Victoria, the smallest mainland state, is 'Garden State'. It lies in the
south-eastern corner of the continent boasting mountainous areas in the
north-east, a rugged and wonderful southern coastline, and semi-desert
areas in the north-west. Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia,
on the shores of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne offers easy access to the
many different experiences Victoria brings to the visitor. Mountains like
the Victorian Alps in the east and the Grampians in the west change with
coastal areas. Distant desert plateaus in the north-west, fertile river
valleys of the Murray in the north, untouched eucalypt and rainforests.
Gold, discovered in the 1860s,
 brought
many nationalities to this part of Australia and with it came their customs
and lifestyle,now a rich diversity in lifestyle. Some of these early settlers
established vineyards that are still producing some of Australia's finest
wines. The Yarra Valley in the east or the Mornington Peninsula to the
south-west where excellent wines and food are produced. Victoria plays
host to a series of world class events including the Formula One Grand
Prix, the Australian Tennis Open and the Motorcycle Grand Prix. The
Victorian animal emblem is the Leadbeater's possum while its floral emblem
is the pink heath.
 
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