How to Find Luxury Hotels in Victoria, Australia

Bordered by New South Wales and South Australia, Victoria is a triangle-shaped state best known for its capital, Melbourne. While most visitors never venture outside the Melbourne city limits, there's plenty to explore. The beaches in Victoria are stunning, and there are fabulous rain forests teeming with wildlife. Throughout this dynamic state, you'll find artifacts and other reminders of over 60,000 years of Aboriginal history.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Passport
• Australian currency
• Map of Victoria, Australia
• Computer with Internet access

Get to Know Victoria, Australia

1. Ride the Puffing Billy. Beginning in Belgrave, you'll enjoy a scenic trip on Australia's best-known steam train. The trip to Gembrook lasts approximately 90 minutes, which is convenient if you don't have much time for sightseeing.

2. Frolic in the flowers. A trip to Tesselaar's nursery (located in the well-named town of Silvan) is a must-do for anyone who appreciates horticulture. Locals cultivate gorgeous tulips in this charming region, which hosts a Tulip Festival in October. You'll not only glimpse some of the most beautiful tulips in the world, but you'll also see the staff in full Dutch costume, in honor of the tulip's heritage.

3. Hike through Wilsons Promontory National Park. You'll exercise your legs, benefit from a healthy cardio workout and enjoy breathtaking views over the valley.

Find Luxury Accommodations in Victoria, Australia

4. Stay in Melbourne. As the state capital, it suffers no shortage of accommodations, many of them on the beach. To book accommodations, contact Tourism Victoria at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). The wide range of well-known international chains and quaint boutique hotels offers rates between $150 and $500 per night.

5. Relax on a paddle steamer. Fully serviced vessels cost between $750 and $2,500 per week, depending on the luxuriousness of your accommodations.

6. Discover the charms of the Victorian countryside. Stay outside major cities to enjoy first-rate service and exceptional accommodations for a fraction of the cost. You'll often find luxury hotels in out-of-the-way destinations for just over $100 per night.

Tips & Warnings

• All phone numbers include the international prefix "011." When calling internationally but not from the United States or Canada, substitute that "011" with "00." All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.