The Garden State

CAPITAL CITY: Melbourne

DID YOU KNOW?: The secret ballot box was pioneered in Victoria in 1856.

LOCAL CELEBRITY: Cate Blanchett

MO'S MUST SEE'S: (Below)

The smallest of the mainland states, Victoria is also the most densely populated with just over 5 million residents (second most populous state). Located in the southeast corner of the mainland the climate of Victoria ranges from the wet, temperate southeast to the snow-covered Victorian alpine areas in the west and northwest. Australia's second largest city, Melbourne is its capital.

Melbourne is a lovely city, very sophisticated. It is known around the world as "The Events Capital" and offers this and much more: a city of style, of Victorian Architecture, of trams, food, theatre, art galleries and leafy gardens. The great ocean road is a lovely place to drive along, magnificent scenery.

Phillip Island is a very popular place to visit. You can see the penguins march out of the ocean every night. Ballarat - northwest of the city is an old gold mining town, well worth seeing.

MO'S MUST SEE'S: