I Travelled Along The Coast Of Victoria And New South Wales To Determine Which State Is Best

A clumsy personal attempt to dig into a never-ending rivalry.

Hi there! I'm Federico, I'm Italian, and I recently spent two weeks travelling along the Victorian and New South Wales coast, from Melbourne to Sydney.

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I come from a rural area in Veneto, and we have heaps of rivalries, too. As an outsider, I dug into the ultimate Aussie dispute of Sydney vs. Melbourne, and aimed to discover more about the state they represent.

I am aware that the two states can offer much more than the little I experienced. What follows is a collection of the best moments I wanted to share, spicing it up with a bit of healthy rivalry.

Let the battle begin!

1. Sunrises: It's a tie!

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What better way to start the day? Both states offer incredible places to enjoy if you’re a full-on early morning person. It’s definitely a tie!

VIC: Rye, Mornington Peninsula, 6.34 a.m.

NSW: Tapalla Point, Huskisson, 6.45 a.m.

Current tally:

VIC: 1
NSW: 1

2. Breakfast. Victoria wins!

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In Victoria I had a delicious salmon and egg-based brekky, and in New South Wales a terrific Italian tiramisù. Breakfast in Australia is A THING: Every dish is first so beautiful to look at, and second, delicious AF. My Italian heart is broken as I say Victoria wins this round.

VIC: The Local. Inverloch, Inverloch.

NSW: The View Café, Narooma.

Current tally:

VIC: 2
NSW: 1

3. Lookouts. Victoria wins!

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This lookout at the Wilsons Promontory in Victoria, is so worth the 45-minute walk through the bush. Breathtaking 180°- degree views over two of the best beaches of the area. Don't you feel like hiking already?

VIC: Mt Bishop, Wilsons Prom.

NSW: Bald Hill Lookout, Otford.

Current tally:

VIC: 3
NSW: 1

4. Towns. New South Wales wins!

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New South Wales scores and shortens the gap! Tilba Tilba deserves the point, with its restored and maintained period buildings that are also on the national heritage list.

VIC: San Remo.

NSW: Tilba Tilba.

Current tally:

VIC: 3
NSW: 2

5. Animals. Victoria wins!

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Nothing is cuter than a little penguin walking home; Victoria deserves this point! In New South Wales I saw the biggest stingray I've ever seen, but the penguins win... they are just too wonderful!

VIC: The Penguin Parade, Summerlands.

NSW: Walking path along the shore in Narooma.

Current tally:

VIC: 4
NSW: 2

6. Beaches. It's a tie!

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It’s a tie, again! Beaches have unique features in both states: White sands and crystal clear water are a constant all along the coast. Plus, you can experience no crowds, friendly animals, water sports, and breathtaking views.

VIC: Summerland Bay, Phillip Island. Quarry Beach, Mallacoota.

NSW: Pebbly Beach, Murramarang National Park. Camel Rock, Wallaga Lake.

Current tally:

VIC: 5
NSW: 3

7. Lunch. Victoria wins!

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Kiama offered very good food in New South Wales, but Victoria gets another point thanks to Pino’s Trattoria, in Cowes. I tried both their Spaghetti alla Pescatore and their Pizza Calabrese and they were of such a good quality. Plus, the ingredients were really fresh.

VIC: Pino’s Trattoria, Cowes.

NSW: The Hungry Monkey, Kiama.

Current tally:

VIC: 6
NSW: 3

8. Adventures. NSW wins!

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I loved stand-up paddleboarding on the lake, in Victoria, as we experienced wind, the waves, the sun, and a great tour guide to show us the best spots. But in New South Wales I was so scared about zip-lining, and felt adrenaline going all through my veins.

VIC: Venture Out, Lakes Entrance.

NSW: Illawarra Fly, Knights Hill.

Current tally:

VIC: 6
NSW: 4

9. Relaxation. Victoria wins!

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In terms of relaxing, Victoria has no competitors. Chilling on a kayak was great, but nothing was more relaxing than spending a morning floating in these natural hot pools on the Mornington Peninsula. It left me speechless.

VIC: Peninsula Hot Springs, Fingal.

NSW: Kiah Wilderness Tours, Kiah.

Current tally:

VIC: 7
NSW: 4

10. Gelato. Italy wins!

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I know this is meant to be between two Australian states, but how can I not award this point to Italy?!

VIC: ISOLA Gelateria, Cowes.

NSW: Gelati Clinic, Bermagui.

Current tally:

ITALY: 1
AUSTRALIA: 0

Ok, back to the Aussie states...

11. Lakes and rivers. New South Wales wins!

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Swimming in the Tidal River in Victoria was special, but not as much as the Magical Oyster Tour in New South Wales. We picked oysters fresh out of the water and ate them straight away. Delicious! Make sure to ask for a tour from Captain Sponge!

VIC: Tidal River, Tidal River.

NSW: Magical Oyster Tour, Pambula.

Current tally:

VIC: 7
NSW: 5

12. Natural attractions. New South Wales wins!

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Coastal New South Wales offered some of the most unique landmarks I’ve visited. Camel Rock, Horse Head Rock, and Kiama Blowhole were mesmerising and they deserve the point. Though, this beach in Victoria has something really special to show: these rainbow coloured rocks!

VIC: Quarry Beach, Mallacoota.

NSW: Horse Head Rock, Wallaga Lake.

Current tally:

VIC: 7
NSW: 6

13. Delights. New South Wales wins!

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No discussion here. Berry in New South Wales scores because it's home to the very delicious and famous Berry's doughnut van. If you've tried it, you know why it’s famous. I am sorry Victoria.

VIC: Mock Red Hill, Red Hill.

NSW: The Famous Berry Donut Van, Berry.

Current tally:

VIC: 7
NSW: 7

14. Museums. New South Wales wins!

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You’d think as an Italian the Grand Prix museum on Phillip Island would win out, but the museum I visited in Eden in New South Wales was extremely fascinating and was a fascinating insight into Australia’s history.

VIC: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre, Cowes.

NSW: Killer Whale Museum, Eden.

Current tally:

VIC: 7
NSW: 8

15. Sunsets. Victoria wins!

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OK, New South Wales, don't be angry, can't we both agree that this Victorian sunset over the ocean was something extremely unique?

VIC: Whisky Bay, Tidal River.

NSW: Jervis Bay, Huskisson.

Current tally:

VIC: 8
NSW: 8

16. Landscapes. New South Wales wins!

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This point goes to New South Wales! Rural landscapes can be surprising, so keep your eyes open. Stop for a break every now and then to enjoy the scenery. Remember it is also a good time to freshen up if you're having a long drive.

VIC: On the way to Wilsons Promontory.

NSW: Princes Highway, between Kiah and Merimbula.

Current tally:

VIC: 8
NSW: 9

17. Instagrammability. Victoria wins!

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This cloudy and sunny day is enough to give the equalizer point to Victoria. Victoria, you're so instagrammable!

VIC: Lookout in Rhyll, Phillip Island.

NSW: Murunna point, Wallaga Lake.

Current tally:

VIC: 9
NSW: 9

18. Dinner. Victoria wins!

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The winning point is for Victoria! This self-catered dinner with local products was definitely the best thing to enjoy on an evening at Wilsons Promontory. A full Gippsland experience! But you definitely also have to check out the Italian pizza with a view in Narooma, New South Wales. It's really worth it.

VIC: Products from Gippsland! Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar. Loch Brewery. Dirty Three Wines. The Pantry Phillip Island.

NSW: Sorriso Italian Restaurant, Narooma.

Current tally:

VIC: 10
NSW: 9

Victoria wins!

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We have a winner! Victoria got the winning point at the very last moment. But don’t worry New South Wales, this is just a game!

This rivalry between the two states is pretty big and I finally understand why. Both states are equally good and full of things to offer and discover, no matter what kind of person you are. Are you looking for nature? A getaway? An adventure? A beach? Parties? Fun? They’ve got it all. I understand there’s still a lot that I didn't get to see, because time is always too short. So, now it’s up to you: Discover for yourself and enjoy every moment!

Travel was provided by Tourism Australia. BuzzFeed writers do not guarantee coverage.