Victoria

Located at the southeastern tip of Australia, was politically separated from New South Wales in 1851, and responsible government was conferred in 1855, with power vested in a bicameral legislature. On January 1, 1901, Victoria and the other five colonies became states and formed the Commonwealth of Australia.

Land

Rich landscapes include both Alpine plateaus in the northeast, around Bright, and sandy deserts in the west, near Lake Hindmarsh. The eastern region is more extensive and higher. This area also has the most extensive forest in Victoria, the main species being snow gum, Alpine ash, and mountain ash. Intensive settlement has resulted in the destruction of most of the original forest cover.

Flora and Fauna

See flora and fauna for New South Wales.

Cultural

Art galleries are at such centers as Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Warrnambool, Hamilton, Benalla, and Shepparton; a folk museum of buildings, machinery, and paddle steamers at Swan Hill and the Melbourne orchestra provide a rich cultural diversity for Victoria citizens.

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Australian Capital Territory

Western Australia