This is the smallest of the mainland states in size but is home to Australia’s second most populated city, Melbourne. Melbourne is often referred to as the nation’s cultural capital, renowned for its dynamic cultural scene. Its graffiti-covered laneways, avant-garde boutiques, and thriving café culture make it a hub of creativity. because of its graffiti laneways, fashion-forward boutiques and booming café scene. Football and coffee are passions that unite Victorians, and Melbourne is at the heart of it all.
Melbourne’s summer is from December to February, with temperatures topping in January and February at 26 degrees Celsius. The weather will cool down in autumn from March to May. June and July are the coldest months at 14 degrees Celsius during winter and will last until August. The weather will transition to spring from September to November, while rainfall will peak in October at 2.6 inches.
After New South Wales, Victoria is the second largest state with about 6.5 million people. Similarly, its capital Melbourne is the second-largest city in the country (after Sydney), with a population of around 4.9 million. In 2022-23, Melbourne also experienced the largest growth by an increase of 167,500 people to its population.
38% of Melbourne’s population were people aged 20 to 44 years. The median age in Melbourne was 36.9 years, younger than the 43.2 years in the rest of Victoria. There were 97.6 males for every 100 females in Victoria.
In June 2021, the top 10 countries of birth were New Zealand, England, India, China, Philippines, South Africa, Vietnam, Scotland, USA, and Germany.
The main campuses of 8 Australian universities are in Victoria. These are:
Melbourne is also touted as Australia’s best student city since 2015.
In 2021, based on the responses of employed people aged 15 years and overs:
The top 5 occupations in Victoria are professionals, managers, technicians and trades workers, clerical and administrative workers, and community and personal services workers.
The top 5 industry of employment are hospitals (except psychiatric hospitals), computer system design and related services, primary education, other social assistance services and secondary education.
The median weekly income is $803 for personal, $2,136 for family, and $1,759 for household.
Not to be missed are some of Victoria’s natural wonders and Melbourne’s modern and historical landmarks:
12 Apostles
These naturally-forming limestone rock pillars were the result of 10 to 20 million years of erosion. Its golden glow is best experienced during sunrise.
Organ Pipe
Similar to cathedral organs, this natural basalt amphitheater was formed some million years ago when molten lava flowed and cooled overs the Keilor Plains.
MacKenzie Fall
This is one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria with a variety of hikes and viewing platforms around the falls.
Pink Lakes
These lakes contain solid salt beds rich in red algae that gives the water its pink color.
Alpine National Park
This is Victoria’s largest national park and contains 10 of the 11 highest mountains in the state.
Federation Square
Built in 1996 above Melbourne’s major transport hub, this bold architectural space built has become one of the city’s most visited landmarks.
Flinders Street Station
It opened in 1854 and was restored in the 2010s. It is known for its Edwardian Baroque architectural style, now enhanced with LED lighting to illuminate the structure at night.
Southern Cross Station
Its signature wave-like roof has become easily recognizable in the city. The station spans an entire city block, and home to the metro and regional railway lines and to retails stores and administrative offices.
Orica House
It opened in 1854 and was restored in the 2010s. It is known for its Edwardian Baroque architectural style, now enhanced with LED lighting to illuminate the structure at night.