This document provides information about Victoria, Australia and its rainforests. It begins with background on Victoria, its capital Melbourne, and tourism being a large part of its economy. Next, it discusses places to visit in Victoria like Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, and the Dandenong Ranges. Specific attractions and activities in these areas are then outlined, including restaurants, art galleries, and outdoor activities. Details are also provided about the Daintree Rainforest, unique wildlife, and the importance of rainforest preservation.

1. AustraliaA Journey through Victoria & the Rainforests

2. Victoria

3. VictoriaCapital: MelbournePopulation: 4,644,950 (70% lives in Melbourne)Victoria has been inhabited by Aboriginal people for thousands of years and their culture continues on today within the area. In 1851, the gold rush attracted many to Victoria. 30,000 immigrants from Britain, Europe, America and China subsequently arrived in Victoria. Today, tourism makes up a large portion of Victoria’s economy. 9% of the workforce is dedicated to tourist attractions to accommodate the 600 thousand international visitors and nearly 11 million domestic visitors each year.Victoria’s 1850s Gold Rush

4. Places to visit in VictoriaMelbourneMornington

5. Places to visit in VictoriaGreat Ocean RoadDandenong Ranges

6. MelbourneThe capital of Victoria is flooded with restaurants and entertainment with a unique blend of culture.Places to check out:Restaurants:BrunettiBabka Bakery CaféStokehouseAttractions:National Gallery of VictoriaFlinders Street StationIan Potter Center

7. Brunetti214 Flinders LaneMelbourne, 3000Serves breakfast, brunch, coffee, & dessertsPopular café with a sweet twist on coffee cake & other dessertsDownside: extremely busy; not good for large groups pricey

8. Babka Bakery Café358 Brunswick St FitzroyAvailable menu items: breads, pastries, breakfasts, sandwiches, blinis and borschtPrice: $7-$15Downside:Very busy, not good for large groups

9. Stokehouse30 Jacka BlvdSt Kilda, 3182Relaxed beachside fine dining experience with Australian, Italian, and Mediterranean style foodRenown wine list and critically acclaimed menuFeatured in “Taste of Melbourne”Downside:Expensive

10. National Gallery of Victoria180 St. Kilda Road Melbourne 8004Australia’s oldest art galleryEst. 1861General admission is free, but special exhibits charge an entrance feeInteractive areas for children to exploreCollection includes work by: Picasso, Stubbs, Rothko to Bernini, Rembrandt, Rubens, Tiepolo, Tintoretto, Titian, Uccello, and VeroneseDownsides:Some exhibits can be expensiveKiki with African mask1926 Man RayRare and unexpected sightings of the Embroidered Merops and the SpinifexGrasswren2003 John Wolseley

11. Flinders Street StationTake a ride through Melbourne on this historically significant railwayOldest station in AustraliaBusiest suburban railway station in the southern hemispherePopular meeting place in Melbourne

12. MorningtonSeaside town

13. Galleries, spas, and cafés to explore

14. Wine region to experienceMornington VineyardsEspecially famous for regional pinot noirOpportunities to speak with vineyard owners and international wine enthusiastsMain Ridge Estate80 William Rd, Red Hill, Victoria 3937First commercial vineyard in the regionRosalie and Nat White are passionate about winemaking and offer wine tasting and guest vineyard exploration.

15. Outdoor ActivitiesHorseback ridingScuba divingSurfingSailing

16. Great Ocean RoadWorld’s most scenic ocean drive

17. 12 Apostles

18. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village12 ApostlesSet of twelve massive rocks that rise up in the Southern Ocean on the coast of VictoriaCreated millions of years ago by the erosion of limestone cliffsStop by Cape Bridgewater after seeing the ancient rock formationsAmazing views of a petrified forest right on the water

19. Flagstaff Hill Maritime VillageExplore Shipwreck Coast, where over 180 ships have sunk over the yearsGreat Circle Gallery features artifacts and treasures discovered on the local shipwrecksNighttime light and laser showView the Loch Ard Peacock statue

20. Dandenong RangesShops & galleries to explore in surrounding villages of Olinda, Belgrave, & Sassafras

21. Several cozy cafes and restaurants to unwind in

22. Ride Puffing Billy the steam engine & enjoy the sights the national forest has to offer

23. Explore William Ricketts Sanctuary

24. Many outdoor and family activities available to guestsOlindaOne of the highest villages in Dandenong RangeExplore the National Rhododendron GardensWide variety of boutiques, including The Touchstone Craft GalleryA visit to Olinda: http://www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Yarra-Valley-and-Dandenong-Ranges/Destinations/Olinda.aspx

25. Puffing BillyOldest steam railway system in AustraliaTravels through the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding forest areaOpen sided carriages allow uninterrupted views of surroundingsThemed railway nights including: Jazz on Puffing Billy Railway, &Steam & Cuisine Wine Train featuring TarraWarra Estate and Helen's Hill Winery

26. William Ricketts SanctuaryClay sculptures of aboriginals designed by William Ricketts which exist within the surrounding environment of Victoria’s rainforest92 human and animal sculpturesProject began in 1930 when Ricketts purchased the propertyCreated sculptures until his death in 1993

27. The RainforestDaintree RainforestSkyrailWildlifePreservation

28. Daintree Rainforest1,200 square kilometersLargest Rainforest in Australia

29. A Unique World30% of frog, marsupial, & reptile species throughout Australia65% Australia's bat & butterfly speciesOne of the most complex ecosystems on earthMany rare primitive animal speciesMountain ranges to explore along with streams and waterfalls available in this dense rainforest.

30. SkyrailOver 7.5 km over the Australian rainforestConvenient and comfortable way to exploreReasonable individual & family pricing options

31. Skyrail Rainforest ExplorationMost sustainable tourist attraction in QueenslandGood for groups with children and those who cannot otherwise explore the rainforest on footVirtual Skyrail Experience: http://www.skyrail.com.au/virtuals.html

32. WildlifeRare and unique animals, some found nowhere else in the world reside within Australia’s rainforests

33. Chameleon GeckoGreen Tree SnakeBoyd’s Forest Dragon