Victoria

Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states in size but the second most populated. Melbourne is the capital and is Australia’s second most populated city. During the gold rush of the 1850s, it became one of the world’s largest and wealthiest cities. Melbourne is sometimes referred to as the “cultural capital of Australia” and is the birthplace of Australian film, television, art, dance and music. Victorians’ enthusiasm for sport is also legendary and this is where Australian Rules football began.

Victoria’s climate is marked by a range of different climate zones, from the hot, dry regions of the northwest to the alpine snowfields in the northeast. Average annual rainfall ranges from less than 250 millimetres in parts to in excess of 1800 millimetres over some of the mountainous regions. Melbourne has a reputation for its changeable weather, but as a general rule, the city enjoys a temperate climate with warm to hot summers; mild, balmy springs and autumns; and cool winters. Temperatures average 25°C in summer and 14°C in winter. Rainfall is highest from May to October.

Whether you adore the arts or love the great outdoors, Victoria has something for you. The state is packed with both scenic and cultural attractions – from striking public spaces like Federation Square and state-of-the-art museums to heritage sites and rare wildlife. Discover the cafes and bars of Melbourne’s gothic laneways and drive the Great Ocean Road. Wind your way through the wineries of the Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula and chug down the Murray in a paddle-steamer. Swim with dolphins on Mornington Peninsula and see fairy penguins on Phillip Island. Trek the rugged Grampians then relax in a Daylesford health spa. Bushwalk Gippsland’s coastal wilderness, hit the High Country slopes, explore the grand architecture of a Goldfields town or ride the famous Puffing Billy Steam Railway through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges.

Information on domestic consumers, including tourism facts, quarterly indicators, market sectors and activities, accommodation, business events and future trends can all be found on the STO’s corporate websites and links have been provided under each state and region.

Industry Resources

• Regional Website : Visit Victoria
• Tourism Australia Website : Welcome to Australia
• Research and Statistics : Tourism Victoria Corporate Website
• Research and Statistics : Tourism Australia Corporate Website

CREDITS

• Information Source : Tourism Australia
• Regional Map : Copyright 2014 GoPanda Communications GoPanda