Victoria features the greatest geographic diversity of any Australian state, with everything from volcanic plains and vineyards to dense forested areas and beaches. Melbourne is the modern capital, featuring great food, fantastic nightlife, cutting edge art and good transport links to the state's other key attractions such as Phillip Island and the Yarra Valley. Victoria's Great Ocean Road stretches from Torquay to Allansford, taking in the Twelve Apostles and atmospheric shipwrecks in the Port Campbell National Park

Places of Interest:

Melbourne:
Melbourne is best known as the city where Neighbours is filmed (you can even go on a day trip to Ramsay Street!), but the attractions don't end there. This energetic city is the centre of Australian arts and boasts shopping to rival any other. Bohemian St Kilda is the place for a glass of wine, while large Greek and Italian districts promise excellent food. The Puffing Billy train is a historic train through the mountain district, and Philip Island is easily accessed for a day trip to see the famous penguin parade. Also, don't miss the huge Melbourne Museum with its story of Australia ...

The Great Ocean Road:
The Great Ocean Road and the mighty Twelve Apostles are world-recognised Victoria icons. The giant rock stacks soar from the swirling waters of the Southern Ocean and are a central feature of the spectacular Port Campbell National Park that extends from Princetown to Peterborough . Also, don't miss the numerous shipwrecks that litter the notorious shoreline. A camera is mandatory on any drive along this road!

Philip Island:
Wildlife haven Phillip Island is a rugged and windswept island off the Southern coast of Australia. Its seals, penguins and bird population attract nature-lovers, while the beaches and cliffs offer opportunities for walking and swimming. Scuba enthusiasts will be particularly delighted with the flourishing ocean life, and history buffs will love the historic gold-mining town of Walhalla. For a day-trip or a longer stay, this is one of Victoria’s most popular tourist attractions.

The Yarra Valley:
This wine-producing region just one hour from Melbourne is famous for its award-winning chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and shiraz varieties, as well its excellent food. The trout, chinook salmon, murray cod and yellow perch from local rivers come highly recommended with your tipple of choice. The Dandenong Ranges also provide numerous distractions: nature walks, health spas and genteel English-country-style gardens in which to drink your cream teas. Kids will love the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary with its huge collection of Aussie wildlife.