Victoria, Australia’s second-smallest state, arguably contains the greatest number of attractions in any one concentrated area downunder. Melbourne, aptly named ‘Australia’s Cultural Capital’, is its hub - a city that offers the country’s widest selection of theatre, live music, exhibitions and sporting events. There are few places on earth where you can watch either Puccini and Ibsen or Sampras and Agassi - all in the same day! The city’s elegant buildings, tree-lined streets, superb restaurants and famous tramcars make it all the more attractive - and yet just a short drive from the centre, the waterfront cafés of St Kilda and fashionable boutiques of South Yarra make you feel as if you’re worlds away from the city. Melbourne prides itself on its reputation as the world's most liveable city - and it’s easy to see why!

Just a few hours drive from Melbourne, in any direction brings a wealth of different experiences and attractions. To the north lie the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley, whose vineyards produce some of the country’s finest wines whilst a jaunt to the south takes you to Phillip Island, home to some of Victoria’s oldest inhabitants - seals, koalas and the famous Little Penguins! A journey due east from Melbourne will uncover one of Victoria’s best kept secrets - the glorious Gippsland Lakes. At around three times the size of Sydney Harbour, the Lakes are Australia’s largest inland waterway, bordered by National Park and sheltered from the ocean by a thin line of sand dune - perfect for exhilarating sailing and great fishing. In the opposite direction lies Victoria’s most renowned natural treasure - the spectacular Great Ocean Road. Spanning 280kms of awe-inspiring scenery, this world famous stretch of coastline features pounding surf beaches, lush forests, quiet fishing villages and breathtaking natural sculptures that are a testament to the power of the ocean - the first glimpse of the majestic Twelve Apostles and remarkable Loch Ard Gorge is an amazing experience at any time of year. Further west still, the imposing Grampians Ranges boast stunning walking trails, ancient Aboriginal rock art and a dazzling array of flora and fauna. Whichever piece of Victoria you pick - you most certainly won’t be disappointed, no matter which direction your compass is pointing!