Living in Australia
About Victoria
Victoria is located at the southern-most end of Australia's mainland. It is Australia's second-most populated state with more than 4.5 million people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Some key facts include:
- 45% of Victoria's community was either born overseas or has at least one parent born overseas.
- More than 20% of Victoria's residents and almost 30% of Melbourne's residents speak a language other than English at home.
- 17% of Victorians were born in countries where English is not their first language. This is the highest proportion of any Australian state or territory.
- Australia today is home to people from more than 140 nations.
Climate
The weather in Victoria is generally temperate and mild with four distinct seasons. Students however will need to have a range of clothing to cater to the seasonal climatic conditions.
During winter, you will need warm clothing, which may be more readily available in Australia than in your home country. Nevertheless, you are advised to bring a sweater/warm jacket with you from your home country.
Seasonal daytime temperature range
| Season | Temperature Range in Degrees | General Condition |
| Summer (December-February) | 25-35 | The hottest months are January and February |
| Autumn (March-May) | 18-24 | Most days are pleasantly mild |
| Winter (June-August) | 6-14 | Most days are cool |
| Spring (September-November) | 15-22 | Most days are pleasantly mild |
Melbourne
The city of Melbourne has a population of 4.0 million people. It is exciting, safe, cosmopolitan and culturally rich.
Melbourne is renowned for its music and cultural festivals, quality restaurants, entertainment venues, beautiful parks and gardens and its excellent shopping. It boasts world-class sporting and recreational facilities, and has been judged the "world's most liveable city" in recent years by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Geelong
Geelong is Victoria's second-largest city and combines all the amenities of a major city with a real country friendliness. With a population close to 200,000, Geelong is a historic and attractive bayside city. Walking and cycling paths hug the curve of the bay and provide easy access to the many attractions along the foreshore, including cafes and restaurants, and fully-restored art deco seawater baths.
Along with striking ocean views, the region also boasts many laid back coastal towns and maritime villages, and there are plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, swimming, surfing, fishing and whale-watching. Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is only a one-hour train-ride or drive away, while some of Australia's best beaches in Australia, including Bells Beach and Torquay, are only 15 minutes away.
Warrnambool
Located on Victoria's rugged Shipwreck Coast at the western end of the Great Ocean Road, Warrnambool is a thriving and independent modern city - the fifth largest in the state.
As one of the fastest-growing regional centres in Victoria, Warrnambool has a population of approximately 30,000 which swells in the summer months as holiday-makers make their way to this premier tourist destination.
Whales and maritime history are major attractions in the region, and the town is the ideal base for visiting wildlife reserves, forests, farms, waterfalls and one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world. From its fascinating history as a whaling town to the thriving commercial, cultural and educational centre it is today, Warrnambool offers a truly unique opportunity for international students wanting to experience the 'real' Australia.
