, wild trails of the Great Otway National Park for the rarest sight of all - a platypus. Deep in the rainforest lies Lake Elizabeth, home to an animal that even the majority of Australians have never seen in the wild. Thanks to the Paddle with the Platypus experience, run by Otway Eco Tours, you can canoe across the lake at dawn, catching glimpses of the strange and beautiful mammal.
Marvel at the world's cutest penguins on Philip Island
Ever heard of the Penguin Parade? Every evening, after a day out at sea, a horde of little penguins waddle out of the ocean to their sandy burrows on Philip Island. Buy a 5 park Pass and you can also experience the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, a virtual journey to the Antarctic and a real boat trip to Seal Rocks.
Hang out with kangaroos at Wilsons Promontory National Park
Anyone who has been to 'The Prom' (the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland) knows that one trip to this glorious coastal paradise is never enough. But if you sure you hike part of the 80km sea-adjacent walking trail. You're bound to spot kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and colourful birdlife. You can also take a three-hour wilderness cruise to explore the spectacular waterways, history, flora and fauna of Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park.