The Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road

Victoria's capital, Melbourne, sits on the Yarra River and around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. You can discover the diversity and beauty of regional Victoria, from world-class wineries to natural springs, coastal villages  to alpine towns. Drive along one of the many scenic routes, pull on your walking boots and follow tracks and trails, or wander the shops and local produce markets. Victoria has diverse attractions to explore including:

• Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges: spa country with everything you need for the indulgent short break or weekend away;
• Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges: Victorian fine wine and tall forests under an hour from Melbourne;
• Mornington Peninsula: olive groves and vineyards with sea views, local markets & world-class golf courses;
• Phillip Island: popular destination for families, lovers of water sports and wildlife;
• Great Ocean Road: stunning ocean views, beachside activities, relaxed coastal towns and maritime villages;
• Goldfields: spectacular historic gold rush towns such as Ballarat and Bendigo;
• Grampians: adventure activities, superb national and state parks and native wildlife;
• Gippsland: coastal wilderness, national forests, mountain streams, and spectacular touring routes, and
• The Murray: home to Australia's longest river, deserts and wetlands.

Melbourne features Australia's best shopping, a lively passion for food and wine, 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.

Melbourne and Victoria host some of Australia's most prestigious events throughout the year, including the Spring Racing Carnival culminating in the Melbourne Cup,  the Australian Open Tennis Championships, the Melbourne International Arts Festival, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Your tastebuds will be rewarded with a number of food and wine events around the state.

Links

• Tourism Victoria – Visit Victoria: Victoria’s official tourism website
• Tourism Victoria – Corporate Website
• Victoria On-Line -  About Victoria & Tourism
• Live in Victoria - Melbourne & Regional Victoria Interactive Guide
• Citysearch Melbourne
• Provincial Victoria:  information on living, working, and setting up a business in Victoria’s regions