Victoria is the most densely populated of the mainland States in Australia, yet it is also the smallest. There are ample reasons for its popularity, despites its minor size. Victoria boasts everything from tranquil wine regions to multicultural cities.

Melbourne is thrilling. Its gastronomic selection is second-to-none, and its streets are strewn with museums, bars and art galleries. If you climb the Rialto Towers, you peer down at carefully planned grids that gainsay the vivacity that pulsates through the city. For those desperately seeking quietude, be assured that Victoria has plenty.

Affectionately referred to as the 'Garden State', its landscape is rippled by rolling hills and plunging valleys. Victoria's size means that most attractions are within easy reach of Melbourne. Victoria's hills also offer some of the best snowsports in the country. And if its classic Australian beaches you want, look no further than Victoria's 1800km (1118 miles) of coastline. The Great Ocean Road is considered one of the best scenic drives in Australia, with rock formations, such as the Twelve Apostles, obtruding from golden sand.

The sand, in fact, is as gold-tinged as Victoria's history. The State broke away from New South Wales in 1851. The celebrations continued when, only weeks later, it was announced that gold had been discovered in Victoria. The population grew quickly, as did Victoria's wealth. Towns such as Ballarat with its Sovereign Hill are now popular tourist sites, where visitors can still pan for gold, and historical houses from the gold-rush adorn the roads. Victoria is no longer Australia's most affluent state, but it still has a wealth of riches to tempt any visitor.

Geography
Victoria is Australia’s most diverse state and its major agricultural and industrial producer. Located in the southeast, bordered by South Australia and New South Wales, its landscape consists of mountains, rainforests, deserts, snowfields, beaches, vineyards, wheatlands and market gardens. The Australian Alps are only three hours away from Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road to South Australia is a day’s drive. Victoria has 32 national parks, amounting to a third of Australia’s total.