Victoria is a state in the southeastern part of Australia, which includes the country's second largest city, the state capital Melbourne. Victoria has a long coastline bathed by Bass Strait in the south and the Tasman Sea in the east, and shares borders with New South Wales to the north and South Australia to the west. In Melbourne, set on Port Phillip Bay, you will find many significant cultural institutions namely the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Royal Exhibition Building, and the National Gallery of Victoria, the oldest and most visited art museum in Australia. The state is known for its marine heritage, featuring many marine reserves. In fact, over 80% of all marine plants and animals in southern Australian waters are unique. In Victoria, you will be amazed by its superb landscapes, as well as wildlife. Among the national reserves is the Great Otway National Park, which includes stunning waterfalls, coastland, mountains as well as Aboriginal heritage. At Summerland Beach, in Phillip Island, people gather to watch the Penguin Parade at sunset, as Little penguins come ashore.
Population: about 6.5 million inhabitants
Capital: Melbourne
Other major cities: Bendigo, Geelong, Ballarat, Warrnambool
Main attractions: Great Ocean Road, Twelve Apostles, Grampians National Park, Great Otway National Park, Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market, National Gallery of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens, Loch Ard Gorge, Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Crown Melbourne
Nearest Airports: Melbourne Airport (MEL), Avalon Airport (AVV)
