Victoria

Stretching along the south eastern edge of the continent, Victoria offers something for every kind of visitor who crosses its borders.

Melbourne is known as Australia’s culture capital, a city of theatre, architecture, fashion, food and flair. Melbourne is also a popular destination for shoppers with an eye for a bargain, offering a clearance and discount shopping heaven in the city centre, or upmarket label nirvana in Toorak and South Yarra. Melbourne is one city where it really is possible to shop til you drop !

Melbourne is a cultural melting pot, with a melange of cultures each adding their own multicultural touch to the city’s makeup. Dining in Melbourne can be like eating around the world in 80 ways.

Melbourne is also sport mad, developing a reputation as the home to some of Australia’s most well-known sporting events. See the country stop to watch the Melbourne Cup horse race, watch top ranked tennis players sweat it out in the Australian Open or thrill with the fumes and fury of the Qantas Australian Grand Prix through the city streets. A great laugh is also guaranteed at the annual Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Heading away from Melbourne leads you to stunning scenery ranging from rainforests and gorges to spectacular coastlines.

The Great Ocean Road offers one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, meandering along 106 kilometres of Victoria’s coast. Marvel at the Twelve Apostles - huge columns of rock rising like monoliths from the sea, windswept limestone cliffs battered by pounding surf and roaring blowholes which vent with spectacular fury from the limestone cliffs.

After experiencing the fury and majesty of Victoria’s shoreline, head to the high country for skiing, abseiling, whitewater adrenaline rushes, serene trout fishing or to sample the award winning wines from the many wineries dotting the region. Relax amongst the gorgeous scenery as you sample some of the best wines of the region.

The High Country is also a haven for snow lovers, with premier ski facilities offering awesome cross country and downhill skiing from June to October.

For a different Victorian experience, Phillip Island is an easy day trip from Melbourne, and is teeming with native wildlife. Laugh at the antics of the delightful fairy penguins, marvel at the Australian fur seals relaxing on its shores or try to count the myriad of different birds and animals which inhabit this amazing island.

The Gippsland region also beckons with its array of lakes, forests , rugged coastline and tiny townships offering a taste of Victorian history.

Less than an hour from Melbourne are the vineyards and undulating hills of the Yarra Valley. Romantic retreats are tucked away in the hills, beckoning visitors to enjoy the peaceful scenery and harmonious way of life. The Yarra Valley is recognised as one of the world’s best wine growing regions, and a tasting at any of the local wineries will testify to this.

The Dandenong Ranges offer fern gullies and ageless forests, with historic townships nestled amongst the trees waiting to be explored. Australia’s oldest steam train Puffing Billy winds its way through the ranges, offering a unique and historic view of the region’s scenery.

Victoria – a state of variety, spectacle and style !