12 *updated 2023* amazing engagement photography locations in Victoria
There’s no denying that here in Victoria we’re blessed with so many gorgeous and off-the-beaten-path locations that it can be a little overwhelming to choose just one for your engagement session.
I hope this list helps a little in narrowing it down for you with some of my favourite locations to head to with my couples.
so grab your partner, pack the day bag and hit the road out to any of these 12 amazing Victorian engagement photography locations.
Cape Schanck
Located down on the Mornington Peninsula on its most southernmost tip, Cape Schanck is one of my favourite locations to visit in Victoria. If you around to the Lighthouse you will be greeted with spectacular views of the Bass Strait and it’s wild waters which you can spot crashing onto the rocks below.
My recommendation is to travel down the wooden walkways out to Pulpit Rock just before sunrise to catch the absolutely beautiful pink glow the rocks cast in the area, the added bonus is that nobody is around at sunrise (other than a finishing up astrophotographer or two).
The entire area is covered in small smoothed out pebbles the waves have carved out beautiful rock formations as well - all in all, it makes for a great trip and it’s not too far from Melbourne.
2. Lerderderg State Park
Say that three times fast… Apart from having a memorable name, this beautiful location makes for some peaceful weekend camping (if that’s your thing). The Lerderderg river accessed via O’Briens crossing has carved out an amazing gorge in which you can hike to the top of either side.
WIth plenty of grassland, river walks and woodland areas, it makes for a lovely australian bushland experience and the icing on the cake is that it makes a great place to camp all weekend due to the sheer amount of activities around. If you haven’t been out to this part of Victoria, then you’re going to want to add it to your list.
3. Bushrangers Bay
This particular area is absoutely stunning regardless of the weather. There’s plenty of rolling green hills, golden tones, epic sea cliffs and sometimes even cows! I had my own engagement photos here because of how gorgeous the place is.
There’s quite a bit to see here but you’ll want to access the area along the sea cliffs. To get there, take a short walk from the main road through some shurbbery to be greated with a grand vista on the other side.
PRO TIP This is a location that you may run into some other couples having their own photo’s done so my advice would be to hop down on a weekday for sunset or better yet, get up for sunrise here. You may want to pack some warm clothing as the wind can get cold if the weather makes a quick turn.
4. The Grampians
Hands down my favourite place to head to in Victoria.
The Grampians are what my childhood dreams of mountains, valleys and wildlife were made of.
This is an epic location with stunning views, lots of native wildlife (Emu’s, Kangaroos, Wallabies and Kookabaras) but also plenty of romantic things to do with your partner as well like the amazing hikes, winery tours and delicious local cuisine.
The Grampians National Park is quite large and so you can’t really aim to conquer it all in a day, let alone a weeekend.
If you only have a day or two then I highly recommend heading up the steep Mt. William walk for sunrise (seriously, you will not regret it), do the long version of the pinnacle walk, so that you can do the light rock walking via the Grand Canyon and finish off with an easy, carpark to lookout for sunset at The Balaconies. Otherwise, if you have a weekend, head to the local Zoo, grab a bite to eat at one of the fine restraunts in Halls gap and consider the Mt Sturgeton walk as well.
5. Kinglake National Park
If you travel about 60 or so kilometres outside of Melbourne towards the northeast you might find yourself in or around the giagantic Kinglake National Park. A beautiful place even after the disaster of the 2009 bushfires, Kinglake National Park has plenty of new and emerging flora and if you head out during spring you can spot some delicate wildflowers.
KNP is another area in which you will find all sorts of different scenery from forest walks through to grand vistas. You’ll be able to get great views over the Yarra Vallet and even all the way over the You Yangs. This park is one to explore many times as there’s just so much to see, so make sure you pack your tents, an overnighter pack and bring along the 4WD as there’s plenty of tracks to tackle.
6. Flinders Blowhole
A super easy to access location, Flinders Blowhole is a nice place to visit on a Sunday afternoon for sunset.
There’s gorgeous views of the bass straight, the blowhole itself and some lovely sea cliffs. This one isn’t too far from Bushrangers bay either so can make for an awesome and quick step off.
7. Fingal Forest
Located not too far from Cape Schanck, in fact, it’s on the same road that leads down to the Cap, you’ll pass what’known on Google Maps as Fingal Picnic area. It’s a beautiful little forest that actually makes for a peaceful place to enjoy a picnic or as an extra location to visit on your way to or from the Cape.
My recommendation is to head here when you get a pretty sunny day as the light that dapples through the extremely tall pine trees make for some beautiful light rays - I wouldn’t head out here on your own though, as the extra soft floor made up of bark and mulch and soft soil absord pretty much all sound and it gets a little freaky when your alone.
8. Wilsons Promontory
The southern most point of Victoria comes with its perks.
You’d be forgiven for thinking this little slice of paradise simply doesn’t exist, a lot of the National Park looks untouched by humanity and it boasts amazingly clear water, friendly wildlife and spectacular hikes.
There’s so many places to explore around Wilsons Promontory National Park it’s hard to just recommend a few.
My top recomendations for a day trip would be Tidal River and start with a walk out into the bay which will give you amazing panaromic views of mountains, sea stacks and golden sand. I’d then head to Mt Oberson for a good walk to the summit where you’re able to see all the peaks throughout the park and out to Sealers Cove.
* Side note, it makes for an awesome place to propose <3
Finish up at Sunset with a walk in one of the many small walks throughout the park, there’s so many to choose from.
9. Mt Buffalo
Located in North East Victoria, Mt Buffalo is an incredible location during both Winter & Summer and is completely worth the drive for - with incredible rock formations and large fields with golden tones you’d easily mistake this place to look like another contentinent.
10. Mt. Alexander - Harcourt North
Being a passionate Mountain Biker has its perks, Harcourt North is home to an incredible Mountain Bike Park called La Larr Bar Gauwa Park - which happens to also be on Mt Alexander & next to an Oak Plantation. Both of which offer fantastic backdrops and views over the surrounding towns. This location is ideal on a Sunday sunset location as there’s generally nobody around during this time and you can follow some of the Mountain Bike trails up to some gorgeous views.
11. R.J. Hammer Arboretum - Olinda
12. Mt Samaria
Mt Samaria State Park was introduced to me by Bre & James, who are both outdoor educators - and go figure, this place is gorgeous and highly underrated with its incredible views and lovely walks - but, be warned those gorgeous vistas do require some leg work, and while the hike to the summit is only 1km long, it’s a steep climb. When you reach the top, you are greeted with an incredible 360 view of the surrounds and even Mt Buffalo.
That’s it, that’s the list! There are plenty more locations on offer throughout Victoria but I hope these give you enough inspiration to plan your own awesome engagement or adventure session photos!
If you loved this blog post, maybe head on over to my “What to wear for an Adventure Session” post for some ideas on complimentary clothing for your location
Want to book an adventure session with me?