A u s t r a l i a

Victoria

The state of Victoria - to the south of New South Wales, is a state of excitement, with many activities and sights for the traveller. Melbourne, its capital city, is probably the most cosmopolitan of Australian cities and recognised by most Australians as the Cultural Capital of the country. It's a food lovers delight, and is famous for its fantastic gardens and parks. A city with a lot of personality is how I would label it, with a large European influence which adds to its international flavour.

Due to Victoria's relatively small size a fantastic array of activities await you, with a lot of its main attractions within a few hour's drive. The city of Melbourne, sits astride Port Philip Bay, one of Australia's busiest shipping ports, and its offshoot, the Yarra River, winds its way through the city itself. Melbourne also has the distinction of having the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, the Rialto Towers. The usual supply of tourist services for a big city , with museums, tours, a range of accommodation and this is the city where you can shop till you drop. If you're into shopping, you will not be disappointed with Melbourne. Probably it is most famous for its great botanical gardens, which are truly beautiful in the spring.

I have divided Victorian in half, east to west, to give you a brief idea of the amount of time that you can spend in Victoria.

Melbourne

The Capital of the Garden State. A cosmopolitan city that has a busy and exciting feel. A totally individual city with a unique lifestyle and the usual activities and services of a city of this size. Melbournians are keen culture vultures and it is casually known as the "Culture Capital" and has some of the best live theatre in Australia. The Fine Arts, such as the Ballet and Opera, which are performed in the fantastic Victorian Arts Complex, are well supported.

The city nestles astride the Yarra River and it is a local gathering place for the locals. The riverside is a bustle of activity with many activities throughout the year. A casino is on the way and with the Grand Prix just ending, this city has literally come of age.

Shopping in Melbourne is a delight, but my favourite Melbourne pastime is eating. The city's population is a combination of ethnic origins, and this shows in its restaurants. With almost every choice of cuisine available, it's hard to decide. Italian in Lygon Street is my favourite.

Victoria is called the Garden State and on the outskirts of Melbourne are some of the best botanical gardens in Australia. The colder climate and rains keep the city green and a wander through the many gardens is a must. Melbourne's Royal Botanical Gardens are some of the finest gardens in the world.

The city has an attraction that you will not find anywhere else in Australia and that is the tram system. An easy and different way to transport yourself around the city quickly.

Eastern Victoria

As you travel east of Melbourne, you will head into the beautiful Yarra Valley and Dandenong ranges, home to many of Australia's finest guest houses and gardens. Lovers of peace and tranquillity will find this part of Victoria restful and refreshing. Literally dozens of wineries are located along the valley floor with many Gold Medal wines being produced in the region. A wine tour, combined with great accommodation would be well advised. The area is also famous for the Healesville Nature reserve, one of Australia's leading wildlife reserves. Just 30 minutes drive from the Yarra Valley, near the township of Marysville, there are hiking trails and mountain walks which provide fantastic scenery in the Mystic Mountains . This is pure outdoors delight. In the winter months, Lake Mountain turns into a ski resort with some 40 kilometres of ski trails during a good season, and is a perfect family ski vacation.

Heading south east from Melbourne you travel through many scenic areas. The peninsular and the Gippsland region are among some of the most beautiful sights in Victoria. The southernmost point in Australia, in the Wilsons Promontory National Park, has many hiking trails, camping sites and lodges. The park has some spectacular views, and native animals such as Kangaroos and Emus.

Before you reach Wilsons Promontory National Park, you may divert to Philip Island. Access to the island is from San Remo, and the island has many accommodation houses and restaurants if you want to spend some time. There are plenty of things to see including the Penguins, for which Philip Island is famous. Bushwalking, hiking, and some great surfing along the coast, are just some of the activities.

Further east you may find yourself lost in the Highlands and Gippsland region. National parks abound and is the hiking capital of the State. its a diverse area and full of surprises. If you want to get off the beaten track, a horse tour to the abandoned goldfields is a good idea.

Western Victoria

Goldfields, history, National Parks, rejuvenating Health Spa's and the Great Ocean Road are all found to the west of Melbourne. Sovereign Hill for it's History, the Grampian Ranges for fantastic hiking and scenic trails, and Mt. Macedon and the Spa Country for refreshing the soul.

The Goldfields are steeped in Early Australian History and Ballaratt is the start off point. Just a short drive from Melbourne. Ballaratt is Victoria's largest inland was the staging ground for Australia's civil battle where miners and troops fought at the Eureka Stockade There are many organised tours around the region and they are probably the best way to learn about the history of the goldfields and this fascinating early and important part of Australia's history.

The Great Ocean Road is one of my favourite scenic drives in Australia. I have driven the entire length of the coast twice and am still not satisfied. I will do it again one day. From the quaint townships of Lorne and Apollo Bay, to the spectacular scenery of the Twelve Apostles you will be impressed. The road commences at Geelong and winds its way along the coastline into South Australia. Along the road is the famous surf site of Bells Beach where some of the worlds best surfers gather. A short detour down to Cape Otway offers some fantastic views of the coast and a visit to the oldest lighthouse in Australia. The road winds it's way through many tiny townships, which offer a variety of accommodation, so you can take your time and enjoy the view.

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