Only 15 minutes south of Melbourne’s CBD, Bayside boasts 17 kilometres of stunning foreshore and beaches fronting Port Phillip Bay. It is characterised by the picturesque coastline from Brighton to Beaumaris, water-based activities and quality residential areas featuring stylish homes and traditional shopping villages.

They include one of Victoria's most renowned shopping strips, Church Street in Brighton, which features fine food and elegant entertainment. Still in Brighton, the alternative and eclectic Martin Street caters well for the younger market while fashion boutiques feature heavily in Bay Street.

One of the most recognised aspects of Bayside’s character are the colourful bathing boxes in Brighton which are more than 100 years old.

Royal Brighton Yacht Club

Formed after a chance encounter of two gentlemen cleaning their boats on the Middle Brighton Beach in August 1875 the then Brighton Yacht Club was granted Royal charter in 1924.

With a continual program of upgrades to facilities the club now boasts an extensive floating marina and a substantial hardstand.

Recent renovations have ensured that a comfortable environment is available to members and guests with a comfortable bar and function room both leading to the balcony from which to enjoy a Brighton sunset.

Warm and comfortable change rooms are complimented by a sauna and steam room as well as a well equipped gym.

The Royal Brighton Yacht Club is a 10 minute walk from the centre of Brighton where there is extensive shopping and a train line to the city.

Set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay, an area 35 times the size of Sydney Harbour, Melbourne is considered the most ‘European’ of Australia’s capitals. It nestles on the northern banks of the Yarra River with the heart of the city about 5kms from the bay.

Melbourne combines history with a cosmopolitan ‘Café Culture’ to present a city that is vibrant and exciting.

A beautifully planned city, the CBD is easy to navigate and travel with its distinctive trams providing a simple method to explore all this city has to offer.

Spend time in some of Melbourne's diverse precincts and experience the richness of Melbourne’s different cultures from the Greek Quarter around Lonsdale Street, Vietnamese in Victoria Street to the Chinese culture in Chinatown and the Paris End of Collins Street. Explore the hidden treasures in Melbourne’s famous lanes and historic arcades and experience the many different ways of enjoying life along the Yarra River.

Don’t forget the shopping. From the ritzy brand names at the Paris end of Collins Street to the stalls of the Queen Victoria market there is plenty to satisfy the shopaholic in everyone.

Melbourne is well known around the world for the standard of its dining offerings and there are plenty of them. Spend the night enjoying the haute cuisine on offer at any one of Melbourne’s top restaurants, all displaying the excellence of the produce Australia has to offer. Or marvel at the quality and diversity of food available at any of the many ethnic restaurant options available in this multi cultural city.

Experience the diversity that Victoria has to offer. Hire a car and explore the Gold Rush towns of Bendigo and Ballarat. Steeped in the history of the Gold Rush time the architecture and landscape reflect the past whilst combining it with contemporary vibrancy and style.

Travel to the world class wineries of the Yarra Valley just an hour or two from Melbourne. Or take a leisurely trip along the winding road that is the Great Ocean Road, some of the most spectacular coastal scenery you will ever see. Take some time to visit the surf beaches around Torquay, the place that inspired modern surfboard and wetsuit design.

Just an hour to the North of Melbourne is the Macedon Ranges and spa country dotted with beautiful restaurants and cool climate wineries. Spend the night in one of the many B & B’s waking in the morning to the cry of the Kookaburra.

If a more active holiday is your style then try bushwalking in the Grampians or Australia’s high country. The Grampians region offers superb National and State parks where you can be inspired by the stunning natural beauty and the native wildlife.

Home to Victoria’s snow fields, the High Country is a bushwalking mecca during the summer months. Brushed with a paintbrush of wild flowers enjoy the clean alpine air and the cooler climate during the day, before relaxing at one of the many high quality resorts at night. Popular with mountain bike riders this area offers mountain bike adventures combined with spa packages which take advantage of the spectacular and unique scenery.

Whether you enjoy wine, fine foods, history or high energy activities Victoria has something special to offer you.

With a land mass nearly 30 times the size of New Zealand Australia offers a huge diversity of places to experience. From the golden beaches of the Queensland Coast to the mountainous bush walks of the pristine Tasmanian environment.

As you travel from north to south or from Perth in the west to Sydney in the east the climate and landscape would make you think you are changing countries.

Take a trip to Australia’s red heart at Uluru in the Northern Territory. The best way to experience the majesty and serenity of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Watarrka National Parks is on foot, and a multitude of signed trails lead to lookouts, caves, Aboriginal art sites and rock pools.

Alternatively take a plane, or a train, west to the capital of Western Australia, Perth in Australia’s largest state. After enjoying the uncrowded and clean beaches that Perth has to offer head north up the coast to Broome to pick up some pearls or simply walk on the 22 kilometre white sand beach and enjoy the sunset. Alternatively travel south to enjoy the world renowned wine regions of the Margaret River.

Wherever you plan to go in Australia you can be guaranteed that the welcome will be warm and friendly and you don’t need to change currencies or languages.