“Going to Australia was a childhood dream. The first time I set foot there, I immediately fell in love with the country and felt at home very quickly,” recalls Julian Nicol. The founder and director of Southern Secrets Tours now offers to show tourists the nature and wildlife paradise of Victoria. Originally from Bar-le-Duc in the east of France, the fifty-year-old has lived in Melbourne for many years and has fallen in love with the city: “Unlike Paris, we don't run everywhere. No traffic jams… Mostly, very early arrivals feel this friendly and relaxed environment. »
According to the guide, Melbourne is the center of Australian cultural life. Among over 220 nationalities, the city has established itself as Australia's capital of culture.
The state capital is a sports town, often visited by young French tourists who come to stay for several months. Residents love tennis, Formula 1, but especially horse racing. Every year, the Melbourne Cup, a must-see horse race, brings the entire country to a standstill. “When that happens, it's a vacation!” Julian Nicol explains. Australians stop work to go to the pubs and follow the race together. There is always excitement in the city. »
Great Ocean Road
Like other states of Australia, Victoria is full of luxurious landscapes. “The only difference is that it's smaller so you don't have to travel millions of kilometers to get there,” smiles Julian Nicol. At the top of his recommendations: the tiny island of Phillip Island (population over 7,000), where you'll find all the typical Australian fauna, including kangaroos and little penguins.
“Another great attraction in Victoria is the Great Ocean Road,” says the guide. The Coastal Road is famous for its length: 243 kilometers of sea travel through lush rainforests and coastal rock formations. “I advise you to go on the road for at least two days. There are breathtaking views: in places, rainforests with eucalyptus trees reach tens of thousands of meters in height, and if you continue further on the road, you will land on heavenly beaches,” he continues. In the walkable forest, koalas roam freely. “This beach is like the cliffs of Etretat, but in an Australian version. Everything is ten times bigger and there are surfers everywhere,” jokes Julian Nicol.
For wilderness lovers, the guide also recommends a visit to the Grameen Ranges, 235 kilometers from Melbourne. “When I show this place to tourists, they always ask me But why isn't anyone there when it's so awesome? For me, these hills are a good place to hike for four or five days, with caves and tribal rock paintings,” he explains. Or Wild Australia, a few hours from the city.
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