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The state of Victoria (237,629 km², 6,600,000 inhabitants (2019)) is located in the southern part of Australia and after Tasmania it is the smallest Australian state but it is also the most densely populated state in the country. Melbourne (over five million inhabitants), the capital of Victoria, is, after Sydney, the second most populated city in Australia. This city is the center of Victoria’s business, art, sport and culture.
VERY DIFFERENT NATURAL LANDSCAPES
The most varied landscapes are only an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Snowy mountain ranges give way, a few hundred kilometers, to an arid desert. While jagged coasts follow rainforests and impenetrable eucalyptus forests, in which it seems that man has not yet set foot. Victoria has over 2,000 km of coastline with hundreds of beaches, the region is also one of Australia’s most important wine areas.
THE GRAMPIANS
Among the natural areas of Victoria, the oldest region is that of the Grampians, the highlands, a region formed over 400 million years ago following violent earthquakes, located in the southwestern part of the state. Winds, rain and rivers have formed a fascinating mountain landscape with eucalyptus woods, sometimes still virgin. The Aborigines, the first inhabitants of Australia, nicknamed this region Gariwerd. Northwest Victoria is made up of an arid and wild desert area. There are salt lakes, blue skies and infinite horizons. Here the survival of plants and animals is very tough, but an unusual flora and fauna has developed.
There are no more contrasting landscapes than Victoria’s east coast. The wild coast of the far eastern part of Victoria, the Wilson headland and the national park located at the southern end of the Australian continent. Here there are long stretches of sandy beaches and a few kilometers from the coast, natural parks with rich vegetation.
THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
The west coast of Victoria represents a stark contrast to the east coast. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most spectacular coastal roads on our planet. Here you pass from the rainforest of Otway National Park to the panorama of the Twelve Apostles. These are very special rock formations, in fact on the millennial coast near Port Campbell you can only see unforgettable images.
The alpine region of Victoria occupies the central eastern section of the state, here there is pure air, a flora and fauna unique and a breathtaking panorama of the peaks that reach almost 2,000 meters. The highest point in the state is Mount Bogong at 1,986 meters above sea level. Eucalyptus forests follow one another in fantastic valleys and plains with an infinity of brightly colored flowers. In the Victoria Alps the ski season starts in June and ends in September.
THE LONGEST RIVER IN AUSTRALIA
The valley of the longest Australian river the Murray, extends, in the northern part of Victoria, at the border with New South Wales. Along the road from Melbourne to the Murray River you will discover enchanting river landscapes, vast fruit plantations, and the legendary golden fields that offer a variety of picturesque images.
Victoria has a very varied landscape heritage, there are deserts, snow-capped mountains and forests, beaches and rocky coasts. In this environment plants and animals unique in the world live and grow. To better defend and preserve this wonderful nature, Victoria started very early to establish reserves and national parks, today about 12% of the state’s territory is protected. Most national parks are located less than a day’s journey from Melbourne.
