Victoria

Hugging the tip of the Australian east coast, Victoria is Australia’s second-smallest state, covering 227,600 square kilometres – roughly the size of the British Isles. Packed into such a compact area is a wealth of diverse regional areas and attractions, from sweeping coastline and pristine beaches to national parks and forests teeming with wildlife to wineries, lakes and mountains offering skiing, climbing and hiking. Best of all, many of Victoria’s unique and varied landscapes are easily accessible as day trips from Melbourne.

Seasons and climate

Despite its small size, the Victorian climate varies across the state. The north is much drier and warmer weather than the south. Australia’s seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. The climate can be characterised as warm to hot in summer (December to February), mild in autumn (March to May), cold and damp in winter (June to August), and cool in spring (September to November).

Melbourne

Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, sits on the Yarra River and around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Lauded for its sense of style and elegance, Melbourne boasts glamorous festivals and events, Australia’s best shopping, a lively passion for eating and drinking, and a flourishing interest in the arts. Restored and preserved nineteenth-century architecture, built following the discovery of gold, provides a heady reminder of a prosperous age, while beautifully tended parks and gardens present a therapeutic respite from the pace of city life.

Events

Melbourne and Victoria host some of Australia’s most prestigious events throughout the year, including the Spring Racing Carnival culminating in the Melbourne Cup in November, the Australian Open Tennis Championships in January, the Formula 1™ Australian Grand Prix in March, the Melbourne International Arts Festival in October, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in March and April. Your tastebuds will be rewarded with a number of food and wine events around the state.

Getting Here

Whether you’re travelling interstate or from overseas, Victoria has a multitude of transport options to get you here – by air, bus, train, car or boat. You’ll generally arrive directly in the centre of Melbourne, or if you arrive by air you can simply jump on a shuttle bus service into town. Victoria’s top attractions are easily accessible from Melbourne. Visit Victoria today – you’ll love every piece of it.

Must See Destinations

Melbourne
Melbourne is set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. The city itself, laid out in a large rectangle and boasting a lively and cosmopolitan pulse, sits on the northern banks of the Yarra River, about five kilometres from the bay.

Great Ocean Road
Winding along the western coast of Victoria, the Great Ocean Road offers stunning ocean views, beachside activities, laidback coastal towns and maritime villages. You will find limitless opportunities to leave everyday life behind.

Yarra Valley
Under an hour from Melbourne, nestled amongst the infinite shades of blues and greens, lie 55 of the world’s leading wineries, and dozens of fine restaurants and romantic retreats. All easy to get to, but impossible to leave.

Phillip Island
Drive 90 minutes from Melbourne and you’ll find yourself standing nose to nose with koalas, sharing a beach with hungry pelicans, watching a colony of fur seals splashing in the sun, and of course, walking with our famous penguins. And the best part is, at Phillip Island, nature’s happy to get close to you.