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@ Rustic Farm, Victoria, Australia
Matilda begins her walkabout in Victoria!
Rustic Farm, Victoria, Australia
Numerous rustic farms exist in Victoria, Australia and many of them have been turned into B&B, or you can plan to use the venue for wedding shoots. Old buildings always make for fantastic photographs, so don’t forget to take your camera if you are just out for a drive.

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@ Autumnal evening in Victoria

Yellow Daisy Egg
My pets are in awe of these beautiful eggs—they would love to try to paint their own one year. Easter and spring are times of joy as the earth awakens, plants are pushing forth from the soil, and the days are becoming warmer. Many baby animals are born in the spring, and life is burgeoning. May these eggs bring you joy and be a reminder of the earth renewing itself.

Autumnal evening in Victoria
A pleasant residential road in Victoria with the evening lights just on. It's an ideal place for cycling -- take your paws off the pedals and wheeee! Down you coast all the way!

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@ Wonderland of Gippsland
Look Matilda, there's a steam boat on that muddy brown river! Do you think we've travelled back in time, or is Victoria just that far behind the times, like its name suggests?
Wonderland of Gippsland
There is so much to do and see in this wonderful part of Victoria! There are amazing national parks, lakes for sailing on, the 90-mile beach to explore, distilleries, restaurants with fresh gourmet produce, art galleries and studios, charming little towns or the wide open spaces of the Great Alpine Road!

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@ Nicholson River, Victoria, Australia
Snakes alive! Was that an eastern brown that slithered behind that scene Matilda?
Nicholson River, Victoria, Australia
In East Gippsland, 295 km from Melbourne, is the town of Nicholson on the banks of the Nicholson River. The old trestle bridge dates back to 1914.

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@ Autumnal Park
"Did you know that Australia has over 60 separate wine regions, Matilda?"
"Sixty? That's incredible!" replied Midnight Bleu.
"Yup. The majority of them are in New South Wales and Victoria."
"We'll have to stock up with a few, then! There's nothing like a generous glug of a fruity red to perk up one's spaghetti bolognese!"
Autumnal Park
When you fancy meeting up with your fellow pets for a natter in the park, there's no better spot than this leaf-strewn park bench in the shade of a large tree.

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@ Lake Victoira, Victoria, Australia
Look Matilda, there's a steam boat on that muddy brown river! Do you think we've travelled back in time, or is Victoria just that far behind the times, like its name suggests?
Lake Victoira, Victoria, Australia
Lake Victoria is a shallow lake, that forms an 'off-river' storage. The lake was modified in 1920 to assist in regulating the flow and salinity of the River Murray, as it flows into South Australia.

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@ Melbourne Airport, Night, Australia
Look Matilda, there's a steam boat on that muddy brown river! Do you think we've travelled back in time, or is Victoria just that far behind the times, like its name suggests?
Melbourne Airport, Night, Australia
Passengers aboard a plane taking off from Melbourne Airport gaze down to take a last look at the city lights. Some passengers will sleep, some will plan what to do upon arrival at their destination, and some will gaze out the windows and dream about the lovely time they had in Australia.

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@ Williamstown, Melbourne, Australia
Eureka, Matilda! We're bound for Ballarat to pan for gold at Sovereign Hill! Are you feeling lucky?
Williamstown, Melbourne, Australia
The Yalukit-willam clan of the Kulin Nation were the first people to call Hobsons Bay home. Williamstown was considered for the capital of the new colony at Port Phillip; Melbourne was chosen for the abundance of fresh water. Australia's first telegraph line began operating between Melbourne and Williamstown on March 3, 1854. Williamstown has also been used in several Australian television shows including, The Henderson Kids with many local landmarks used.

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@ Melbourne Day Skyline, Victoria, Australia
"Here's a fun fact from our brochure, Midnight," remarked Matilda. "There were arguments between Victoria and New South Wales as to whether Melbourne or Sydney should be chosen as the capital city of Australia. In the end, it was decided a new city, which would be the capital, would be formed halfway between the two: Canberra."
Melbourne Day Skyline, Victoria, Australia
Melbourne by day offers some great views of the striking skyline. Why not visit the State Library of Victoria, one of the oldest free libraries in the world, built-in 1854, you could find a music venue, which you won’t have trouble finding as Melbourne has been named, "the live music capital of the world".

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@ Great Ocean Road, A Memorial, Victoria, Australia
"It says here that Victoria was named after the British Queen Victoria, as was Queensland," said Matilda.
"You know, it's funny," mused Midnight. "In Britain, 'Victorian' refers to a time period covering most of the 19th century but here of course it means, you know, of or belonging to the state of Victoria. I have to think twice about what they mean when I hear a pet describing himself as 'Victorian'!"
Great Ocean Road, A Memorial, Victoria, Australia
Construction on this famous road started in 1919-1932 by returning servicemen as a memorial to fellow servicemen killed in WWI. It is the world’s largest war memorial. This was a huge undertaking, no machinery was used, horses and carts, and thousands of men used shovels and picks.

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@ The Grotto, Victoria, Australia
"Here's a fun fact from our brochure, Splash," remarked Matilda. "There were arguments between Victoria and New South Wales as to whether Melbourne or Sydney should be chosen as the capital city of Australia. In the end, it was decided a new city, which would be the capital, would be formed halfway between the two: Canberra."
The Grotto, Victoria, Australia
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. With incredible views and plenty of natural rock formations, one of which is The Grotto, part blowhole, part cave, and part archway. A stairway leads down into The Grotto, so you can get good views from above or below. Take care if the tide is high or it is windy. The best times to visit are at sunrise or sunset in the summer.

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@ Bonnie Doon, Victoria, Australia
"So, Matilda -- can you name some things invented in Victoria?"
"I can't even guess, Loki!"
"Vegemite, the black box flight recorder, dim sums, latex gloves and ice-making machines."
"I can take or leave the Vegemite, but on the whole, wow!"
Bonnie Doon, Victoria, Australia
Bonnie Doon, gateway to the High Country, is a series of small villages located in North East Victoria on the edge of Lake Eildon. Fishing, trail riding, and watersports are some activities you can experience in this area.

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@ Setting Sun, Victoria, Australia
"Today's top trivia question, Matilda! How many times has Australia hosted the Summer Olympics, and where?"
"Easy one, Choose a name! Twice: Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000," responded Matilda.
Setting Sun, Victoria, Australia
The day is over, you and your pets have had an exciting time seeing all the sites, and now it is time to sit and gaze out over the water and enjoy some quiet. Tomorrow will be another busy day so take this time to relax and soak in the gorgeous view.

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@ Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes, Melbourne, Australia
You know, Matilda, The Mallee Region was probably an inland ocean many moons ago! That would account for why the region is so flat, sandy, hot and dry nowadays. I'm amazed that they grow any fruit and grain around here! How about we find a market place to check out some of the local produce?
Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes, Melbourne, Australia
Along Dendy Street Beach in Brighton, you will come across a long row of these colourful bathing boxes. Each one is privately owned and passed down to other family members. A popular tourist attraction in the area, these brightly painted bathing boxes may have you wanting to create your own bathing box at home.

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@ Melbourne Skyline, Victoria, Australia
Oh look ... you won a pet!
Melbourne Skyline, Victoria, Australia
Most cities change dramatically at night; as darkness falls, the glow of the city lights gives the city a new look, a sense of wonder and excitement, and even the sounds change. There are many things you can enjoy in Melbourne at night. Take in a show at a theater or comedy club. If you don’t mind heights, you can go up to the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower and get a fantastic view of the whole city. There is a ghost tour of the Old Melbourne Goal, built in the mid-1800s.

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@ Yarra River, Melbourne, Australia
"The great Marconi was experimenting with worldwide radio communications in the early 20th century. He built two temporary wireless stations in Australia. Where would you guess they were, Matilda?"
"Um, one in the far west and one in the far east, Davisa Joy?" hazarded Matilda.
"Nope! One was in coastal Victoria and the other on the northern edge of Tasmania, to demonstrate the usefulness of wireless communication between the mainland and Tasmania."
"That makes sense!"
Yarra River, Melbourne, Australia
[ The Yarra River has been a food source and meeting place for aboriginal Australians for thousands of years. Located at the lower river sits Victoria’s state capitol Melbourne, established in 1835. From the Yarra range, the river flows 242 kilometres (150 mi) through the Yarra Valley and the plains and empties into Hobsons Bay.

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@ Brighton Breakwater, Melbourne, Australia
"Did you know that Australia has over 60 separate wine regions, Matilda?"
"Sixty? That's incredible!" replied ~smiggle~.
"Yup. The majority of them are in New South Wales and Victoria."
"We'll have to stock up with a few, then! There's nothing like a generous glug of a fruity red to perk up one's spaghetti bolognese!"
Brighton Breakwater, Melbourne, Australia
Middle Brighton Pier and breakwater, afford good views of Port Phillip Bay. After strolling along the breakwater you can spend the day yachting, fishing, or swimming.

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@ Barwon Heads, Victoria, Australia
Snakes alive! Was that an eastern brown that slithered behind that scene Matilda?
Barwon Heads, Victoria, Australia
A little yellow boat sits on the sand at Barwon Heads, a coastal town on the Bellarine Peninsula. It looks like the perfect day to set that small craft onto the water and paddle around.

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@ Melbourne at Night
"Today's fun fact, Casper!" declared Matilda. "How is Batmania linked to Melbourne?"
"Are the inhabitants particular aficionados of the DC Comics' Caped Crusader, Matilda?"
"Truth is stranger than fiction! Batmania was a name considered for Melbourne after the explorer John Batman, who founded the city."
Melbourne at Night
A stunning night shot of Melbourne with a brightly lit cityscape, the River Yarra calm after a busy day and reflecting back the colours above it. The modern Evan Walker pedestrian bridge and Flinders Street Station are in the background. How amazing would it be to wander round the city centre, perhaps to do some late-night shopping or to try out a restaurant.

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@ Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
Can we travel to Gippsland while we are here please, Matilda? I want to catch up with Esmeralda and Rosie, and meet their herds!
Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
With orange sand, natural rock formations, clear blue water, and stunning views for miles, this is one of the most popular stopping points for tourists along the Great Ocean Road. It has been the official location for several movies, including The Pirate Movie, which was filmed in 1982, and the 1999 TV series Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

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@ Princes Pier, Melbourne
"The great Marconi was experimenting with worldwide radio communications in the early 20th century. He built two temporary wireless stations in Australia. Where would you guess they were, Matilda?"
"Um, one in the far west and one in the far east, Flatts?" hazarded Matilda.
"Nope! One was in coastal Victoria and the other on the northern edge of Tasmania, to demonstrate the usefulness of wireless communication between the mainland and Tasmania."
"That makes sense!"
Princes Pier, Melbourne
Showing remnants of the New Railway Pier, the historical pier in Port Phillip, constructed in 1912-1915, renamed Princes Pier after the Prince of Wales who visited Melbourne in May 1920. Princes Pier is the second largest timber-piled wharf structure in Australia.

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@ Twelve Apostles, Victoria, Australia
"Interesting factoid here, Matilda! The Southern Cross Hotel in Melbourne is the only hotel in the world to have hosted five Beatles."
"How so, Huntley?"
"Well, on their 1964 tour, Ringo Starr was ill, so a replacement drummer – Jimmy Nicol - was called up. Ringo joined the band in Melbourne, so that night the group had five members."
Twelve Apostles, Victoria, Australia
Along the coast of Port Campbell National Park, Victoria, Australia, you will see these limestone stacks. There are seven still standing of the original eight. Formed by erosion in the harsh weather conditions of the Southern Ocean, this is a popular tourist destination.

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@ Princes Bridge, Melbourne
"Would you like a cheesy garlic pizza Shape, Matilda?" queried Chocolate, holding out the packet. "Look, they're in the shape of little slices of pizza."
"Thanks, Chocolate!" Matilda took one and crunched pleasurably. "I had some nacho cheese Shapes the other day. They had a sort of castellated edge."

Princes Bridge, Melbourne
A cityscape of the Melbourne skyline, with Princes Bridge in the foreground, photographed from the South Bank.

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@ Portland, Victoria, Australia
"When was the first ever international cricket match at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Flutterbye?"
"I imagine quite some time ago, Tweety Pi!"
"Yup. It was in March 1877, between Australia and England."
Portland, Victoria, Australia
The oldest permanent European settlement in the state, Portland, which lies on Portland Bay is on the southwest coast of Victoria. A popular area for surfing, whale watching, and fishing. You can visit aboriginal sites or make a day visiting The Portland Maritime Discovery Centre, which has exhibits on the city's maritime history, plus a sperm whale skeleton.

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@ Marina, Williamstown, Victoria, Australia
Matilda has now completed her walkabout in Victoria! As she prepares to go home, she receives a wonderful gift!
Surfing Numbat, Brown
I love the sun. Soaking up the rays is one of my favourite things to do. I can swim, but I am very happy to have my surfboard; I can paddle in the water or use it to float around, enjoying the sun. After some time spent on the water, it will be time to eat; termites for me, seeds or fruit for you? Grab your board and join me.

Marina, Williamstown, Victoria, Australia
Many small vessels dance on the water on a lovely day in Williamstown. A great way to spend the day relaxing, napping, and deciding where you want to go for dinner.
Matilda has enjoyed her walkabout in Victoria, but it is time to go home now! "Walkabout" is over now, but there will be more events in PnF soon!