Welcome to Victoria For Everyone
Victoria has a wide diversity of landscapes which cover the whole gamut of the Australian experience, it has everything from semi arid desert areas to rugged coastal cliffs, lush farmlands, alpine ski resorts, historic goldmining towns and river gum forests. Located in the south east region of the Australian mainland, Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states in area but the second most populous and the most densely populated. Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is Australia's second largest city.
Nothing Is Far Away
Because of Victoria's relatively small size and Melbourne being located towards the state's geographical centre, all of these are easily accessible and many are no more than a few hours' drive away from Melbourne. It is easy, during a day's drive, to pass through pastoral landscapes, explore spectacular coastlines and mountain country, yet still arrive at you destination in time to watch the sunset.
Exploring Victoria By Region
Each of Victoria's five geographical regions have their own specific appeal. The Western district has the impressive Grampian Ranges with the semi-desert mallee country as its backdrop; the Central district has many old gold mining towns, some well preserved ones seemingly frozen in time; Australia's greatest river - The Murray - winds its way across the north of the state, through vineyards, farmland and redgum forests; no trip to Australia would be complete without a drive down the Great Ocean Road, one of the world's great ocean drives, along Victoria's dramatic south-west coast; Gippsland is home to some of the states most beautiful and varied country, with rolling pastures, snow-capped high country in winter that has fields of wildflowers in spring, National Parks with dense lush undergrowth, Australia's largest inland lakes system, all fringed by a rugged, granite-cliffed coastline.
Great Ocean Road
The coast of Western Victoria offers some of the most stunning coastal vistas in the country. The Great Ocean Road winds its way from Torquay to Warrnambool, giving access to the area's coastal attractions. The road begins on the Surf Coast, Victoria's premier surfing strip. It passes through the lush rainforests of Otway National Park before following The Shipwreck Coast. Port Campbell National Park is home to such iconic coastal features as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the Bay of Martyrs.