What are the main cities in Victoria, Australia?
The main cities in Victoria are Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo. Geelong is the second-largest, while Ballarat and Bendigo grew from the 1850s gold rush.
Geelong sits on Corio Bay about 75 kilometres southwest of Melbourne. Once a wool and manufacturing centre, it is now known for its waterfront, the Geelong Cats AFL club and as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road.
Ballarat and Bendigo became rich after gold was discovered in the 1850s. Ballarat is home to Sovereign Hill, an outdoor museum recreating gold rush life, and was the site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade. Bendigo is known for its grand buildings and Chinese heritage.
Other regional cities
Shepparton, Warrnambool, Mildura, Wodonga and the Latrobe Valley towns also serve large regions. Victoria is Australia's smallest mainland state but its second most populous.
Most Victorians live in Greater Melbourne, but regional cities are growing quickly as people move for cheaper housing and good transport links to the capital.
Did You Know?
Bendigo's Golden Dragon Museum displays one of the world's oldest imperial dragons used in processions.