Connected by the Bass Strait, Victoria and Tasmania are Australia's smallest and greenest states, with a more European climate than the rest of the country. Widely settled during the1700 and 1800s, Tasmania in particular has retained much of its older architectural heritage, whilst still retaining some of the world's most rugged wildernesses , including the World Heritage Cradle Mountain National Park. Because it's an island, Tasmania has also retained a range of flora and fauna now extinct on the Australian mainland.

Victoria is a state with many faces, from the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne to the quant fishing villages along the coast, and ski resorts on the mountainous interior. Melbourne is a colourful, modern, cosmopolitan city connected by an extensive network of trams. It's well worth the time to stop over and shop or enjoy one of the many theatres, cultural events and restaurants offering fine dining, while a driving tour through the charming countryside and coastal fishing villages is not to be missed. (Map)