Victoria Destination Guide
At the base of the eastern coast of mainland Australia, Victoria boasts areas as diverse as alpine villages, coastal towns and natural mineral springs, not to mention popular capital city Melbourne.
Known as Australia's "Garden State", this verdant region is one of Australia's biggest drawcards for foodies, surfers, sporting tragics, culture vultures and discerning shoppers alike.
With a reputation as the go-to city for creative pursuits in Australia, the European-style city of Melbourne features enclaves shaped by various waves of migration, which have each left their mark on the food culture. Head north to Carlton for Italian cuisine, east to Dandenong for Indian, west to Footscray for African, and south to St. Kilda for Jewish fare.
Visit Australia's cultural capital
Melbourne also boasts a vibrant bar and nightlife scene where you can discover hidden spots for a bite or a drink down laneways, on rooftops and in basements. Pop-up shops and designer boutiques lure shoppers to the CBD and high streets of inner-city pockets.
As if that wasn't enough, there are always plenty of festivals and events celebrating art, culture, sport, cinema and music throughout the year.
Victoria is also known for its historic attractions, where tales abound of bushrangers and gold rush prospectors trying to make their fortune. The historic towns of Ballarat, Bendigo and Castlemaine are a veritable treasure-trove of memorabilia from Australia's version of the "Wild West".
Further afield, a visit to Victoria should include a trip down the Great Ocean Road. This coastal route takes in the 12 Apostles, the famous surf destination Bells Beach and charming seaside villages from Geelong to Nelson.
Go skiing or hit the surf
During the winter months, the alpine resort towns of Mt Buller, Hotham and Falls Creek provide prime conditions for skiers and snowboarders, as some of only a few areas in Australia where it snows.
The High Country also offers a wealth of niche wineries and gourmet restaurants to tantalise tastebuds. Foodies are spoilt for choice in the Yarra Valley region, home to countless vineyards and wineries.
Overindulged? Head to the relaxing natural springs of Daylesford for a pampering spa retreat, or take in the stunning seaside at the Mornington Peninsula.
Whether you choose to immerse yourself in cosmopolitan cultural activities, a relaxing mineral spa, hit the ski slopes or feel the ocean spray driving down the Great Ocean Road, a holiday in Victoria offers myriad options for the best balance of the great outdoors and indoor enjoyment.
