Victoria (Australia)

Victoria is a state located in the south-eastern corner of Australia. It is the smallest mainland state in area, but the most densely populated and urbanised. Victoria began as farming community in the 1800s, until the discovery of gold transformed it into a leading industrial and commercial centre. In 2005, Victoria's population reached 5,012,700 - making it the second most populous Australian state, after New South Wales. Melbourne is Victoria's capital and largest city, with more than 70 per cent of all Victorians living there.

Geology and geography

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View from space: satellite image of Victoria.

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Western (left) and eastern (right) Victorian cities, towns, settlements and road network

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Victoria's northern border is the south bank of the Murray River, the river itself being part of New South Wales. It also rests at the southern end of the Great Dividing Range, which stretches along the east coast and terminates west of Ballarat. It is bordered by South Australia to the west. In this space are topographically, geologically and climatically diverse areas ranging from the wet, temperate climate of Gippsland in the southeast to the snow-covered Victorian alpine areas which rise to almost 2000 m (with Mount Bogong the highest peak at 1986 m) and extensive semi-arid plains to the west and north-west.

Related Topics:
Murray River - New South Wales - Great Dividing Range - Ballarat - South Australia - Gippsland - Victorian alpine areas - M - Mount Bogong

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There is an extensive series of river systems in Victoria owing to its relatively high (relative to the rest of Australia) rainfall. Most notable is the Murray River system. Other rivers include: Ovens River, Goulburn River, King River, Campaspe River, Loddon River, Wimmera River, Elgin River, Barwon River, Thompson River, Snowy River, Latrobe River, Yarra River, Maribyrnong River, Mitta River and Kiewa River.

Related Topics:
Murray River - Ovens River - King River - Campaspe River - Loddon River - Wimmera River - Elgin River - Barwon River - Thompson River - Snowy River - Latrobe River - Yarra River - Maribyrnong River - Mitta River - Kiewa River

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The state symbols include the Pink Heath (state flower), Leadbeater's Possum (state animal) and the Helmeted Honeyeater (state bird).

Related Topics:
Pink Heath - Leadbeater's Possum - Helmeted Honeyeater

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The state's capital, Melbourne, contains approximately 70% of the state's population and dominates its economy, media, and culture. For other cities and towns, see List of localities (Victoria) and Local Government Areas of Victoria.

Related Topics:
Melbourne - List of localities (Victoria) - Local Government Areas of Victoria

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