Victoria’s Best Pre-Wedding Photo Locations – 6 Hidden Gems
Looking for a Pre-wedding photoshoot location around Melbourne Australia?
Whether you’re a local in search of stunning engagement photos or a couple venturing from overseas to soak up Australia’s awe-inspiring landscapes, I’ve got your back. Get ready to dive headfirst into the excitement of choosing the perfect location for your pre-wedding photoshoot right here in Victoria, Australia.
These are my absolute favourite spots, handpicked to offer a little bit of everything. Picture epic oceans with rugged cliffs, vibrant forests with cascading waterfalls, sandy deserts, and a lively, culturally rich cityscape. These 6 locations are gems you want to consider when planning your pre-wedding photoshoot around Melbourne.
I’ve also included the travel time from Melbourne CBD (by car). And if you’re travelling to Australia internationally, I’m more than happy to help with your transport arrangements.
Alright, let’s jump right in and uncover the pre-wedding locations of your dreams.
Great Otway National Park
Embark on a journey through the enchanting Great Otway National Park. This natural gem offers a breathtaking escape from bustling city life, immersing visitors in a world of untamed beauty and tranquil serenity.
Covering an expansive area of over 100,000 hectares, the Great Otway National Park is a haven of diverse ecosystems that seamlessly blend together. Verdant rainforests with ancient ferns and towering eucalyptus trees dominate the landscape, creating a lush oasis teeming with life. Curious kangaroos and wallabies graze the grassy meadows, while colourful native birds fly through the treetops.
As you traverse its winding paths, you’ll encounter huge waterfalls, their gentle mist hitting your skin as you bask in their magnificence. As well as hidden gorges carved by centuries of flowing rivers, with enormous ferns & century-old trees.
The Otways is diverse in its landscapes, so you can make your pre-wedding photos completely unique by discovering your very own spot.
The Otways is 2hrs 40min drive from Melbourne CBD (depending on where in the Otways you decide to go). It’s best to hire an Airbnb so you can stay somewhere close by.
Wilsons Promontory
For the adventurous at heart, Wilson’s Promontory presents a playground of experiences. Hike Mount Oberon for breathtaking panoramic views that captures this untamed wonderland. Follow the tracks that wind through the wilderness, leading to secluded coves and hidden beaches with crystal clear water.
Explore pristine beaches, rocky headlands, and lush rainforests teeming with wildlife. Wilsons Prom is a realm of wonder where landscapes and wildlife offer an unforgettable escape into Australia’s untamed wilderness.
My favourite spot at Wilson’s Prom is ‘The Big Drift’. Which is a sand dune section that stretches as far as the eye can see. Catching the sunrise on Squeaky Beach is another highlight and the perfect Pre-wedding photo location.
Not for the faint-hearted, Wilsons Prom is a 4hr drive from Melbourne CBD. For accommodation, there is a caravan park with cabins in the National Park itself. Otherwise, finding an Airbnb close by is also a great idea.
The Great Ocean Road
Embark on an epic coastal road trip along the Great Ocean Road, a world-renowned scenic drive that winds its way along the breathtaking shores. Be captivated by dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and iconic rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles. Marvel at the rugged beauty of the coastline as you navigate winding roads and soak up panoramic ocean views.
The Great Ocean Road is a bucket-list experience that promises awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable memories. And a location that is close to my heart as it’s where I grew up!
With so many hidden gems along the Great Ocean Road, you can be sure to find something to suit your Pre-Wedding goals. From beaches to enormous cliffs & forests.
The location pictured below is around 3hrs West of Melbourne’s CBD. Again, cute Airbnb’s are the way to go when considering your accommodation.
Cairns Beach
Cairns Beach is one of Melbourne’s closest locations in my top 6 hidden gems for Pre-wedding Photos. At only 1hr 30mins from the CBD, it’s easy to find some accommodation in Melbourne and make a short road trip out to the coast.
After a short stroll down from the car park, you’ll be immersed in unmatched ocean views. With huge cliffs stretching to the horizon and an untamed ocean crashing the shore, it’s the perfect spot for incredible sunset photos that won’t disappoint.
It’s easy to see why it’s increasing in popularity. You’ll often find a maternity or a family session taking place. But with heaps of space, it’s super easy to stay out of anyone’s way.
If you’re after epic coastal images close to the CBD, this is the place for you.
Dandenong Ranges
Get lost in the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges, which is the perfect backdrop for pre-wedding photos. Explore a fairy tale setting of lush forests, majestic fern gullies, and cascading waterfalls that create a romantic feeling.
Picture-perfect gardens like the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens offer blooming flowers and tranquil lakes, while the towering trees of Sherbrooke Forest cast enchanting shadows. The Dandenong Ranges provide an idyllic setting, ensuring pre-wedding photos that are nothing short of magical.
With only being a 1hr drive from Melbourne CBD, it’s a great option and definitely worth considering.
Melbourne CBD
Step into the vibrant heart of Melbourne with its iconic CBD. Where bustling streets and architectural marvels converge, creating an urban wonderland for pre-wedding photos.
Explore hidden gems like the rooftop car parks, offering views of the city skyline as a stunning backdrop. Wander through the graffiti alleyways of Hosier Lane, filled with colourful street art that adds a unique touch to your photos. Discover charming laneways adorned with quaint cafes and boutiques, providing a touch of whimsy and romance.
Melbourne CBD is a treasure trove of diverse locations, promising unforgettable pre-wedding photos that capture the essence of this dynamic city. And it’s definitely one of my locations for pre-wedding photos that uncovers something unique every time.
Ultimately, with such diverse landscapes, Victoria truly is an amazing place for pre-wedding photos. It offers an abundance of possibilities, allowing you to curate a set of images that reflects your unique love story and style.
So, dream big, explore the possibilities, and let Victoria’s charm serve as the perfect canvas for capturing your most cherished pre-wedding memories.
For more information, check out this blog on Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Pre-Wedding Shoot in Melbourne.
Please reach out! I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment on this blog or jump on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freethebirdweddings/
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Morgan x