Victoria

Victoria is about the same size as England, Scotland and Wales combined, and offers many different experiences - from skiing to wine tasting - within a relatively compact area. European settlement took place in the Port Phillip area in 1835 after an earlier unsuccessful attempt in 1803. Nervous of inheriting a penal system of settlement from New South Wales, Victoria sought separation from its neighbouring state and was granted this status in 1851. Gold discovered near Ballarat at this time more than doubled the state's population within a year. While the gold eventually ran out, Victoria continued to flourish as a financial and cultural centre, with Melbourne being the capital of Australia from 1901 until 1927.

January and February are the hottest months throughout Victoria, with average maximum temperatures around 20 degrees C in the High Country, 25 degrees C along the coast and up to 35 degrees C in the north-west of the state. In winter, maximum temperatures range from below 10 degrees C in the high country (less than 3 degrees C on peaks) to 13 degrees C in coastal areas and 17 degrees C in the north-west.

Victoria has a wealth of activities and attractions. Major attractions: Melbourne, Hanging Rock in the Macedon Ranges, Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Wilsons Promontory, Phillip Island, Ballarat, Echuca and the Murray River, High Country, Grampian Mountains, Great Ocean Road, Great Alpine Road, Snowfields. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, a romantic getaway or designer labels, the state has something for everyone. Sandy beaches, snow-peaked mountains, zoos and aquariums, historic sites, bars and cafes, white-water rafting, spas, wildlife and wineries, or self-driving along Victoria’s breathtaking coast - everywhere you turn there’s always something special to see and do. Better still, Victoria’s compact size means activities and attractions are all within easy reach of each other. Victoria is renowned for its richness and diversity - evidenced in both the land and its people. For over 40,000 years prior to the arrival of European colonists, 30 nations or clans of Aboriginal people lived in what is now the state of Victoria. Their rich tribal culture developed through intricate social systems and a profound connection to the land. For Aboriginal people, including those in highly urbanised communities, land is central to their identities, their heritage and their spiritual existence. The significance of the land is intimately bound in the spirituality surrounding the origins of the landscape, animals, plants and people that inhabit them.

For More Info See Victoria Travel Guide