Victoria (VIC) offers a wealth of diverse regional areas and attractions, from sweeping coastline and pristine beaches to national parks and forests teeming with wildlife to wineries, lakes and mountains.

Victoria at a glance

Victoria is located in the south-eastern corner of Australia and is the second smallest state covering 227,600 square kilometres - roughly the size of the British Isles.

• Population: Over 5.2 million

• Capital city: Melbourne

• Main language: English

• Average climate: Summer 10 – 27 degrees Celsius and Winter 5 – 14 degrees Celsius

Lifestyle and cultural diversity

Melbourne is Victoria's capital and largest city, with more than 70% of all Victorians living there. Melbourne is set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. The city itself, laid out in a large rectangle and boasting a lively and cosmopolitan pulse, sits on the northern banks of the Yarra River, about five kilometres from the bay. Melbourne continues to be rated by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) as one of the world's most 'liveable' cities. It is a genuinely international city with a vibrant arts scene, a multicultural population, cosmopolitan cafes, restaurants and pubs, world-renowned sporting events and much, much more.

Throughout the year, Victoria hosts jazz, comedy and film festivals, celebrations of food and wine, surfing competitions, air shows, beautiful floral and garden displays, and some of the nation's best sporting events.

Economic & employment opportunities

The Victorian economy is larger than that of Singapore, Malaysia or New Zealand, and constitutes 25% of the national economy. It has enjoyed 13 years of consistent economic growth and is one of the strongest and most resilient economies in the world, with a AAA credit rating (the highest possible) from both Moody's and Standard and Poor's. The Victorian economy has averaged a 3.9% growth rate over the last 10 years and forecasts see a continuing growth trend with business investment at an all time high.

The shopping and fashion capital of Australia - Melbourne

Victoria is one of the most culturally diverse and liveable places in the world. It is Australia's second largest city and boasts famous shopping precincts, a passion for food and wine and a fabulous arts scene.

If you're feeling peckish, Melbourne offers a huge range of culinary delights - from the Greek atmosphere of Lonsdale Street or Carlton's 'Little Italy', to the wide choice of Chinatown around Little Bourke Street. Melbourne's cuisine is a mix of European, Asian and the 'Mod- Oz' concept – perfectly prepared local ingredients with a hint of traditional techniques.

Melbourne is also famous for its world-class sporting events and hosts many events each year, including the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Australian Open tennis tournament and the Melbourne Cup Carnival. There are five wine growing regions within an hour and half of the city and a days skiing is only 2 hours away as Melbourne is very close to the Victorian Alps.

View some of the investment properties we have available in Melbourne. For more information about buying property in Australia or if you require an investment loan, speak to one of the financial and property advisors at Intellichoice today on +61 7 3624 1900.