Victoria

Victoria is a southeastern Australian state and the second most populous, centered on the vibrant city of Melbourne. Compact but densely settled, it is a cultural and sporting heartland known for its coffee, festivals and major events. Despite being one of the smallest mainland states, it punches far above its weight.

Victoria ranges from the rugged Great Ocean Road coastline and the Twelve Apostles to the alpine peaks of the Victorian Alps and the dry Mallee region in the northwest. The Murray River forms much of its northern border. The climate is temperate, with four distinct seasons.

Melbourne is renowned as Australia's cultural capital, famous for its laneway cafes, street art, live music and major sporting events including the Australian Open and the Melbourne Cup. The state has a strong arts scene and diverse, multicultural communities.

Settled by Europeans in the 1830s, Victoria boomed spectacularly during the gold rushes of the 1850s, which made Melbourne one of the richest cities in the world. It became a separate colony in 1851 and a founding state of the Australian federation in 1901.