Victoria

There are beautiful gardens, shopping areas famous for their restaurants and fashion – have lunch on the banks of the Yarra River or take a tram to St. Kilda, Melbourne’s leafy bay-side village. The Botanic Gardens, the Melbourne Aquarium and the Melbourne Zoo are also worth a look. In the evening check out one of Melbourne’s top restaurants or go local and enjoy the more Bohemian side of Melbourne’s bars and eateries fostered by its mix of European immigrants.

Away from Melbourne, Victoria features spectacular coastal drives, some of the richest pastoral land in Australia and magnificent bushwalking country. The discovery of gold in Victoria’s central region over 150 years ago has left the State with a rich legacy of grand hotels and public buildings, historic gardens and homesteads.

The Great Ocean Road hugs the contours of the State’s rugged south coast before heading inland to the ranges and rainforest of Cape Otway. When it rejoins the coast it does so to a spectacular array of cliffs, stacks and sea arches and the rolling waves of the Southern Ocean. Behind the coastline are waterfalls, tree ferns, towering eucalypt forests and a large population of koalas.

Further inland some of the richest pastoral land in Australia is the setting for fine old homestyeads and the area is reminiscent of the English countryside. A litter further on the Grampian National Park features fabulous bushwalking trails, scenic lookouts, a multitude of wildlife and seasonal wildflowers.

In addition to being one of the most cultivated states, Victoria is also a sporting state – you might like to time your visit to include the Australian Open, to include an Australian Rules Footy match or to play a round on one of the states many superb golf courses

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