Victoria
The state of Victoria (VIC) is located in the south-eastern
corner of Australia. It is the smallest mainland state, but the
most densely populated and urbanised with a population of 5.2
million. Melbourne is Victoria's capital and largest city,
with more than 70% of all Victorians living there.
From a sweeping coastline and pristine beaches to national parks
and forests teeming with wildlife to wineries, lakes and mountains
offering skiing, climbing and hiking, there's something to do for
everyone.
Weather and Climate
Victoria has a varied climate despite its small size, ranging
from semi-arid and hot in the north, to temperate and cool along
the coast. Victoria's main land feature, the Great Dividing
Range, produces a cooler, mountain climate in the centre of the
state. Summers are warm to hot in summer (December to
February), mild in autumn (March to May), cold and damp in winter
(June to August), and cool in spring (September to November).
History
Victoria began in the 1830s as a farming community. The
discovery of gold in 1851 transformed it into a leading industrial
and commercial centre. Gold was discovered in 1851
which triggered one of the largest gold rushes the world has ever
seen. The colony grew rapidly in population and in economic
power - in ten years the population increased sevenfold.
Melbourne was founded by free settlers in 1835, 47 years after
the first European settlement of Australia. In 1901 Victoria
became a state. As a result of the gold rush, Melbourne had
by then become the financial centre of Australia. Melbourne
served as the capital city of Australia until Federal
Parliament moved to the purpose-built capital, Canberra in
1927.
Melbourne
Victoria's capital, Melbourne sits on the Yarra river. It
is the second most populated city in Australia, with a population
of approximately 3.37 million. A person from
Melbourne is called a Melburnian.
The city is often referred to as Australia's 'sporting and
cultural capital' and it is home to many of Australia's significant
cultural and sporting events. Melbourne is known for its mix
of Victorian and contemporary architecture, an extensive tram
network and Victorian parks and gardens, as well as adiverse,
multicultural society.
Sources: About Australia, Wikipedia. Victoria, About Victoria