Melbourne is the large sophisticated capital of Victoria. There are many graceful old buildings from the 1800s gold rush amoungst the glass city skyscrapers tree lined streets and many parks and gardens. Melbourne has a European feel, with cooler climate, abundance of imported European trees, and numerous of outdoor street cafes. The city's multicultural heritage has given it an impressive range restaurants with cuisines from round the world. 

Native fern and gum tree forests just east of Melbourne. Mount Dandenong is most popular day's destination. The Yarra Valley has wineries, and penguins come ashore at dusk at Phillip Island. 

The main natural attraction in Victoria is further from Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road hugs cliffs along a treacherous and spectacular western coastline with excellent surf beaches in places.In the far west, Warrnambool has a good maritime museum. 

On the Old Goldfields, Ballarat and Bendigo were the main gold rush towns. The Sovereign Hill working museum at Ballarat is a recreated 1800's gold rush town. In Bendigo is the opportunity to descend one of the old mines. 

Echuca, Swan Hill and Mildura are on the Murray River. Historic paddle steamer cruises run from the towns. Echuca and Swan Hill also have historic river port museums. 

The Grampians National Park around Halls Gap  is a low mountain range surrounded by flat land and Wilsons Promontory National Park is a largely unspoilt wilderness with hiking trails. 

Victoria's ski fields at Mount Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek are north-west of Melbourne.

Near Melbourne 

Far West Coast