Victoria Travelers Recommend

From Yarra Valley's idyllic vineyards to the sweeping vistas of the Great Ocean Road, Victoria serves up an endless slideshow of postcard-worthy landscapes. It's not all about getting back to nature, either — the region is also renowned for its gastronomy and the cultural hub that is Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city. With mild weather even in winter, any time is a good time to travel to Victoria, but it's at its best during the sunny spring and summer months, when Melbourne hosts a number of lively festivals. Whenever you plan to visit, there's no time like the present to book your trip, and with the Australian dollar falling, US and European travelers have even more reason to book soon and take advantage of the favorable exchange rates.

Melbourne's city center is a beguiling mix of Victorian-era buildings, avant-garde architecture and mysterious laneways. The International features international works and a relaxing sculpture garden, while the Ian Potter Centre (located in Melbourne's award-winning architectural centerpiece, Federation Square) focuses on Australian art. Time for a refreshment? This city has a dizzying array of laneway bars, quality coffeehouses and great restaurants; locals make a sport of finding the latest hot spot. Tuck into tapas in a tiny bar, snack on yum cha in Chinatown, fine dine with river views at Southbank, or browse the stalls and taste some samples at Queen Victoria Market. Top off the day with an evening of theatre or a nightcap at one of the famous rooftop bars. Eating in Melbourne is also a joy, so bring your appetite! Inventive chefs abound and a culinary mix of European, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.