You are hereIn and Around Melbourne & Victoria
In and Around Melbourne & Victoria
Discover the diversity and beauty of Victoria's regions. From the world-class wineries of the Yarra Valley to the mineral springs of Macedon Ranges and Spa Country, the coastal villages of the peninsulas to alpine towns in the High Country, the state of Victoria has something for everyone. Drive along the scenic Great Ocean Road, survey vineyards and farmland from a hot-air balloon, pull on your walking boots and follow tracks and trails through the Grampians, or experience the vibrant nightlife, shopping and food and wine of Melbourne. So, what are you waiting for?
1) Melbourne - a city of world-class events, shopping,
food and wine, and a fabulous arts scene. It’s not easy to see all that Melbourne
has to offer. Following is a list of the state’s top attractions – striking
public spaces, state-of-the-art museums, unique wildlife, heritage sites, glorious
examples of gold rush architecture, and more. Because of Victoria’s compact
size, each attraction is also within easy reach of each other. All
you have to do is choose which one to see first:
National Gallery of Victoria - The National Gallery of Victoria's collection contains more than 70,000 items housed in two homes within easy walking distance of each other in the one magnificent arts precinct. For more information, visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au.
Federation Square - Head to the new heart of Melbourne. The size of a city block, Federation Square hosts events and festivals and brings together contemporary architecture, restaurants and cafes, as well as bold new galleries. For more information, visit www.federationsquare.com.au.
Crown Entertainment Complex - Home to international fashion boutiques, the littering Crown Casino, the 5-star luxury accommodation of Crown Towers, 22 restaurants and great views of the Yarra and city skyline, Crown has something for everyone. For more information, visit www.crowncasino.com.au.
Melbourne Aquarium - Go underwater without getting wet. See thousands of creatures that live in the Southern Ocean and look through glass tunnels into tanks filled with sharks, stingrays and sea turtles at this 2.2-million-litre aquarium. For more information, visit www.melbourneaquarium.com.au.
Melbourne Museum - See Phar Lap, a living rainforest, the kitchen set from the Neighbours TV show and learn about local Aboriginal history and culture at the largest museum complex in the Southern Hemisphere. For more information, visit melbourne.museum.vic.gov.au.
Melbourne Observation Deck - Offering spectacular 360 degree views from the top of the renowned Rialto building, right in the very heart of the city, this Melbourne landmark is a must see experience. For more information, visit www.melbourne360rialto.com.au.
Melbourne River Cruises - Discover Melbourne from the water. Join a cruise along the Yarra River past Melbourne’s parks and gardens, Herring Island, and the MCG, discover Melbourne's port and Docklands precinct, or head to historic Williamstown.
Werribee Open Range Zoo - Join a wildlife safari and explore the African savannas south-west of Melbourne. See rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and, monkeys as they roam freely through the extensive grounds of the zoo. For more information, visit www.zoo.org.au/WerribeeOpenRangeZoo.
Puffing Billy - All aboard for a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's oldest surviving steam railway. The 25-kilometre journey takes you through thick forests and lush fern-filled gullies, and offers first-class travel and dining experiences. For more information, visit www.puffingbilly.com.au.
Science works Museum - Travel through space and time, discover how your heart and lungs work, and challenge Cathy Freeman to a ten-metre sprint at the Science works Museum and Melbourne Planetarium. For more information, visit scienceworks.museum.vic.gov.au.
The Arts Centre - A focal point of Melbourne's South bank entertainment precinct and crowned by a 160-metre spire, the Arts Centre hosts many of Australia's premier performing arts companies, as well as international touring performances. For more information, visit www.theartscentre.net.au.
Old Melbourne Gaol - The Old Melbourne Gaol is Victoria's oldest surviving prison and housed 'lunatics' and the most hardened criminals. It's also where the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly finally met his match. For more information, visit www.melbourne.com.au/gaol.htm.
Melbourne Zoo - Australia's oldest zoo is home to more than 350 animal species from around the world. Highlights include the African and Asian rainforest displaying gorillas and pygmy hippopotamus and the steamy Butterfly House. For more information, visit www.zoo.org.au/MelbourneZoo.
Melbourne Cricket Ground - Take a tour of the 'super stage' of Australian sport and entertainment. The MCG is one of the two most important cricket grounds in the world, and will be a Commonwealth Games venue in 2006. For more information, visit www.mcg.org.au.
Queen Victoria Market - Head to the oldest and largest market in the Southern Hemisphere to see buskers, or find a unique souvenir, a new outfit, gourmet goods, fresh fish and organic produce. For more information, visit www.qvm.com.au.
Eureka Skydeck 88 - Try as you might, it's going to be very hard to prepare yourself for the view from level 88 of the world's tallest residential building. It is truly spectacular – Have a look from the Skydeck of Melbourne’s tallest building. For more information, visit www.eurekaskydeck.com.au.
City Circle Tram – Take the tram – it’s FREE! Circle around the city CBD (Central Business District) in Melbourne’s oldest trams! Hop off if you like and get back onto the next one as many times as you want. A great way to see Melbourne. At every stop you will receive information about tourist attractions and landmarks.
2) Daylesford
and the Macedon Ranges - everything you need for the indulgent short
break or weekend away. For more information, visit www.visitvictoria.com.
3) Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges - Victorian fine wine and tall forests under an hour from Melbourne. For more information, visit www.dandenongrangestourism.com.au.
4) Mornington Peninsula - olive groves and vineyards with sea views, and great local restaurants and markets. For more information, visit www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org.
5) Phillip Island Nature Park - Each day Australia's most popular wildlife event is staged when little penguins emerge from the surf to waddle to their burrows. The island is also home to koalas and a colony of fur seals. For more information, visit www.penguins.org.au.
6) Great Ocean Road - stunning ocean views, beachside activities, laidback coastal towns and maritime villages. For more information, visit www.greatoceanrd.org.au.
7) Goldfields - spectacular historic towns, architecture and gold history. For more information, visit www.goldfields.org.au.
8) Grampians - adventure activities, superb national and state parks and native wildlife. For more information, visit www.visitgrampians.com.au.
9) High Country - nature-based adventure, food and wine in alpine landscapes. For more information, visit www.visitvictoria.com
10) Gippsland - coastal wilderness, national forests, mountain streams, and spectacular touring routes. For more information, visit www.gippslandtourism.com.au.
11) The Murray - home to Australia's longest river, deserts and wetlands. For more information, visit www.murrayriver.com.au.
12) Port of Echuca Board - an authentic paddle steamer and explore the Murray River. The fleet of steamers docks at the historic Port of Echuca, a fully operational steam port. For more information, visit www.portofechuca.org.au.
13) Central Deborah Bendigo - Put on a hard hat and head underground for a fascinating tour of the restored Central Deborah Mine to discover Bendigo's 19th century gold rush history. For more information, visit www.central-deborah.com.
14) Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Complex - Discover the history of Victoria's southern coast, which has claimed 160 ships, at this re-created 19th-century coastal port. See historic lighthouses and relics recovered from wrecks, and explore historic vessels moored in the harbour. For more information, visit www.flagstaffhill.com.
15) Sovereign Hill - Pan for gold, ride in a horse drawn carriage, or go underground into a mine at Sovereign Hill, a living museum that re-creates life in Ballarat in the 1850s. For more information, visit www.sovereignhill.com.au
16) Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre - Meaning 'hill of gold', the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre tells the story of the Chinese miners coming to the Victorian goldfields in the 19th century. For more information, visit www.gumsan.com.au.
17) The Mansion at Werribee Park - Tour the largest private residence in Victoria. Wander around the Mansion's magnificent grounds, including the grotto and lake, and see 4,500 rose varieties in the adjoining Victoria State Rose Garden. For more information, visit www.visitvictoria.com/mansion/.
18) Healesville Sanctuary - See Australia's unique native birds, mammals and reptiles in their natural habitats. Walk through enclosures that are home to kangaroos, emus and wallabies, catching a glimpse of a platypus and meet the keepers. For more information, visit www.zoo.org.au/HealesvilleSanctuary.
Useful websites for getting around Melbourne and Victoria:
