Outdoors

a Day With the Animals

Melbourne Zoo, located just north of the CBD, is home to creatures from around the world. Healesville Sanctuary is the haven for Australian wildlife and is located approximately an hour from the city, while African animals roam Werribee Open Range Zoo, approximately 30 minutes from the city.

Discover over 250 species of fascinating marine creatures, from sea dragons to sharks of the Southern Ocean around Australia, at the Melbourne Aquarium. Or, head out of the city to Phillip Island Nature Park to watch little penguins waddle up the beach at sunset.

Alternative Transport

Make your way on foot or two wheels and see a different side of the city. Put on comfortable walking shoes and explore, or strap on a helmet and join a guided bike tour of the city. Look out for the stands of distinctive blue bikes around the city to take advantage of the convenient new Melbourne RACV Bike Share Scheme.

For something gentler, climb aboard the free burgundy and gold coloured City Circle tram as it makes its way around the CBD past parks, museums and historic sites.

Green Spaces

Get out for a breath of fresh air and explore the public parks and green spaces that encircle the city. Wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens on the edge of Melbourne's CBD where rare, majestic and exotic plants grow. The Australian Garden is the Royal Botanic Garden's second campus in Cranbourne, where visitors can immerse themselves in Australian flora, landscapes, art and architecture. See the Red Sand Garden, rock pool waterway and choose from ten kilometres of walking tracks.

Expert Knowledge

If you have limited time, ask an expert to help you to discover the real Melbourne. Local experts conduct tours that cater to a specialist interest in chocolate, coffee, shopping, history, food and wine.

Local Landmarks

Melbourne was built on the riches of the Gold Rush; a period of wealth that funded much of the heritage architecture along Spring Street, including Parliament House. Local legendary bushranger Ned Kelly is demystified and celebrated at the Old Melbourne Gaol, Victoria's oldest surviving prison, where he was hanged.

Head to the St Kilda beachfront and the historic amusement park, Luna Park. Pass through the Mr Moon gateway and choose from gravity defying rides, gentle carousels and the oldest continually operating roller coaster in the world, as well as food, entertainment and merchandise.

Indigenous Histories

Find out more about the Kulin people on a two hour Koorie Heritage Trust Walkin' Birrarung guided walk through the ancestral lands of the original inhabitants of the Melbourne area. Discover the traditions of the Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) people, who once lived in the Royal Botanic Gardens, as part of the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, which includes a smoking ceremony.

Sporting Histories

Each year, over 400,000 race goers flock to Flemington for the fun and excitement that is unique to the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The Flemington National Heritage Centre is located beside the Maribyrnong River and is home to the largest public rose garden in the Southern Hemisphere. Join a guided walking tour to find out more about the heroes and the events that have made the Melbourne Cup the 'Race That Stops a Nation™' and Flemington Racecourse one of the most famous racecourses in the world.