MILDURA

In 1887, Mildura was little more than a village on the banks of the Murray River, situated in the middle of a red sandy desert. That year, two Canadian brothers, William and George Chaffey, came to town direct from their successful irrigation project in California and began Australia’s first large-scale irrigation scheme. Since then, the red soil, fed by the Murray and Darling rivers, has become a vast plain of farms stretching for nearly 100 km. 

Feeding the pelicans on the banks of the Murray River

Today, Mildura is a modern city with a thriving tourist trade. The former home of William Chaffey, the Rio Vista is worth a visit. Built in 1890, it has been restored with its original furnishings and is now an Arts Centre. Grapes, olives, avocados and citrus fruit are grown successfully in the region and the area is rapidly expanding its vineyards and wineries. 

BALLARAT

 In 1851, the cry of “Gold!” shattered the tranquility of this pleasant, pastoral district. Within months, tent cities covered the hills and thousands of people were pouring in from around the world, eager to make their fortune. The gold rush petered out in the late 1870s. However, the two decades of wealth can still be seen in the lavish buildings, broad streets, ornate statuary and grand gardens. Today, Ballarat is Victoria’s largest inland city.

Panning for gold - Sovereign Hill, Ballarat, Victoria

Sovereign Hill is the gold fields’ living museum. Located on the outskirts of Ballarat, it offers visitors the chance to explore a unique period of Australia’s history. Blacksmiths, hoteliers, bakers and grocers in full period dress ply their trades on the main streets, amid the diggers’ huts, tents, old meeting places and the Chinese Village.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria and one of the southern hemisphere’s largest business, cultural, sporting and recreational cities. Today Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia and it is built on a coastal plain at the top of the giant horseshoe shaped Port Phillip Bay. Located on the southern coast of Australia’s eastern seaboard, Melbourne is perhaps Australia’s most cultured and politically conservative city. Melbourne features include Victorian-era architecture, bounteous cultural institutions museums, art galleries, theatres and spaciously landscaped parks and gardens. Melbourne’s best attractions and landmarks including beautiful gardens, impressive buildings, sporting arenas, markets and famous laneways. Melbourne was the capital city of Australia for 26 years between 1901 and 1927.