Victoria is simply Australia in miniature. The smallest of the mainland states crams snow-capped mountain country, searing deserts, wineries, rainforests and the largest inland waterway in Australia into its pint-sized borders.

Its biggest lure of all is Melbourne - Australia's cultural capital, choc-o-block with galleries and museums, and its calendar filled with sporting events and festivals. Melbourne is such a liveable city too, with its planned grid of streets well-serviced by public transport and a wonderful gastronomic scene that includes flavours and fusion from around the globe. Graceful Victorian edifices share space with some cutting-edge design.

Affectionately referred to as the 'Garden State', its landscape ripples with rolling hills and meandering valleys. Victoria's mountains also offer some of the best winter sports in the country. The Great Ocean Road is considered one of the best scenic drives in Australia, with startling rock formations, such as the Twelve Apostles lone sentinels off the coast.

The state broke away from New South Wales in 1851. The celebrations continued when, only weeks later, it was announced that gold had been discovered in Victoria. The population grew quickly, as did the state's wealth. Victoria is no longer Australia's most-affluent state, but it still has a wealth of riches to tempt any visitor.