Victoria

The south eastern state of Victoria, although less than 3% of the total land area of Australia, has a quarter of its population; settlement by whites started in 1830 and in the 1850s gold attracted many settlers. Victoria's Aboriginal population declined as a result, but experience a cultural revival today. Yet, in spite of being relatively densely populated, there are many places to get away from it all, beautiful lakes, shoreline and hills.

Mountains cover much of the eastern and central parts of the state and there are many National Parks with marvellous scenery. The Murray River, Australia’s longest permanently flowing river, rises in the mountains in the east and flows to the north west, forming much of the boundary between Victoria and New South Wales. Because of human activity the river is now in serious decline.

The State Capital, Melbourne, is the second largest city of the nation and lies at the northern end of Port Phillip Bay, Victoria’s largest natural harbour. It straddles the Yarra River and is a city of broad avenues with elegant Victorian buildings and trams that trundle through its streets. It is cosmopolitan city with many immigrant communities.

And where to stay? Go to Hotel Reservations in Victoria.

But what about the weather?Click here to find out.

	Pioneer Village	Murray River	Mount Terrick Terrick	Lake Eildon
	Hume Lake	Selover's Lookout	Near Healesville	Melbourne CBD
	Yarra River, Melbourne	Melbourne on the Yarra	Chinatown, Melbourne	Williamstown Beach