Victoria

Victoria is a state of Australia occupying its southeastern part. It is considered the most densely populated state, though the smallest in the mainland part of the county.

What started out as a small farming community grew into the second most populous state following the gold rush in mid 19th century. Read more...

Victoria is composed of several regions and each offers its unique beauty and attractions. Its capital, Melbourne, is full of wonderful destinations that will leave visitors enthralled and bedazzled. It is also a city full of history and heritage, manifested in its numerous old though well-preserved buildings and structures. Such are the portable iron houses located along Coventry Street. These three prefabricated iron buildings were built in the 19th century and only a few have remained in the present times. These attractions provide an audiovisual tour that details the significance of these residences to white settlement in the state. Melbourne is also the location of Albert Park, an extensive outdoor destination located along Albert Road. Apart from providing ample setting for locals and visitors to walk, jog, and go biking, the park is also popular for picnics and barbecues. There are also several sporting facilities in the area, such as a public golf course, aquatic center, and a sporting oval. Melbourne is also the home of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, a well-known modern landmark that houses contemporary artworks from all over the world.

The area surrounding the Macedon Ranges is known as Spa Country, with several attractions that cater to the well-being of its visitors, with the use of mineral springs abundant in the area. Such is the service offered by the Mineral Spa, which is located within the Peppers Springs Retreat in Hepburn Springs. This award winning spa boasts of using indigenous techniques combined with organic products and relaxation techniques. A similar establishment is the Salus Spa at Lake House in Daylesford. It specializes in the Hydrostorm spa technique. The area is also the location of Montsalvat, the oldest art colony in Australia. The colony features a number of buildings classified by the National Trust and beautiful gardens. It also hosts Sunday music concert series, art exhibits, and theatrical performances.

The French Island Marine National Park is one of the major attractions of Mornington Peninsula. Composed of mudflats, saltmarshes, mangroves, and sea grass beds, this national park is recognized as a significant feeding habitat for migratory fishes. It is also a popular scuba diving destination among experienced divers. Numerous visitors also take the time to head out to the McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park, located in Langwarrin. The landscaped gardens feature over 50 sculptures by renowned Australian artists. And because the peninsula is located along the southern coast of Victoria, one of the regions popular attractions for families is the Polperro Dolphin Swins in Sorrento. This award-winning environmental tourism attraction offers visitors the chance to swim with bottlenose dolphins that frequent the Port Phillip Bay. And after swimming with these gentle marine creatures, visitors can head out to the Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, where visitors can try their hand at picking this luscious fruit. This attraction is located in Main Ridge.

Visitors who yearn to experience something totally unique should head out to the Great Ocean Road and visit Batreach. Situated in Kuranda, this wildlife center focuses on promoting awareness on the habits and habitat of flying foxes. In Warrnambool, visitors are treated to unique attraction highlights at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village & Shipwrecked Sound and Laser Show. The establishment showcases items associated with the numerous shipwrecks that occurred in the area. Of special interest in the Minton statue, the Loch Ard Peacock. At night, there is a theatrical performance at the Wharf Theatre on the Loch Ard disaster, composed of light projected unto an aqua screen. In Torquay, surfing enthusiasts often head out to the Surfworld, which showcases numerous items related to the sport. The museum also focuses on the beach culture not just of Victoria but of the whole country.

The Goldfields area is where the golf rush in 1851 happened, the event that lead to the growth and development of the state. One of the highlights of Australian history, the Eureka Stockade of 1854, is depicted at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. With the use of sophisticated lighting and special effects, details of the rebellion and battle come alive right before the visitors' eyes. One of the area's extensive outdoor attraction is the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, near Chewton. The park has facilities for camping and picnics, as well as provides opportunities for bush walking, animal viewing, and bird watching.

Victorian Regions

As the capital of Victoria state, it is the largest city in the southeastern part of Australia and in fact, it stands as the second most populated city in the entire country, with a population of about 37.4 million, according to a recent survey.

The Great Ocean Road is one of the perfect nature tourist destinations in the southern part of Australia.

Right at the central part of the state of Victoria, the Macedon Ranges is surely an accessible place to nearby towns and cities.

The wine never runs out in the Yarra Valley which is located right in the bosom of the Dandenong Ranges.

The Dandenong Ranges is located east of Melbourne in Victoria. It is a popular holiday destination for those who like to get away from the stress of city life and enjoy the outdoors.

One unique way to explore the area is by boarding the Puffing Billy steam train.

Present-day Mornington Peninsula is a favorite of Melbourne city dwellers. Often called "Melbourne's Playground", it can be reached by bus or car through the Nepean Highway or Frankston Highway.

Phillip Island is a jewel in the crown of Victoria. Situated 140 kilometers southeast of Melbourne and having a 97 kilometer long coastline, the Island is 26 kilometers in length and 9 kilometers at its widest.

Gippsland is a large region in Victoria, located east of Melbourne. The place-name was given in honor of George Gipps, former governor of New South Wales and a close friend of Pawel Edmund Strzelecki, an early explorer of the area.

Two hundred thirty-five kilometers west of Melbourne lies a mountain range called the Grampians. This mountain range located in Victoria, Australia, is primarily composed of sandstones and a topnotch tourist destination and a national natural park.

Just between Murray and the Grampians lies the Goldfields region. True to its name, Goldfields pays homage to golden smiles and golden culture of its people.

From its historically significant sites to its unique biodiversity ecosystem, Murray River Country has evolved into a popular tourist destination located in the southern part of Australia.

Victoria's High Country extends down from the wine regions in the mid northeast of the State to the alpine regions to their south. It consists of small hills and mountains with the highest peak of Mount Bogong rising up to 1988 meters. The landscape of the area is a treat to watch.

Victorian Accommodation Regions

Victorian Tourism Directory

Victorian Destinations
Melbourne Great Ocean Road Macedon Ranges Yarra Valley Dandenong Ranges Mornington Peninsula Phillip Island Gippsland The Grampians The Goldfields Murray River Country High Country

Victorian Attractions & Tours
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Victorian Maps
Melbourne Great Ocean Road Macedon Ranges Yarra Valley Dandenong Ranges Mornington Peninsula Phillip Island Gippsland The Grampians The Goldfields Murray River Country High Country

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