Victoria can easily be divided into 2 major regions, the East and the West. East
Victoria includes the coast south of Eden through
Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Sale, Morwell, Wilson's Promontory, East Gippsland and the country areas to the east of the Hume Highway that includes Seymour, Benalla and Wodonga, and of course, the state's capital city
Melbourne.
Melbourne is a truly cosmopolitan city. Famous for its restaurants, nightlife and sporting
events (Australian Grand Prix, Australian Tennis Open, Australian Golf Open, Australian Rules Football Grand Final) it is a top location to spend a few days indulging in a multicultural experience. Sights worth seeing in
Melbourne include the Rialto Observation tower for a magnificent view of the city and surrounds. A tour of the MCG (for sports lovers). A night in Brunswick St, Fitzroy, or Lygon St Carlton to experience the true multicultural cuisine that
Melbourne has to offer, or a leisurely stroll through Fitzroy Gardens to take in some history at Captain Cooks Cottage. Just outside
Melbourne are two winery regions not well know in
Australia as the majority of the wines they produce travel overseas, but they are still worth a visit. The Yarra Valley Wineries can be found dotted along the Maroondah and Melba Highways as you head North East out of
Melbourne. Whilst out this way visit the Healsville Sanctuary. The Mornington Peninsula offers a number of quality wineries as well as providing some beautiful beaches and picnic spots. This makes a lovely day trip out of
Melbourne.
The Latrobe Valley (Moe, Morwell, Traralgon) is where the energy supplies of
Victoria originate. Huge open cut mines draw brown coal from the ground to power large turbines that dot the landscape in this region. Tours give visitors the opportunity to view these operations first hand.
The Victorian High Country is a 4WD playground. Roughly bordered by Eildon in the West, Corryong in the North, the Victorian/NSW border in the East and
Licola in the South, much of this country is protected by the Alpine National Park. Steep mountain ridges to colourful valley drives winding your way alongside crystal clear flowing creeks are special attractions that drag families away from suburbia (check with the Victorian National Parks Department for seasonal closures - generally June to November inclusive).
Southern Gippsland covers many coastal playgrounds suitable for fisherpeople and nature lovers. One of the most popular and pretty is Wilson's Promontory National Park. The Prom, as it is locally known, is a remote coastal area with beautiful beaches set on turquoise coloured water. There are a number of fantastic bush walks that can be done at the Prom including the trip to South Point, which is the southern-most point on the Australian Mainland. Lakes Entrance is another popular holiday
spot with Victorians offering safe swimming, fishing and boating for all ages.
| All travellers need to be aware that there is a zone across NSW, Victoria and SA called the "Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone". The Fruit Fly Exclusion zone means it is illegal to take ANY fresh fruit - including tomatoes, capsicum and avocadoes into any area within the zone. Random roadblocks operate within the zone and $200 minimum on the spot fines apply.
For more detailed information ring the TriState Fruit Fly freecall number 1800 084 881 (b/h).
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