Victoria: a vibrant city and mesmerizing countryside
There's no better introduction to Victoria than the capital Melbourne, a vibrant multicultural city with a thriving art scene. Food is big here and you can't turn a corner without bumping into the new hottest restaurant, or a street food cart with a long queue of eager punters. Beyond the city limit, there's a vast wilderness of tropical forest and mountain ranges providing thrill-seekers with everything they need to get their adrenaline kicks. If you're a first-timer, the winding Great Ocean Road passes some awe-inspiring natural wonders filled with fascinating wildlife and shouldn't be skipped.
Where do you start with Victoria's attractions?
There's so many museums and historical architecture in Victoria, it can be difficult to know where to start. Those with an interest in military history should swing by the RAAF Museum, home of the Royal Australian Air Force, where you can admire hangars packed with vintage aircraft. At the Brambuk Cultural Centre you can discover the 1000-year-old indigenous rock art created by the native Aboriginals in the Grampians National Park. Alternatively, those interested in botany should make a beeline for the National Rhododendron Gardens or the Victoria State Rose Garden which features 1000s of perfumed blooms.
Take your pick of outdoor adventures in Victoria
Victoria's achingly beautiful scenery was made for adventure and it would almost be criminal not to spend at least part of your vacation in the great outdoors. How you do it is up to you, but you can pick from hiking in the mountains, cycling along the parks' trails or simply pitching a tent and spending a night under the Australian stars. If you've got deep pockets, one of the best ways to see the Victorian countryside is from up above on one of the private hot air balloon flights which take off daily through the warmer months.
For the great outdoors in Victoria, pick the shoulder months
Victoria bursts into life during the hot summer months which fall between December and February, though the oppressive temperature drives most people to the sun-soaked beaches. During this time, the prices of Victoria vacation rentals skyrocket and get booked up months in advance. If you plan to visit in the shoulder seasons between March and May, or September and November, the climate can be much more agreeable, particularly for outdoor activities and the state hosts a ton of festivals and events. The winter months can be a little chilly, but there are lots of museums and cozy restaurants to dive into.
Ready to ohh and ahh? Visit Victoria
Victoria has some of Australia's most diverse topography and if you have the time to explore every corner of the state, you'll see yourself climbing up sand dunes, tip-toeing across powdery white beaches, hiking through steamy tropical forests and spending nights out in the bush. If you drive around the famed Great Ocean Road, you can ohh and ahh at more natural wonders including the Twelve Apostles limestone rock formations, or look out to sea to spot southern right whales or beach-dwelling penguins.
Traveling to and around Victoria
The nearest airport is in Melbourne Airport (MEL), located 14.2 mi (22.8 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Melbourne, VIC (MEB-Essendon), which is 18.7 mi (30.1 km) away.
If you prefer to travel by train, Clarkefield Station, Riddells Creek Station and Sunbury Station are the main stations in the city. You can get around Victoria by catching a ride on the metro at Craigieburn Station, Roxburgh Park Station or Coolaroo Station.
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